The Duchy of Cornwall has recently been in the news after announcing plans to sell around 20% of its property portfolio over the next 10 years. The Duchy, which provides a private income of more than £20 million a year to Prince William in his role as the Prince of Read more…
Recent guidance from the Law Society of England and Wales has highlighted growing concern around changes to pensions due to come into effect on 6 April 2027, which would make personal representatives responsible for paying inheritance tax (IHT) on a deceased person’s pension assets. Personal representatives have a duty to Read more…
Ahead of World Vacant Homes Day on 8th October, we are highlighting some of the issues that stop properties from being lived in, particularly the probate paralysis, and what can be done by families, local authorities, and professionals to help unlock these homes for the benefit of local communities. The Read more…
When a loved one passes away, handling their estate is one of the most sensitive and complex tasks a person can face. In recent years, some people have opted to take on this responsibility themselves known as ‘DIY probate’. While this may seem like a cost-effective solution, it can be Read more…
The Inheritance Tracing Team at Taylor Emmet are sadly no strangers to the disturbing rise in probate fraud. A recent BBC investigation has laid bare how criminals are exploiting loopholes in the probate process in order to steal millions from the estates of the deceased. But what’s more troubling is Read more…
When someone dies without a will, they are said to have died “intestate.” In England and Wales, the laws of intestacy determine how their estate is divided among surviving family members. These laws, which date back many years have evolved over time, but they do not account for the diverse Read more…
In 2024 the UK experienced a significant surge in repossession claims, marking a concerning trend for homeowners, landlords, and tenants alike. The increase is likely a consequence of economic pressures, high interest rates, policy changes, and the legacy of the pandemic. It can also occur where the property owner has Read more…
Under existing intestacy laws, biological children automatically inherit from a deceased parent who dies without leaving a surviving spouse or civil partner. Even if a parent dies without a will leaving a surviving spouse or civil partner, the biological children are typically entitled to share the estate alongside the surviving Read more…
When someone passes away without a valid will, their estate is distributed according to the rules of intestacy. In England and Wales, these rules can lead to unexpected outcomes and are often misunderstood. This blog post aims to clarify some of the common misconceptions about intestate estates. Misconception 1: The Read more…
The process of certifying deaths in England and Wales will be subject to a significant transformation starting on 9th September 2024. These reforms, driven by the need for greater accuracy, transparency, and efficiency, mark a new era in the way deaths are recorded and scrutinised. What is the driving force Read more…