At Chiltern Wills LLP, we are often asked who qualifies as a 'direct descendant' for the purposes of claiming the residential nil rate band (RNRB) – an important tax relief introduced to reduce the burden of inheritance tax on families passing down the family home. What Is the Residential Nil Rate Band? The RNRB is... Continue Reading →

Until 2007, nil rate band Will trusts were used routinely to ensure that the Inheritance Tax free allowances belonging to the first of a couple to die were not lost on the first death. This was done by including a legacy of the Inheritance Tax free amount to a class of beneficiaries including the surviving... Continue Reading →

At Chiltern Wills, we work with discerning clients who have often spent a lifetime building their wealth, their families, and their legacy. One of the most powerful tools for protecting all three is also one of the most overlooked: a professionally written will. This is a key component in your overall plan to preserve your... Continue Reading →

If you lose capacity without making Lasting Powers of Attorney or 'LPAs', this may create significant difficulties for your family. Losing the ability to make decisions for yourself, either due to illness, injury, or age-related conditions, is often a frightening and challenging situation. This is where an LPA can play a critical role, allowing someone... Continue Reading →

Appointing a law firm as your executor is an option, but it is far from compulsory, as it is sometimes portrayed by law firms to clients. When drafting a will, one of the most important decisions you’ll make is choosing your executor. This person or entity will be responsible for ensuring that your wishes are... Continue Reading →

In life, we often think of our personal and financial affairs as things we can control and manage ourselves. However, there may come a time when we can no longer make decisions due to illness, injury, or incapacity. In such situations, having a Power of Attorney (POA) in place can ensure that someone you trust... Continue Reading →

Probate is a legal process that can seem overwhelming, especially when you’re dealing with the loss of a loved one. It involves validating a will, settling debts, and distributing assets according to the deceased’s wishes. While it might seem like a straightforward process, probate can be time-consuming, complicated, and fraught with potential legal and financial... Continue Reading →

In English law, a person’s will is an essential expression of their wishes, dictating how their property and assets will be distributed after their death. The principle of testamentary freedom allows individuals to distribute their estate according to their own wishes, free from external pressure or coercion. However, when someone is forced, manipulated, or unduly... Continue Reading →