The government has announced a significant hike in probate application fees, set to come into force on 13 July 2026. While most court and tribunal fee increases are broadly in line with inflation, the probate fee stands out as a
This week is Action for Brain Injury Week, designed to raise awareness and understanding of acquired brain injury, and to highlight the challenges faced by survivors and their families. This year the focus is on isolation, which is a critical
Dementia Action Week, led by Alzheimer’s Society, is running a “Forget Me Not” campaign to raise awareness of dementia. As we reflect on the impact of dementia, we also consider how professionals like those who act as professional deputies can
The 2026 Spring Statement, delivered on 3 March 2026, was intentionally modest in ambition and delivery. Reflecting the government’s stated preference for a single major fiscal event each year, the Spring Statement was used primarily to set out the economic
In an increasingly mobile world, many individuals now hold assets across multiple jurisdictions while living somewhere entirely different from where they were born or began their careers. Despite growing awareness of international estate planning, it is still surprisingly common for
A move to the UK from the US often begins with practicalities such as visas and travel arrangements, but those steps are only the start. From a tax perspective, the more important issue is not the date of arrival, but
UK property has long been a magnet for international wealth. From prime London townhouses to rural estates, buyers from across the globe have regarded British real estate as a safe, prestige asset class. But the tax landscape has shifted dramatically,
According to the PDSA’s 2024 report on pet populations, over 51% of UK adults currently own a pet. To many their pets are not “just pets”, but beloved family members and a core part of their family unit. If something
While the Autumn Budget brought tax rises and gloom for some, it delivered relief and comfort to the victims and families of the Infected Blood Scandal, as the Chancellor Rachel Reeves announced that she would “exempt all payments from the
The valuation of personal assets—such as artwork, antiques, and jewellery—is a critical consideration in a range of legal, financial, and estate planning contexts. Whether prompted by divorce, inheritance, insurance, or general curiosity, an accurate and defensible valuation is essential. The
