Wills During the Coronavirus Pandemic
16th April 2020
Wills during the Coronavirus
We appreciate that many people will be considering making a Will and Lasting Powers of Attorney now, more than ever, in light of the Coronavirus pandemic. At Maples Solicitors we will work around those who are self-isolating and we will continue to follow Government guidance by keeping our distance from others. This does mean that we can now offer “Through your Window Wills”. We will take instructions for your Wills and Lasting Powers of Attorney via the telephone, video calls or e-mail and we can attend at your home and arrange the signing and witnessing of the documents through your window.
Our costs for dealing with Wills are as follows:-
Our Simple Wills service offers a comprehensive service to ensure that your wishes are carried out in the event of your death.
If you are married or have a partner and want to make mirror Wills our cost are £360 (inclusive of VAT).
This fee is made up of:
- Legal fee £300
- VAT on legal fees £60
If you want to make a single Will our costs are £210 (inclusive of VAT).
This fee is made up of:
- Legal fee £175
- VAT on legal fees £35
The Simple Will Service includes:
- Appointment of Executors
- Provision for your funeral wishes
- Appointment of Guardians for minor children
- Provision for specific legacies including money and personal items to named beneficiaries
- Basic Inheritance Tax advice
- Advice with regard to the distribution of your residuary estate to your intended beneficiaries
- Draft Will with full explanation in plain English sent to you in the post
- Answering any queries you have on the draft Will
- Face to face meeting at our offices to sign the Will with a Solicitor or Legal Executive
- Registration with Certainty the National Wills Register
- Secure lifetime storage
This service does not include:
- Complex inheritance tax advice and planning
- Assets that are situated abroad
- Property protection advice
- Advice with regard to disinheriting family members
If it becomes apparent additional work will be needed we will inform you of the additional work required and confirm the additional costs.
If you would like to make a “Through your Window Will” or Lasting Powers of Attorney please telephone the office on 01775 722261 or e-mail enquiries@maplessolicitors.com.
Stamp Duty Changes from 1st April 2025
In accordance with Government Announcement on the 30th October 2024 from 1st April 2025, there will be several changes coming into effect.
Please note if you complete after 1 April 2025 then these changes could impact the stamp duty rate applicable to you even if you have exchanged contracts already.
Thresholds up to 31 March 2025
SDLT starts to apply when you buy property that costs:
- £250,000 for residential properties
- £425,000 for first-time buyers buying a residential property worth £625,000 or less
- £150,000 for non-residential land and properties
Thresholds from 1 April 2025
SDLT starts to apply when you buy property that costs:
- £125,000 for residential properties
- £300,000 for first-time buyers buying a residential property worth £500,000 or less
- £150,000 for non-residential land and properties
You can visit the gov.uk website and search Stamp Duty Land Tax where you will find further information and a calculator to enable you to calculate the rate and amount payable.
To discuss any Conveyancing matters please contact either Donna Sandison or Laura Day of our Conveyancing Team or telephone the office 01775 722261.
