Amending Your Will

Are Codicils a Good Idea? Life constantly changes, and sometimes your last Will needs updating to reflect new circumstances. When you need to make a minor change to an existing Will, you might consider using a codicil. But are they really a good idea? A codicil is a separate legal document that officially amends, rather […]

The Risks of Private Promises in Your Will

A Cautionary Tale from Lorenz v Caruana Secret trusts, a unique and longstanding feature of English law, continue to spark debate and present complex challenges in estate planning. These trusts allow a person to leave property to a secret trustee in their Will, with a private, unwritten understanding that the property will benefit another person, […]

A Checklist for Making a Will

Thinking about your Will may not seem glamorous, but it is essential for protecting your loved ones’ future. A Will is a legal document that explains how you share your assets and who will care for your minor children and estate. Without one, intestacy laws decide these matters, and they might not align with your […]

Equity Release: Unlocking Home Wealth Responsibly

Equity release continues to grow in popularity among older homeowners in the UK, driven by increasing property values and the desire for extra retirement income. This option allows homeowners, typically aged 55 and over, to access the equity in their home without moving. They can opt to receive a tax-free lump sum or regular income, […]

Beyond the Notary Stamp

In an increasingly globalised world, a simple document—such as a degree certificate, power of attorney, or birth certificate—can become a complex legal obstacle when it needs to be used abroad. The requirement for an apostille or consular legalisation aims to prevent fraud and safeguard the integrity of public records across borders. For both individuals and […]

Exchanging and Completing on the Same Day

The Risks and Rewards of a Speedy Sale In the world of property transactions, the process of exchanging contracts and completing the sale is usually a two-step process. First, there’s the exchange, where legally binding contracts are signed, and a deposit is paid. Then, there’s completion, the day the keys are handed over and the […]

The Changing Landscape of Lasting Powers of Attorney

A New Dawn for LPAs? Lasting Powers of Attorney (LPAs) are vital legal documents that ensure individuals have a trusted person to manage their affairs if they lose capacity. Traditionally paper-based, the process has been slow and prone to errors. Recent legislation seeks to digitise LPAs and introduce safeguards. Many legal professionals support the reforms […]

Buying a Leasehold Property

Buying a home is a significant life event, often accompanied by excitement and anticipation. For many, a leasehold property provides an attractive and sometimes more affordable way to enter the property market. However, buying a leasehold is fundamentally different from purchasing a freehold. Recognising these differences early is vital for a smooth and informed journey. […]

What to Do When the Sole Executor Steps Aside

How to Administer an Estate Dealing with the death of a family member is a profoundly difficult time. The emotional weight is substantial. Sadly, when there are legal complications, particularly concerning the deceased’s estate, the emotional burden grows heavier. A common source of disagreement occurs when the only executor named in a Will is unwilling […]

Navigating the New Shared Ownership Code

What You Need to Know Shared ownership has long been a vital stepping stone onto the property ladder for many in the UK. However, the journey for shared owners has, at times, been complex. Acknowledging this, the Shared Ownership Council, a cross-industry initiative, recently launched a new, comprehensive Shared Ownership Code (the Code). The code […]

Navigating Inheritance for Blended Families

Key Considerations Blended families are becoming increasingly common, presenting unique estate planning challenges, especially when children from previous relationships are involved. If you’ve remarried or entered a new partnership, careful planning is crucial to ensure that your assets pass fairly and smoothly to all your loved ones. According to the 2021 ONS census, 1.1 million […]

Gifting Your Home?

Understand the Tax Traps Parents often consider gifting their home to their children during their lifetime. They hope to manage their estate and reduce future tax bills. However, this seemingly generous act involves complex tax implications, especially for Inheritance Tax (IHT) and Capital Gains Tax (CGT). Understanding these nuances is crucial to avoid unforeseen financial […]

Navigating A Remortgage

When to Bring in Legal Expertise Remortgaging your home can be a smart financial move, potentially securing a better interest rate, releasing equity, or changing your mortgage terms. However, as you explore your options, a question we are often asked is: Do you need to engage a lawyer for this process? The short answer is […]

Don’t Let Your LPAs Gather Dust

Why Regular Reviews are Crucial You’ve made a responsible decision. You’ve planned for the future by creating a Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA) – or perhaps an Enduring Power of Attorney (EPA) if it was set up before October 2007. These vital legal documents allow you to appoint trusted individuals (your Attorneys) to make decisions […]

Practicalities of Keeping Your Conveyancing Moving

Moving home is often cited as one of life’s most stressful events, and a significant part of that stress can arise from the conveyancing process. While your lawyer plays a crucial role in navigating the legal complexities, there are practical steps you, as the client, can take to help ensure things keep moving forward. Everyone […]

Understanding Loss of Capacity Without an LPA

When a loved one’s mental capacity declines, it’s incredibly tough. If they haven’t set up a Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA), the next step often involves the Court of Protection. We frequently discuss this with our clients, so here’s a clear look at the Court’s role and what deputies are responsible for in these sensitive […]

Beyond The Show Home

Essential Tips for Buying a New-Build Property Purchasing a new-build home presents a world of exciting possibilities, from selecting your ideal decor to being the very first occupant and enjoying the peace of mind that comes with fewer immediate repair concerns and lower maintenance costs. However, navigating the new-build market does pose some unique considerations […]

The Case of Liam Payne and the Perils of Intestacy

Who Decides Your Legacy? The recent and untimely death of Liam Payne serves as a powerful reminder of how fragile life can be and just how important it is to have a Will in place. Despite his enormous success and public fame, Liam sadly passed away without a valid Will, leaving an estate valued at […]

Generation Skip. Can Will Variations Help?

Losing a loved one is a profoundly emotional experience. As you navigate the practicalities that follow, you might be surprised to learn that even after someone makes a Will, there’s a mechanism that allows its terms to be altered. This is a Deed of Variation, and beneficiaries can use it as a powerful tool to […]

Achieving a Stress-Free Property Move

Buying or selling a house is a thrilling prospect, but let’s be honest, it can also feel a little daunting. Navigating the legalities and potential pitfalls can add unnecessary stress to what should be an exciting time. The good news is, whether you’re taking your first step onto the property ladder or moving onto a […]