Rachael is on a mission to share her expertise and help more people avoid the all-too-common misery caused by not having a Will, poorly drafted Wills, or the lack of relevant estate planning provisions.
The articles below share her nuggets of wisdom, drawn from years of working with personal and business clients, to help protect you from these pitfalls, explained in straightforward, plain English (not legal jargon).
Help! I’ve been asked to be an Attorney…
The number of people making Lasting Powers of Attorney (LPAs) has increased enormously in recent years. According to data from a Freedom of Information request, the number of LPAs has…
Gifting to Charities…
Gifts to charities are exempt from Inheritance Tax (IHT) whether they are made in lifetime or in a Will, and can reduce the amount of IHT paid on the rest…
SMEs at risk if a Key Person dies
Over half (51%) of Britain’s small business owners have left no instructions in their Will or made any special arrangements regarding what should happen to their shares, leaving their business…
Appointing Guardians…
What provisions have you made for your minor children in the event of your early death? Currently in the UK, only 67% of adults have a valid Will, and whilst…
Don’t make Inheritance Tax Taxing
Whenever Britons are polled on their most hated tax, without fail one tax in particular always finishes top – Inheritance Tax. We all want to leave as much as we…
When might a Will be Challenged..?
A Will is the best possible way to ensure that your assets are distributed precisely according to your wishes after your death. However, there are a number of different factors…
Making a Will is good for your health
As the saying goes, ‘two things in life are certain – Death & Taxes’, and everyone at some time or other fears death in some way. It’s perfectly normal and…
Proof of Identity required for Will Writing & Probate
Writing a Will is the best way to ensure that you have some say over what happens to your estate and your assets after your death. However, in order to…
Protect Yourself from Pension Fraud
A couple of years ago, the Government revolutionised the way pensions work, with the introduction of the pension freedoms. These rule changes did away with the requirement to turn your…
What is a Flexible Life Interest Trust..?
What is a Flexible Life Interest Trust..? Working out how to divide your assets between your loved ones is a difficult task. You want to ensure that your surviving spouse…
Why Lasting Powers of Attorney are essential for Carers
Why Lasting Powers of Attorney are essential for Carers According to figures from Carers UK, around one in eight adults in the UK acts as a Carer for a loved…
Will Disputes – What if you’ve been left out..?
Will Disputes – What if you’ve been left out..? Losing a loved one is always an upsetting time. That upset is only heightened if you later discover that you have…