Wills & Probate
Inheritance tax changes: what farmers and business owners need to know
If you own a farm, agricultural land or a family business, you may already be aware that inheritance tax (IHT) rules are expected to change from April 2026. While this announcement has caused understandable concern, the key message is clear: there is no need to panic, but it is important not to ign....
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Overseas assets: understanding the change to UK inheritance tax and residency rules
A holiday home in France. A bank account in Spain. An offshore trust in the Cayman Islands. Depending on your UK residency status, worldwide assets like these could increase the inheritance tax (IHT) bill for your loved ones when you pass away. On 6 April 2025, the UK government introduced new I....
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What is a “deathbed marriage” and what does it have do with Inheritance Tax?
Marriage comes with many financial benefits within a well-planned estate. As people seek new ways to minimise their Inheritance Tax liabilities, and with more couples co-habiting, it is not surprising that “deathbed marriages” have soared in recent years. What should couples consider before tyi....
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Digital assets now recognised as personal property
In December 2025, the Property (Digital Assets etc) Act 2025 received royal assent. This is a significant legal development as it gives statutory recognition to digital assets as a form of personal property. With digital wealth and online content becoming an increasingly important part of everyday ....
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New Year, peace of mind: Why a legal health check matters
The New Year is often a time for fresh starts - from fitness goals to lifestyle resolutions. But while many of us focus on health and habits, it’s also the perfect moment to review your legal affairs. At Attwaters Solicitors, we encourage families to begin 2026 with a legal health check - a simpl....
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The gift of giving: charity donations in wills hit a new high
December is a traditional time for giving and receiving gifts. According to English Heritage, we’ve been doing it for thousands of years – even before Christmas became such a big celebration. As well as giving gifts to loved ones, many Brits make charitable donations at this time of year. Th....
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Personal injury trusts: winning damages doesn’t mean losing benefits
A car accident, a medical negligence case, a crime: they can all result in substantial financial damages. Personal injury payouts can make a massive difference to someone’s life, but they can also impact their eligibility for means-tested state benefits. A personal injury trust enables people ....
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Advance care planning: Helping you prepare for the future
Over the last two decades, the number of people aged 90 or over in the UK has more than doubled, according to figures from the ONS. While it’s encouraging that life expectancy continues to rise, longer lives often bring the challenge of planning for future care needs. Unfortunately, the cost and ....
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Recognise the asset protection trust red flags
Asset protection trusts are a legitimate way to manage your estate to make sure your money goes where you want after your death. However, in recent years, more people in vulnerable circumstances have been mis-sold schemes that fail to protect their basic interests. Worse, these schemes can lock the....
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Why consider a solicitor as your Lasting Power of Attorney?
A Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA) is a legal document appointing someone to deal with your financial and legal affairs in the event that this ever becomes necessary. In some cases, people appoint a trusted relative or friend to fulfil the role. Before you make that choice, though, ask yourself if y....
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New pension inheritance rules: what does it mean for estate and tax planning
You’ve written a will, established a trust and agreed a drawdown strategy. Lifetime estate planning can be ticked off your to do list, right? Legislative changes and market shifts mean that lifetime estate planning will never be a tick in the box activity. It needs to be revisited regularly es....
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Why you should plan ahead with a Health and Welfare Lasting Power of Attorney
Planning for the future is one of the most important things you can do to protect your health and wellbeing, especially as you get older. A Health and Welfare Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA) allows you to choose someone you trust to make decisions about your care, treatment and daily life if you lo....
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Wills – Case study
After her friend’s bad experience with a DIY Will, Annie entrusted her Will review to Attwaters. Here’s how she found the process. “Drafting a Will is a process of trust,” says Annie (62). “Unless you’re a legal expert yourself, you need to accept someone else’s word that what you....
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Why DIY wills are riskier than you think
Drafting your own Will using an online template (or bought from popular high street stationers) may seem quick and cost effective, but the stakes are high, and the complications can be severe. Writing an accurate and enforceable legal document is not a simple task, so it’s no surprise that DIY Wi....
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The risks of not having an LPA – a case study
At Attwaters Solicitors, we regularly advise clients on the importance of preparing for the unexpected, particularly when co-owning a property. One of the most important steps you can take is putting an appropriate Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA) in place. To highlight just how critical this can be....
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Paws for thought: why it’s important to include pets in your will
The UK is a nation of animal lovers. It’s estimated we own nearly 11 million pet cats and 10.5 million pet dogs as well as thousands of other animal companions. In 2024, 51% of adults in the UK owned a pet. Yet only 26% of owners over the age of 30 have considered what will happen to their ani....
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Dementia: how the law can help you and your loved ones plan for the future
It’s estimated nearly one million people are living with dementia in the UK. By 2040, it will be nearer 1.4 million. Why estimated? One in three people living with dementia have not been formally diagnosed with dementia, which is vital for accessing support. Dementia is a progressive con....
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What are digital assets and why should you include them in your Will?
If you have a social media account, use online banking, or subscribe to a music service such as Spotify, you are the proud owner of a digital asset. But have you included them in your Will? This post explains why it’s essential to create a plan for your digital estate. What are....
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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....
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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....
Continue reading Foreign assets in a Will – what you ne....
