Insight
Publish date
25 May 2023
Here for You – May 2023
Welcome to the latest ‘Here for You’. In this edition, we include a range of articles from across our Family, Wills, Estate & Tax Planning, Probate and Court of Protection teams.
The latest figures from the Office for National Statistics highlight that more and more people are choosing not to get married, but to cohabit instead. We look at how to protect yourself legally if you are in a couple but do not plan to get married and also how falling marriage figures impact on Inheritance Tax.
We also include some key tips for getting your legal and financial affairs in order. With the summer holidays fast approaching, we also look at what the rules are around going on holiday abroad with children when you are divorced or separated.
As always, if you have any questions about any of the articles in this edition, please do get in touch.
Living Together Agreements – What are they and are they worth it?
Moving in with your partner is one of the most exciting and important steps you can make. However, people often do not consider what will happen should the relationship end. With more than 3 million people in the UK cohabiting according to the Office of National Statistics, Anna Woodhoo looks at how couples can better protect themselves should separation occur.
Five steps to spring clean your life and legal affairs
Writing for Muddy Stilletos, Sarah Nettleship from our Wills, Estate & Tax Planning team gives her five top tips for getting your legal affairs in order.
Rising Inheritance Tax receipts and falling marriage rate highlight an issue for cohabiting couples
Marriage rates have fallen to the lowest on record, whilst the net for Inheritance Tax (IHT) is creeping wider. Simon Mitchell looks at how these statistics could present an issue for cohabiting couples, as they are unable to take advantage of spousal exemptions in regards to IHT.
What are the rules on travelling abroad with children when you are divorced or separated?
As we are approaching the summer holidays, before you book you summer holiday, read Helen Waite’s article for The Times of Tunbridge Wells. If you are divorced or separated and sharing custody of children, you may need permission from your former partner when travelling abroad.
What options are there if a person can no longer administer an estate?
If a person is appointed to administer an estate but they lack the mental capacity to act, it may be possible to progress the estate administration by analysing the specific circumstances. Hannah Saunders looks at how the estate administration can continue.
New Court of Protection Partner joins the team
We are delighted to have welcomed Mea North as a Partner in our Court of Protection department. Mea specialises in supporting the most vulnerable in society. Mea’s considerable expertise and experience make her a valuable addition, to further strengthen the team.
Concerns are growing over passing on and protecting wealth in the future –with inheritance tax being the biggest worry
In the previous edition of ‘Here for You’ we carried out a poll asking individuals to share their biggest concern when it comes to passing on and protecting wealth in the future. Simon Mitchell and Helen Waite discuss responses to the poll, and why people have growing concerns.
