Sunak delivers Budget for “new age of optimism”
Rishi Sunak launched his latest budget with a stirring defence of current policy, claiming that jobs growth, economic recovery and wage rises pointed to the success of the investment the government in making as part of its “Levelling Up” programme. “Today’s budget provides a stronger economy for the British people. Growth up, jobs up, debt […]
Online Wills; have your say…
65% of UK consumers who believe their affairs are simple, actually have much more complex needs when it comes to their Will according to research published this week. “Online Wills: Are they worth the paper they’re not written on” was authored by Simon Cox, co founder of Funeral Solution Expert, and explores the suitability of […]
HMRC investigates 3,574 IHT accounts in bid to claw back revenue
Law firm Pinsent Masons confirms that HMRC opened 3,574 investigations into Inheritance Tax (IHT) in 2020-21 resulting in £254 million in revenue. The firm also revealed that more people are now filing their own returns rather than seeking professional IHT advice in a bid to cut down expenses. But with more scope for error, HMRC […]
Proposals to modernise LPAs and the risks in safeguarding
The Ministry of Justice (“MOJ”) published a consultation paper – “Modernising Lasting Powers of Attorney” – on 20 July 2021. The consultation sets out seven proposals to modernise Lasting Powers of Attorney (“LPAs”) and considers what changes to the law may be needed. Role of the witness One of the stated aims of the consultation […]
Discretionary trusts have potential to blur legacy administration
In a recent article by Kate Johnson at Wedlake Bell in Today’s Wills and Probate, Ms Johnson sets out her view that it is preferable for testators to benefit charities by including a discretionary trust in their wills. Michael Culver’s subsequent article responded to many of the points made by Ms Johnson, setting out an alternative view. […]
‘Product in Focus’ article: Financial Asset Search
In Estatesearch’s third ‘Product in Focus’ article, we look at the Financial Asset Search and why this should be conducted on every case when carrying out estate administration. Investigating a deceased’s finances is a large part of an estate administrator’s job during the process of estate administration and this is one of their primary and […]
Landmark case sees Section 11 of Inheritance Act 1975 litigated
Thomas Sismey v Marissa Salandron This case is the first which sees section 11 of the Inheritance Act 1975 being litigated to trial, providing significant consequences for both estate, family and insolvency law. Imogen Halstead, barrister of No5 Chambers, acted on successfully defended the claim under section 11 in a ruling which involved new and […]
