Blogs
Foreign assets in a Will – what you need to know
In recent years, it has become increasingly common to own assets in multiple countries. While global diversification can be beneficial to your investment portfolio and estate, dealing with foreign assets in a Will can be complex. At Attwaters, we understand the intricacies of managing foreign asset....
John le Carré’s legacy and the benefits of tax-efficient planning
The Times recently reported that John le Carré’s children have offset their Inheritance Tax bill by donating their late father’s literary archive, valued at £1.5 million, to the University of Oxford’s Bodleian Library. At Attwaters, we believe this is a prime example of the advantages of ef....
Leaseholders can now extend their lease or buy the freehold without waiting two years
An important development for leaseholders came into effect today (31 January 2025), with the removal of the two-year wait to extend a lease or buy the freehold to your home. This post explains the change under the Leasehold and Freehold Reform Act, and consider what it means for you. How we ....
The introduction of VAT on private school fees
In the Autumn Budget, Chancellor Rachel Reeves confirmed the government’s plans to end tax breaks on private schools; as of 1 January 2025, the standard 20% VAT rate is applicable on private school fees. This much anticipated reform has sparked concern among parents that they may have to pull the....
The hidden consequences of lost hospital letters
Attwaters’ Medical Negligence Solicitors report on the Newcastle Hospitals Trust crisis. The Newcastle Hospitals Trust, facing a colossal crisis, failed to dispatch 24,000 critical letters from senior doctors to patients and their GPs. Shockingly this unsettling problem dates back to 201....
The importance of pre-nuptial agreements
Pre-nuptial agreements are often dismissed as being “unromantic”. However, research from the Marriage Foundation shows that they neither increase nor reduce the risk of divorce. At Attwaters, we understand that separating seems unimaginable when you are happily engaged, but we do strongly recom....
Making gifts as an attorney or deputy
Gift-giving is a common estate planning that can reduce the value of an estate for Inheritance Tax (IHT) purposes and ensure assets are used according to the donor's wishes during their lifetime. However, gift-giving needs to be carefully planned and dealt with cautiously. If you are an attorney or....
How to make use of Taper Relief for Inheritance Tax
As well as being the UK’s least popular tax, Inheritance Tax (IHT) is known by many as a thicket of exemptions and complexities. Anyone who has ever been involved in estate planning will know that navigating tax-free allowances, IHT exemptions and lifetime gifting rules is not simple. This post d....
Advantages of eco-friendly homes
In recent years, eco-friendly homes have increased in popularity, with 76% of potential buyers looking for homes with sustainable features according to Confused.com Energy. In our latest Private Wealth Guide, we featured luxurious homes in Essex and Hertfordshire that don’t compromise on sustaina....
The importance of trusts in wills
We understand that it can feel overwhelming putting your affairs in order. There are many factors to consider when making a will, so it can be tempting to disregard using trusts due to the common assumption that they are complex. However, they are a valuable way of managing your assets that should ....
How to stop the clock on village or town green status
Under longstanding legislation, local residents can claim usage rights over open spaces they use for recreational purposes. This rule, known as village or town green status, can seriously hinder plans for future development of land over which such usage rights are being claimed. However, the pen....
The legacy of wealthy philanthropists in Hertfordshire and Essex
In this year’s Private Wealth Guide, we dug deeper into the philanthropists who have used their wealth for good, helping to make Hertfordshire and Essex the thriving counties they are today. In our Hertfordshire Guide, we spotlighted John Apthorp CBE, who died recently in July 2024 after dedicati....
