Anyone who is aged 18 or over who has the mental ability to make decisions can arrange for someone else to make these decisions for them in the future. This legal authority is called “power of attorney”. The person who is given power of attorney

We have been established as solicitors’ offices in both New Milton and Highcliffe for over 40 years. We pride ourselves on being friendly and approachable and on helping you with legal problems in a quick and efficient way. We offer a full range of legal

The probate registry tell us that as many as 52% of people die without ever making a will. I think this demonstrates a reluctance to think about or discuss death and related matters with our family members. The organisation www.dyingmatters.org says “Talking about dying won’t

Getting married for the second time or cohabiting with a new partner? I know it does not sound very romantic, but take some legal advice before taking that step. Go into that new relationship with your eyes wide open. Firstly, any Will that you already

I would like to take this opportunity to wish all the readers a very happy and healthy new year. It is that time of year when I get on my soap box and remind you all to make sure that your wills are up to

Would you know who to turn to if you were being abused or if you thought that an elderly or vulnerable relative, friend or neighbour was being abused? Everyone has the right to live in safety free from abuse. Abuse is when someone causes another

What are the consequences of not having a property and financial affairs lasting power of attorney (LPA) if you suffer from some infirmity? If it is a physical infirmity then it is not too late to make an LPA. Unfortunately the LPA cannot be used

There are many types of trust that come under the umbrella of the above and there are many reasons why you may want an asset protection or family protection trust. These include the reduction of inheritance tax minimising a claim against the estate by a

Here are just a few of the matters that have concerned you this month. My Mum and I have always been very close and there has only ever been the two of us. I have read that if Mum loses mental capacity I will not

Higher rates of stamp duty were introduced in 1997. It was seen as an easy way to raise additional taxes. Between 1997 and today the top rate of stamp duty has increased from 2% to 15%. From 2014 it was determined that you would only