York - 
18 June 2019
Litigation
If you have decided to end your marriage, dissolve your civil partnership, or separate from the person you live with, Robert Bellhouse and the experienced family law team at Ware & Kay can help. Separating couples can find it difficult agree about how joint property such as their home and finances are to be divided. Agreeing arrangements for children is often another area of contention, as emotions run high. However, not all relationships have to end acrimoniously. The process of Collaborative law, provides an alternative way for couples to reach an agreement about their finances and arrangements for children on separation. Using the collaborative process is often quicker than going to court. Under the collaborative process each person and their solicitor attend a series of meetings. Other professionals such as accountants, pension experts and financial…
14 June 2019
Wills and estates
Planning how to deal with your assets in a tax efficient manner is an important but potentially complex task. An increasing number of estates will be liable to inheritance tax (IHT) on death, so it is vital to consider how your will can be drafted to reduce the amount of tax that will be taken from your estate after you die, freeing up more money for your loved ones. You can also consider whether to make gifts during your lifetime to minimise your IHT liability but this raises other tax considerations. Sian Foster, wills, trusts and estate planning solicitor with Ware & Kay (with offices in York, Wetherby & Malton), explains what you need to think about when planning for your inheritance if you wish to minimise your tax bill. Why should I think about…
11 June 2019
Commercial property
From 1 June 2019 landlords and lettings agents are no longer able to require tenants to pay certain fees in relation to assured shorthold tenancy agreements, students lets or licences to occupy private residential housing. The Tenant Fees Act 2019 has introduced fundamental changes which ban all payments from a tenant unless they are expressly permitted. The Act applies to all new agreements entered into after 1 June 2019. For agreements entered into before 1 June, landlords will still be able to charge the fees and payments until 31 May 2020 but after that date the ban will apply. A landlord who fails to get it right now could face a financial penalty of £5,000 and may face criminal prosecution. Landlords need to take advice on the changes and ensure that tenancy agreements are compliant with the…
04 June 2019
Employment advice
Brexit has dominated the agenda and so, when it comes to introducing new employment law, April 2019 is unusually quiet compared to previous years. However, as Gillian Reid, employment law expert with Ware & Kay in York & Wetherby explains, the government has found time for a few changes. Gill also outlines the anticipated effect of Brexit on UK employment law and the implications for EU workers in the UK. April 2019 changes Employers need to be ready for changes which are expected to come into effect from the following dates: 1 April 2019 increase in the national living wage for workers aged 25 and over from £7.83 to £8.21 per hour; increase in the national minimum wage for workers aged at least 21 but under 25 from £7.38 to £7.70 per hour; increase in…
21 May 2019
Wills and estates
Nobody likes to pay any more tax than is necessary. We can help you to ensure your Will is as tax efficient as possible. Inheritance Tax (IHT) IHT is charged on your death at 40% on the value of your assets which exceed your tax allowances. Individuals currently have a nil rate band (NRB) allowance (of £325,000. In April 2017, an additional allowance was made available if your family home is left to your Direct Descendants. This additional allowance is called the residence nil rate band (RNRB) Rate of RNRB The RNRB is currently worth an extra £150,000 and it will be increased to £175,000 from 6th April 2020. It is not available for estates of over £2.2 million. However any unused RNRB can be carried forward for use in the estate of a surviving spouse…
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01904 716000
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