In the event an individual dies in England and Wales without a Will or their Will only disposes of part of their assets then their residuary estate (or the undisposed part of) will fall under the Rules of Intestacy. The current Rules of Intestacy came into force on 1st October 2014 and under these Rules, […]
Inheritance Tax or ‘the dreaded tax’ as it’s sometimes known continues to rise, with HMRC receiving £5.4 billion in 2018/19, compared to £5.2 billion the previous year. A review of inheritance tax by the Office of Tax Simplification (OTS), requested by Chancellor Philip Hammond, has suggested several changes to make Inheritance Tax on gifts to […]
You can rely on receiving an inheritance you’ve been led to expect all your life. What are your options is you end up feeling disinherited? We talk you through your rights in these circumstances.
Since Cunningtons started supporting Will Aid we have raised an incredible £11,387 for nine Will Aid Charities which benefit from the scheme run during the month of November. Will Aid is a British Charity Will writing scheme designed to reinforce the need for everyone to have their professionally drawn up Will to raise money for […]
DIY Is Not Always The Best Way Forward The number of cases being heard in the High Court relating to inheritance dispute has risen sharply in recent years from 227 in 2018 to 368 in 2019, largely as a result of DIY Wills which are riddled with errors. These have usually been drafted by people […]
Wintertime can be a very difficult time for the elderly who are more vulnerable in the winter months. It is a sad fact that every year approximately 20,000 more people aged 65 years or over die during the winter months. Ways to assist the elderly: Keep an eye out for illness or unusual behaviour Keep […]
The recent judgment by the Supreme Court on the Illot versus The Blue Cross and others case was a triumph for charities named in Wills. This judgment finally marks the end of a legal battle that has been raging since 2004. It was also a blow to adult non-dependent children of the deceased who wish […]
Solicitor Bryony Wilmshurst from Braintree issues warning about the Government’s online tool for Lasting Powers of Attorney (LPAs). LPA tool leaving people at risk of financial abuse and fraud A coalition of organisations including Solicitors for the Elderly (SFE), Action on Elder Abuse, Anchor, Contact the Elderly and SOLLA are backing the new report Solicitor Bryony Ruth Wilmshurst from Cunningtons Solicitors LLP based […]
85% in the East of England leave life-changing decisions in the hands of strangers Alarming new report reveals people in the East of England leaving major decisions about housing, assets and care to chance 87% want loved ones to make decisions in the event of illness or accident – but only 7% have created a lasting power of […]