Expert Comments

Opinion

Married at first sight

In its second series on TV, “Married at First Sight” shows couples, matched by experts, getting married on their very first meeting – as complete strangers! But what happens if...

November 2, 2016
Blog

Reflecting on Breast Cancer Awareness Month and planning for the unknown

I have been reminded by recent press and media stories that October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month and it has made me stop and think again about how life changing...

October 18, 2016
Blog

What happens to my music collection when I die?

In the past, this wasn’t much of an issue, if you owned records or CD’s, you could leave them to family or friends, named in your will, along with your...

September 28, 2016
Blog

Considerations for the over 55’s when making a will

If you are in a new relationship, with children from a previous relationship You may want to provide for your current partner by leaving them a life interest in your…

September 26, 2016
Opinion

Getting married? Buying a place with your boyfriend? Five estate planning issues gay couples must think about

If you are buying a new place with your boyfriend, getting married or becoming civil partners, it’s an exciting time when you will be making plans for your future life...

September 12, 2016
Blog

Was the Duke of Westminster’s estate really exempt from inheritance tax?

The 6th Duke of Westminster died on 9 August leaving an estate worth over £9 billion. He owned 190 acres of property in Belgravia and Mayfair and substantial property portfolios...

August 16, 2016
Opinion

Penalties for failing to make full disclosure

A son has been ordered to pay a penalty of over £87,000 for failing to disclose a cash gift received from his father, in the months before his father’s death.…

February 3, 2016
Opinion

New Personal Savings Allowance on the way

The Government is introducing a Personal Savings Allowance from 6 April 2016. From this date, there will be less income tax to pay on interest from savings. For basic rate…

January 6, 2016
Opinion

Inheritance Tax and the Life-Support Machine

The new pension rules, introduced in April 2015, allow an individual to draw down (withdraw) on any percentage of their pension. Surprisingly there are no restrictions on drawing down 100%…

December 23, 2015
Blog

A Toxic Tax

A Fabian Society report has presented findings from a series of focus groups across the country, which they say demonstrates that inheritance tax (IHT) is regarded as unfair – across…

December 10, 2015
Opinion

Do you have a Van Dyke in your attic?

In the last few weeks, two estates have settled significant Inheritance Tax (IHT) bills by donating works of art to the nation under the government’s acceptance in lieu scheme. The…

November 24, 2015
Blog

Why it’s important to make a living will

Living wills, also known as advance directives, are a written record of the medical treatment and care you would want to receive if you were incapacitated and were unable to…

November 2, 2015
Blog

Failing to plan, is planning to fail

The recent Volkswagen (VW) scandal has highlighted the importance of corporate planning, whilst also raising moral questions. In the midst of the scandal VW’s Chairman resigned and so the company…

October 22, 2015
Blog

New Lasting Power of Attorney forms from 1 July 2015

The Office of the Public Guardian (OPG) promised it would simplify the Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA) forms following responses to its 27 July 2013 consultation. The aim was to…

August 5, 2015
Blog

Do we still have testamentary freedom?

A ruling by the Court of Appeal has awarded a woman £164,000 from her mother’s estate, despite having been excluded from the will. Heather Ilott was estranged from her mother,…

July 31, 2015
Blog

INHERITANCE TAX – WHAT A RELIEF!

As per their manifesto in 2010, the Conservatives have now ‘delivered’ on their long held desire to raise the Inheritance Tax (IHT) threshold to £1m. The additional exemption will only…

July 10, 2015
Opinion

10 good reasons to leave a Will

A Will is one of the most important documents you will ever sign. It directs what should happen to your assets when you die and who should be responsible for…

June 3, 2015
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