Lost in Translation: AI and Probate Disputes. When Access to Information Is Not the Same as Understanding the Law
Recently, I received a Larke v Nugus request from the deceased’s second-born child (let’s call them X). For those unfamiliar with the term, a Larke v Nugus request is a request for information concerning the preparation and execution of a Will. It is commonly made where a beneficiary or family member has concerns about the […]
Secure Your Chosen Family This Pride Month
This Pride Month, while we celebrate love, commitment and chosen family, it is also a timely reminder for unmarried LGBTIQ+ couples to think about protecting the people they care about most. If you are in a relationship but are not married or in a civil partnership, your partner has no automatic right to inherit from […]
Why everyone should have a Lasting Power of Attorney
The Importance of getting LPAs in place What is a Lasting Power of Attorney: Lasting Powers of Attorney (LPAs) are vital legal documents which allow your loved ones and trusted individuals to make decisions on your behalf should you lose mental capacity. There are two types of LPAs, the Property and Financial Affairs (P+F) and […]
HMRC’s Crackdown on Inheritance Tax: Why Estate Planning Has Never Been More Important
Recent reports indicate a significant rise in HMRC’s inheritance tax (IHT) investigations. These enquiries clawed back an additional £246 million in unpaid tax from bereaved families. Why the Increase? HMRC is now using powerful tools including AI to identify errors or inconsistencies in IHT returns. Common triggers include: undervalued property failure to declare personal […]
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 […]
Jesamine Somerville Recognised as a Lifetime Lawyer
We are thrilled to announce that Jesamine Somerville, our Private Client Solicitor and Director, has been awarded the Lifetime Care in Practice Award by the Association of Lifetime Lawyers, earning her the distinguished title of Lifetime Lawyer. This accreditation recognises not only Jesamine’s legal expertise but also the empathy, care, and dedication she brings to […]
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 […]
What is the 7-Year Rule in Inheritance Tax?
Inheritance Tax (IHT) is paid on an estate before assets are passed to beneficiaries. It’s usually due within six months of death, though there can be exceptions. IHT adds up over time, considering past gifts when working out how much tax is owed, although there may be exceptions. While IHT is typically paid upon death, […]