The Importance of having a Will | Don't leave it to chance
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Anna O'Mara
- 9 Jul 2025
- Law Blog
- Wills, Trusts & Probate
At Sills & Betteridge, our Wills, Trusts and Probate team consistently emphasise the importance of having a valid Will in place. A professionally and independently drafted Will ensures that your estate is managed according to your wishes after your death, providing clarity and peace of mind for your loved ones. The critical need for this is currently being highlighted by a Radio 4 series, Shadow World: The Grave Robbers, which shows the serious complications that can arise when someone passes away without a Will. Award-winning investigative reporter Sue Mitchell reveals how gangs operating in the UK are illegally taking assets from people who die without a recent will.
Read moreThe Final Act of Ken Dodd: What It Teaches Us About Inheritance Tax and Estate Planning
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Anna O'Mara
- 30 Jun 2025
- Law Blog
- Wills, Trusts & Probate
Estate planning is a vital component of financial management, especially for individuals with substantial assets. One of the most significant considerations in this process is Inheritance Tax (IHT), which can substantially reduce the value of an estate passed on to beneficiaries. The story of Sir Ken Dodd, the famous British comedian, provides a compelling example of how timely legal decisions can dramatically influence the tax implications of an estate.
Read moreIt is never too early to make a Will
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Anna O'Mara
- 13 May 2025
- Law Blog
- Wills, Trusts & Probate
Former One Direction star Liam Payne's untimely death highlights the importance of estate planning. Probate documents show that with a £24 million fortune and no Will, Liam's estate will be handled according to the intestacy rules. This means his son will inherit everything, and his ex-partner Cheryl Tweedy will manage the estate alongside another individual. However, this might not reflect Liam's wishes, particularly regarding his partner, Kate Cassidy, and other family members.
Read moreMcClures Family Protection Trusts – Are You One of the Thousands Affected?
- 7 Feb 2025
- Law Blog
- Wills, Trusts & Probate
McClures Solicitors, a firm of solicitors originally based in Scotland, went into administration in 2021. Since then, concerns have been raised over problems arising from the legal work completed by the firm.
Read moreThe Impact of the 2024 Budget on Your Estate Planning
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Andrew Durkan
- 11 Nov 2024
- Law Blog
- Wills, Trusts & Probate
The latest UK budget introduced several measures that may significantly impact your estate planning, with implications for Inheritance Tax (IHT), Capital Gains Tax (CGT) and pension transfers. These changes may affect the way you manage your estate, make tax-efficient transfers to beneficiaries, or utilise reliefs and exemptions effectively.
Read moreCelebrating 2 Years at Fieldside, Thorne!
- 21 Oct 2024
- Firm News
- Wills, Trusts & Probate
- Residential Property
- Divorce & Separation News and Legal Updates
Sills & Betteridge Incorporating Bridge Sanderson Munro are marking 2 years since their relocation from Finkle Street to Fieldside this month, with an invitation to local charities to apply for a donation.
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