Posts by cardelladmin
Court settles family dispute over who should inherit house
The High Court has settled a family dispute over who should inherit a house that had belonged to a man who died 17 years ago. The court heard that the man, a grandfather, had purchased the property in 1994 when he separated from his partner and wished to provide for her. He was then 73…
Read MoreOver-60s failing to protect legacies if their children divorce
Most people over 60 are not taking the necessary action to protect the assets they leave to their children in their wills, according to new research. The risk is that if their children divorce, some of the assets they’ve inherited from their parents could go to their ex-partner. Research published in the Times…
Read MoreNew reservation agreements ‘could reduce house sale failures
The government is planning a new system for buying and selling homes that it hopes will reduce the number of failed transactions. Currently, house buyers can have an offer accepted for the purchase of a home but then pull out at the last minute causing great inconvenience to the seller. The same problem can…
Read MoreMore than 450,000 homes sold to people using Help to Buy
More than 458,000 homes have been sold to people using one or more of the government’s Help to Buy schemes. Just over 400,000 went to first time buyers. Under the Help to Buy: ISA, the government will boost your savings by 25%. So, for every £200 you save, you receive a government bonus of £50.…
Read MoreCourt appoints deputy for patient unable to manage her affairs
The Court of Protection has appointed a deputy to look after the interests of a woman who lacked capacity to manage her property and affairs. The woman was 71 and prior to becoming ill, had not set up a Lasting Power of Attorney, which would have enabled her to appoint someone in advance to look…
Read MoreNew plans to improve service for home buyers, sellers and tenants
The government has unveiled plans to ensure home buyers, sellers, tenants, landlords and leaseholders receive the best possible service from property agents. A new working group, chaired by Lord Best, and made up of experts from across the property sector will consider areas that can be improved. This will include the case for regulation and…
Read MoreMake sure your will writer is ‘qualified, insured and regulated’
More than six out of 10 people are unaware that will-writers who aren’t solicitors are unregulated and may have no insurance and very little experience. The Wills & Probate Consumer Research Report 2018 shows that only 37% of adults have made a will. It says the wills ‘take-up’ is skewed towards older age groups…
Read MoreInheritance tax exemption ‘should apply to cohabiting siblings’
Lord Lexden wants a change in the law to allow siblings who live together to have the same inheritance tax exemption as married couples and people with civil partnerships. Inheritance tax is set at 40% and becomes payable once the tax-free threshold of £325,000 has been passed. The exemption for married couples and…
Read MoreMost new homes to be sold as freehold – leases capped at £10
Most newbuild homes will in future be sold as freehold, while leases will be capped at £10. The new measures are part of a government clampdown on unfair practices in the housing market. Communities Secretary James Brokenshire has launched a consultation on plans to improve the leaseholder sector, which will bring an end…
Read MoreCourt orders sisters to pay £325,000 to dead father’s partner
Two sisters have been ordered to pay their dead father’s partner £325,000 from his estate, worth approximately £1m. The court heard that James Redmond had made a will 20 years ago leaving everything to his two daughters. However, since making the will he had formed a relationship with Carole Anne Taylor after meeting…
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