Category: Private Client

Mehboob Dharamsi Jul 2023

Q&A: Have I set up my children for a tax double-whammy?

Q: A few years ago I gifted my children my house - but now I’m worried I may be leaving them with a large tax bill.

I’m in my 70s and I live alone as my husband passed away in 2015. Shortly after, I decided to gift my house to my children for two reasons. First, I wanted them to benefit from my assets on my passing away, but I also wanted to protect them from paying Inheritance Tax.

Liz Dalgetty Jul 2023

Is your equity release plan stopping you from leaving an inheritance?

When we retire, many of us want to use some of the cash tied up in our home to enjoy life. Whether it’s going on that once-in-a-lifetime holiday or helping family members with a step onto the housing ladder, our reasons for using equity release are varied - but you might also want to watch out if you want to leave an inheritance.

Jenna Hopkins Jun 2023

Wills and blended families: is there a perfect recipe?

It’s true you can't please everyone, but it’s even more difficult for blended families - so when it comes to planning your will, how can you make sure everyone is happy?

Liz Dalgetty May 2023

Have you overpaid your inheritance tax bill?

Probate is complicated and because of the associated costs it can be tempting to try and do it yourself. However, we find in most cases, people pay too much tax because they are not claiming the reliefs available to them.

Liz Dalgetty May 2023

A widow wins £1m after being disinherited from her husband's will

A long court case has ended in a result for an 88-year-old, who's deceased husband left his estate to his two sons - leaving his wife of 66 years and two daughters were excluded.

Mehboob Dharamsi May 2023

Reasons why writing a will is the best pain relief

Here at Down’s we’re strong advocates for will writing - it’s probably one of the most important documents you’ll ever need, yet less than half of all UK adults actually have one. But why? Yes, none of us actually like to talk about death, but if you don’t have a will, you’re just creating unwarranted issues for your friends and family - and here’s just a few reasons why.

Liz Dalgetty Apr 2023

Radio 4 presenter's diagnosis a reminder to get affairs in order

BBC presenter and much-loved voice of Radio 4, Susan Rae, has just gone public with her Alzheimer's diagnosis - and with it the stark reminder came through of the importance of planning for later life.

Liz Dalgetty Mar 2023

Q&A: Why are we waiting?

Q: I recently lost my father after a short battle with cancer. He was my mother’s full time carer, she has very advanced Alzheimer’s. Both my parents' wills and Lasting Powers of Attorney are straight forward, which offered some relief after an emotional few months. However, while some organisations are working seamlessly with us, others are making it much more difficult - like my mother’s bank. So far it has taken us more than six months to get them to recognise my mother’s LPA. Why is it taking so long? The stress is really taking its toll on my family.

Jenna Hopkins Mar 2023

Can I leave my pet in a will?

Q: I am in my late 70s and own a dog. I am worried about what will happen to her if I’m not around to look after her - what can I do?

Liz Dalgetty Mar 2023

People are opting for holidays over funerals - and we can see why

According to SunLife insurance, average funeral costs hit £4,000 last year and with the cost of living increasing, many people are choosing to leave the money they would be spending on a good send off to their families instead.