News / 26.04.2022 Wills and Planning Funerals For most of us planning our own funeral is something we would not wish to think about, but it can be an important issue in relation to writing a Will.  As Solicitor Adam Hillier explains. When I... Read More

News / 01.03.2022 Spring clean your finances - now is the time to consider succession planning and making tax effective gifts Clearly with the astronomical costs to our economy from the global pandemic, the Chancellor will be looking to raise more tax revenue.  The forthcoming increase in National Insurance and dividend... Read More

News / 02.02.2022 Why you should leave a digital legacy Trying to access the important data locked into the phone of a deceased relative can be a logistical nightmare. But now Apple has launched a new Digital Legacy program to overcome this problem. ... Read More

News / 01.02.2022 Probate practicalities A year ago I reported to you that the online probate system was up and running and working relatively well.  Unfortunately the last year did see huge delays and ‘stopped’ applications... Read More

News / 10.01.2022 Why DIY Wills could cost you and your loved ones dear! The pandemic has caused many people to revaluate their estate planning and review or write Wills for the first time. So, what are the pitfalls of DIY Wills? Associate Solicitor, Deborah Escott- Watson... Read More

News / 08.11.2021 How much does care really cost? How much does care really cost? The Government has recently announced a new 1.25% health and social care tax to pay for reforms to the care sector and NHS funding in England. It is estimated to raise... Read More

News / 01.11.2021 What are Lasting Powers of Attorney? If you are concerned as to what would happen if you lost mental capacity and who would make decisions on your behalf, then you should consider making Lasting Powers of Attorney to cover both propert... Read More

News / 01.10.2021 FAQ - Disputing a Will Unfortunately when a loved one or family member passes away, sometimes disputes over the Will can arise. Private Client specialist Sally Manning discusses this: 1)Under what circumstances can... Read More

News / 22.09.2021 What are the benefits of leaving a gift to a charity in your Will? The Battens Charitable Trust was set up in 1985 by Battens Solicitors to help local charities across Somerset and Dorset. Since then the BCT has donated more than half a million pounds to deserving ca... Read More

News / 11.08.2021 Challenging time ahead – has the time come to consider succession planning? As a farmer, and a solicitor, I am well aware of the many challenges faced by the farming industry as almost every area of law is subject to change since the UK’s departure from the EU. The Agr... Read More

News / 19.07.2021 FAQ - Wills and shared assets The times that we are currently living in have shown that life can change completely overnight and the future can look uncertain. The best way of dealing with this uncertainty is to ensure that all... Read More

News / 07.06.2021 FAQ - Leaving a business in your Will Having a valid and up-to-date Will in place ensures yours and your family's wishes are clear and comprehensive, but how can a Solicitor help leave a business or shares to someone in your Will? Priva... Read More