The law which sets out how a Will is to be signed in order for it to be valid stems back to 1837 The Wills Act 1837 sets out that for a Will to be valid it must be signed in the presence of two independent adult witnesses, if this is not complied with the […]
Acting as a deputy or an attorney is an onerous task in the best of times and has become more difficult recently.
Dying Matters awareness week 2020 runs from 11th May to 17th May. This year’s theme is ‘Dying to be heard.’ Starting a conversation about death is never easy, especially with someone who is terminally ill or elderly, but we will all die one day. Having a conversation about death will not bring death any closer. […]
The Office of the Public Guardian has provided this guidance during the coronavirus outbreak You may not think that now is the best time to consider making a Lasting Power of Attorney given the current Coronavirus measures. However, you should never delay planning ahead for your future and the Office of the Public Guardian has […]
Changes to Inheritance Tax procedures following Coronavirus measures At Cunningtons, we welcome the changes that HM Revenue and Customs have announced in an attempt to minimise delays during the Coronavirus lockdown. Cheques and repayments HMRC will no longer be accepting cheques to pay inheritance tax, payments must now be made in one of the ways […]
Current laws regarding the signing of Wills have been in place since 1837 Section 3 of the Wills Act 1837 sets out that no Will shall be valid unless: it is in writing, and signed by the testator, or by some other person in their presence and by their direction; and it appears that the […]
Free Wills from Cunningtons for over 55s this March During the month of March 2020, Cunningtons Solicitors LLP will be taking part in Free Wills Month. Free Wills Month is organised by a number of different charities; the scheme is designed to reinforce the need for everyone to have a professionally-drawn up Will, while raising […]
Currently, in England and Wales only those who are married or civil partners do not have any inheritance tax to pay on assets left to them by their spouse. Any other class of people who live together do not enjoy the same inheritance rights and can potentially see an inheritance tax bill of 40% of […]
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 disputes 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 […]