In these unprecedented times, the Private Client team here at Hodge Jones & Allen Solicitors wishes good health to everyone with the hope that life will return to normal as soon as possible. In the interim, we are very much still dedicated to helping those who require assistance, particularly those at risk who require assistance with their Will or Probate.

Lord Lexden, a Conservative peer in the House of Lords has sponsored a Bill (cited as the Inheritance Tax Act…

As a young man in his late twenties, it is hard to think of a time when women were not afforded the most basic of rights. Being raised in a culture that now celebrates women, it is absurd to think of a time when women were unable to vote, work, or even hold their own possessions. Whilst the playing field is far from even, in aid of International Women’s day it is a great time to reflect on how far women have come, particularly when it comes to Wills and property.

On 6th February 2020, the statutory legacy awarded on intestacy to a surviving spouse or civil partner will go up by £20,000 from £250,000 to £270,000. Every 5 years, the government reviews the amount of this legacy and increases it in line with the Consumer Price Index.

This legacy is paid when the deceased dies without a valid will, leaving a surviving spouse or civil partner AND children. In those circumstances, in addition to the statutory legacy, the surviving spouse/civil partner will also get the deceased’s personal effects ie the contents of their home and also half of what’s left after deducting the first £270,000, with the other half going to the deceased’s children at 18. If there are no children, then the surviving spouse or civil partner will inherit the entire estate.

Civil partnerships were first legalised in 2004 however this was exclusively for couples of the same-sex. Therefore, prior to 31 December 2019, mixed-sex couples who objected to marriage would not be able to take advantage of beneficial legal rights.