Wills, gifts and other applications

The complete package

Ultra high net worth clients have complicated affairs. We are able to provide peace of mind through a complete advice service.

Peace of mind when entering a second marriage

A long-term client has recently entered into a second marriage and they wanted the interests of all the client’s children protected in a tax efficient way.

Tax reduction on a substantial inheritance

During the administration of an estate, which included shares in a property investment company, our advice resulted in a capital gains tax saving of over £250,000 for the beneficiaries. 

Estate planning review following re-marriage

We advised a wealthy client on changes to his Will that could save several million pounds in inheritance tax.

Capital gains tax saving for beneficiaries

Following a significant increase in the value of a property during the administration of an estate, we were able to achieve a substantial capital gains tax saving.

Tax planning disaster averted

Our clients were faced with a potential inheritance tax liability of over £1.2million but, following our intervention, HMRC accepted that no inheritance tax was due. 

International musical estate

We advised the executors of a complex estate containing assets worth over £25million and we were able to reduce the inheritance tax bill by over £500,000.

The importance of correctly naming charities when leaving legacy gifts

A recent High Court judgement has highlighted the importance of ensuring that great care and attention to detail is taken when drawing up a will which includes legacy gifts to charities, as this article explores.

Capacity - what is it and how it can affect you or your family

Capacity is the ability to make a decision for oneself.

Useful reminders for creating/updating your will or LPA

Budget 2020 - changes to ER; gift while you still can

Budget 2020 saw amendments to Entrepreneurs' Relief (ER), which were widely expected. ER reduces the rate of capital gains tax (CGT) on disposals of certain business assets from 20% to 10%, subject to a lifetime limit. Before the Budget the lifetime limit

I'm in my 20s. Why do I need a will?

Any lawyer will tell you that it is always sensible to have a will.

Law Commission’s consultation on the law of wills

Thomson Snell & Passmore has responded to the Law Commission’s consultation on the law of wills.

FAQ: Tax Planning

Q. We want to help our 20 year old daughter buy her first flat, but we’re worried about putting such a valuable asset directly in her name. Is there anything we can do to protect the property until she’s a bit older?

Representing an adult who has cognitive deficits following a road traffic accident when they were six

P was involved in a road traffic accident in 2001 when she was just six years old.  As a result of the accident, P suffered a severe brain injury. P made a remarkable recovery from her injuries, but has been left with some cognitive deficits.  She struggles with organisation, budgeting and planning.  She can be very impulsive and disinhibited.  She also suffers from fatigue.

Staffordshire County Council v SRK and others: implications for deputies and local authorities.

The decision of Mr Justice Charles in the case of Staffordshire County Council v SRK [2016] EWCOP 27 has impacted on the practices and responsibilities of professional Deputies in cases where there is a substantial and privately funded care regime.  This article addresses the key facts and the impact this will have on deputies and the Court.

Bank of Mum and Dad – how to protect your wealth

It is increasingly difficult to save for a deposit whilst paying rent and outgoings on a rented property. Lenders are now far more cautious about how much they will lend and who they will lend it to. As a result parents are regularly stepping in to help out their children to purchase a property.

Are trusts the new pre-nups for wealthy families?

Desmond O'Donnell, senior associate from our family department speak with Spear's about pre-nuptial agreements for wealthy families.

Giving away shares in the family company

Giving away shares in the family company

FAQ: Family

Top 25 UK Law Firm

We are pleased to receive, for another year, the accolade from eprivateclient of being listed as one of the Top 25 Law Firms in the UK.

Frequently asked questions about the Rehabilitation Code

We answer frequently asked questions regarding the Rehabilitation Code including it's purpose along with what the code states and how to code will help someone with a brain injury.

Declarations of Trust

EPA - Registration of an Enduring Power of Attorney

EPA - The Role of an Attorney under Enduring Power of Attorney

LPA - a summary

LPA - information pack

LPA - the role of an attorney for property and finance

Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA) - fees

Will and estate planning services