Christmas is a time when families come together. Unfortunately, from my experience as a solicitor this does not necessary mean they stay together in January. There might be an expectation that your Christmas day should be the cosy, harmonious tableau we see in the Christmas adverts, whereas in fact, it can be a time of conflict … [Read more...]
Dementia Action Week 21 to 27 May 2018
Dementia is a scary diagnosis that no-one wants to hear, but this week the Alzheimer’s Society are making additional effort to raise awareness and to get everyone to take a small action which could have a big impact on those suffering with the disease. See more at www.alzheimers.org.uk/get-involved/dementia-action-week . It is … [Read more...]
The Office of the Public Guardian launches scheme to refund fees for Powers of Attorney
The Office of the Public Guardian (OPG) has announced that it has launched a scheme to refund part of the application fee for Powers of Attorney registered between 1 April 2013 and 31 March 2017. A review by the Ministry of Justice, who set the fees, found that due to new efficiencies the running costs of the OPG have reduced. … [Read more...]
Budget 2017: Access to justice? No comment
It's human nature to look out in the Budget for those parts that will directly impact on you. In legal circles, there is a lot of talk of reviewing the Legal Aid system and the impact that the massive reduction in the availability of legal aid from April 2013 onwards has had upon the Court's ability to provide access to justice. As … [Read more...]
Budget 2017: Stamp duty relief for first time buyers. Is it worth having?
The Chancellor of the Exchequer has announced permanent relief from stamp duty land tax for first time buyers, effective from today. First-time buyers wanting to purchase a property up to £500,000 will not pay stamp duty on the first £300,000 and will pay 5% from £300,000-£500,000. Relief applies where: there is a purchase … [Read more...]
Jemma Wentworth joins Ann McCabe Solicitors
Ann McCabe is very pleased to announce that Jemma Wentworth joined Ann McCabe Solicitors on 18th September 2017. Jemma has been a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Legal Executives since 2009, having specialised in divorce, separation and children law since 2004. Having taken a career break to raise her young children, Ann and … [Read more...]
DIY Probate – Do I need a solicitor to apply for Probate?
DIY Probate - Do I need a solicitor to apply for Probate? With an increasing amount of personal applications to the Probate Registry, a new online service has been introduced by HM Courts and Tribunal Services. The service will initially only be available for executors acting alone who have a copy of the original Will, any … [Read more...]
Lasting Powers of Attorney are not just for old people – Price freeze until 31st August 2017
If you know anything about Lasting Powers of Attorney, you probably think they are something you might need when you’re older and close to losing the ability to make your own decisions. Our advice is that you should think about signing Lasting Powers of Attorney now, whatever your age. Here are some reasons not to put it … [Read more...]
Ann McCabe Solicitors Chosen Charities
There are so many good causes to choose from. It was hard to choose one so I've chosen two fantastic local charities. I've met those closely involved and they are passionate about supporting local families. Our Space - Staffs Ltd The North Staffs Special Adventure Playground on Stanier Street, Newcastle-under-Lyme closed … [Read more...]
New Probate Fees : A Tax on Death by the Back Door?
New Probate Fees - A tax on death by the back door? The Residential Nil Rate Band First, the good news about inheritance tax: from 6th April 2017, there shall be an additional Residential Nil Rate Band on estates starting at £100,000 for deaths in the tax year to April 2018 rising by a sliding scale to £175,000 for deaths in the … [Read more...]