Blog
May 2021
An LPA could help protect vulnerable people against bank fraud
Bank fraud is an increasing problem - particularly during the pandemic. It’s difficult enough to navigate new online or remote services that we’re not used to, but if you’re not of sound mind it is even harder. If you are an attorney or deputy responsible for someone who is vulnerable, there are a few things you can do to protect yourself, and them.
May 2021
What type of Will is best for you
When embarking on having a will prepared, it is tempting and understandable to say that one wants a simple will only because one’s affairs are straightforward and there is nothing that is complicated. That would certainly be the case in many cases, but that may not be the case in others.
Apr 2021
The pension pay due to tens of thousands of women - make sure you claim what’s yours
Hundreds of women on state pension living on menial amounts could be entitled to back-dated claims worth thousands, according to a recent report.
Apr 2021
What has the pandemic done to the housing market?
We've seen the numerous headlines about how the Stamp Duty holiday has spurred many people into moving house. But, it seems the benefits are more than just financial - and it seems many are trading up lifestyles as well as their homes.
Apr 2021
Costs of care: Your questions answered
We are often approached with questions relating to care and the mounting costs associated with independent living or going into a care home. We’ve addressed some of the common questions.
Apr 2021
Do you need to offer enhanced shared parental leave pay?
When shared parental leave was introduced in 2015, one of the concerns was whether an employer would need to offer enhanced shared parental leave pay if the employer provided enhanced adoption and/or maternity leave pay.
Apr 2021
Getting a joint account with children will not get around an LPA
Someone approached me recently and said they’d been thinking about some later life planning - always music to my ears. However, this individual said they didn’t feel ready for a Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA) and neither did their son, and asked if a joint bank account would instead provide an alternative solution. On the surface, this seemed acceptable, but from a legal perspective, it could prove to be a minefield.
Mar 2021
The Universal fraudsters strike again - but it could be possible to recover assets
Way back in 2018, we reported the case of Universal Wealth - a company owned by Melanie and Steve Long, who faced fraud charges after they set up a scheme designed to avoid paying care fees and simplify the administration of an estate. Instead, all it did was leave people out of pocket.
Mar 2021
Could the UK housing market see strong growth in coming years?
Property prices have continued to climb during the pandemic and many industry experts are wondering if market conditions are sustainable post-Covid. Early signs show that despite a stall in 2021, there are brighter skies ahead.
Mar 2021
The Kate Garraway story that brought home the reality of planning ahead
If you were one of many who turned in to Good Morning Britain presenter Kate Garraway's heart-breaking story about her husband's battle with Coronavirus, like me, you were probably sympathising with Kate and admiring her for her honesty. However, I think this has made us think about the need to plan ahead and about our own circumstances and how we would cope in similar circumstances.
