Soteria Article

Contesting a Will – Everything You Need to Know

Contesting a will is the process of challenging the validity of someone’s last will and testament after they have died. It can be done by potential beneficiaries or heirs who believe that the contents of the will are not in line with their expectations or are not valid for various reasons. This blog post will…
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Expect an extra £172,000 inheritance tax bill because of the tax threshold freeze 

The government’s decision to continue its freeze on the Nil Rate Band is hugely disappointing and costly news for families with assets in the UK. The extended deep freeze announced by Chancellor Jeremy Hunt in the Autumn Statement means that the IHT-free threshold will remain at a total of £1 million until 2028 instead of…
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Guide to Reporting the UK resident's death aborad

Navigating the Process: A Guide to Reporting the Death of a UK Citizen Abroad 

For families in the UK, losing a loved one can be an incredibly difficult and overwhelming experience. If the death occurs overseas, matters become even more complex, with questions about locating documents and communicating with authorities abroad arising. In such cases, it can seem daunting to report a family member’s death overseas properly.   Related: What…
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What to do when someone dies in Hong Kong

When a friend or relative dies whilst abroad, each country has its own set of laws, customs, and procedures to follow, and it may not always be possible to make arrangements which you prefer. You may therefore be uncertain whom to contact and what to do. The following guide will help by describing the steps one…
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What to do when someone dies in Thailand

When clients use our comprehensive Will and Estate planning service, we are often asked what the procedures are once a person has died in Thailand. Clients want to know the steps that need to be taken and where the death needs to be reported, both in their overseas home and also in their home country.…
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Lasting Powers of Attorney: What they can do for you

It’s common knowledge that setting up an estate plan while you are alive allows your wishes to be easily followed after death. What isn’t commonly discussed, however, is how Lasting Powers of Attorney can provide peace of mind during your lifetime. These particularly important documents apply only whilst you are alive and are totally separate…
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Will Writing – A step by step guide

Writing a will is an important part of ensuring that your assets and belongings are properly distributed after passing. It can be a daunting and overwhelming task if you don’t have all the necessary information—but it’s also one of the most crucial steps for ensuring that your loved ones are taken care of in the…
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Why do you need an Estate Plan?

Are you familiar with estate planning? Whether this term is new to you or something that’s on your radar already, the reality is that it’s an important concept for anyone, especially if you have young children and other loved ones, as well as assets of a reasonable value. Creating an estate plan doesn’t have to…
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Who will inherit if there is no will – the UK intestacy rules

When an individual passes away unexpectedly without a valid Will, their possessions and overall estate becomes subject to a set of rules known as the “rules of intestacy”. While these rules are set with logic to ensure the closest family members receive the bulk of the estate, it may not reflect one’s actual wishes. So,…
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More people pay IHT, HMRC data shows 

It’s no secret that the inheritance tax threshold hasn’t been changed in years, ultimately leaving ordinary families with a large tax to pay. But what you may not know is that this number is only going up – and fast.  More families fall into the Inheritance Tax net   HMRC data shows that an increasing number…
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