Many couples think a joint account means smooth sailing if one loses capacity — but banks can freeze accounts, even for essentials, without a registered LPA. Learn why this happens, how banks find out, and why avoiding a Deputyship Order is key. Toucan Law makes setting up a Lasting Power of Attorney simple, affordable, and stress-free so your finances and loved ones stay protected.

Many believe the 7-year rule wipes out Inheritance Tax on gifts, but if you still benefit from what you’ve given away, HMRC may treat it as though you never gave it up. This is called a Gift with Reservation of Benefit (GWR). Common traps include giving your home to children or putting it into a trust but continuing to live there rent-free. GWR rules can lead to unexpected tax bills and other risks — get advice before making large gifts.

Not sure whether to write a new Will or add a Codicil? While Codicils can make small changes, they come with risks — they can get lost, misunderstood, or mistaken for invalid amendments. At Toucan Law, we usually recommend writing a new Will. It’s clearer, safer, and avoids confusion later. Changes like family fallouts, new partners, or tax changes are best handled with a fresh, professionally drafted Will that reflects your current wishes.

Mirror Wills are simple and flexible, allowing couples to leave everything to each other, then to children—but they can be changed after one partner dies. Mutual Wills are legally binding but too rigid for most families. For couples worried about sideways disinheritance or care fees, a Protective Property Trust in a Mirror Will offers the best of both worlds—protecting your loved ones while giving your partner security and flexibility.

The laws governing Wills haven’t changed since 1837 — the year Queen Victoria took the throne. While we’ve embraced smartphones and digital lives, Will-making is still stuck in the past. But change is coming. The Law Commission’s 2025 proposals aim to modernise this outdated law with electronic Wills, lower age limits, and new protections. It’s a long-overdue update — but getting your Will right still needs expert advice.

Liam Payne died without a Will, meaning his young son Bear will inherit everything under a Bereaved Minor’s Trust — with ex-partner Cheryl Cole likely acting as Trustee. This trust holds the estate until Bear turns 18, when he’ll receive it all outright, regardless of readiness. It’s a stark reminder of why making a Will matters — to control who inherits, when, and how. Don’t leave it to chance — plan properly to protect your loved ones.

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