Why we are becoming a Dementia Friendly law firm

4th February 2019
By Catrin Lloyd, Solicitor and Head of Wills & Probate We are pleased to confirm that throughout 2019 Switalskis will be working towards becoming a more “Dementia Friendly” organisation. An initiative set up by the Alzheimer’s Society, “Dementia Friends” aims to raise awareness of the challenges faced by people living with dementia. According to the Dementia Friends website: “Being a ...

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Will new technology change the way we write Wills?

19th December 2018
By Amanda Steele, Solicitor, Wills & Probate Will laws today The laws on writing and executing wills are based on the Wills Act 1837 – laws that were written long before personal computers, memory sticks, tablets, smart phones and the cloud were invented. To be valid, a will must comply with certain fundamental legal requirements, and these are set out ...

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Why use a solicitor to make a Lasting Power of Attorney?

15th November 2017
By Amanda Steele, Solicitor, Wills, Trusts and Probate Do you know who would look after your property, money and financial affairs if you lose capacity to manage them yourself? This is an important question for us all but particularly as we age and issues such as dementia and memory loss can potentially affect us. A will is used to deal ...

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Inheritance Tax laws are changing; do I need to change my Will?

5th April 2017
By Catrin Lloyd, Head of Wills, Trusts and Probate What is the Residence Nil Rate Band? As we reported in September 2015, from the 6 April 2017 the new residence nil-rate band (RNRB) comes into force, increasing the tax free allowance available on death. Under the new rules, from April 2020 it will be possible for married couples and civil partners to ...

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Daughter cut out of mother’s will loses legal battle

16th March 2017
By Catrin Lloyd, Head of Wills, Trusts and Probate Yesterday at the Supreme Court, three animal charities won a case against Mrs Heather Ilott who had been cut out of her estranged mother’s will. Mrs Melita Jackson (Mrs Ilott’s mother) made her will in 2002 and passed away in 2004. Mrs Jackson left her entire estate to The Blue Cross, RSPB and RSPCA. Mrs Jackson ...

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Probate fees are set to rise – what does this mean?

2nd March 2017
By Catrin Lloyd, Head of Wills, Trusts and Probate You may have seen in the press that probate fees are set to increase in May. The increase, designed to raise money for the Court services, will mean that anyone with an estate worth more than £50,000 will pay a higher court fee than the current fixed fees of £155 or £215. Although there ...

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Lasting Powers of Attorney: A DIY job or one for the professionals?

15th November 2016
By Sharon Woodward, Solicitor Solicitors for the Elderly has recently released a report highlighting the dangers of creating Lasting Powers of Attorney online, without professional guidance. The report concludes that, for the majority of people, seeking assistance from a Solicitor “remains the most effective, safe and legally robust option for creating an LPA”. What is an LPA? There are two types ...

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What to do after a death: Dealing with the paperwork

27th October 2016
By Sharon Woodward, Solicitor I deal with estate work every day. However, most people who are facing the task of administering an estate have never done it before and to top it off, they generally have to do it whilst they are grieving. Having recently lost one of my own family members, I saw my mum thrown into the role ...

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Switalskis Wills team at Dying Matters Leeds event today!

10th May 2016
By Katherine Jordan, Solicitor, Wills, Trusts & Probate The second Dying Matters event run by St Gemma’s Hospice is taking place on Tuesday 10 May at Leeds City Museum. Join Switalskis Wills and Probate team at their stall from 10.45am. What is Dying Matters? Dying Matters’ mission is to help people talk more openly about dying, death and bereavement. Their hope is to improve peoples’ ...

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Switalskis Wills & Trusts team participate in Make a Will Month

4th May 2016
Throughout May our specialist Wills Lawyers are teaming up with Martin House Children’s Hospice for Make a Will Month. As part of this scheme, our solicitors will provide a basic will writing service for just £60 or assist you with a mirror will for £110 (including VAT). Over half of UK adults have not made a Will. We understand it can be difficult to think ...

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