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Insurance company NFU Mutual recently analysed HM Revenue & Customs receipts, finding that the average Inheritance Tax bill for the year 2018/19 was £199,000.   The standard Inheritance Tax rate is currently 40 per cent, which can result in a substantial bill for many estates. By taking tax planning action in advance, it is possible […]

When someone dies, the administration can seem overwhelming at what is a very difficult time. We take a look at each step to be taken.   Following a death, dealing with all of the necessary paperwork is an onerous task. If a Will is left, it will appoint an executor who will be responsible for […]

The job of the executor or administrator of an estate includes distributing assets to the beneficiaries. When a beneficiary cannot be found, it can cause complications.   After someone dies, their estate will be wound up by their personal representative. If they have left a Will, this will name an executor to carry out this […]

When someone becomes unable to manage their own affairs and they have not put a Lasting Power of Attorney in place, a relative or other representative can apply for a deputyship order allowing them to act on the person’s behalf.   The application is made to the Court of Protection. A deputyship order can be […]

Over recent years, there has been an increase in deathbed marriages as cohabiting couples realise late in the day the potential financial disadvantages of not being married.   In 1996 1.5 million couples were cohabiting. This figure has more than doubled in the years since, with deathbed marriages also increasing.   To have a deathbed […]

When someone dies, their representative has the job of winding up their estate and finalising their affairs.   If they have left a Will, then their representative is known as the executor of their Will. If there is no Will, then the job is undertaken by their administrator, appointed in accordance with the Rules of […]