Recent Features and Opinion
Charity case
Recent research has shown that charitable gifts in wills have increased by over 50% since the pandemic, and a legacy boom in the coming years is also expected. Katherine Ellis explains how you can ensure charitable gifts are made correctly in wills, and how private client solicitors can help promote ...
Guideline hourly rates again under the microscope
Roman Kubiak looks at the recent decision in Cohen v Fine and others [2020] EWHC 3278 (Ch), an appeal from a first-instance decision in which the High Court proposed an increase to the guideline hourly rates.
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).
Executor stress
Coronavirus has emphasised the need to review farm wills, consider the key role of the executors, and understand the complexity of marginal inheritance tax reliefs, argue Julie Butler and Fred Butler. There are also new capital gain tax rules to grapple with
Mutual interest
You may think mutual wills are a dusty relic from the past that most solicitors don’t need to worry about. Think again – Stephanie Parish has encountered more than half a dozen this year alone. Here, she presents a guide on what mutual wills are and the pitfalls to avoid
Uplifting hourly rates for Court of Protection assessments
Roman Kubiak looks at the recent decision in the linked cases of PLK & Ors, in which the Senior Courts Costs Office assessed the costs in four cases at 20% above the guideline hourly rates.
Will-wrangling – exceptions not rules in Wrangle v Brunt
Roman Kubiak looks at a recent High Court decision which approved the validity of a will signed, at the testator’s direction, by his attorney – and which ordered the deceased’s estate to pay the costs for both parties.
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.
Life story
Back to basics: Wills, trusts and care home fees
Rectifying the situation
Unlawful killing: applying the forfeiture rule
High Court awards claimant success fee in Inheritance Act claim
New probate forms: what do I need to do?
Wills in a time of social distancing and self-isolation
Missing: date of presumed death
Accidental interests in possession
Charity case
Mistakes and money-laundering
Workshop: Contentious probate update
In a bind: drafting deadlines for conditional gifts in a will
Top Gunn
Succession planning
The write approach
Probate fees and civil partnerships
Out of time: claims under the Inheritance Act
Writing wrongs
Protect and serve
A stealthy new year: probate fees
Shock of the new
Back to basics: Drafting wills for overseas jurisdictions
Plenary: Changing times
Back to basics: Deeds of variation and disclaimers
It begins at home?
Artistic legacy
Under the influence
Changing the channel
A case of mutual wills
Do it yourself
Where there’s a will
The final chapter
Not over yet
New habits
Give a little
Private Client Section annual conference 2016: Workshops
Key to succession
Drawing interest
Using mediation to resolve private client disputes
Here comes trouble
Willing and able?
Variation on a theme
Casing the joints
Home free
Contentious probate case law update
Fit for a king?
Preserve and protect
Keep it in the family
Freedom come?
Community caring
Foreign affair
Sweet charity
Ready and willing
Gaining currency
All that glitters
Step change
Left behind
Annual Conference 2014: Contentious inheritance issues
Annual Conference 2014: Marley and me
Faking it
Power to the people
The promised land
Swap shop
In your gift
Securing the future
Time is of the essence
Working together
Asking the question
A farewell cure
PS May 2013
PS March 2013
PS January 2013
