You’ve been named as an Executor: what does this mean?
Table of Contents You’ve been named as an Executor: what does this mean? If you’ve been named as an Executor in someone’s Will, you are responsible for handling that person’s affairs when they die. You will be required to carry out the instructions in their Will and take care of all the legal and financial […]
Chancellor Urged to Abolish £2bn Inheritance Tax Relief on Family Homes
The Future of Inheritance Tax: Could the Residence Nil-Rate Band Be Abolished? Table of Contents As the October 30th budget approaches, Rachel Reeves, Labour’s Shadow Chancellor, is facing mounting pressure to reform the UK’s inheritance tax system. Central to the debate is the possible abolition of the £175,000 residence nil-rate band, a tax relief introduced […]
Local Authorities, Homeowners and Inheritance Tax
32% jump in number of local authorities where homebuyers are automatically hit with inheritance tax Recent analysis has shown that despite rising inheritance tax thresholds over the past 20 years, rapid house price growth has led to a significant increase in the number of homeowners affected by inheritance tax. Currently, 36% of local authorities in […]
What is the difference between a right to occupy trust and a lifetime interest in property trust
The terms “Right to Occupy Trust” and “Lifetime Interest in Property Trust” refer to specific legal arrangements often used in estate planning, particularly regarding the use of property. While they may seem similar, they have distinct features and implications: Right to Occupy Trust Purpose: A Right to Occupy Trust is designed to give a specific […]
The Benefits of Appointing a Professional Executor
The Benefits of Appointing a Professional Executor Table of Contents When taking on the role of an Executor, many individuals underestimate the complexities and responsibilities involved in managing an estate. This lack of awareness can lead to significant financial and emotional challenges, as demonstrated in the following case study. An Executor sought assistance from Kings […]
Forthcoming changes to the death certification and registration process
Table of Contents When a person dies, one of the first steps for their representative is to obtain a death certificate. The cause of death will either be investigated by a coroner or certified by a medical practitioner. Although medical examiners, who operate independently from coroners and medical practitioners, have increasingly reviewed causes of […]
Isle of Man advances towards assisted dying legislation
Table of Contents The Isle of Man has progressed towards potentially becoming the first part of the British Isles to legalise assisted dying, following the completion of a key legislative phase, as reported by The Irish News. The Assisted Dying Bill, after seven days of debate spread over three months, has now passed its clauses […]
Discussing Dementia Fears – Study
A third of those who have noticed symptoms of dementia in themselves or a loved one are waiting over a month to discuss the matter, according to a new survey. Marking Dementia Action Week 2023, the Alzheimer’s Society’s survey found just 15% of those with concerns over symptoms brought the issue up straight away. What’s more, 11% […]
What is a Nil Rate Band Discretionary Trust?
Table of Contents When writing your Will, you may include a Trust for certain portions of your estate, such as cash gifts or property. Alternatively, you may be acting as an Executor or Trustee for a Will that includes a Trust. One type of Trust is a Nil Rate Band Discretionary Trust (NRBDT). This blog will answer frequently asked questions about […]
What to do when someone dies
Table of Contents What to do when someone dies 8 steps to take following someone’s death When someone close to you dies, it can be difficult working out what to do and in what order. The process can be broken into eight stages: Getting a medical certificate – this is required to register the death. […]