Deeds of Variation: useful – yes. But get it right.
MoneyWeek recently spotlighted both the forthcoming Budget and the renewed interest in Deeds of Variation (DoVs). With speculation circling around possible inheritance-tax tweaks (particularly lifetime-gifting rules) families are understandably asking how best to future-proof estates. DoVs are part of that toolkit, but they’re precision instruments, not blunt tools. What a DoV can do (when done […]
Why Accurate Records Matter in IHT Planning
One of the most common issues we encounter in Inheritance Tax (IHT) and estate administration is the loss of key records, especially around the death of the first spouse or civil partner. It’s not unusual for clients, often children or close relatives of the deceased, to be unsure of when or where their loved ones […]
Let’s Not Waste Valuable IHT Reliefs
It’s surprising how often I meet people—ordinary individuals who’ve worked hard, saved carefully, and built up enough wealth to need some tax planning—who haven’t come across the Residence Nil Rate Band (RNRB) or aren’t sure how to make the most of Business Property Relief (BPR) or Agricultural Property Relief (APR). These aren’t obscure technicalities reserved […]
Supporting the British Heart Foundation: Heart Month February 2025
In February 2025, Heppenstalls Solicitors proudly participated in Wear Red Day in support of the British Heart Foundation (BHF) during Heart Month. Our team wore red to raise awareness for heart health and show solidarity with those affected by heart disease. We also made a donation to the BHF to help support their vital research […]
Heppenstalls Solicitors’ Easter Donation to Honeypot House: Supporting Young Carers
This Easter, our team came together to support Honeypot House, a charity based in the New Forest that provides respite breaks and support to young carers aged 5–12. The Donation Our staff generously donated Easter eggs, which were delivered to Honeypot House just in time for the young carers arriving for their Easter break. These […]
Supporting Local Talent: Heppenstalls Sponsors New Milton Town Robins Under 9’s
We’re excited to announce our sponsorship of the New Milton Town Robins Football Club’s Under 9 teams – soon moving up to Under 10s this September. As part of our commitment to supporting the local community, we’ve provided both teams with Heppenstalls-branded football kits. Earlier this month, two of our team members, Dagmara and Clarissa, […]
Inspiring Future Lawyers: Zafeiris and Megan Visit Highcliffe School
Recently, Zafeiris and Megan from Heppenstalls had the pleasure of visiting Highcliffe School to speak with Sixth Form students about pursuing a career in law. The session covered everything from university and postgraduate study options to what life as a lawyer is really like. The visit was especially meaningful for Megan, having once been a […]
What Is Inheritance Tax, and How Does It Work in the UK?
Until it affects you directly, you may not know what inheritance tax fully means or how to approach it. Heppenstalls solicitors are experts in IHT as well as other tax-specific protocols. In this blog post, we’ll walk you through what inheritance tax is in the UK and how it works, giving you the ability to […]
Heppenstalls Solicitors’ Easter Donation to Honeypot House: Supporting Young Carers
At Heppenstalls Solicitors, we are committed to making a positive impact in our community. This Easter, our team came together to support Honeypot House, a charity based in the New Forest that provides respite breaks and support to young carers aged 5–12. The Donation Our staff generously donated Easter eggs, which were delivered to Honeypot House […]
New Additions
We would like to welcome and introduce to you, two new members to the Heppenstalls Private Client Team. Nicola Davies joins us at the Lymington Offices as a Graduate Member of the Institute of Legal Executives and a student member of the Society of Trust and Estate practitioners. Nicola can advise on Will drafting, the […]