Older homeowners are increasingly being targeted by firms hoping to profit by selling so-called ‘asset protection trusts’, costing thousands of pounds. Not only are the trusts ineffective, but they can also leave homeowners with complex legal difficulties when they find they no longer own their properties. The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) has been warning about
The asset protection trust mis-selling scandal Read More »
With the autumn budget due on 26 November 2025, the continuing increase in Inheritance Tax (IHT) liability for estates is challenging affected individuals to look at different ways of structuring their finances for the future. As the government continues to raise more funds by way of IHT, The Times and brokers and financial advisers are
Financial planning and the autumn budget Read More »
The Ministry of Justice has announced that the fee for registering a Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA) will increase from £82 to £92 on 17th November 2025. Repeat application fees will rise from £41 to £46. Having a Lasting Power of Attorney in place is an essential part of planning for the future. It allows
Lasting Power of Attorney application fee to rise Read More »
When money in a bank or building society is unclaimed for 15 years, the organisation can transfer the assets to the Dormant Assets Scheme (the Scheme). This is a government and financial industry initiative that allows unclaimed funds to be used for social and environmental purposes where the owner cannot be contacted. The Scheme has
The Dormant Assets Scheme explained, and how to avoid your money becoming part of it Read More »
Estates being stolen after death of individuals with no Will A recent investigation by the BBC has exposed the extent of thefts carried out in cases where someone dies without a Will. The report, published in early July 2025, looked at the estates of several deceased individuals who had not left a Will. It found
Estates being stolen after death of individuals with no Will Read More »
New pensions pot consolidator could provide £1,000 pension boost The Department of Work and Pensions has announced that the government intends to reform pensions management, combining small pension pots to help working people. It has been estimated that the move will boost retirement savings for the average worker by around £1,000. The changes are part
New pensions pot consolidator could provide £1,000 pension boost Read More »
If someone is making a claim under the Inheritance Act 1975, they will generally have just six months from the date of the Grant of Probate or Grant of Letters of Administration in which to start the legal process. Standstill agreements are often used to try and extend this period. They constitute an agreement between
Standstill agreements in Inheritance Act claims Read More »
If you are buying a property jointly with someone else, you can either own it as joint tenants or as tenants in common. We look at why buying a property as tenants in common might be the right option and what you need to take into account when making your decision. When you buy a
Guide to buying a property as tenants in common Read More »
The government has announced that temporary Will signing measures, put in place during the Covid-19 pandemic, ended on 31 January 2024. During the pandemic lockdown, a temporary amendment was made to the Wills Act 1837, allowing Wills to be witnessed by video. Accompanying guidance suggested that this should only be done as a last resort
Witnessing of Wills by video ends Read More »
If you are based overseas and you are dealing with the estate of someone who was British and had UK assets, you are likely to need a Grant of Probate or a Grant of Letters of Administration from the UK Probate Registry. Winding up someone’s affairs after their death is never easy. If there is
Can an overseas executor deal with a UK probate? Read More »