The High Court has found in favour of an 83-year-old widow who contested the will of her husband of 66 years, awarding her a share of his estate, valued at more than £1 million. In…
What does it mean to be an executor of a will?
The executor of a will is a person responsible for dealing with the estate of a deceased person. The executor is named by the person making the will, the testator, as being responsible for dealing…
Could gifting money to your family lead to unexpected tax bills?
The rules on inheritance tax are not simple, and with an increasing number of people making plans to pass money on to their children and grandchildren, there are several considerations to be aware of to…
Hutchinson Thomas recognised in this year’s Legal 500
We are very proud to announce that, once again, Hutchinson Thomas is one of a limited number of firms in Wales to be recognised in the latest Legal 500 rankings – the largest and most…
Important case highlights the complexities of probate law
One of our partners, Simon Thomas – ACTAPS member and specialist in contentious probate and trusts here at Hutchinson Thomas, was involved (successfully instructing the defendant) in a highly unusual and complex case which was…
What you need to know when dealing with probate property
Understanding the intricacies of probate can be a complicated business – particularly when applied to a property following the death of a loved one. What are the things to consider, and pitfalls to avoid, when…
New law will assist families of missing loved ones
A new law is set to come into force on 31 July 2019 that will help families of loved ones who have been missing for 90 days or more. The Guardianship (Missing Persons) Act, known…
DIY wills: are they really the easy option?
Do it yourself (DIY) wills have become more and more popular over recent years. Yet with their popularity has come a rise in contentious will and probate matters. The legal requirements of a will are…
Inconsistencies in out of time Inheritance Act claims
There has been much confusion of late concerning the Inheritance (provision for family and dependents) Act 1975, following two recent cases that saw differing judgements regarding out of time claims. There is a strict six-month…
Changes to probate fees: soaring fees and upfront payments could leave many in financial hardship
From April 2019, there will be changes to probate fees in England and Wales, the government has announced. The changes, which will see a new fee structure implemented, are said to leave many out of…