News
The Office of the Public Guardian (OPG) have confirmed that from 2 February 2026 it will change how applications for remissions and exemptions from Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA) and Enduring Power of Attorney (EPA) registration fees are handled. These changes affect donors, attorneys, deputies and advisers who prepare applications to the OPG. What’s Changing?…
From Monday 17th November 2025, the registration fee payable to the Office of the Public Guardian will be increasing from £82.00 per LPA, to £92.00 per LPA. The change applies to all applications received by the OPG on or after that date. Exemptions and remissions (50% reduction) based on financial circumstances will still be…
A recent survey has revealed that one in three people do not understand how Lasting Powers of Attorney work. A Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA) allows you to appoint someone you trust as an attorney, and grants them the legal power to make decisions about your finances and healthcare on your behalf, should you lose…
The good news is, we’re all living longer. The not so good news is that, according to Age UK, the gap between average Life Expectancy and Disabled Free Life Expectancy (DFLE) is growing faster than ever before. This means that more of us are spending more time in later life with multiple long term conditions,…
Whilst it was originally set up as a wealth tax, Inheritance Tax no longer affects only the wealthy. While most people are aware of the existence of Inheritance Tax, it’s a subject that gives rise to some distaste or lack of interest and many, would rather delay consideration of the matter. As a result, so…
Writing your Will can be a daunting prospect for many people and one that often gets “put off”, as a result. Unfortunately, it’s also one of the most important things you should address in life, particularly, once you get married, have children, or start to accumulate assets of any value. We’ve found that people often…
If your partner has passed away before you reach state pension age, you may be due bereavement support payments. While this help was previously only available if you were married or in a civil partnership, a recent change in the law as of February 2024 now means 10,000’s of co-habiting parents are also now eligible.…
The Wills Act 1837 (Electronic Communications) (Amendment) (Coronavirus) Order 2020 that temporarily amended s9 of the Wills Act 1837 by allowing remote witnessing of Wills via video link expired on the 31st January 2024. The video witnessing of Wills was legalised in September 2020 to allow people to sign and have their Wills witnessed by…
We understand that dealing with the death of a loved one can be an emotional and stressful experience. Heritage Will Writing is delighted to announce the launch of Probate Helpers, a professional Probate Service that will support you at your time of need and can reduce the burden at this difficult time. Visit our website…
The UK government will be increasing the existing statutory sum from £270,000 to £322,000, as of the 26th July 2023. A statutory legacy determines how much a spouse or civil partner inherits from a deceased’s estate if they have died intestate with children. The current intestacy rules states that if you are married or in…