Articles

The 7-Year Rule Explained: Essential Insights for Givers and Receivers on Inheritance Tax

The 7-Year Rule is an important part of inheritance tax (IHT) that affects both anyone giving gifts and those receiving them. If you live for seven years after giving a gift, no inheritance tax is usually due on that gift, which can reduce your estate’s tax burden significantly. Understanding how this rule works can help […]

How to Legally Reduce Your Inheritance Tax Bill: Effective Strategies for UK Families to Protect Their Wealth

If you want to reduce the amount of inheritance tax your family has to pay, there are legal ways to do it. You can lower your inheritance tax bill by using strategies like gifting money during your lifetime, making use of your tax-free allowances, and passing property to your children or grandchildren. These methods help […]

Business Relief and Inheritance Tax: Unlocking Key Exemptions You Could Be Overlooking

If you own a business or part of one, you could be missing out on significant savings when it comes to Inheritance Tax. Business Relief offers the chance to reduce the taxable value of your estate by 50% or even 100% on qualifying business assets. This relief can make a big difference in how much […]

Common Pitfalls When Setting Up a Joint Lasting Power of Attorney and How to Avoid Them

Setting up a joint Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA) can seem like a smart way to share responsibility, but it often comes with hidden challenges. One of the most common pitfalls is the risk of disagreements between joint attorneys, which can cause delays and complicate decision-making. This can undermine the very purpose of having an […]

Should You Appoint Attorneys Jointly or Jointly and Severally? Pros and Cons Explained for Informed Decision-Making

When appointing attorneys, you need to decide whether they should act jointly or jointly and severally. Choosing jointly means all attorneys must agree on every decision, while appointing them jointly and severally allows any one attorney to act independently. This choice affects how smoothly decisions are made and how flexible your arrangement will be. If […]

Updating Your Mirror Will: When and Why You Should Review It for Effective Estate Planning

Updating your mirror will is important to make sure your wishes stay clear and relevant. You should review your mirror will every five years or after any major life event, such as marriage, divorce, or a change in your financial situation. This keeps your plans up to date and helps avoid any confusion or disputes […]

Joint vs Separate LPAs: A Clear Guide to Choosing the Right Option for You and Your Partner

When deciding between joint and separate LPAs (Lasting Powers of Attorney), it’s important to understand what suits your situation best. Joint LPAs are often best if you and your partner want to make decisions together at the same time, while separate LPAs give each of you independent control over your own affairs. The right […]

Top 5 Benefits of Writing a Mirror Will for Simplified Estate Planning and Family Protection

Mirror Wills are commonly used by couples who want their estates handled in a similar way. They involve creating two nearly identical legal documents that set out how each person’s assets are passed on. Knowing how Mirror Wills differ from other types of wills is key to choosing the right option. Writing a mirror will […]

Mirror Wills vs Joint Wills: Understanding the Differences and Choosing the Right Option for You

Mirror Wills are two separate but nearly identical documents made by two people, usually a couple. Each person writes a Will that "mirrors" the other’s wishes, often leaving assets to each other and then to the same beneficiaries if both pass away. They remain individual documents, so each person can change their Will later if […]

How Does a Joint Lasting Power of Attorney Work? Understanding Roles, Responsibilities and Legal Implications

A Joint Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA) allows two or more people to be appointed to make decisions on behalf of someone else. These attorneys can either act together, requiring agreement on every decision, or separately, giving more flexibility in how they manage affairs. This choice affects how decisions are made and who has control. […]

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Drafting a Mirror Will: Key Tips for Clarity and Validity

Many couples use mirror wills to simplify their estate planning, but these documents come with specific risks. One common mistake is not understanding that either partner can change their will independently, which can create conflicts and unintended consequences after one person dies. This can undermine the original intentions behind the mirror wills. Another frequent […]

Why Married Couples Should Revisit Their Wills and Retirement Plans Together to Secure Their Future Financial Stability

Married couples often overlook the importance of regularly updating their wills and retirement plans. Life changes such as having children, buying a home, or changes in income can make old plans outdated. Revisiting these plans together ensures they reflect current wishes and financial situations, providing security and clarity for both partners. Many couples hesitate to […]

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