Planning for the future is very important, often we all leave things too late. Peace of mind is something that is hard to place a value on.
In addition to advising on inheritance tax issues (see the Wills section) we can assist you with income tax and capital gains tax. We can help you complete your self assessment tax return and ensure that all of the appropriate exemptions and reliefs have been claimed for you.
Here are just some of the things we can advise you on :-
Lasting Powers of Attorney
Lasting Powers of Attorney make it possible to appoint a person of your own choosing to administer your affairs in the event of mental incapacity. Illness/incapacity can affect people of any age and a sudden decline in health is often not anticipated.
Deputyship Orders
Where someone lacks capacity to make decisions of their own, the Court of Protection may appoint someone to act as a Deputy (often a close family member) to deal with the day to day running of that person’s property and financial affairs/health and welfare. However, such Orders are more restrictive and expensive to put in place than Lasting Powers of Attorney.
Long Term Care Planning
It's hard to imagine not being able to live in your own home, and look after yourself. Planning at the right time to make sure any care you may need in the future is covered without having to sell your home is important for some people. Find out more about the rules about paying for a permanent care home place.
Living Wills
A Living Will can record your wishes, with respect to certain medical procedures that are/are not to be employed on loss of mental capacity ("advanced directive"). Alternatively, a Living Will can record your beliefs on such procedures for the family to consider should a difficult decision with regard to your health have to be made ("non-advanced directive").
Inheritance Tax Planning
When trying to minimise the inheritance tax payable on your estate by your beneficiaries, there are many different options, depending on the circumstances. Subject to your particular situation, the size of your estate and various other factors, we can provide you with a list of options and their pros and cons.
Trusts
A Trust is a fund which contains assets that are controlled by you and/or a nominated third party for the benefit of a specific individual(s). They are governed by complex legal regulations and separate tax rules. A Trust can be set up at any time during the lifetime of an individual to become operative immediately or, not until your death.
Guardians
If you have young children, you should consider appointing guardians to take care of them if you die while they are still young. Even if you have "god parents" we all know that the choice of god parent is sometimes an emotional decision made a specific time. This is usually done whilst making your Will.