Wills & Probate
8 December 2024
Understanding the Autumn Budget
The Labour 2024 Autumn Budget has presented significant changes to Inheritance Tax (IHT) which has caused quite a stir. The changes are anticipated to impact the IHT position of the majority of the people in the UK as they come into play over the next 2-3 years.
18 November 2024
Lasting Powers of Attorney - Before it's too late
Lasting Powers of Attorney are one of the most important documents you need for during your lifetime. Many people do not realise their importance until it is too late.
11 October 2024
What happens to my will and legal documents when a law firm closes?
It's always a sad and pressing time for all involved when a law firm decides to close its doors. What's more, it can leave clients wondering what happens to any wills or other legal documents they have with that firm. Here we'll offer advice on what action you should take if you find yourself in this position.
25 July 2024
Families urged to plan ahead to reduce their inheritance tax bill
Latest figures from HMRC show that inheritance tax receipts have risen by 7.2% since last year.
11 April 2024
New research highlights the risks of not considering digital assets before you die
Research from The Association of Lifetime Lawyers shows that whilst 86% of UK adults over 30 have digital assets, just 20% have referenced them in their will.
13 March 2024
Probate Delays - what to expect and how to prepare
Those applying for probate are expected to face a wait of up to 16 weeks following submission, owing to unprecedented delays through the probate system.
29 February 2024
Update Your Will Week 2024
It’s Update Your Will Week 4th - 10th March, an annual awareness campaign hosted by Lifetime Lawyers to highlight the importance of having an up to date will to ensure your wishes are carried out when you die.
12 April 2023
Private Client Solicitor Required
Could you be the latest addition to our growing team?
28 November 2022
Did you know we offer a FREE Will Review service?
It's recommended that you review your Will every 5 years.
14 January 2022
Local case illustrates the pitfalls of shedding assets to avoid care home fees
In December 2021, the Wakefield Express reported on a case wherein a mother was found to have gifted her daughter £25,000 to avoid social care costs.
3 November 2021
The Ins and Outs of Inheritance Tax
Here, Head of Private Client Joanna Longfellow covers the ins and outs of Inheritance tax - what it is, how it’s administered, and how you can plan for it.
8 September 2021
Deputyships and the Court of Protection
Taking care of someone’s affairs when they no longer have mental capacity can lead to a significant amount of difficulty and distress. Both Lasting Powers of Attorney and Deputyships grant the nominated attorneys / deputy the legal authority to manage a person’s affairs on their behalf, but a Deputyship will often prove to be more costly and time consuming to obtain
27 May 2021
A fantastic opportunity to join our Private Client team
We have an excellent opportunity at our highly respected West Yorkshire Law Firm for an Experienced Solicitor/Legal Exec/Paralegal to join our team.
25 March 2021
The Importance of a Lasting Power of Attorney
A recent high profile example illustrates just why making a Power of Attorney can be so important.
5 March 2021
Welcome To The Team, Jo
Joanna Longfellow joins us to head our growing Private Client team
27 October 2020
Care Home Funding
Moving into a care home can be a stressful time, but understanding the financial implications upfront can help ease the transition.
26 July 2020
What is a Power of Attorney and why might you want to make one?
Life can be unpredictable, but there are measures you can take to help ensure your interests are taken care of should you become unable to do so yourself. One such measure might be a Power of Attorney.
29 September 2019
Chloe Aston Joins our Wills and Probate Team
Chloe Aston joins us this month to boost our growing Wills and Probate business.
27 March 2019
What you need to know about the Probate Fees increase coming in April
Probate Fees Increase - The Facts
13 March 2019
Unmarried? Don’t have a will? What you need to know about Intestacy Rules
The Low-Down on Intestacy Rules
25 August 2017
Make a Will Week with Wakefield Hospice
For one week in September (25th - 29th) JWP Solicitors are linking up with the Wakefield Hospice to offer to write or update your Will in exchange for a donation to the Wakefield Hospice Charity.
11 September 2015
Do not delay - write your Will today
It’s a common misconception that you only need a will when you are older or that you don’t need a will at all if you would like everything to pass to your spouse after death, but typically the law is never that simple…
28 July 2015
Your Will, Your Way?
The Court of Appeals decision to award part of a mothers inheritance to her daughter, despite it being written in her Will that she shouldn't receive anything, could prove to be a Landmark ruling.
16 April 2015
Care fees vs helping the "Boomerang Generation"
In the run up to the election the National Housing Federation have warned that the older generation will soon face the dilemma of care costs in old age and additional pressure to help the next generation get on the housing ladder.
27 October 2014
This November, make your Will with Will Aid
Will Aid is a scheme designed to raise funds for nine leading charities. The scheme involves our solicitors donating their time to support these charities by preparing basic Wills without charging the normal fee.
8 September 2014
Don't turn your Will into a Nightmare
Research by the Law Society revealed the risks the public are exposed to by using unregulated, unqualified and uninsured will writers. Our Wills and Probate expert, Susan Hartley explains why you should tread very carefully when making a will.
26 February 2014
Where there's a WILL there's a way...
On a hot sunny summer's day, enjoyed with your family and friends, making a Will is the last thing on anyone's mind, but making a Will is one of the most thoughtful and selfless tasks that you can do for those you care about and enjoy life with.
16 November 2013
Ten facts you need to know about Wills and Probate
You may be surprised by the following facts:
