The government plans significant rises in probate fees charges after death. The government is in consultation to introduce a new fee structure for probate applications. The current fees charged for a grant of probate are fixed at £215 if the application is made by an individual and £155 where it is made by a solicitor. […]

The changes to inheritance tax will mean family members may be able to inherit as much as £1 million from 2020 without paying 40 per cent inheritance tax – so long as the estate goes to children or grandchildren. The current position  Everyone is currently entitled to pass on £325,000 of wealth tax free, regardless […]

A cohabiting partner who had lived with partner for 18 years, but not married has won a surprise victory in the county court. Joy Williams and Norman Martin lived together but Mr Martin failed to update his will to reflect his relationship with Ms Williams. On his death, Mr Martin’s estranged wife was entitled to […]

In his Autumn Statement last week, George Osborne announced the introduction of an additional levy in respect of Stamp Duty Land Tax (SDLT), which will increase the cost for those buying a buy-to-let property or second home from April 2016. All residential property transactions up to now have been subject to the same tax calculation. […]