Steve Bish

A leading estate planning adviser is warning that a “perfect storm” of rising property values, frozen inheritance tax thresholds and increasing dementia rates means more families risk being caught out without proper plans in place. With the average UK home now forming the largest part of most estates, and inheritance tax thresholds remaining frozen, more households are being drawn into potential tax liability. At the same time, the number of people living with dementia is projected to reach...

By Steve Bish Writing a Will is one of the most important things you can do to protect your loved ones. But here’s something many people don’t realise: having a Will isn’t a “one and done” job. Your life changes and your Will should keep up. I’ve seen too many families caught out because a Will was written years ago and never looked at again. So, let’s talk about when you should be reviewing it, when you should be updating it and how to make sure it still reflects your wishes. When should you...

Can I give my home to my children? Yes, you can, but it’s important to understand the consequences before doing so. Once you transfer ownership, it’s no longer your property. This means you lose control over what happens to it. The property could be affected if your child later divorces, gets into debt, or faces bankruptcy. That said, gifting your home can sometimes be a wonderful way to pass on wealth while you’re still here to see your children benefit. The key is getting the right advice...