Easing your inheritance tax liability

As farming families frequently rely on the natural succession of the farm, where ownership is passed down through the generations, every care must be taken to avoid a hefty inheritance tax bill. The first step is, of course, to ensure that you have a valid and up-to-date Will to ensure that the legal ownership of the land and business assets used in running the farm pass to your chosen relatives or other beneficiaries. In addition, your Will should be drafted smartly to ensure that it makes use of every available opportunity to ease inheritance tax liability – particularly with regard to the use of agricultural and/or business property reliefs. Another such measure that was only introduced in 2015 is the residence nil-rate band. Laura Carter, specialist agricultural Wills & Probate Solicitor at Pearsons & Ward…

Why would anyone want a postnuptial agreement?

The discovery of an affair, concern about an inheritance being squandered or pressure to protect your business interests are all reasons to consider making a postnuptial agreement.  Like a prenuptial agreement, a postnuptial agreement can be used to agree in advance what should happen to assets owned by you and your spouse or civil partner should the relationship fail.

Redevelopment and excessive user of a right of way

In the recent case of Stanning v Baldwin the Court was asked to consider a number of issues one of which as to whether the redevelopment of the Claimant’s property and construction of 4 houses would lead to an intensification of use of a right of way over a land owned by the Defendants. The Claimant, Glynis Stanning, owned The Coach House, access to which was over an unsurfaced and unadopted track over Gerrards Cross Common near Slough, a local beauty spot registered as common land. The track was the sole means of vehicular access and the right of way arose by prescription. In 2017 the Claimant obtained planning permission to demolish the Coach House and to erect four terraced houses, with underground parking for nine cars and with access to continue over the…

Selling your home in a flat market, some top tips

Experts predict that the housing market will face some challenging times in the months ahead as the number of sales continue to fall. With the average house now taking over 19 weeks to sell, the outlook may appear disheartening if you want to sell. There are still buyers out there, searching for their next home from a smaller pool of properties, and our residential conveyancing team offers some advice on selling your home in a flat market. Be realistic on price Market data suggests that overall house prices are slipping. There are strong regional and local variations, so it pays to research the sale price your home may realistically expect to achieve. Local estate agents should have a good idea of how much your property is likely to fetch, and it is a good idea to speak…

Solicitor at Ware & Kay top in the country

Ware & Kay Solicitors (with offices in York, Wetherby & Malton) is proud to announce that Laura Schofield, a Solicitor in the Wetherby office specialising in Wills and Estates, has achieved a distinction in her first STEP exam in the Advanced Certificate in Administration of Estates and was awarded the highest mark in the country for the exam. STEP (the Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners) is a professional body which is committed to helping people manage their affairs.  Laura is working towards an internationally recognised qualification that will demonstrate her practical and detailed understanding of the law and procedures involved in trust and probate procedure, tax and accounting. On completion of four exams she will be entitled to use the designation STEP to showcase her specialist expertise and give her clients the confidence and…

St. Gemma's Hospice Make a Will month October

Have your Will written in exchange for a donation to St Gemma's Hospice. 

St. Gemma's Hospice Make a Will month October

Have your Will written in exchange for a donation to St Gemma's Hospice. 

When to use Nuptial agreements

As so many farming businesses have been passed down from generation to generation, representing decades of hard work and family history, it is vital to consider any potential threats that might prevent the farm staying in the family and being passed down to future family members. While farming couples may have enjoyed living together on the family farm during their marriage, a divorce can mean that the family farm has to be sold to raise funds in the divorce settlement unless legal steps are taken to stave off such a devastating threat. A nuptial agreement is a legal agreement between a married couple or civil partners that lays down in writing how any future divorce financial settlement will be dealt with. Such agreements can be drawn up before the marriage or civil partnership (prenuptial) or after it (postnuptial…

Relocating with your child after separation

During separation or divorce, change will occur in everybody’s lives, and relocation may be appropriate. Perhaps it’s impossible to continue to live in an area, or it’s necessary to relocate closer to family and friends that can provide support. Whatever your reasons, it is important to obtain legal advice. Robert Bellhouse family lawyer at Ware & Kay explains some considerations. Consider what GP & dentist to register with, where to live and childcare. Give thought to schools and the impact on future education. If moving to a non-English speaking country, consider learning the language. It is important that you consider how your child will maintain their relationship with your former partner. The court must be assured that the move is not an attempt to exclude your former partner from the child’s life. Plan for time…

York Teaching Hospital Charity Make a Will Week 
23-27 September

Why make a Will? Only one in three of us will make a Will. By putting our affairs in order, regardless of how big or small they are, you can give security to your loved ones and make things easier should the worst happen. Having a Will ensures you decide who inherits your estate and personal belongings.  You can appoint Executors to look after your affairs How does Make a Will Week work? We have generously offered to give both our time and expertise to write your Will in exchange for a donation to support York Teaching Hospital Charity. It's really simple to take part: Contact us between 23rd and 27th September, 2019 to make an appointment.  Be sure to mention York Teaching Hospital Charity Make a Will Week. After you make the appointment you will…