Many people assume that once they sell their home, move into care, or downsize to a smaller property, they lose their right to the Residence Nil Rate Band (RNRB) – the valuable inheritance tax allowance available when an estate is left to direct descendants. This is not the case. Thanks to a rule called the…
Grief is hard enough; probate shouldn’t add to it When a loved one passes away, the last thing you need is a maze of legal paperwork and tax obligations. At Garner & Hancock, our probate solicitors step in with calm expertise, guiding you through the process with care, clarity, and compassion. Below, we answer common…
Lasting Power of Attorney Fee Increases and Business Property Relief Changes: What Families and Business Owners Need to Know in 2025 Two major legal and tax changes are set to affect families across England and Wales. First, the cost of applying for a Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA) will increase in November 2025. Second, the…
When preparing for the future, one of the most powerful legal tools available is a Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA). This document allows you to appoint someone you trust to make decisions on your behalf should you lose the mental capacity to make them yourself. But what if you don’t have a spouse, children, close family…
In recent years, more families have been opening joint bank accounts with elderly parents to help manage their finances. “It seems like a simple and practical solution, making it easier for children to step in and assist with banking. This avoids the hassle of trips to the branch or complicated online services. At first glance,…
In the UK, you can choose to distribute your estate however you like, even if that means disinheriting your spouse. This concept is known as testamentary freedom. However, this doesn’t mean your spouse is left without options. Under the Inheritance (Provision for Family and Dependants) Act 1975, a spouse can challenge the will if they…
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