Amanda Voakes

For many people, there unfortunately comes a time whereby they no longer have the mental capacity to handle their own affairs, whether due to old age, injury, or illness. To prepare for these potential circumstances, having a Lasting Power of Attorney in...

Accidents can happen to anyone at any time, and sometimes these accidents can result in individuals losing the ability to make their own decisions. In such cases, the Court of Protection in the UK steps in to protect the interests of these vulnerable...

Three children have won a share of their father’s £700,000 estate after a hard-fought case that reached the High Court in London. The siblings took action when their father Kenneth Grizzle died and they found they were excluded from his...

Professionals working with the elderly and vulnerable are raising concerns over future safeguarding following a dramatic fall in the number of lasting powers of attorneys registered during the coronavirus pandemic. Figures from the Office of the Public...

Nobody likes to think about a time when they are no longer around and talking to loved ones about what you would like to happen after you pass away may seem morbid or unnecessary. However, talking about financial and practical matters can help put your mind...

Legal issues involving predatory marriages have resurfaced in the news recently. Calls to change the law to better protect victims and their families are building momentum, spearheaded by Daphne Franks whose mother, Joan Blass, was a victim of a predatory...

A judicial decision has seen the late Duke of Edinburgh’s Will sealed for 90 years, and the value of the estate excluded from the grant of probate. The ruling highlights an often-overlooked fact, which is that a Will, setting out how an...

The International Day of Charity is an annual event that took place on 5 September, but did you know that one of the best ways to support a charity is to leave them a gift in your Will? Many charities in the UK rely on donations left behind by their...

As part of inheritance tax planning, or simply as part of passing on wealth to the next generation, you may consider gifting money or property to family or friends. However, there are several things you need to know about gifting and inheritance tax. In this...

It is possible to make a Power of Attorney online, but whether you should is an entirely different matter. The process of making a Power of Attorney seems straightforward, but for those who are unfamiliar with the process, there are many potential pitfalls...

If you are thinking about writing a Will , you may have considered doing it yourself. There are many templates and tools available online, along with vast amounts of information about the law and how to go about writing your own Will. However, there are...

When someone you love has passed away, the last thing you might be thinking about is debt. However, there are many misconceptions about debt and inheritance and it is essential to understand your position. Many people that when a person dies, the debt dies...

Internet shopping may have boomed during lockdown, but many people have spent less than usual while forced to stay home, and those with spare money have an opportunity to make the most of inheritance tax reliefs on gifts to family and friends if they act...

Inheritance disputes may have risen in response to soaring property prices, second marriages and blended families, with relatives more likely to feel they are missing out, but the courts are pushing back on frivolous claims and obstructive family...

Millions of couples across the UK are choosing to forego marriage and live as cohabitees . However, without proper estate planning, they could be putting their finances at risk. Unlike their married counterparts, unmarried couples have no automatic right to...

The value of our online lives is becoming immeasurable, yet few people are recording or protecting their digital assets. Whether the financial value of investments or the emotional value of family photos, if there is no arrangement in place to hand on...

There is no denying that 2020 is a year which will go down in history - for many reasons. The global pandemic, Brexit, and the fallout from these events has had a significant impact on many areas of our lives. These events may have far-reaching implications...

Experts are warning against self-directed videos following the announcement by the Government that legislation is to be introduced in September to allow Wills to be signed remotely using a live video link. While the coronavirus pandemic...

Chattertons Solicitors Private Client team continue to support individuals with putting in place or reviewing Wills, Powers of Attorney and the administration of estates during the coronavirus crisis. We are following Government...