Legal Article
26/11/20
Many people are confused by trusts and think that trusts are just for the very wealthy. In reality, trusts can be a very useful way of providing for your family and protecting assets. What is a Trust? A trust is any arrangement whereby someone (the Settlor) gives money or assets (the Trust…
Legal Article
25/09/20
Dementia Friends is an Alzheimer's Society initiative which encourages everyone to learn more about dementia and to turn that understanding into action. Actions can be both big and small and are all very important. The initiative hopes to change people's perceptions of dementia and the way…
Legal Article
19/08/20
The Covid-19 pandemic has prompted many people to review their situation and to make sure that their personal affairs are in order. If you want to give yourself a personal legal "health check" what should you be looking for? Will One of the most important documents that you can put…
Legal Article
30/07/20
The government is introducing temporary legislation in September to allow the witnessing of Wills in England and Wales by video conferencing software such as Facetime, Zoom and Skype. Any Will witnessed by video technology will be valid, on the proviso that the quality of the sound and video was…
Legal Article
20/05/20
There has long been a 100% Inheritance tax (IHT) exemption for members of the armed forces who died in active service. In 2015 it was extended to cover "blue light" emergency services personnel responding to emergency situations. The IHT exemption has now been extended to most NHS and many…
Legal Article
28/04/20
When a loved-one dies, it can feel like an overwhelming task to begin to put their affairs in order and to deal with the long list of administrative tasks that need to be completed. There will of course be the initial tasks of registering the death and arranging the funeral, but what happens next…
Forbes News
07/04/20
According to the Law Society demand for Wills will surge by up to 70% as the coronavirus takes hold. Ian Bond, Chair of the Law Society Wills and Equity Committee said: "Will-writing is one of those things on people's to-do lists that they never get around to doing, but the current coronavirus…
Forbes News
06/04/20
In this unprecedented time, many of us have turned our focus to personal affairs. As well as having a valid Will in place, it is beneficial to have Lasting Powers of Attorney (LPAs) in place. Many people focus on their Will, however equal weight (if not more) should be given to Lasting Powers…
Legal Article
25/03/20
In light of such uncertain circumstances during this lockdown phase, naturally people are considering what would happen to their assets if the inevitable happens. Will drafters are facing unprecedented times; drafters are being overrun with requests for new Wills and updates to existing Wills. We are…
Forbes News
18/03/20
At Forbes Solicitors, we are keen to reassure clients that we have robust business continuity measures in place to protect and maintain service levels so we can continue to support our clients. The health and welfare of our colleagues and clients is paramount. We will continue to monitor the most…
Legal Article
17/02/20
The UK Government has increased the amount which a surviving spouse or civil partner is entitled to receive where a person dies intestate (without a valid will). The statutory legacy was £250,000; from the 6th February this was increased to £270,000. If someone dies intestate, the rules…
Legal Article
05/02/20
A bill has been submitted, by Lord Lexden of the Conservative Party, to the House of Lords which proposes amendments to the Inheritance Tax Act 1984. If the bill is successful, it will allow (in certain circumstances) for property to be transferred between siblings without attracting Inheritance Tax (…
