Lesley King
Lesley King is a freelance commentator, writer and speaker on private client law and practice, and former private client practice head at the College of Law in London.
FeatureRectification of post-death variations: check and re-check
Lesley King addresses a recent judgment involving a successful claim for a rectification of a deed of variation, which emphasises the importance of good communication between professionals.
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Back to Basics: Liabilities in estate administration
Lesley King looks at the rules governing payment of debts and liabilities during the administration of estates, including a number of example scenarios and relevant case law.
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For names’ sake! Naming charities in wills
Inaccurate beneficiary names in wills can cause all sorts of problems. Lesley King reviews a recent example in Knipe v British Racing Drivers’ Motor Sport Charity and others [2020] EWHC 3295 (Ch).
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Accelerated payment of capital gains tax on residential land
Since 6 April 2020, report and payment for capital gains tax on residential land must be made within 30 days of completion. Lesley King looks at the rules that trustees and personal representatives need to follow.
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Trust issues: witnessing wills and changes to the Trusts Register
Lesley King considers the recent changes to the Trusts Register and a legislation update, validating wills made via videoconference since 31 January 2020.
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Rectifying the situation
Lesley King reviews a new title on the construction and rectification of wills and trust instruments
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Unlawful killing: applying the forfeiture rule
Lesley King looks at the rare cases practitioners may encounter when the court considers granting relief from the forfeiture rule after an unlawful killing.
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Wills in a time of social distancing and self-isolation
Social distancing and self-isolation, coupled with the sudden increase in demand for wills and lasting powers of attorney (LPAs), are presenting unique challenges for private client practitioners. Lesley King and Roman Kubiak consider how to tackle these issues – at a safe distance.
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Missing: date of presumed death
When someone goes missing and is never found, the date of their presumed death can impact who inherits their property. Lesley King considers the issues that can arise.
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Accidental interests in possession
Lesley King considers why it’s important to think through the inheritance tax consequences of giving a right to occupy.
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Back to basics: Nil-rate band discretionary trusts
Lesley King looks at the matters to consider when dealing with an estate where the will creates a nil-rate band discretionary trust
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Mistakes and money-laundering
Lesley King comments on a case where a trust beneficiary’s right to income was rescinded on the basis of mistake, and on the government’s consultation on implementing the Fifth Anti-Money Laundering Directive.
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Plenary: Good as golden
At the Private Client Section annual conference, Lesley King provided her yearly update on private client law and practice, covering the residence nil-rate band, the importance of the ‘golden rule’, and an urgent Court of Protection application
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In a bind: drafting deadlines for conditional gifts in a will
Lesley King comments on a case where the time to comply with the condition of a will expired before the beneficiaries were aware of it – and on Scarle v Scarle, which dealt with deaths in uncertain order.
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Payment protection insurance and private client practitioners
The cut-off date for payment protection insurance claims is 29 August 2019. Lesley King looks at what this means for private client practitioners
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Probate fees and civil partnerships
In something of a mixed bag this month, Lesley King comments on the introduction of civil partnerships for opposite-sex couples and the latest news on probate fees.
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Out of time: claims under the Inheritance Act
Lesley King comments on Cowan v Foreman and ors [2019] EWHC 349 Fam, and looks at what the case means for both contentious and non-contentious probate practitioners.
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A stealthy new year: probate fees
Lesley King comments on recent developments in the private client sector, such as the controversial increase in probate fees and new wording for grant applications.
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Lasting things first: transparency rules and LPAs
Lesley King comments on recent developments including the new transparency rules and guidance on lasting powers of attorney.
