Blogs
Facing Dementia…
There are over 850,000 people in the UK suffering from dementia- a figure set to rise to one million in 2025 due to our increasing life expectancy. Diagnosis at any age can be devastating for the patient, their friends and their family. But there are steps that can...
What happens to pensions on divorce?
Along with the house, the pension pot is one of the largest financial assets in the family. You & your spouse might have a mix of his, hers, theirs, and yours but all need to be correctly valued and assessed within the context of an emotional and economic family...
Lease Extensions
If you own a leasehold property in England, it’s essential to know the terms of your lease and how long it’s valid for. Most residential leases have a lifespan of 99 to 125 years, and if you’ve owned your property for a while, the lease may be approaching its end...
Is Capital gains Tax payable upon separation?
At the moment, separating couples have until the end of the tax year in which they separate to transfer assets including property other than the main residence without incurring CGT. This means that tax on any gains resulting from the transfer are not payable until...
What is a life interest trust?
Life interest trusts are often created to protect assets that will ultimately go to your children, while still allowing your spouse or partner to benefit from those assets. These types of trusts are even more common between couples who have been previously married,...
The importance of updating the Land Registry
As a property owner, it is important that the Land Registry is kept up to date with your details and contact information. This helps to prevent fraud and simplifies future conveyancing. There are several key times when the Land Registry should be told that your...
Can Directors be held liable for a company’s conduct?
You may be aware that a company has a separate legal personality from its shareholders and directors. Just like a person, a company can own property, enter into contracts, borrow money, sue and be sued. But does this mean that directors can never be held liable for...
Death and Taxes
There are two certainties in life - death and taxes. Sometimes at the same time. How lucky we are. Yes, inheritance tax or IHT is the one we love to hate and HMRC are cracking down on bereaved families who fail to pay the correct amount following their loved ones...
What Happens to a Joint Mortgage When You Divorce or Separate?
Nothing happens to your mortgage when you divorce or separate. It doesn’t change. All parties on a joint mortgage are jointly and severally liable for making sure the full capital and interest payments are made every month, irrespective of who lives in the property or...