BTO Personal

Wills, Succession and Estate Planning

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Who looks after my children if I die?

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Solicitor David White discusses the difficult question some parents might have to face: “Who looks after my children if I die?” and outlines what provisions parents can make to ensure their children are looked after should the unimaginable happen.

Who looks after my children if I die?

Naturally, all parents hope to live and see their children enjoy long lives. So, it can be uncomfortable to imagine passing away leaving a young child behind. It is a very common misconception that, if the worst was to happen, a family member will automatically step in such as a grandparent or the parent’s siblings. However, as with most aspects of succession law, this is not the case! If you have not put in place the appropriate arrangements, it falls to the court to decide what should happen next.

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One Year On: BTO Personal During Lockdown

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One year on and a lot has happened since we went into lockdown in March 2020. Charlotte Fleming and Lily Morrison take this opportunity to reflect on the changes we have seen during the Covid-19 pandemic and how we at BTO continue to be on hand to help you navigate life’s ups and downs.

One year on - BTO Personal durling lockdown

When in March 2020 workers across the nation left their workplaces due to the Covid-19 pandemic, some cheerily saying ‘see you in 3 weeks!’ to their colleagues, no one could have anticipated that we would all still face restrictions a year on. As we pass the one-year anniversary of the first national lockdown, we reflect on how practices have changed and how our team still remains willing and able to assist you with all your private client needs.

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Brain Injury Awareness Month – What happens if I lose capacity unexpectedly?

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As America celebrates Brain Injury Awareness Month, the BTO Personal team discusses the implications and legal process involved in the event of a sudden or unexpected loss of capacity and the steps that can be taken to prepare for such circumstances.

A couple discuss what will happen should one of them lose capacity

There is a common misconception that incapacity is only relevant for the elderly who may suffer from diseases such as Alzheimer’s or Dementia. However, the Centre for Mental Health provides that 1.3 million people across the UK are living with the effects of a brain injury.

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The March Budget 2021 – rate of Inheritance Tax now frozen until 2026

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Charlotte Fleming and Sian Keddie discuss the government’s announcement on Inheritance Tax thresholds and the considerations for those with estates liable for IHT.

In the Spring Budget on 3 March 2021, Chancellor Rishi Sunak announced the UK government’s plans regarding taxes and the economic forecast. Given the financial impact of the Covid-19 pandemic, economic recovery is a priority for the UK government, along with job protection and repayment of debts accumulated by the government during the pandemic.

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Opt-Out Organ Donation – Can I plan ahead?

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Sian Keddie and David White discuss opt-out organ donation and how the new legislation regarding organ donation affects your succession planning.

You may have seen recent news reports (or received a flyer through your door!) about changes in Scotland’s law regarding organ donation. From 26 March 2021, new legislation comes into force which means that all Scottish residents who are over 16, have lived in Scotland for 12 months prior to their death and are deemed to have mental capacity will be opted-in to organ donation automatically.

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Should I Use a Survivorship Destination in my House Titles?

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The BTO Personal team and Residential team get together in this blog to discuss the pros and cons of using survivorship destination in house titles.

Home ownership is likely to be one of the biggest investments you will make in your lifetime. It follows that it may also be one of the most valuable assets in your estate at death. Therefore, it is important how you take title to the property.

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