Legacy Insights
More information about Wills, Trusts, Lasting Powers of Attorney and many other ways for you to protect your Legacy
Planning for what will happen to your business after you die
Planning for the future is an essential part of taking care of your business. As well as making sure your loved ones are provided for, business and estate planning can ensure that your estate legitimately minimises its liability for Inheritance Tax.
Should I make a mirror Will?
Mirror Wills are two Wills made by a couple usually leaving everything to each other and then to the same choice of beneficiaries, usually their children.
Leaving your digital assets in your Will
Most people do not include their digital assets when they make a Will, meaning that anything of value will end up being included in the residue of the estate.
Probate process can be slower if deceased does not leave a Will
The probate process can be a slow one, involving the winding up of all of someone’s affairs following their death. If they did not leave a Will, the time taken can sometimes be longer, as their estate may be less organised than someone who has planned for the future and there could be difficulties in identifying and locating beneficiaries.
Using a family business trust for business succession planning
Passing on a family business to the next generation can be challenging. Using a trust can safeguard the business as well as offering tax advantages.
The sideways disinheritance trap and how to avoid it
When a couple has children and one of the couple dies leaving everything to their spouse, there is a risk that ultimately the children may receive nothing.
What expenses can the Executor of a Will claim?
The person named in a Will as the executor is responsible for the winding up of the estate when someone dies. The role can be onerous and time-consuming as well as involve numerous expenses. Dealing with the administration of an estate can be complex. An executor...
What should you do if a beneficiary cannot be located?
The job of the executor or administrator of an estate includes distributing assets to the beneficiaries. When a beneficiary cannot be found, it can cause complications. After someone dies, their estate will be wound up by their personal representative. If they have...
Using tax planning to minimise your Inheritance Tax bill
Insurance company NFU Mutual recently analysed HM Revenue & Customs receipts, finding that the average Inheritance Tax bill for the year 2018/19 was £199,000. The standard Inheritance Tax rate is currently 40 per cent, which can result in a substantial bill for...
When someone dies: a step by step guide to administration
When someone dies, the administration can seem overwhelming at what is a very difficult time. We take a look at each step to be taken. Following a death, dealing with all of the necessary paperwork is an onerous task. If a Will is left, it will appoint an executor who...