The number of families having to pay inheritance tax (IHT) has fallen for the first time since 2009, according to the latest figures. Inheritance tax is set at 40% and becomes payable once the tax-free threshold of £325,000 has been passed. There is no tax liability
Court corrects ‘unintended windfall’ error in man’s will
The High Court has corrected a clerical error in a man’s will that would have given his nephews and nieces an unintended windfall.
Widow in husband’s unlawful killing case wins right to inherit
A woman who caused her husband’s death through careless driving has won the right to inherit his estate.
COVID-19 – Wills and Probate Specialists classified as Key Workers
Wills and Probate specialist lawyers have been classified as Key Workers by the Ministry of Justice
The Government’s proposed changes to probate fees have been scrapped in U-turn.
Described in the Law Society’s Gazette as an ‘Inherently unfair’ probate fee hike, the Law Society has welcomed the government’s U-turn on a probate fee hike
Woman committed to prison for contempt in family dispute over will
A woman has been committed to prison following a dispute with her brother over their late father’s estate. The court heard that neither of the siblings had been named as executor of their father’s will but the sister had taken the role without authority to do so.
Son entitled to inherit farm despite falling out with parents
A judge has ruled that a son was entitled to a share of the family farm, despite having fallen out with his parents, because he had worked for more than 30 years on the understanding that the land would pass to him The High Court heard that in 1981, the parents made wills under which the son and his brother would inherit the farm property and business equally. The son …Read More
Woman awarded £1.2m from father’s estate despite family fall-out
A woman has been awarded £1.2m despite being written out of her father’s will after they fell out in the later years of his life. The judge found that the woman was entitled to the sum because she had worked on the family farm for 30 years on the understanding that she would inherit it. Lucy Ann Andrews worked alongside her father for many years. She claimed he had told …Read More
Widow can claim share of husband’s estate despite 26-year delay
A widow has won the right to claim a share of her husband’s estate even though she was 26 years late in beginning legal proceedings
Businessman leaves millions to Oxfam under ‘common tragedy’
A wealthy businessman has left millions to the charity Oxfam after inserting a common tragedy clause into his will. Richard Cousins died along with his two sons, his fiancé and her daughter when their plane crashed in Australia on New Year’s Eve. Mr Cousins, who was the chief executive of the Compass Group, had made provision in his will for what should happened if all his immediate family died in …Read More