Acting as an executor means that you are responsible for reporting the value of the estate and declaring any inheritance tax due, so it is important to make sure you follow correct procedures. Since January 2022, new rules apply in respect of reporting...
There are issues with some companies who offered pre-paid Funeral Plans and indeed one company, ‘SureHands’, has collapsed with many people not knowing whether they will have their money returned. The same looks now to be happening with Probate...
When applying for probate in regard to an estate which is subject to inheritance tax, the Probate Registry requires tax to be paid before the grant of probate application. This can prove difficult as most financial institutions will not pay out sums to...
The Ministry of Justice recently announced all users of the probate service will pay a single, flat rate fee of £273, following its consultation in 2021. Currently, fees are £155 for professional users and £215 for non-professional users....
While the specific terms of any Will are up to the individual who makes it, after they have died there may be circumstances where those left behind wish to pass their gift to someone else. ‘Beneficiaries are not obligated to accept their inheritance,...
Born in Greece and educated in France and Germany before coming to the UK, at his death in April of this year Prince Philip reportedly left a multi-million-pound estate which includes assets overseas. The administration of those assets, and therefore his...
Relying on the concept of ‘next of kin’ – when is this enough? Next of kin is a commonly used term in everyday language, yet despite its frequent use ‘next of kin’ only provides legal rights where children are concerned and,...
If you are someone’s executor , then it can be tempting to try to administer the estate yourself with a view to saving money. If the estate is simple and you are comfortable with the legal and tax regulations, then this may be straightforward. ...
Like many government organisations, Her Majesty’s Courts and Tribunal Services (HMCTS) has been increasing its digital services over the past few years as it aims to provide a more streamlined system for probate registries. While the...
In March 2019 a colleague in our Private Client team reported on the Government proposal to increase the Probate Registry fees required to obtain a Grant of Probate . The proposals were to replace the fixed fee of either £215 (without a Solicitor) or...
It is widely acknowledged that cuts to the Ministry of Justice budget have resulted in a creaking court system. The family courts are under particular strain. Cuts to the Legal Aid budget have filled the courts with litigants in person – people...
AGE UK has produced a Briefing on Health and Care of Older People in England 2017 This is a very comprehensive review of demographics, social care and health services in relation to older people. There is also a useful summary of these facts and figures...
There is a Petition available for people to sign to reconsider the proposed significant and unreasonable increase in probate fees. The current fee for all estates is 155. The change mean fees on 42% of estates will increase by 2 to 129 times, payable even...
The BBC has republished an online guide to care, which details the costs people face wherever they live in the UK. Crombie Wilkinson Solicitors have specialist solicitors who can provide later life advice, including making a Will and LPA's, Long Term...
The Information Commissioner's Office (ICO) has recently imposed fines on several organisations for data breaches: Hampshire County Council was fined 100,000 for failing to implement effective contingency plans to protect personal data when...
The decisions and plans you make now will have a huge impact on your later life. Getting them right is essential. An SFE accredited lawyer is an expert in older client law and will ensure you get the best possible legal advice for your future. Sharon...
86% of people in the Yorkshire and the Humber are currently living with no control over important later-life decisions around their housing, assets, heath, and care, according to a new report by SFE (Solicitors for the Elderly), the national organisation...