While the newspapers were predicting changes to inheritance tax, Rishi Sunak restricted himself to simply freezing the current threshold at which inheritance tax is payable until 2026. The Spring Statement also included proposals for tackling ’promoters of tax...
Private client law
What information do I need to prepare before making a will?
If you are planning on making or updating a will, there is certain information which you will need to have ready for your solicitor. This will ensure that your wishes for funeral arrangements, property and finances after death are fully set out. It will also set your...
What will happen to all my online music collection when I die?
Our grandparents stored their photographs on slides and their music was on vinyl records and, while the latter have made something of a comeback recently, it is the earliest editions which are valuable. For example, a rare copy of The Beatles: 'Til There Was You' (10”...
East Sussex private client lawyers’ recommendations for 2021 resolutions
It is that time again when we make our New Year’s Resolutions for the year ahead. Perhaps you intend to learn a new skill or take more exercise. But what about looking beyond the next 12 months… have you made plans to look after your finances, your family and your...
Inheritance planning – Making lifetime gifts
Christmas is a time for giving, and maybe also a time for planning your inheritance as we look ahead to a new year. If you wish to limit the amount of inheritance tax which will be owed to HM Treasury when you die, then there are various steps which you can take which...
Acting for someone under a financial power of attorney
If you have been asked by someone to act for them under a power of attorney, and have accepted, then you have been placed in a position of great trust and responsibility. You must act with honesty, integrity and in good faith. You must keep the donor’s affairs...
Putting your affairs in order
‘Putting your affairs in order provides an opportunity to think about how you wish to be treated and cared for, the legacy you will leave and how you might like your life to be celebrated,’ says private client partner Cerrig Parr. Here are seven key things we...
Executors’ checklist
If you are an executor to a will, your solicitor will need documentary proof of ownership or entitlement to the various assets. This will enable them to apply to banks and other institutions to cash in accounts and sell or transfer assets. Here is a handy checklist of...
Helping someone when it is too late to make a lasting power of attorney
If someone you love is struggling to make certain decisions or to manage their finances or care arrangements, then it is natural to wish to help. But, even if you are the next of kin or a very close relative, you will not necessarily have the legal powers that you...