Welcome to the Winter 2021/22 edition of In Trust. This is my third issue as the Head of the Private Client Team at Wedlake Bell. This year, our team has continued to grow with the merger of Wedlake Bell LLP and Moon Beever LLP and we are delighted to welcome new faces to the Private Client Team, bolstering our offering. In this issue we bring together a range of articles to highlight how we can work with you to protect and preserve your assets.
Associate Thomas Klemme provides practical advice and tips to executors on dealing with claims and challenges to Wills in the most efficient and cost-effective manner. Whilst on a related theme, Partner and Elder Law Specialist Ann Stanyer looks at proposals to modernise Lasting Powers of Attorney and the need to digitalise with caution. Solicitor Abigail Pearson also gives us a whistle stop tour on Wills for cross-border estates.
Senior Associate Kate Johnson and Trainee Solicitor Philip Slegg look to the future and provide an insightful article on conservation covenants and how they can be of interest to landowning clients and charities. Whilst Partner Victoria Mahon de Palacios takes a look at the impact of the pandemic on clients’ philanthropic ideas and what to expect when turning them into reality.
We also provide an update on government policy initiatives of interest to private clients. Top of the list is potential tax rises which, with the pandemic-shaped hole in the public finances, have been expected for some time. We also give a reminder, following the last issue of In Trust, on the UK Trust Register reforms which will mean that the vast majority of trusts will need to be registered with HM Revenue & Customs by September next year.
Finally, we are delighted to report some Wedlake Bell Private Client Team news, with exciting promotions, new members of the team, awards and accolades so much so, that we thought it deserved a whole page in the newsletter! With hopeful movement towards the end of the pandemic in the New Year, we wish you a healthy and prosperous 2022
Contents
- Reforms to Taxes: an Update – Jenny Cutts reports on the latest developments
- Executors and the Perils of Will Challenges – Thomas Klemme provides some practical tips
- Conservation Covenants : A Look To The Future – Philip Slegg and Kate Johnson explore a topic of relevance for landowning clients
- Modernising Lasting Powers of Attorney: Why Caution is Needed – Ann Stanyer discusses a recent government consultation
- Making Charitable Aspirations a Reality – Victoria Mahon de Palacios looks at how the pandemic has inspired philanthropic ideas
- Changes to the Trust Register Rules – we explain how nearly all trusts now need to register with HM Revenue & Customs
- Inspiration, Exhibitions and the Wedlake Bell Award – in a guest slot, artist Susanna MacInnes describes the inspiration behind her winning piece
- Wills for Cross-Border Estates – Abigail Pearson gives her five top tips
- Profile – Richard Boulding talks about his career, issues affecting his clients and his bucket list!
- Team News – we share some exciting awards and accolades, promotions and new joiners
Please click here to read the digital flipbook of the full issue.
Jenny Cutts, Partner, Head of Private Client team