Often thought to no longer be relevant in modern law, the archaic concept of secret trusts still exist in Wills today. This little known but fascinating topic does appear from time to time. The law concerning secret trusts is complex, but in the most simple terms, a secret trust is created when a person (known […]

Aretha Franklin is a household name around the world. Until now she was known for her stellar 50-year career as a soul singer and for her activism. But since her death in 2018 she has been in the news more as the latest in an increasingly long line of celebrities with complex estates because of […]

The giving season is quickly approaching, and it is a time where family members want to give money and other gifts to their loved ones. Although it’s not the most festive of topics, understanding the tax rules when it comes to giving gifts can be very important when managing your financial affairs. What Does HMRC […]

Often, when a person dies, the responsibility of administering the deceased’s estate falls to a named person (or persons) know as the Executor(s). The task ahead for the Executor(s) can be daunting and, whilst in the midst of grieving for the loss of someone close, can be overwhelming. In this article we hope to help clarify […]

Does it really matter where someone dies? Yes, it can do. It really depends on what assets they have and where those assets are, as well as where their permanent home was at the time of their death. If someone dies on holiday, but all of their estate is in England and Wales, then the […]

Charities rely heavily on donations from supporters. Many supporters choose to benefit a particular Charity by making donations in their lifetime. You can also benefit a Charity on your death by including a gift in your Will. What is a Charity? A Charity is a non-profit organisation that is established for charitable purposes. For an […]

A member of our team recently attended a Vulnerability Conference and heard Daphne Franks telling her story about her wonderful mother Joan, who sadly passed away in March 2016. In short, Daphne’s mother Joan had severe vascular dementia and only when her mother passed away, did Daphne and her family discover that she was in […]

When a person dies and their property needs to be sold, it’s known as a probate sale. If you’re the executor named in the will, then you’ll be granted the legal right to administer their estate, which may include the sale of any property that the deceased owned. To proceed with the sale of a probate […]