We understand that it can sometimes be quite daunting to come and see us to discuss a new Will. Clients tell us that they have put off making a new Will for many reasons, or simply because they don’t wish to think about their death. Ensuring that a valid a Will is in place makes things so much easier for loved ones left behind, and also, when done correctly, ensures that your last wishes are met. Our Amye Aris, Head of Wills and Probate and New Leaf Solicitors, explains the top 5 things to think about before your Will appointment.

1. ROUGHLY WHAT ARE YOUR ASSETS WORTH?

We ask that you provide us with a rough indication of all sole and jointly owned assets so that we can discuss inheritance tax mitigation and future planning with you. This includes the approximate value of your property, whether there’s any mortgages or loans, the

Death and Divorce may sound brutal but the subject of Wills and inheritance is important when dealing with divorce.

What do I do if I have divorced but then my ex spouse dies shortly afterwards?  This may be an unusual situation but it can happen.

Our clients are advised during the divorce process that they should have a Will or review their existing Will. This is because divorce, meaning the Final Order, formerly known as the Decree Absolute affects inheritance under a Will.  The Final Order effectively treats the former spouse as if they have died and any provisions in a Will where any property or assets are bequeathed to the former spouse will pass as if that former spouse had died.  In other words if a spouse was to benefit under their spouses Will then that clause will fail and they will not inherit.

With the advent of the no fault divorce

The summer is fast approaching so if you haven’t already you should discuss the arrangements for contact with your children over the summer holidays.

Many separated couples are able to agree the arrangements for the absent parent to have contact with their children on a regular basis throughout the year and the specific arrangements for contact over the extended summer school holidays.

Unfortunately some separated parents are unable to agree the pattern of contact and if you are one who has yet to firm up the arrangements over the summer holiday you must start thinking about it now.

If you want contact with your children during the summer and your ex partner says no or is offering less contact than you would like you should seek legal advice.

The first step is always to try to reach an agreement directly with the other parent but if that is unsuccessful you should seek legal advice.

Every

A HELPFUL EXPLANATION OF THE TERMS FOUND IN LASTING POWERS OF ATTORNEY

We have seen a huge surge in the amount of new and returning clients instructing us in relation to Lasting Powers of Attorney. Sadly, in these days of increasing dementia diagnoses and care admissions many experts believe that entering into a Lasting Power of Attorney and regularly reviewing it is as important as having a valid Will in place. But completing the 20+ page document and then registering it at the Office of The Public Guardian can be daunting, and ensuring it is all done correctly even more so.

To ease some of this stress, we have compiled a glossary of terms found in Lasting Powers of Attorney documentation to provide an explanation of what it all means.

GLOSSARY OF TERMS

Attorney

The person or people appointed by you to act  on your behalf in the event that you are becoming or have

As we approach the end of the financial year our Amye Aris discusses the annual gift exemption.

TAX-FREE GIFTS TO FAMILY MEMBERS

Are you a parent, grandparent, or godparent? Do you make use of your annual gift exemption? If you answered ‘yes’ to the first question you should also consider doing the second as a good way of Estate planning for Inheritance Tax purposes.

WHAT IS THE ANNUAL GIFT EXEMPTION?

Everyone is entitled to give away assets or cash up to a value of £3,000 annually without it being added to the total value of their estate for Inheritance Tax purposes. Any unused part of the exemption can also be carried forward for one tax year.

Parents can gift up to £3,000 tax-free per year to help towards a house deposit, renovations, or as a gift to a new grandchild, for example. Remember that this is your personal allowance, so you cannot give each

Another testimonial for our Amye Aris who specialises in Wills and Probate;

“Amye Aris at New Leaf Solicitors was recommended to me by a friend. I’d mentioned in passing that I needed to get my will done but was apprehensive and didn’t know what to do. He reassured me that Amye would be able to hold my hand and walk me through all the necessary steps. In effect, Amye was incredibly helpful, providing guidance and clarity at each step. Furthermore, she was very kind and understanding, and listened patiently to my concerns. After several years of procrastination, I now have my will. It’s a huge relief, and I cannot recommend Amye highly enough”.

Ms T

HOW CAN I PROVIDE FOR MY PETS IN MY WILL?

We are a Nation of animal lovers, and February 20th is national “Love Your Pet Day”. Have you ever considered what would happen to your beloved pet if you were to suddenly die? Who would look after them and how would that person pay for their care, feed and vets bills etc? Amye Aris, our Wills, Trusts and Probate specialist discusses this topic in more detail.

All too often it is simply assumed that a pet will be taken in by family or friends in the event of death, however tens of thousands of pets are at risk of becoming homeless after the death of an owner. Careful planning now could avoid many problems later, and these are 5 things you should consider when making your Will to best protect your pet in the future:

Who would look after my pet?

It is a

A warm testimonial for Amye Aris.

” Amye is highly recommended.  I am an Executor of my late sister in laws will. So when she sadly passed away I sought the help of New Leaf Solicitors and instructed Amye Aris to act on our behalf to obtain probate.

She has been brilliant, very approachable and easy to get on with. She efficiently took our instruction and kept us updated throughout the process and painlessly to us, took it through to a successful conclusion.

Thank You New Leaf and Amye for your help”.

Mr W