We examine what property fraud means, when property is most likely to be targeted, and how to best protect your property from the fraudsters.
Making an Inheritance Act Claim
Where a person is not left any money by a loved one after they pass away, either because the deceased died without making a will, or they simply left them out of any will, that person may still be entitled to make a claim against the deceased’s estate. This is known as an Inheritance Act claim.
What is an Inheritance Act claim?
Under the provisions of the Inheritance (Provision for Family and Dependants) Act 1975, the court can vary the distribution of the deceased’s estate so as to make financial provision for certain family members and dependants.
This includes where financial provision has already been made for a person under the terms of a written will or the rules of intestacy, but such provision is not sufficient to meet their needs in the foreseeable future.
The court has a wide discretion to redistribute the deceased’s assets, with the power to grant regular payments, a single lump sum or even the transfer of property to a successful applicant.
Who can bring an Inheritance Act claim?
Under the 1975 Act these types of claims are not necessarily limited to the deceased’s next of kin or dependant children. A person may be eligible to make a claim for financial provision where s/he is:
The deceased’s spouse or civil partner, or former spouse or civil partner, as long as s/he has not remarried or entered into a subsequent civil partnership
Any person cohabiting with the deceased for at least two years prior to their death
A child of the deceased, including adult children
Any person treated as a child by the deceased, including adopted or stepchildren
Any person who, immediately before the death of the deceased, was being maintained by them.
How will the court assess an Inheritance Act claim?
The court will make an order where it is satisfied that the disposition of the deceased’s estate effected by his/her will, or the law relating to intestacy, is not such so as to make reasonable financial provision for the applicant.
A spouse or civil partner will be entitled to such financial provision as is reasonable in all the circumstances, “whether or not that provision is required for his or her maintenance”.
Other family members or dependants will be entitled to such reasonable financial provision as is necessary for their maintenance, insofar as the estate can provide it.
Although more favourable financial provision is likely to be made for a spouse or civil partner, this should not dissuade other eligible family members from bringing an Inheritance Act claim.
When considering a claim, the court will have regard to a number of factors, including the following:
The financial resources and needs of any applicant(s)
The financial resources and needs of any beneficiary
Any obligations and responsibilities the deceased had towards the applicant(s) or any beneficiary
The size and nature of the deceased’s estate
Any physical or mental disability suffered by the applicant(s) or any beneficiary
Any other matter, including the conduct of the applicant(s), or any other person, that the court may consider relevant.
How do I make an Inheritance Act claim?
When making an Inheritance Act claim, expert legal advice should always be sought. The law can be complex and the time limits are strict. You have just six months from the date of the grant of representation or probate within which to issue proceedings.
Although, in exceptional circumstances, it may be possible to extend the time limit, any delay could be potentially fatal to a claim.
Rise in inheritance disputes blamed on DIY wills
Cupcake Day
We’re delighted to be taking part in Cupcake Day in aid of the Alzheimer’s Society next Thursday 13th June.
For more information visit https://cupcakeday.alzheimers.org.uk/home and look out for our cupcake photos next week!
Poorly drafted restrictive covenants can cause Supreme problems!
Heads of Terms in commercial property transactions
Cyber Essentials Plus
Vacancy: Residential Paralegal - Preston
Term: Permanent
Job title: Residential Paralegal
Working hours: Full-time
Location: Preston
Salary range: Competitive with Bonus Scheme
As one of the area’s longest established firms of Solicitors, BSG are privileged to act for a diverse and longstanding client base often dealing with many generations of families.
We have a very low staff turnover due to our relaxed, flexible and friendly working environment with excellent career progression opportunities.
Our Property team are now looking to recruit a paralegal with proven residential experience of not less than 1 year to join the team. The ideal candidate would also have commercial property experience but it is not essential.
Key responsibilities
Support the team with a broad ranging Conveyancing caseload.
Communicate effectively with clients, third parties and team members
Liaise with agents and introducers as to progress of transactions.
Keep clients updated on their conveyancing transaction, prepare documents and deal with post-exchange and completion matters.
This role will also provide you with the opportunity to manage your own caseload of conveyancing files.
Knowledge, skills and qualifications
Minimum of 1 years residential experience
Knowledge of the procedure and documentation in relation to sales, purchases, mortgages and re-mortgages, flats and leasehold property purchases and buy to lets
Able to work on own initiative and as part of a team.
Effective oral and written communication skills.
Good IT skills
Effective prioritisation with ability to meet deadlines and manage time effectively.
To apply:
To apply for this position please submit your CV and covering letter to rl@bsglaw.co.uk
No recruitment agencies please.
Vacancy: Residential Paralegal - Lancaster
Term: Permanent
Job title: Residential Paralegal
Working hours: Full-time
Role: Residential
Location: Lancaster
Salary range: Competitive with Bonus Scheme
As one of the area’s longest established firms of Solicitors, BSG are privileged to act for a diverse and longstanding client base often dealing with many generations of families.
We have a very low staff turnover due to our relaxed, flexible and friendly working environment with excellent career progression opportunities.
Our Property team are now looking to recruit a paralegal with proven residential experience of not less than 1 year to join the team. The ideal candidate would also have commercial property experience but it is not essential.
Key responsibilities
Support the team with a broad ranging Conveyancing caseload
Communicate effectively with clients, third parties and team member
Liaise with agents and introducers as to progress of transactions
Keep clients updated on their conveyancing transaction, prepare documents and deal with post-exchange and completion matters
This role will also provide you with the opportunity to manage your own caseload of conveyancing files
Knowledge, skills and qualifications
Minimum of 1 years residential experience
Knowledge of the procedure and documentation in relation to sales, purchases, mortgages and re-mortgages, flats and leasehold property purchases and buy to lets
Able to work on own initiative and as part of a team
Effective oral and written communication skills
Good IT skills
Effective prioritisation with ability to meet deadlines and manage time effectively
To apply:
To apply for this position please submit your CV and covering letter to rl@bsglaw.co.uk
No recruitment agencies please.
Legally reducing your inheritance tax liability
As the law currently stands in the UK, inheritance tax will be payable on your estate, typically at a rate of 40%, on anything over and above the threshold of £325,000. This is known as the nil-rate band. As such, if the net value of your estate falls well below this threshold, your worldly wealth can be left to your loved ones entirely tax-free.
