Are your loved ones relying on inheritance?

Did you know that 90% of people in the UK are hoping, and relying on inheritance, for their financial future and security? According to the Institute of Fiscal Studies, Millennials and Gen Z in particular will be worse off than previous generations due to higher costs of living,  rising house prices and low wages with little rises. These factors mean that in later life, Millennials will become more reliant on inheritance funds when they are older.  Inheritances will also be used by many generations to carry out large transactions like purchasing property, paying debts, or helping raise children. It is…

Deathbed gifts - Validity and potential challenges

Also referred to as donatio mortis causa, a deathbed gift is a gift that a person (donor) makes to another when the donor is expected to die very soon. It is not a gift in the dying person's Will. A deathbed gift applies when the dying person making the gift (the donor), gifts to another person either money or property, with the intention that this wish takes effect when they have passed away. Deathbed gifts can be difficult to navigate and determine because they are open to abuse. They are often challenged, especially in suspicious circumstances.  What are the criteria…

Why you're never too young to make a Will

Many young people think that making a Will is something only older people do. Whilst they may know that reaching their 18th birthday legally qualifies them to get a tattoo in the UK, only a handful are aware that it is also the legal age for making a Will. Both options will last a lifetime, but while you may live to regret one, you will never regret the other.

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Why a Cautious Approach to Virtual Will Witnessing is Recommended

The 183-year-old law on making Wills in England and Wales has been updated to address the practical difficulties created by the coronavirus restrictions. Under a temporary change to the legislation, video technology can now be used to witness the signing of Wills. Our Wills Solicitors discuss why this method should be approached with caution.

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What happens when you die without a Will in England & Wales?

The statutory legacy amount has increased from £250,000 to £270,000, with effect from 6 February 2020. This is the fixed sum that surviving spouses and civil partners are entitled to if their partner dies without a Will (known as dying intestate) and they have children. Although the rise is a welcome development, it is important to be aware that dying without a Will, regardless of your family situation, can cause problems for your loved ones and estate at an already difficult time.

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A New Year Resolution to protect yourself and your family

Entering a New Year is always a good time to take stock… of our careers, our work and, of course, our lives in general. At the centre of it all must be our families; everyone wants to protect their loved ones, both now and in the future. There are many ways to do this and the law can certainly play its part. The most obvious things are to make a will and to consider setting up a lasting power of attorney (LPA). Making a will is the best way to ensure that your wealth is passed on in the way…

Credit note binds company to pay out over faulty goods

A company that gave a credit note to compensate for faulty goods had effectively entered into a contract and was obliged to pay up to settle the dispute. That was the decision of the Court of Appeal in a case involving a paper merchant and a firm of printers. The issue arose when the printer was unhappy with the quality of a batch of paper. The merchant accepted the batch was substandard, and a manager issued a credit note as compensation. The dispute was whether the merchant was bound by the credit note and therefore liable to pay the…