Blog

Porter Dodson ranked in the 2023 Chambers High Net Worth Guide

Porter Dodson is thrilled to have been recognised in the latest global Chambers and Partners High Net Worth guide. The guide differentiates the best...

3 reasons why you should make a will

It is often not until someone discusses their wishes and affairs that they recognise the importance of a will. We frequently deal with families and...

Porter Dodson announces new Managing Partner

UK Top 200 law firm Porter Dodson, based across Somerset & Dorset, has appointed a new Managing Partner. Kate James takes on the role from Rob Fox,...

Wills witnessed by video link to be made legal

In a controversial announcement made by the Government on 25 July 2020, wills witnessed via video link are to be legalised temporarily. As expected,...

Power of attorney FAQs

We recommend that everyone has a power of attorney in place. It will ensure that your affairs can be managed in the event you do not have capacity to...

Covid-19 and making or updating a will

Below is a list of frequently asked questions about making or updating a will during the Covid-19 outbreak.

Do I need a will?

No one is an any doubt that we are experiencing one of the most worrying and challenging times in a generation with the spread of the Coronavirus...

Can siblings reduce Inheritance Tax?

The position of siblings under UK Inheritance Tax (IHT) law received further media coverage last week, prompted by the Utley sisters and also by a...

Personal Representative: Will I be personally liable?

It is likely that at some point either you, a family member or a friend will be appointed to act as a Personal Representative of an estate.

Always use professionals when choosing a Power of Attorney

Elderly Theft: Robbing the Relatives, which was broadcast on ITV1 on Thursday 30th November, certainly sets out in no uncertain terms the devastating...

Will reform proposals: from paper to electronic?

It may come as a surprise but the laws governing Wills date back to 1837. In the last 150 or so years, there have been many changes within society,...

Is having a Power of Attorney a risk?

A retired senior judge, Mr Lush, has commented today warning about the risks of Powers of Attorney. Whilst his warnings are valid, the concern is...

Inheritance tax – will your family qualify?

Next month (April 2017) sees the introduction of a new inheritance tax allowance that is going to significantly improve the tax position of many...

Family successfully challenged validity of will

In August 2016, a family won their legal battle to overturn their brother’s will after it was found that the deceased, David Poole, did not know and...

A costly reminder to make sure your affairs are in order

In February 2016, a woman won her legal battle to stop her partner’s share in their property passing to his estranged wife, but the matter did not...

Planning ahead with a Lasting Power of Attorney

Lasting Powers of Attorney (LPA) are becoming more popular as people plan ahead for a time when they may like or need assistance with their financial...

Summer budget 2015: an outline of the new Inheritance Tax relief for family homes

On Wednesday, the Chancellor George Osborne announced in the summer budget that a special Inheritance Tax relief for family homes will be introduced...

Changes in the uses of deeds of variation

The Chancellor announced during the recent Budget that the government will review the uses of deeds of variation as these can currently be used to...

Making provisions in your Will for family heirlooms

Last summer we were fortunate enough to see a wonderful array of family heirlooms when we hosted an antique valuation afternoon tea at Crowcombe...

Worries over wills and concerns over codicils: Should will-writing be regulated?

In October 2014, The Times wrote an article on the subject of unregulated will-writing. It stated that a legal watchdog report warned that tens of...

Improved intestacy rules?

Having heard there would be a change to the law on 1st October governing the distribution of a person’s estate when they have died without a valid...

Support a charity in your Will

With three-quarters of the UK population supporting charities over their lifetime, it’s easy to remember that there is a big difference between...

Modern Will planning for the modern family

Making a Will has never been more important. The “traditional” family unit of Mum, Dad and 2.4 children is now merely one of the myriad of family set...