Category: Private Client
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. Even if one’s matters are simple and straightforward, there might still be the need to reflect on that. So, what is the type of will that is most suitable for you and what are the options. There are possibly three types of will which are explained below. It is intended to provide a few basic pointers for you to consider, to assist you in concluding a will that best fits your circumstances and in the interest of your estate and your beneficiaries.
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
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 below:
Apr 2021
Getting a joint account with children will not get around an LPA
As well as this individual, let’s call her Mrs Jones, and her son not being ready for an LPA, Mrs Jones’ concerns were around what would happen to her in the event of her untimely death. Her husband had passed away unexpectedly from a short illness and it was this which had prompted her into sorting out her own affairs. It also made her cautious about her son’s situation should she then also pass away unexpectedly - as she saw that an LPA would “die with her”.
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
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.
Mar 2021
Will the new digital LPA service help or hinder vulnerable people?
The Office of the Public Guardian (OPG) launched a new service last year for digital Lasting Power of Attorneys (LPAs), designed to speed things up by turning paper-heavy processes into newer online services. However, whilst the system will be a welcome reform, we must make sure it still protects vulnerable people from financial abuse.
Mar 2021
Financial fraud is on the rise - attorneys need to be vigilant
Lockdown has been hard for many, but criminals have been cashing in like never before - so now it is more important than ever to stay on our guard.
Feb 2021
Pre-paid funeral plan sellers to face a crackdown from 2022
Back in June 2018, the Government launched a call for evidence into the regulation of the pre-paid funeral market, following concerns into the risk it presents to policy holders.
