The England and Wales High Court has ruled that informal digital communications are insufficient to prove the transfer of a beneficial interest in property. In a bankruptcy-related dispute, the court rejected claims that ownership had passed via WhatsApp and email messages prior to insolvency. As a result, the financier’s former spouse was ordered to vacate...
A salary sacrifice pension is a tax-efficient arrangement where an employee agrees to give up part of their salary, and in return, the employer pays that amount directly into the employee’s pension. Instead of being paid as cash income, the contribution goes straight into the pension pot, which can reduce both income tax and National...
When Trust Was Broken: False LPA Witnessing Estate planning relies heavily on trust and legal integrity. A recent case of false LPA witnessing shattered that trust when an estate planner falsely claimed to witness signatures on a Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA). This misconduct has led to a professional ban, highlighting the grave consequences of...
Understanding Adverse Possession in Estate Contexts Adverse possession is a legal doctrine allowing someone to claim ownership of land under certain conditions if they’ve occupied it without permission. In the estate administration landscape, this concept becomes particularly complex, as seen in the High Court case of Nazir v Begum [2023]. This case clarifies the interaction...
The England and Wales High Court (EWHC) has ordered the tenant of a London property to pay GBP851,000 in rent to his landlord, despite the tenant’s claim that payment would be illegal because the landlord is a designated person under the Russia (Sanctions) (EU Exit) Regulations 2019. The EWHC agreed that, while regulations 12 and...
Inheritance Tax (IHT) planning is undergoing significant changes in the UK, making it crucial for individuals to stay informed and proactive. Recent policy shifts and upcoming reforms are set to impact how estates are taxed, emphasizing the importance of strategic planning. Key Changes to Inheritance Tax (IHT): Frozen Thresholds: The IHT nil-rate band remains at...
The UK government has reported record-high inheritance tax (IHT) receipts, largely due to the continued freeze on thresholds. With property values rising and tax-free allowances unchanged, more families are now facing increased tax liabilities. According to a Euronews report, the total IHT receipts have reached unprecedented levels, raising concerns among taxpayers. Why Are UK Inheritance...
How to Avoid a Will Dispute Creating a Will is essential for ensuring your estate is distributed according to your wishes after passing. However, disputes over Wills are more common than you might think. Family disagreements, unclear instructions, and questions of legality can all lead to challenges in court. Taking a few proactive steps can...
How to revoke a Will? Revoking a will is a legal process that involves canceling or invalidating an existing will. In England and Wales, this can happen under several circumstances, whether by creating a new will, entering into a marriage, or even by physical destruction. Here’s a closer look at how and when a will...
Creating a valid will is one of the most important steps in securing your loved ones’ future. However, for a will to be legally binding in the UK, it must meet certain requirements – one of the most crucial being proper witnessing. Here’s everything you need to know about who can witness a will...
Copyright by CareAccountancy. All rights reserved.
Copyright by CareAccountancy. All rights reserved.
