Posts by jw
Benefits of Making a Will
For more than half the population, writing their last will and testament falls into the category of things that they know they should do, but haven’t done yet. And there are many reasons why people don’t make wills. A common mistake is to assume they don’t need one, not realising that dying intestate — the…
Read MoreBenefits of a Lasting Power of Attorney
A lasting power of attorney (LPA) gives others the legal authority to act on someone else’s behalf. It means that if the person making the LPA, known as the donor, lacks full mental capacity, someone else can manage everything from their everyday routine to their healthcare treatment. Without an LPA in place, The Office of…
Read MoreWhat is the role of an executor?
An executor is the person, or people, named in a will to distribute the estate. Although you do not need to name an executor, failing to do so can cause complications if the beneficiaries disagree on how matters are handled. Professionals will always recommend appointing at least one executor who you trust to manage your…
Read MoreWhy should I use a professional trustee?
Trusts are one of the most effective methods of estate planning. They can help ensure your wishes are followed, are tax-efficient, and can even be structured to benefit you in your lifetime. But they are not perfect and, sometimes, things go wrong. The most common issue is that the trust didn’t have the right trustees.…
Read MoreHow can I preserve my business assets for my family?
If you worked hard to establish your business, its continued success might be almost as important as looking after your family after you have gone. Thinking about business succession means that you can put measures in place to ensure both your business and your family continue to thrive. But there are many factors you will…
Read MoreCan trusts eliminate the tax I pay?
Many believe that trusts are just used to avoid paying tax, but this is not the case. Simply by putting money or assets in a trust does not stop the tax man from paying attention. Indeed, using a device like a trust solely to reduce the tax you owe may be risky, since HMRC might…
Read MoreWho can act as my attorney?
If you are considering a lasting power of attorney (LPA), your choice of attorney is the most important decision you will make. If you, as the donor, are ever in a situation where you lost capacity, your attorney will have legal authority to make decisions that can have a profound impact on your life. Indeed,…
Read MoreWhy do I Need a Will?
Writing a will may seem like a sad thought, and many continually put it off: research typically shows that less than half of UK adults have a will. However, even a simple will provides the peace of mind that your loved ones will be supported and won’t have the stress of working out what you…
Read MoreWhat is a lasting power of attorney?
A lasting power of attorney (LPA) is a legal document that gives someone else — the attorney — the power to make decisions on your behalf should you become unable to. Situations, where we lose mental capacity and cannot make our own decisions, can happen at any age, whether by accident or declining health. We…
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