Wrigley Claydon Solicitors

Category: Trusts, Wills & Probate

  • National Free Wills Network

    National Free Wills Network

    We are proud to announce that we have become members of the National Free Wills Network.

    The National Free Wills Network consists of over a hundred regional and local charities, that offer free Will-writing services to their supporters.

    The network was set up in 2008 when charities were looking for a way to encourage supporters to write their Wills and consider including a legacy.

    If you would like to hear more about Will-writing services we can offer through the network, please call us on 0161 624 6811 (Option 3).

    Free Will Writing with National Free Wills Network

  • Are the Banks Cashing In on Wills?

    Much has been written in the press recently about grieving families paying thousands of pounds to Banks to administer a loved one’s estate. This has come about as a result of a Will Writing Service many Banks offered in the late 1990’s and early 2000’s where the Bank was often appointed as executor. In some circumstances it is appropriate and advisable to appoint a professional as executor, for example, if an estate is complex or it is suspected family members would not be able to get along and work together. However, typically the Banks reserved the right to charge fees for their services far in excess of what families considered fair and proper given the size and nature of an estate.

    If you have one of these Wills appointing a Bank as executor it is not too late to rectify the situation. A Will can be changed any time before death if you still have the mental capacity to do so. After death the beneficiaries can ask the Bank to renounce i.e give up the right to administer the estate if work has not yet commenced.

    If you would like to review your Will, write a first Will or discuss the appointment of professionals as executors, please contact our Wills department on 0161 624 6811 option 3 or email Rachel Damianou on rld@wrigleyclaydon.com for a free initial consultation.

  • Ken Dodd has the last laugh

    Ken Dodd married his partner of 40 years Anne Jones on the 9th March 2018, two days before he passed away.

    As a result no Inheritance Tax would be payable on any of his estate left to Anne. His fortune is rumoured to be worth in the region of £7.2 million.

    This move came after in 1989 Ken Dodd was found not guilty of dodging a £1 million tax bill after it was discovered, amongst other things, that he had kept over £300,000 in cash hidden in suitcases under his bed!

    Inheritance Tax is paid on death at 40% on any estate over the individual’s Inheritance Tax allowance which currently stands at £325,000. This can be increased by £100,000 where the estate includes a house and certain conditions are met.

    There are however certain exemptions and allowances such as gifts to spouses. It is a good idea to seek professional advice and have a Will drawn up to make the most of these allowances and exemptions.

    If you do not make a will your spouse may not inherit the whole of your estate. Blood relations benefit to the exclusion of friends and inlaws, cohabites will be included.

    A will allows you to choose an executor to sort out your affairs when the time comes.

    A will can be used as a mean to protect some of your assets, including your home, from care home fees and to minimise your tax liability on death.

    For more information call Rachel Damianou on 0161 624 6811 or email rld@wrigleyclaydon.com

  • Will Week at Mahdlo: March 5th – 9th

    Will Week at Mahdlo: March 5th – 9th

    During March, we are working with Mahdlo to provide members of the public with an opportunity to access their Will preparation services, whilst at the same time raising funds to support them.

    The scheme is running from the 5th to the 9th March inclusive. If you arrange an appointment with us during this period we will make no charge for the preparation of either a standard single Will or standard mirror Wills if a donation is made to Mahdlo.

    A minimum donation of £100.00 is suggested for a single Will and £150.00 for mirror Wills.

    If you would like to take advantage of this opportunity please contact Rachel Damianou on 0161 624 6811, quoting ‘Mahdlo Will Week’, to arrange a convenient appointment.

  • ‘You’re never too old to make a Will…’

    ‘You’re never too old to make a Will…’

    A will is not just a way to say who you want to leave your assets to. It is an opportunity to appoint guardians for young children, to decide who will sort your affairs out when the time comes and make provisions for partners, friends and charities who would not inherit if you die without a will.

    If you’d like to learn more and understand the main points about making a will, you can download our free information sheet, by filling in the form below.

    Making a Will: Information Sheet
  • Dr Kershaw’s Will Week 2017

    Dr Kershaw’s Will Week 2017

    Our Trusts, Wills and Probate department are once again taking part in Dr Kershaw’s Will Week whereby you can benefit from having your Will professionally written at a significantly reduced fee. The money you save on your Will is donated to Dr Kershaw’s on your behalf.

    Dr Kershaw’s is a wonderful, local hospice. Each year they ask for Oldham based solicitors to donate their time for free to write Wills during Will Week, this year from 9th to 15th October.

    We have agreed to waiver our Will writing fees and instead encourage donations to Dr Kershaw’s. Contact our Wills team on 0161 624 6811 and book an appointment during 9th – 15th Oct, quoting ‘Dr Kershaw’s Will Week’. Come and see us to discuss your new Will or any updates you wish to make to an existing Will. At the end of the appointment, we will give you a Dr Kershaw’s donation envelope (you can donate by cash or cheque). We will ensure your donation reaches the hospice, and you will receive a thank you from them, along with details of how your donation was used.

    Suggested minimum donations

    Single Will: £95

    A Pair of Mirrored Wills: £150

    If you haven’t made a Will, next week could be the right time to consider making one! Call us on 0161 624 6811 and book an appointment.

  • Jeans for Genes Day 2017

    Jeans for Genes Day 2017

    We’re thrilled to be taking part in Jeans for Genes Day 2017.

    On Friday 22nd September Wrigley Claydon staff will shun their usual formal attire in place of everyone’s favourite clothing, a pair of jeans. By pledging a donation for the privilege of dressing-down for a day, our staff will be raising much needed funds for children with genetic disorders.

    Wear jeans, change lives.

    Jeans for Genes Day is all about raising money to help some of the most vulnerable children in the UK. Thanks to those taking part the lives of some children with life-altering genetic disorders will be transformed.

    1 in 25 children in the UK is affected by a genetic disorder of some kind. Disorders can vary in severity and the limitations they cause. In fact there are over 6000 different genetic disorders.

    Money raised through Jeans for Genes Day and other fundraising efforts are used in a variety of ways:

    £250 funds a place for a weekend away for children who never meet others with their condition. These life-changing trips build self-esteem and awareness in young people affected by genetic disorders.

    £500 pays for a walking frame or other equipment that gives much needed independence to a child whose mobility is limited by their genetic disorder.

    £1000 contributes towards a specialist nurse who knows everything about a genetic condition. The nurse helps the child during long hospital stays and families who cope at home.

    At Wrigley Claydon we like to support many charities. One way we do this is by promoting charitable giving in Wills via Remember a Charity of with we are members. Our Trusts, Wills and Probate team can offer expert advice about including a charity or good cause in your Will and how this may help alleviate inheritance tax fees. Statistics show most people don’t automatically think about charitable giving in Wills but when it is suggested, most are happy to do so.

    To speak to our Wills team about writing a Will or updating an existing one please call 0161 624 6811 or email Rachel Damianou at rld@wrigleyclaydon.com.
  • Remember A Charity in you Will Week 2017

    Remember A Charity in you Will Week 2017

    We’re proud to support Remember A Charity in you Will Week.

    The annual campaign from Remember A Charity works to raise the profile of charitable giving in Wills.

    ‘The world you would like to pass on’

    This year’s campaign, which from 11th to 17th September 2017, focused on ‘the world you would like to pass on’. To supports its mission Remember A Charity will be launched a national radio station as a platform for charities, their supporters, the general public and celebrities to have their say about the world they want to pass on. The idea was to start conversations about passing on something even more special, a gift to a charity in their Will.

    “We aim to let those writing a new Will, and indeed those updating existing Wills, know about the benefits of charitable giving in Wills.” says Rachel Damianou, Head of Trusts, Wills and Probate at Wrigley Claydon Solicitors. “For the vast majority of people, it is just not something they think about. Experience has taught us however, that once people are aware of this opportunity, many enthusiastically include a charity or voluntary organisation that is close to their heart in their Will.”

    Keep your Will up-to-date

    As you go through life and your circumstances change, you may wish to make changes to your Will from time to time. It’s important to have an up-to-date Will to ensure your wishes are met. If you get divorced, or indeed, remarried, there will be changes to make to your Will to ensure the correct people are included or excluded! If children or grandchildren come along, you may wish to make provision for them in your Will that were not previously there. Similarly, if you or a close family member or friend has been supported by a charity, you may like to leave a charitable donation to them in your Will.

    Tax efficient ways to give to charity

    Helping charities after your death can be a tax efficient way to give to charity. Gifts to charity in a Will are exempt from tax and can be used to bring an estate below the threshold for inheritance tax (£325,000) i.e. assets that exceed this amount can be given to charity to bring you under the limit, meaning your beneficiaries not pay any inheritance tax. You can give items of value, such as jewellery, as well as money.

    Helping work live on

    The option of including a charitable gift in a Will can make a real difference. A large or small donation, the amount doesn’t matter; any amount left to a charity is gratefully received. For many third sector organisations, charitable giving in Wills is vital source of financial income and can be the difference between the cause continuing to operate and supporting those using its services. Gifts in Wills are the foundation of many of Britain’s charities.

    If you wish to make a new Will or update an existing one, please contact our team on 0161 624 6811 or email rachel Damianou on rld@wrigleyclaydon.com.
    To read more about Remember A Charity please visit their website: www.rememberacharity.org.uk.

  • Barry White’s son in disputed Will & Estate claim

    Darryl White, the son of late singer Barry White, is suing his father’s estate and widow Glodean White to get a bigger share of the estate.

    Mr White Jnr alleges that he was never shown his father’s will and is now “almost broke and homeless” after payments made to him from the estate dried up.

    In the court documents, Mr White Jnr said he agreed not to challenge the amount of money he was getting after Glodean told him he would get his fair share.

    He is asking the court to give him access to the will and make “a proper accounting” of what he is due. He alleges Glodean is using up the money to support a lavish lifestyle.

    Will dispute solicitors Oldham

    At Wrigley Claydon, we fight on your behalf to make this difficult time a little easier, whether you are bringing a claim or you are on the receiving end. We are experienced in this field and have won complex cases for our clients.

    As it is an emotional time we deal with our cases sensitively.

    If you are looking for will dispute solicitors Oldham please contact us. Call 0161 785 3534 to speak to Shalish Mehta, in our civil and commercial litigation department or email sm@wrigleyclaydon.com.
  • “Death Taxes” – The Good News and The Bad News

    “Death Taxes” – The Good News and The Bad News

    Much has been written in the press recently about the proposed hike in Probate Court fees. The Government looked all set to implement the fee rise in May before it called a snap General Election for the 8th June 2017. Sadly, whatever happens we must be prepared for the new Government seeking to re-introduce a higher fee scale for Probate fees.

    Probate Court fees

    The good news in relation to so called taxes on death is that when a person dies on or after the 6th April 2017, owing a home or a share of it which is then inherited by their direct descendants, the estate may now be entitled to an additional Inheritance Tax allowance called Residence Nil Rate Band (RNRB). For a married couple who own their own home this means a combined potential Inheritance Tax allowance by 2020 of £1,000,000.00. This is certainly good news but careful planning needs to be made in an individuals’ Will to ensure maximum use of this allowance and that it is not lost completely by leaving assets in some kinds of trust or to non-qualifying descendants, for example.

    For more information drop into our Saddleworth Free Legal Clinic held on Wednesdays in Uppermill, or contact Rachel Damianou or Jyoti Patel on 0161 624 6811 or email rld@wrigleyclaydon.com or jxp@wrigleyclaydon.com.