Blogs
Many people consider gifting property to children to reduce care home fees or inheritance tax, but the rules are complex. Issues such as deprivation of assets, gift with reservation of benefit, and the 7-year rule can significantly affect outcomes. Our Estate Planning Solicitors provide clear, practical advice to help you make informed decisions and protect your estate effectively.
Recent allegations surrounding MAFS UK have highlighted important issues around relationship safety, coercive behaviour and emotional harm. This blog explores how family law, mediation and other forms of Non-Court Dispute Resolution (NCDR) can help individuals navigate separation, safeguarding concerns and disputes involving children or finances with the right legal support.
Child-Inclusive Mediation (CIM) offers children a safe and supportive way to express their thoughts and feelings during family separation. A trained mediator listens in a child-friendly setting, with no pressure to take sides or make decisions. Parents remain responsible for outcomes, but gain valuable insight to support more informed, child-focused arrangements and reduce family conflict.
Buying or selling a property can feel overwhelming, especially if you’re unsure what to expect. In this guide, Thornton Jones Solicitors answer the 10 most common conveyancing questions from both buyers and sellers. From timelines and legal processes to mortgages and completion day, gain clear, practical insight to help you navigate your transaction with confidence.
If you’ve inherited from an estate, you may have options to change what happens next. This guide explains the key differences between a Deed of Variation and a Deed of Disclaimer, including when each can be used, how they affect inheritance, and their tax implications. Understand your rights as a beneficiary and how to make informed decisions about your entitlement.
Concerns have emerged over NS&I bereavement claims, with reports of missing savings and withheld Premium Bond prizes affecting thousands of estates. This article explains what has gone wrong, how NS&I bereavement claims should work, and what executors and families can do if they believe funds are outstanding, including potential tax and compensation considerations.
At Thornton Jones Solicitors, we explain what a Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA) is and why it is essential for protecting your future. An LPA lets you appoint someone you trust to make decisions on your behalf if you lose mental capacity. Our team provides clear, practical advice to help you put the right arrangements in place with confidence and peace of mind.
A homemade Will may seem simple, but it can lead to costly complications. Using the real-life example of comedian Sean Hughes’ estate, this article explores how unclear wording and overlooked assets can result in lengthy court proceedings. Learn the common risks of DIY and AI-generated Wills, and why professional legal advice can help ensure your wishes are carried out correctly.
HM Land Registry delays are affecting property owners across England, with registrations taking months or even over a year. This guide explains current timelines, what causes delays, whether your ownership is protected, and what you can do to avoid problems. If you’re buying, selling or remortgaging, understanding the process can help reduce stress and risk.
When someone dies without a valid Will, their estate is distributed under the rules of intestacy, often creating statutory trusts. This guide explains what statutory trusts are, when they arise, and how they affect beneficiaries, particularly children. It also highlights the risks of intestacy and why a properly drafted Will is essential to ensure your wishes are carried out.
