Sara Anthony

At the Autumn Budget 2024, the Government announced their plans to include most unused pension funds and death benefits within the value of a person’s estate for Inheritance Tax (“IHT”) purposes from 6 th April 2027. Following a technical...

Artificial intelligence (AI) is transforming many industries, but when it comes to something as important as writing your Will, relying on AI tools can cause more harm than good. While AI might seem like a quick, cheap option, the risks are significant. In...

Succession planning is crucial for farmers and business owners, especially in light of the upcoming changes to Inheritance Tax (IHT) rules set to take effect in April 2026. These changes could significantly impact how agricultural, and business assets are...

At John Hodge Solicitors, we recognise the importance of raising awareness on World Alzheimer's Day, which took place yesterday, Sunday 21 September 2025. This global awareness day shines a spotlight on dementia and Alzheimer’s disease, encouraging...

Blended families are increasingly common, with many people entering new relationships later in life. While forming a new family can be a source of great happiness, it can also bring legal and financial challenges that require thoughtful planning, especially...

23 June 2025 is International Widows Day, a United Nations initiative dedicated to highlighting the challenges faced by widows worldwide. Often overlooked in society, many widows face not only emotional grief but also legal, social and economic hardships...

As a Private Client solicitor, my role is to help individuals and families through some of the most difficult and important moments of their lives. Working in Private Client is highly personal, requires technical expertise, and is centred on building...

On Sunday 15 June 2025, we observe World Elder Abuse Awareness Day (WEAAD), a United Nations initiative aimed at highlighting the abuse and neglect faced by older individuals worldwide. This day serves as a reminder of our collective responsibility to...

When someone dies, all of the items that they own, including their property, finances, personal belongings and liabilities, are known as their estate. The management of this estate requires careful administration to ensure all assets are appropriately...

When someone agrees to act as a trustee, they take on a position of significant legal responsibility. Trustees are entrusted with managing assets for the benefit of others and must act in their best interests. Whether you are considering becoming a trustee...

The Law Commission has released a landmark report proposing significant reforms to the law governing Wills in England and Wales. These recommendations aim to modernise the Wills Act 1837, making the process of Will making more accessible, secure, and...

Do I need a solicitor to draft my Lasting Powers of Attorney? For many, we plan for our future by making a Will, which dictates what happens to our assets once we have died. However, what might happen if we are no longer able to make decisions for...

Registering with the Trust Registration Service is a key requirement for many UK trusts. This guide answers common questions about the Trust Registration Service , including who can register a trust, how to access the Trust Registration Service, and when...

Prior to 2007, many Wills contained Nil Rate Band Discretionary Trusts to ensure that both spouses could fully utilise their Nil Rate Band and not lose it. In 2007, the law changed so that any unused Nil Rate Band from the first death could then be claimed...

You may be familiar with Lasting Powers of Attorney (LPA), as they have been advertised on government websites and in the media in general. They are very valuable documents to have, but before they can be used, they have to be registered with the Office of...

Financial responsibilities of an attorney Dealing with the financial affairs of a loved one can be difficult, especially when you need to comply with serious legal responsibilities. The Office of the Public Guardian (OPG) applied for court orders...

Dramatic Increase in the cost of obtaining a Grant of Probate With the Non-Contentious Probate (Fees) Order 2018 passing through the House of Commons Delegated Legislation Committee in February, the cost to obtain a Grant of Probate is due to change...

We all know that changes in our family and financial circumstances may need to be reflected in our Will but all too often we forget to review this important document and to seek specialist advice that protects our loved ones. There have been significant...