Wills
Farmer wins inheritance tax case against HMRC
22nd May 2013
The HMRC have failed to overturn the decision of the First-Tier Tax Tribunal which held that a farmhouse and farm land do not have to be in the same legal... Read more
Children fail to revoke Will leaving £6.7m to charity
2nd May 2013
The four children of multi-millionaire Alfred Stewart have failed in their bid to revoke his Will leaving almost all of his £6.7million estate to charity, and nothing to them. The children... Read more
Woman steals £120,000 from great uncles account
2nd May 2013
A woman who was put in a position of trust with access to her 84-year-old Great Uncle's life savings admitted to embezzling just under £120,000 to fund her gambling addiction. Franciso... Read more
Guidance for bank staff on powers of attorney
5th April 2013
The Law Society has produced advice for Bank employees in dealing with people who are having to manage a bank or building society account on behalf of someone else using... Read more
Man who killed parents to get inheritance jailed
28th March 2013
The man who shot and killed both his parents in order to get his inheritance early has been given a life sentence with a minimum of 40 years, as well... Read more
Couple lose £500k legacy as Will ruled invalid
22nd March 2013
A couple have lost out on a £500,000 legacy in a Will made by a woman who they say decided to cut her family out of any inheritance because they... Read more
Will set aside because of pressure from son
20th March 2013
The revised Will made by a woman just two years before her death at the age of 96 has been set aside by the High Court because of pressure applied... Read more
Will at centre of forgery conviction declared genuine
19th March 2013
The dispute over a Will has taken a bizarre turn after it was recently declared to be genuine, despite a woman having already been convicted with forging it. Wealthy estate agent,... Read more
Clergyman uses power of attorney to steal £60k
19th February 2013
Reverend Peter Hesketh, aged 65 from Worcestershire, has been found guilty of using a power of attorney to steal over £60,000 from a vulnerable pensioner.The Catholic deacon was given a... Read more
Son challenges Will leaving Ferrari to lover
8th February 2013
Magistrate Gary Stolkin, aged 52, is challenging his late father's will which left a Ferrari and yearly allowance to his partner of 12 years, claiming his dad was 'fed up'... Read more
Will Aid donations reaching £1.5million
16th January 2013
Wilson Nesbitt would like to thank all of our clients who took part in the Will Aid scheme at the end of last year, writing a Will with us and... Read more
Jail sentence for aunt who stole inheritance
15th January 2013
Carole Walker, aged 57, has been sentenced to eight months in prison after admitting the theft of over £30,000 inheritance money that was intended for her niece. Ms Walker was named... Read more
New Years resolutions more finance orientated
31st December 2012
The past couple of years have seen a change to the most popular New Years resolutions made by people in Northern Ireland and the rest of the UK. While dieting, exercise... Read more
The Will to keep your New Years resolution
31st December 2012
As an increasing number of people in Northern Ireland and the rest of the UK resolve to start the New Year putting their finances in order, a large number of... Read more
More people living to 100 alters inheritance plans
19th December 2012
A new report by the Office for National Statistics shows that more people in England and Wales are living beyond 100 years, raising more questions on the affect of an... Read more
Equity release by parents reducing inheritances
14th December 2012
New figures suggest that an increase in equity release among older property owners is resulting in fewer and smaller inheritances. The statistics produced by Remortgage.com point to the availability of mortgages... Read more
Siblings spend inheritance fighting over it
28th November 2012
An estate worth approximately £120,000 has all been spent by the three siblings it was left too in legal fees as they fight each other over it. Daphne Burgess died in... Read more
Write a Will and our fee goes to Will Aid
24th October 2012
Wilson Nesbitt is delighted to announce that we will be once again taking apart in the Will Aid scheme that allows clients to write a Will and donate the solicitors... Read more
Younger retirees less inclined to leave inheritance
22nd October 2012
People approaching retirement would appear to have a different attitude to leaving an inheritance to those who are already retired, according to research by Just Retirement. Older retirees are more inclined... Read more
Case update - Daughter inheritance used for cats
16th October 2012
Marlene Howes, aged 67, has been cleared of charges of benefit fraud, after the court accepted that the £84,000 inheritance she received from her Mum was spent entirely on cats. Mrs... Read more
Case update - nephew farmhouse inheritance promise
9th October 2012
The Court of Appeal has upheld the decision to award a couple a farmhouse on the basis of proprietary estoppel. The High Court had previously ruled that Roger Taylor and his... Read more
Make a Will as part of Action Cancer campaign
4th October 2012
Wilson Nesbitt is delighted to announce that it is taking part in the Action Cancer 'Action Your Will' campaign running this month of October. We have waived our normal fee for... Read more
Software used to recoup £26m inheritance tax
17th September 2012
Her Majesty’s Revenue and Customs has been able to recoup over £26million of unpaid inheritance tax, thanks to complex software that cross references personal financial information from different sources. The "Connect... Read more
Daughter says inheritance actually for cats
10th September 2012
A woman who has been accused of concealing a £50,000 inheritance gift from her Mum in order not to lose her pension credits says the gift was actually for her... Read more
Fewer and smaller inheritances to be left
23rd August 2012
One in three people living in Northern Ireland and the rest of the UK will probably not receive any kind of inheritance, and for those that will, the average inheritance... Read more
Nephew claims farmhouse inheritance promise
26th July 2012
The family of William Taylor are attempting to reverse a court's decision to award his £800,000 farmhouse to his nephew, who claims it was promised to him in return for... Read more
Farmers' assurances to son overrule his own Will
26th June 2012
The son of farmer Frank Suggit will inherit most of his £4million estate even though he was not left anything in his father's Will. The England and Wales Court of Appeal... Read more
Over a half of baby-boomers don't have a Will
28th May 2012
Over a half of people in their 50s and 60s don't have a Will according to new research by the Macmillan Cancer Support. One in three people in Northern Ireland and... Read more
Son succeeds in reasonable provision challenge to Will
14th May 2012
The son of a man who chose to leave his entire inheritance to the granddaughter of a former cohabitee successfully brought an action for reasonable provision only to nearly see... Read more
Wildlife habitat left to RSPCA sold and bulldozed
3rd May 2012
The RSPCA have chosen to ignore a wish expressed in the Will of a nature lover who left the charity his cottage as well as an area of land full... Read more
No adequate provision for wife of 2 years
13th April 2012
A woman who married a millionaire just two years before his death of heart failure has been successful in her challenge of the Will which left almost everything to her... Read more
Woman steals sister's inheritance from mother
29th March 2012
Denise Anne Davenport, aged 33, has been given a prison sentence of 40 weeks, suspended for 12 months, after pleading guilty to stealing and spending her sister's inheritance from their... Read more
Son who worked entire life on farm disinherited
29th March 2012
A son who worked his entire life on his father's farm, on the basis of a 'promise' that it would be his one day, has lost his appeal against being... Read more
Parents spend £60k of inheritance left to their children
12th March 2012
A 38 year old woman and a 45 year old man have been found guilty of defrauding their children by spending £60,000 of the inheritance left to them by their... Read more
Will invalid as Beneficiary guided testator's hand
2nd February 2012
The Will executed by Martin Lavin on his deathbed has been declared invalid by the England & Wales Court of Appeal, as his hand was guided by the sole beneficiary... Read more
Widow's mental incapacity claim unsuccessful
30th January 2012
A widow has lost her challenge of her husband's Will after she was unable to satisfy the court that a brain tumour he had suffered, which she says turned him... Read more
Unclear Will causes inheritance dispute over vintage car
25th January 2012
Lack of clarity in a Will created by Olive Watkins, who died aged 90 in 2010, has the court considering whether her live-in partner of nearly 40 years, Adolf Weidner,... Read more
Woman jailed for forging wealthy partners Will
25th January 2012
Karen Phillips, aged 46, has been sentenced to 8 months in prison after being found guilty of forging a Will after the death of her wealthy partner, Stephen Chambers, who... Read more
Will Aid raises over £1.5m in donations
23rd January 2012
Will Aid has raised over £1.5million in donations for 9 different charities in the scheme that involved participating solicitors waiving their fee for will writing in November so that clients... Read more
Campaign to increase charitable Wills
17th January 2012
While three quarters of the UK adult population support charities during their lifetime, only 7% leave a charitable gift in their Will, something the Legacy 10 scheme is hoping to... Read more
Personal finance tops New Year’s resolution polls
29th December 2011
Various surveys of New Year’s resolutions for 2012 reveal that the priority for most people next year is to get their personal finances in order. Such polls normally return a... Read more
Sisters unable to overturn father’s deathbed will
13th December 2011
The daughters of George Wharton, who executed a Will in favour of his partner Maureen three days before his death from cancer, have failed in their efforts to challenge the... Read more
Daughters signature forged to steal inheritance money
8th November 2011
A father has pleaded guilty to forging his daughter's signature in order to steal the inheritance money left to her in a trust created by her grandfather's Will. Claire Sproston was... Read more
84 per cent of parents do not have a Will
27th October 2011
A new HSBC poll has surveyed parents from 17 different countries and revealed that 84% of them do not have a Will in place. That adults are reluctant to make a... Read more
Will Aid: Make a Will in November and our fee goes to charity
20th October 2011
Wilson Nesbitt will be once again participating in the Will Aid 'Make a Will month' scheme in November that allows our clients to make a Will with us, but rather... Read more
New study shows inheritances to fall after 2047
30th September 2011
A new study entitled 'The Age of Inheritance Report', compiled by HSBC, predicts that the number of inheritances in the UK will peak in 2047, and also reveals that... Read more
Witness error allows daughter to overturn Will
12th September 2011
The will of Ranjit Singh, who died in March 2009 in his 70s, has been declared invalid because of a simple error in the witnessing of his signature. The will... Read more
HMRC wants to force reporting of tax dodging
5th September 2011
HM Revenue & Customs is requesting new powers that would enable them to insist that individuals pass on details of anyone they suspect of tax dodging. If someone is involved... Read more
Unregulated will-writer jailed for fraud
30th August 2011
An unregulated will-writer has been given a prison sentence of 14 months for fraud after sending letters out to clients of his will-writing company, Legacy & Law, advising them of... Read more
Millionaire's deathbed Will cuts daughters out
22nd August 2011
The will of millionaire George Wharton is being disputed by his three daughters, who are accusing their stepmother of pressurising their father into leaving them nothing from his £4million estate. Mr... Read more
Increase in pre-death inheritances
16th August 2011
New figures released by Skipton Financial Services (SFS) suggest that there is an increase in the practice of parents giving their intended inheritance to their children before they die. One... Read more
Why you really should make a Will
8th August 2011
Recent surveys suggest that 70% of the adult population in Northern Ireland and the rest of the UK have not made a Will, with the two most common reasons for... Read more
McQueen Will leaves £50,000 to pet dogs
1st August 2011
Fashion designer Alexander McQueen left £50,000 in his Will to be put into trust for his dogs to ensure they are pampered for the rest of their lives. The remainder... Read more
Unregulated will-writers ripping off thousands
18th July 2011
Chief Ombudsman for England and Wales, Adam Sampson, has used his first report to highlight the dangers of unregulated will-writers, saying that thousands of people are being 'ripped off'. The... Read more
Wife says tumour diminished will writing capacity
15th July 2011
Olga Smith, aged 61, has challenged her late husband's decision to cut her out of his will, saying that a neuroblastoma brain tumour, discovered in the post-mortem, robbed him of... Read more
Benefits cheat hid £50k inheritance
11th July 2011
A woman has been given a suspended jail sentence for fraudulently claiming £15,000 in benefits despite having received an inheritance amount of approximately £53,000 by her late father. The court heard... Read more
Reduced inheritance tax for charitable legacies
16th June 2011
The HMRC is beginning a consultation process on its proposal to introduce a lower rate of inheritance tax to be applied to estates were at least 10% of the net... Read more
Disabled NI swimmer leaves 25k to pool in Will
15th June 2011
Pat Vij, a disabled man who swam at the pool in a sports complex in Londonderry, astonished workers in the centre when it was discovered that he had left a... Read more
Inheritance plans take backseat to retirement fund
7th June 2011
A new survey by Prudential has revealed that only 52% of adults in Northern Ireland and the rest of the UK plan to leave an inheritance, with 10% saying they... Read more
HMRC inheritance tax focus on property valuations
6th June 2011
The HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) last year raised an extra £70million in inheritance tax by challenging property valuations made in the estates of deceased people. UHY Hacker Young say... Read more
Solicitors urge holidaymakers to be cautious
16th May 2011
Tanya Waterworth and Lenore Rice of Wilson Nesbitt solicitors in Northern Ireland have urged their clients going on holiday to exercise caution. There has been an increase in the... Read more
1 in 10 people have a secret Will
6th May 2011
New research by Foresters Friendly Society and ICM Direct suggests that 1 in 10 people in the UK have made a Will but have not told anyone where it is... Read more
Probate granted for Bernard Matthews surprise Will
4th May 2011
Grant of probate has been obtained by the executors of Mr Bernard Matthews will, in which he leaves most of his £40million estate to his illegitimate son, Frederick Elgershuizen. The will... Read more
Poor inheritance tax planning will cost UK £1billion
20th April 2011
Research carried out by Unbiased.co.uk has predicted that UK taxpayers will waste approximately £1.3billion in inheritance tax this year as a result of poor tax planning. Behind tax credits, inheritance tax... Read more
Will challenged because of financial difficulties
5th April 2011
The Court of Appeal in England & Wales has allowed a claim from a woman over her mothers estate because she is in financial difficulties, despite her mother clearly expressing... Read more
Tony Curtis daughters to challenge Will
4th April 2011
Two daughters of Hollywood actor Tony Curtis, who died six months ago, are planning to challenge his last Will which left them with nothing, despite reassurances by the actor that... Read more
No Will and No way for charity donations
4th April 2011
New research has shown that the majority of adults in Northern Ireland and the rest of the UK do not intend to leave money to charities in their Will, despite... Read more
Children unaware of parents Will arrangements
10th March 2011
New research by NS&I has revealed that nearly half of the population (46%) do not know where their parents keep their important documents, over a third (36%) do not know... Read more
Parents resist inheritance for children fearing divorce
7th March 2011
New research by Rensburg Sheppards suggests that a third of parents are concerned about leaving an inheritance of money to children who are married, fearing that they might get divorced... Read more
Dying Elizabeth Taylor's family feud over inheritance
1st March 2011
The family of the extremely ill Elizabeth Taylor are said to be at war over the 79-year-old actresses $600million fortune. Ms Taylor is said to be desperately trying to keep the... Read more
Half of all adults have received pre-inheritance
1st March 2011
A new survey has revealed that 46 per cent of all adults in Britain have received a sum of money from their parents known as a 'pre-inheritance' - essentially, receiving... Read more
Banks accused of '£40million wills rip-off'
25th February 2011
High Street banks have been accused of overcharging bereaved families by as much as £40million a year for services involved in the winding up of an estate, prompting a pledge... Read more
Brothers feud over mother's Will
9th February 2011
Two brothers are currently embroiled in a court battle over the estate of their mother Lena Hirst who suffered from Alzheimer's and died at the age of 75 in December... Read more
'Constant emotional tie' decides will dispute
31st January 2011
The former girlfriend of a Royal Marine who was killed in action has successfully disputed his £290,000 Will, albeit receiving a smaller amount that she would have received had she... Read more
Court says Napier son did not suppress will
30th December 2010
The son of Charles Napier has been cleared of allegations by his fathers former mistress that he destroyed a Will that would have seen a £500,000 inheritance go to her. Charles... Read more
Traveller tried to change pensioners will
7th December 2010
Traveller, Simon Kopp aged 24, has pleaded guilty to fraud at St Albans Crown Court after he attempted to change the will of an 87-year-old man he had done some... Read more
Power of attorney used to steal from dying Mum
30th November 2010
Anne Blissell, a 60 year-old nurse who confessed to abusing a power of attorney to steal £60,000 from her elderly mother has been sentenced to prison for nine months. The prosecution... Read more
RSPCA appeal £1million will decision
29th November 2010
The RSPCA has begun its appeal of the High Court judgement which saw their share of a £1million estate nearly halved from £651,820 to £370,153. George Mason left a will dividing... Read more
Dispute over 'delusional' millionaires will
25th November 2010
The High Court has resolved a chaotic dispute over the £15million estate of a man who believed he was the long-lost son of last Emperor of Russia, as well as... Read more
Court hears how wife and girlfriend forged rival Wills
5th November 2010
A bizarre case is currently being heard which involves an allegedly forged will by the girlfriend of deceased wealthy estate agent Chris John, and then a forged codicil or amendment... Read more
1.5m Britons leave property to pets in Will
2nd November 2010
Perhaps more amazing that the fact that 30million people in the UK don't have a Will, is the content of some of the Wills of those people who have gotten... Read more
30million UK adults stand to die without a Will
26th October 2010
A survey conducted by unbiased.co.uk has revealed the extend of 'wills apathy' in Northern Ireland and the rest of the UK, as 30million adults currently do not have a will;... Read more
Wilson Nesbitt take part in Will Aid
22nd October 2010
Wilson Nesbitt is pleased to announce that it will be taking part in the National Make a Will month campaign run by Will Aid. The scheme involves solicitors all around... Read more
Ex-mistress fears Napier Will suppressed by children
19th October 2010
Stephen Napier and Catherine Brooks, son and daughter of the late Charles Napier, are locked in a legal dispute with the ex-mistress of their deceased father over his estate, and... Read more
RSPCA Will appeal to be heard in November
29th September 2010
The appeal case of RSPCA v Sharp will be heard on 24-25th November in the Court of Appeal after the High Court controversially held in favour of the family of... Read more
Board begins dubious will-writing practice research
24th September 2010
The Legal Services Board (LSN) has begun its research on the unregulated will-writing firms who have come under fire lately after a number of high profile cases highlighted a significant... Read more
10 per cent of adults to pass on 'significant wealth'
22nd September 2010
A survey showing that only ten per cent of parents are planning to pass on significant wealth to their children upon their deaths highlights how the economic crisis has "fundamentally... Read more
Punk legend's will disputed by estranged son
16th September 2010
The estranged son of punk icon Malcolm McLaren is disputing the Will he made on his hospital deathbed that left everything to his 37 year old partner of 12 years... Read more
Family overturns Will that left inheritance to hairdresser
17th August 2010
The family of the 'eccentric' elderly sisters whose inheritance had been left to their hairdresser in a last minute will change by the surviving sister has successfully had a previous... Read more
Most UK adults 'don't get around' to making a Will
16th August 2010
Making a Will continues to be one of those things that most adults in the UK agree is an important thing to do, but just 'don't get around' to it.... Read more
Call for regulation of Will writing companies
11th August 2010
The use of stand alone will writing companies has become increasingly popular in the wake of the recession as the public look to what can appear as the cheapest solution... Read more
Year in jail 'fully deserved' for will forger
2nd August 2010
Lawyers acting for Dean Raymond Benson criticised the severity of his one year jail term sentence for cheating 81 year old Reginald Dockery out of £7,000 and forging his will.... Read more
Will executed with loss of mental capacity is upheld
27th July 2010
The Court of Appeal has upheld the Will of Robert Perrins who was shown to have sufficient mental capacity when he gave instructions for his will in 2000, but had... Read more
Will of eccentric sisters favours hairdresser over family
27th July 2010
A will change just two months before the death of the surviving sister involved in a joint estate has left the bulk of a £400,000 fortune to a hairdresser instead... Read more
Banks exposed as 'preying on bereaved'
16th June 2010
Two independent investigations by Money Mail and consumer group Which? have exposed High Street banks and unregulated probate firms as 'preying on the bereaved' by over charging for will-writing and... Read more
Woman's claim of 'forged will' by sister fails
9th June 2010
Angela Salmon has lost her High Court case against her sister Jacqueline in which she alleged that the latter had forged their mothers Will which left her just £1, and... Read more
Jail for will writer who stole from charitable legacies
25th May 2010
Will writer Martin Lloyd, aged 57, has been jailed for two and a half years for stealing £100,000 from a client's estate while acting as executor and spending the money... Read more
NHS bereavement adviser jailed for stealing ?750,000 from deceased patients
4th May 2010
Yvette Adams, an NHS bereavement services advisor at University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust, has been jailed for stealing £750,000 from the estates of deceased hospital patients. She was employed to... Read more
Most adults don't have a Will
29th April 2010
A new YouGov survey has revealed that 58% of adults do not currently have a Will, with 32% of those saying they 'always meant to but never got round to... Read more
Thousands more to pay Inheritance tax as result of threshold freeze
26th March 2010
Inheritance tax, or 'death tax' as it is often referred to, is a widely debated topic with many believing it is the most unfair of the taxes, as it penalises... Read more
Ex husband of 'Little Britain' star dies intestate
1st March 2010
Matt Lucas, the comedian and actor best known for his work on 'Little Britain' will not receive any of the £1million estate of his former husband Kevin McGee who took... Read more
30% of people left an inheritance face legal battle due to lack of Will
29th January 2010
Nearly a third of people in the UK who have been left an inheritance are forced to go to court to fight for it due to a Will not being... Read more
Half of NI over-55s 'plan to leave inheritance'
3rd December 2009
As many as 50 per cent of consumers over the age of 55 are planning to leave an inheritance to their families in Northern Ireland, new research has shown.In total,... Read more
Failure to update wills 'could cause inheritance problems'
30th October 2009
People should check that their wills are kept up to date in order to make sure their assets are passed on correctly to inheritors, according to one organisation.In the past... Read more
Professional advice 'vital when writing will'
17th July 2009
People in the UK and Northern Ireland should not underestimate the importance of seeking expert help when writing a will, according to an expert.Dave Smith, spokesperson for Co-operative legal services,... Read more
Over half of adults 'do not have a will'
15th July 2009
More than half of adults in the UK and Northern Ireland do not have a will in place, according to new research. The study by Which? Legal Service found that 56... Read more
80% of men in the UK without will
10th June 2009
New figures from Friends Provident published ahead of Men's Health Week 2009 have revealed how men in the UK are leaving themselves and their dependants open to financial hardship. According... Read more
Recession bites into inheritance funds
5th May 2009
Solicitors in Northern Ireland are likely to see a change in trends when it comes to wills, trusts and estate planning following news that the recession has transformed the way... Read more
Financial crisis jeopardising retirement savings
14th April 2009
Planning for wills, trusts and estate management is likely to be impacted upon in the near future by the economic crisis, which has seen pension pots drastically reduce in value,... Read more
Women's pensions to be hit in 2009
8th April 2009
Women's pensions are expected to be hit hard this year as a £42 billion shortfall hits their retirement savings, new figures from Prudential show.According to the Prudential Class of 2009... Read more
Why it is important to have a will
24th March 2009
Contacting a solicitor to draw up a will is something many people in Northern Ireland and the rest of the UK put off but this can result in unpleasant circumstances,... Read more
Look for best annuities, consumers urged
12th March 2009
One way for people approaching retirement in Northern Ireland to protect their retirement savings is to shop around for the best annuity, it has been stated.Solicitors in Belfast helping clients... Read more
Rate cut hits pensioners
9th March 2009
Solicitors in Northern Ireland dealing with wills and trust management are likely to see clients reviewing their retirement decisions as a result of the recent cut in interest rates.According to... Read more
Falling rates to impact upon IHT bills
5th March 2009
There is widespread speculation that the Bank of England will drop interest rates further this week and while this may be bad news for savers, it has advantages as far... Read more
Downturn hampers retirement decisions
4th March 2009
The economic downturn and declining values in investments is going to impact upon the retirement decisions of over two million people in the UK this year, research shows.Solicitors in Northern... Read more
Pensioners urged to consider equity release
3rd March 2009
Northern Ireland pensioners in need of long-term care could discuss with their solicitors options such as equity release, which can be worked into their wills or trusts to provide much... Read more
Two in five Brits lack pension, survey shows
23rd February 2009
Future wills, trusts and estate management are likely to be impacted upon negatively following revelations that two in five British people do not have a pension.New research from Fairinvestment.co.uk has... Read more
Pension Regulator says companies need reassurances
18th February 2009
Businesses in Northern Ireland supporting final salary pension schemes need to be given reassurances that the schemes they sponsor can survive the downturn, solicitors in Belfast may want to know.... Read more
Government urged to be guarantor of pension schemes
17th February 2009
Solicitors in Northern Ireland dealing with wills, trusts and estate management may be interested to hear that making the government a guarantor could lessen the burden on pension schemes.This is... Read more
Pensioner swindled out of home by son
16th February 2009
A pensioner in Northern Ireland has been forced to seek the services of a solicitor after she was swindled out of her home by her own son and daughter in... Read more
Credit crisis bites into pension schemes
23rd January 2009
Future trust and estate planning in Northern Ireland are likely to be impacted upon by the current credit crisis, which is threatening to destroy salary related pension schemes, a new... Read more
Billions being lost due to poor IHT planning
21st January 2009
Poor inheritance tax (IHT) planning is costing British people close to two billion pounds, solicitors in Northern Ireland may be interested to know.This has been highlighted by independent financial advice... Read more
Shrinking pension values force many to extend retirement
14th January 2009
Future estate planning wills and trusts in Northern Ireland are likely to be impacted upon by the current economic situation, which is shrinking the value of people's pensions and destroying... Read more
Pensioners want state pension doubled
2nd January 2009
Solicitors in Belfast dealing with wills, trusts and estates may want to know that many pensioners in the UK are of the opinion that the basic state pension needs to... Read more
NI pensions cut as government admits to overpayments
17th December 2008
The government has announced that more than 2,000 former public sector workers in Northern Ireland will have their pensions cut in order to make up for past overpayments. It is... Read more
People still in the dark about IHT planning
15th December 2008
Many people are still in the dark about inheritance tax (IHT) as nearly three out of five people are unaware of new rules and the tax implications, research from Standard... Read more
£4bn boost for pensioners announced
15th December 2008
The biggest rise in the basic state pension since 2001 has just been announced, solicitors in Northern Ireland dealing with wills, trust and estates may be interested to hear.From next... Read more
Pensioners lose billions in slump
1st December 2008
Almost £45 billion has been lost by pensioners who were relying on property for retirement as a result of the credit crunch, solicitors in Northern Ireland dealing with trusts and... Read more
Personal Accounts pension a 'disaster'
27th November 2008
Pension industry experts have branded government plans for Personal Accounts in the 2012 pension reforms a disaster in the making, solicitors in Northern Ireland may be interested to know.The proposals... Read more
Pensioners facing 'mounting challenges'
24th November 2008
Wills, trusts and estates may be impacted negatively in the future as many pensioners increasingly retire in debt, solicitors in Northern Ireland may want to know.According to retirement solutions provider... Read more
Ignorance abounds on inheritance tax planning
10th November 2008
New data has revealed that many people in Northern Ireland and the rest of the UK are failing to protect their wealth through effective tax planning.According to new research from... Read more
Use established IHT schemes for inheritance tax planning
22nd October 2008
Any individuals in Northern Ireland considering disposal of assets from their estate have been warned that HM Revenue & Customs can now take longer than 60 days to challenge an... Read more
Intestacy 'no substitute for a will'
4th September 2008
Dying intestate is not a good substitute for a valid will, a legal expert has warned.Individuals in Northern Ireland may be interested to hear that current legal regulations state that... Read more
Labour MP blames lack of support for failure of inheritance tax amendment
9th July 2008
A Labour MP's proposal that siblings should be entitled to the same inheritance tax break as a married couple has been discarded.The Guardian reports that Frank Field's suggested amendment to... Read more
Moves to change sibling inheritance rules
30th June 2008
Cohabiting siblings in Northern Ireland may soon receive the same rights as married and civil partnership couples regarding inheritance tax.An amendment has been proposed to the finance bill by Labour... Read more
Northern Ireland residents 'never too young to write a will'
27th June 2008
It is never too early to visit solicitors to draw up a will, according to Help the Aged.The charity has commented that whether or not to write a will depends... Read more
Civil partnership split warning
20th June 2008
People considering entering into a civil partnership in Northern Ireland should consult solicitors and plan carefully before taking the vows, it has been advised.According to the Law Society, entering into... Read more
Trusts a 'great opportunity' for lessening inheritance tax
3rd June 2008
Well-planned trusts can prove a "very effective way" to reduce inheritance tax liabilities and ensure that as much of your wealth as possible is passed onto the next generation, according... Read more
Wills 'need to be regularly reviewed'
28th May 2008
Wills and trusts need to be regularly reviewed as the inheritance people are able to leave changes, according to the Law Society.The society claims that solicitors need to be consulted... Read more
Care home financial advice 'essential'
14th May 2008
Taking financial advice about retirement and care home provision is "essential", Saga has claimed.The magazine, insurance and holidays provider for the over-50s, has welcomed Gordon Brown's review on social care... Read more
10p tax compensation plan announced
14th May 2008
The chancellor has announced how the government plans to compensate lower-earners after the abolition of the ten pence tax bracket.He told the commons that he will increase the individual personal... Read more
Having a will ensures money passes to correct inheritors
13th May 2008
Making a will is essential for those who want to influence what happens to their estate after they die, a financial expert has advised.David Kuo, head of finance at Fool.co.uk,... Read more
Inheritances twice 1997 level
8th May 2008
More people are liable to inheritance tax (IHT) bills as the average value of an inherited estate has risen to more than twice its 1997 level, according to a new... Read more
IHT problems for unmarried couples
7th May 2008
Co-habiting couples who are not married or in civil partnerships are not entitled to the same inheritance tax (IHT) benefits as those who are, a firm of independent financial advisors... Read more
Sisters lose out in inheritance tax battle
30th April 2008
A pair of co-habiting elderly sisters has been told by the European court of human rights they have not been discriminated against under UK inheritance tax (IHT) regulations.The sisters had... Read more
More inheritance tax bills being reduced by giving money away
24th April 2008
The number of people giving away money before they die in order to reduce the inheritance tax (IHT) bill liable on their death is on the increase, according to Forum... Read more
IHT 'generous' to small businesses
18th February 2008
Solicitors in Belfast and Northern Ireland are often asked to write up wills for small business owners indicating that the family firm will be left to another member.As solicitors will... Read more
IHT 'generous' to small businesses
18th February 2008
Solicitors in Belfast and Northern Ireland are often asked to write up wills for small business owners indicating that the family firm will be left to another member.As solicitors will... Read more
CTFs worth £2.4bn in future
8th February 2008
The first group of children in Britain and Northern Ireland who have been eligible to set up a child trust fund (CTF) through a solicitor are looking at reaping around... Read more
Trust money 'could go to waste'
23rd January 2008
Money in child trust funds (CTFs) set up by solicitors on the birth of a child could go to waste if children in Belfast and Northern Ireland are not educated... Read more
Solicitors 'essential' for co-buyers
14th January 2008
With property prices in Belfast and Northern Ireland remaining high, many people may be tempted to buy a house with other people, but this should be entered into with caution... Read more
IHT planning 'should start early'
9th January 2008
Inheritance Tax (IHT) need not be a burden and though it is advisable to start planning early, it is never too late to begin, financial advisers have said.For homeowners in... Read more
More pensioners in the province
25th October 2007
Solicitors in Northern Ireland are likely to see an increase in the number of people wanting to arrange their will, as national statistics show that there is an increasingly ageing... Read more
More pensioners in the province
25th October 2007
Solicitors in Northern Ireland are likely to see an increase in the number of people wanting to arrange their will, as national statistics show that there is an increasingly ageing... Read more
Widow forced to settle with husband's ex-wife
11th October 2007
Solicitors in Northern Ireland will have watched an unusual case with interest, as a woman whose husband died only hours after they married has been forced to pay £100,000 to... Read more
Widow forced to settle with husband's ex-wife
11th October 2007
Solicitors in Northern Ireland will have watched an unusual case with interest, as a woman whose husband died only hours after they married has been forced to pay £100,000 to... Read more
Darling pledges inheritance tax cut
10th October 2007
Chancellor Alistair Darling has announced that inheritance tax will be cut in his first pre-Budget Report.Solicitors in Northern Ireland may see more clients looking to buy houses as the inheritance... Read more
Ethical CTFs show future thinking
1st October 2007
While most parents do invest money in stakeholder child trust funds (CTFs), Family Investments has said that a long-term investment in the ethical variety is the choice of families looking... Read more
Old wills obstruct new changes
18th September 2007
Solicitors have said that a will should be updated "every time something really significant happens in your life, whether it's a change in family circumstance, change in financial circumstance or,... Read more
Old wills obstruct new changes
18th September 2007
Solicitors have said that a will should be updated "every time something really significant happens in your life, whether it's a change in family circumstance, change in financial circumstance or,... Read more
Wills' importance highlighted
17th September 2007
People in Britain and Northern Ireland should update their wills every time something significant happens in their lives, solicitors Mills Kemp and Brown has advised.A spokesperson for the firm explained... Read more
Upward trend for ethical trusts
13th September 2007
Solicitors in Britain and Northern Ireland are likely to see more clients setting up ethical child trust funds (CTFs), as more people become aware of environmental issues.A CTF is a... Read more
Update your will every five years
11th September 2007
Despite the fact that two thirds of people in Britain and Northern Ireland have no will prepared, experts advise that people should visit their solicitors to update their wills every... Read more
Update your will every five years
11th September 2007
Despite the fact that two thirds of people in Britain and Northern Ireland have no will prepared, experts advise that people should visit their solicitors to update their wills every... Read more
Accountants despair of clients not making wills
24th August 2007
An accountancy firm has publicly denounced the complacency that seems to be sweeping the country after research revealed that only ten per cent of people in Britain and Northern Ireland... Read more
Accountants despair of clients not making wills
24th August 2007
An accountancy firm has publicly denounced the complacency that seems to be sweeping the country after research revealed that only ten per cent of people in Britain and Northern Ireland... Read more
Clever couples can avoid high IHT
7th August 2007
Married couples or those in a civil partnership can help to cut inheritance tax (IHT) by writing a nil rate band discretionary trust will, Willcare has advised. Couples in Britain... Read more
Clever couples can avoid high IHT
7th August 2007
Married couples or those in a civil partnership can help to cut inheritance tax (IHT) by writing a nil rate band discretionary trust will, Willcare has advised. Couples in Britain... Read more
IFA hopes parents will trust in CTFs
3rd August 2007
An independent financial advisor (IFA) has said that the take-up of governmental Child Trust Funds (CTFs) is still disappointingly low but the industry hopes that parents will realise the benefits... Read more
Accountants face greater regulation
30th July 2007
Accountancy services in Britain and Northern Ireland will face greater regulation from December 15th 2007.Companies offering accountancy, tax, audit and insolvency services will be forced to undergo monitoring for compliance... Read more
NI children get less cash
3rd July 2007
Children in Northern Ireland receive less money than their peers in the rest of Britain, it has been revealed.Northern Ireland's Children and Young People Commissioner, Patricia Lewsley, has said that... Read more
Brits 'lacking wills'
26th June 2007
New research has revealed that as many as two in three people do not have a will.According to a study carried out by Barclays Wealth, 63 per cent of people... Read more
Non-working parents can still invest in CTFs
21st June 2007
Family Investments has said that with more parents taking leave from work to look after their newborns, finances may be stretched, but that is no excuse not to build up... Read more
Lords amend pension bill
13th June 2007
Conservative and Liberal Democrat peers have added amendments to the pension bill that could give more support for those whose pension funds went bust before 2005.As the bill moves through... Read more
More laws than ever during Blair years
4th June 2007
Solicitors in Britain and Northern Ireland will have had their work cut out for them over the past decade as statistics show that Tony Blair has passed a record number... Read more
HMRC frustrated by CTF take-up
30th May 2007
After one in five parents failed to invest their Child Trust Fund (CTF) vouchers, HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) has invested the money on parents' behalf.Yet the downside is that... Read more
Solicitors seeing more unusual cases
14th May 2007
Around two million people seek legal advice a year and although some cases will always be in a solicitor's daily remit, people are increasingly seeking advice for more unusual matters.According... Read more
Solicitors seeing more unusual cases
14th May 2007
Around two million people seek legal advice a year and although some cases will always be in a solicitor's daily remit, people are increasingly seeking advice for more unusual matters.According... Read more
More nationals to suffer dementia
4th May 2007
News that dementia in Northern Ireland is expected to increase by over 25 per cent over the next decade means that those approaching senior citizenship should visit their solicitors earlier... Read more
More nationals to suffer dementia
4th May 2007
News that dementia in Northern Ireland is expected to increase by over 25 per cent over the next decade means that those approaching senior citizenship should visit their solicitors earlier... Read more
HMRC issues children's trust advice
30th April 2007
As this year's Baby Show embarks on a tour of the UK, HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) has issued advice to parents about the benefits of Child Trust Funds and... Read more
Expert says nil-band rate case proves zero
19th April 2007
After a nil-band rate trust was ruled invalid by tax commissioners, many had feared that this method of cutting inheritance tax (IHT) would not work, but a leading expert has... Read more
Over 60s maintain SSIA savings
16th April 2007
Thirty-four per cent of Northern Ireland's over 60s plan to save the money they will receive when their Special Savings Incentive Accounts (SSIAs) mature, according to a study by the... Read more
OAPs not claiming their cash
12th April 2007
Thousands of pensioners in Northern Ireland are failing to claim benefits that are rightfully theirs, according to charity Age Concern.Belfast Today reports that the charity's research reveals that 21 per... Read more
Child Trust Funds hit record highs
3rd April 2007
More than 2.6 million children now have a trust fund set up for them, the government has revealed.The economic secretary, Ed Balls, announced that three quarters of parents in Britain... Read more
Beat the 'death duty' through giving
2nd April 2007
On April 6th the new inheritance tax (IHT) nil band rate will jump to £300,000, meaning that now may be the time for some shrewd gifting.As the new rate comes... Read more
Aged could help the young
30th March 2007
The Pensioners' Income Series 2005/6 has revealed that the average income of UK pensioners has risen to £292 a week - an increase of 27 per cent over a decade.Published... Read more
Aged could help the young
30th March 2007
The Pensioners' Income Series 2005/6 has revealed that the average income of UK pensioners has risen to £292 a week - an increase of 27 per cent over a decade.Published... Read more
More NI over-90s than ever
28th March 2007
The number of people in Northern Ireland who are aged 90 or more has seen an unprecedented rise over the last decade, according to government statistics.An estimated 8,300 citizens aged... Read more
More NI over-90s than ever
28th March 2007
The number of people in Northern Ireland who are aged 90 or more has seen an unprecedented rise over the last decade, according to government statistics.An estimated 8,300 citizens aged... Read more
HMRC confirm IHT will not hit children's trusts
27th March 2007
Solicitors and insurers have welcomed ultimate confirmation from HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) that gifts in trusts left to minors will not be subject to inheritance tax (IHT) charges.Convoluted changes... Read more
NI couples tie the knot younger
26th March 2007
Couples in Northern Ireland get engaged and married younger than anywhere else in the UK, a new study has shown.A survey commissioned by wedding suppliers Wedding Invitation UK shows that... Read more
NI couples tie the knot younger
26th March 2007
Couples in Northern Ireland get engaged and married younger than anywhere else in the UK, a new study has shown.A survey commissioned by wedding suppliers Wedding Invitation UK shows that... Read more
Make the most of your nil rate band
23rd March 2007
With the Budget announcement that the inheritance tax (IHT) threshold will be raised progressively until it reaches £350,000 in 2010, homeowners across Britain and Northern Ireland should be updating their... Read more
Make the most of your nil rate band
23rd March 2007
With the Budget announcement that the inheritance tax (IHT) threshold will be raised progressively until it reaches £350,000 in 2010, homeowners across Britain and Northern Ireland should be updating their... Read more
Inheritance 'vital financial support'
13th March 2007
An increasing number of people across the UK and Northern Ireland are planning to fall back on inheritance windfalls to support them and their children, it has been claimed.Solicitors in... Read more
Charman settlement could set a precedent
9th March 2007
Solicitors and financial advisers alike are eagerly watching the unfolding of the Charman divorce case, currently being heard in the Court of Appeal. The final ruling on the case, which... Read more
Young people unwilling to make a will
6th March 2007
The fact that only thirty per cent of adults in the UK and Northern Ireland have a will, findings of a survey by Will Aid, begs questions about which sections... Read more
Young people unwilling to make a will
6th March 2007
The fact that only thirty per cent of adults in the UK and Northern Ireland have a will, findings of a survey by Will Aid, begs questions about which sections... Read more
Will-writing essential for unmarried couples
5th March 2007
Solicitors would advise that an accurate and current will is essential in passing on inheritance to a partner to whom you are not married.The latest survey by Will Aid has... Read more
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