A Practitioner's Guide to Wills

The fifth edition of A Practitioners Guide to Wills is a comprehensive reference for drafting and interpreting wills, including virtual witnessing during the Covid-19 pandemic, preventing challenges, trust registration, and inheritance tax planning. It also includes specimen clauses and model wills.

Format: Hardback
Length: 624 pages
Publication date: 04 January 2023
Publisher: Wildy, Simmonds and Hill Publishing

The fifth edition of A Practitioners Guide to Wills is a comprehensive and practical resource for individuals involved in drafting, interpreting, and implementing wills. It addresses a wide range of issues and concerns, including:

Virtual Witnessing of Wills during the COVID-19 Pandemic: The book explores the requirements and procedures for virtual witnessing of wills executed during the COVID-19 pandemic, which has posed unique challenges in the legal profession.

Preventing Challenges to Wills: The book offers guidance on how to mitigate the risk of a successful challenge to a will, particularly when concerns arise about the testator's capacity or intention. It discusses strategies for drafting wills that are more robust and less susceptible to challenges.

Registration of Trusts with HMRC: The book discusses the potential tax implications of creating a will trust, particularly in relation to the inheritance tax residential nil rate allowance. It highlights the pitfalls and considerations to be aware of when structuring such trusts.

Pitfalls in Will Trusts: The book warns against certain pitfalls when creating a will trust, such as failing to comply with the necessary legal requirements or attempting to claim the inheritance tax residential nil rate allowance inappropriately. It provides insights into how to avoid such issues.

Nil Rate Band Discretionary Trusts: The book examines the continued relevance of nil rate band discretionary trusts in estate planning, considering their potential benefits and drawbacks. It discusses how these trusts can be used to mitigate inheritance tax liabilities.

Disputes over Will Interpretation: The book discusses the recent developments in will interpretation, particularly in light of the landmark cases of Marley v Rawlings and family provision claims after Ilott v Blue Cross. It provides insights into how the court now deals with disputes over the interpretation of wills.

Extensive Range of Specimen Clauses: The book includes an extensive range of specimen clauses and model wills that can be used as reference points for individuals drafting their own wills. These clauses cover various legal aspects and provide practical guidance.

Separate Appendix: The book includes a separate appendix that provides a comprehensive list of all precedent material in the book, including cases, statutes, and legal principles. This makes it easier for practitioners to access and reference relevant legal authority.

CD-ROM Included: The book comes with a CD-ROM that contains all the precedent material in the book, making it convenient for practitioners to access and review the material offline.

In conclusion, the fifth edition of A Practitioners Guide to Wills is an essential resource for anyone involved in wills and estate planning. It provides a comprehensive and practical approach to drafting, interpreting, and implementing wills, addressing a wide range of issues and concerns. With its extensive range of specimen clauses, model wills, and precedent material, the book is a valuable tool for practitioners, legal professionals, and individuals seeking to ensure the effective administration of their estates.

Weight: 1056g
Dimension: 159 x 237 x 42 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780854902965
Edition number: 5 Revised edition