Berrys Solicitors

25/03/2025

We were delighted to attend the Blackpool Carers Centre’s Caring Corporate Networking Event last night.

We were privileged to have talks with members of staff about the invaluable work that they do and were moved by the stories from the people who use this service.

We are looking forward to getting more involved with their amazing work in the future.

18/03/2025

*Closing date 5pm 18th March 2025*

We are delighted to once again be taking part in Free Wills Month this March.

Free Wills Month will take place until the 31st March 2025.

We will be working alongside charities such as:

Royal British Legion
Versus Arthritis
British Heart Foundation
Marie Curie
The Salvation Army
Guide Dogs
Oxfam
Mencap
Age UK
Stroke Association
Alzheimer’s Research UK
NSPCC
If you are aged over 55, this is a great opportunity to ensure your wishes are respected and avoid any complications in the future.

By providing a gift in your Will to charity, you will be helping to support a range of vital organisations.

To book your Free Will appointment, please contact us by email at [email protected].

14/02/2025

Check out our latest article discussing Inheritance Tax Changes and the Importance of Proactive Estate Planning written by Tom Cox.

This article explores the key reasons why estate planning is vital for all those planning their estates.

Click the article below to read more-

17/12/2024

🎄🎅 Wishing Everyone a Merry Christmas from Berrys 🎅🎄

Winston, Head of Client Meeting and Greating and Sophie, Head of Office Security have made a start to the Christmas Festivities!

Please note that our office will close from Monday 23rd December and re-open at 9am on Tuesday 2nd January.

We look forward to seeing you all in the New Year!🎉🥂

31/10/2024

What happens to your digital legacy when you’re no longer here?

In our digital world, your online presence is just as important to plan for as your physical assets. From cherished photos and videos to social media accounts and currently unpublished assets, your digital content carries sentimental and personal value. But without proper planning, what happens to it after you're gone?

Ensure your digital legacy is protected. Reach out today to discuss how we can help.

31/10/2024

OCTOBER IS WILL MONTH!

Creating a Will allows you to look after your loved ones and ensures your wishes are met. We asked Berrys Solicitors (www.berrys-solicitors.co.uk) where to store a Will and who keeps a record of it?

"Once you have signed your Will, your ‘original’ signed Will must be kept in a secure place away from potential harm or mishaps.

Normally, once you have signed your Will, your Solicitor will ask you if you wish to keep the original document yourself at home or would prefer the original document to be kept by the solicitors for their safekeeping.

Most solicitor firms will offer to store your original Will. We recommend that you do this for reasons of safekeeping and ease of mind. At Berrys Solicitors we securely store your Will free of charge."

To book your appointment call them on: 01253 620022
If you would like to view our full list of participating solicitors you can do so here: https://www.trinityhospice.co.uk/support-us/gift-in-will/will-month/

31/10/2024

𝐊𝐞𝐲 𝐁𝐮𝐝𝐠𝐞𝐭 𝐔𝐩𝐝𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐬 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐂𝐚𝐩𝐢𝐭𝐚𝐥 𝐆𝐚𝐢𝐧𝐬 𝐓𝐚𝐱 – 𝐄𝐟𝐟𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐞 𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐠𝐞𝐬 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐈𝐧𝐯𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐬 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐩𝐞𝐫𝐭𝐲 𝐎𝐰𝐧𝐞𝐫𝐬

From October 30, 2024:
• CGT Rates Increase: Basic rate rises to 18%, and higher rate to 24% for disposals.
• Business Asset Disposal Relief (BADR) & Investors Relief (IR): Rate increased from 10% to 14% in April 2025, further rising to 18% by April 2026.

For investors and property owners, these updates highlight the growing importance of efficient asset planning. Book an appointment with one of our solicitors to review your property/ estate portfolio.

31/10/2024

The Autumn budget has landed and the Inheritance Tax (IHT) changes could impact your estate and succession planning.

To summarise the key points:

𝗦𝘁𝗮𝗿𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗔𝗽𝗿𝗶𝗹 𝟲, 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟲:

• Pensions and IHT: From April 2027, unspent pension pots will be included in IHT calculations.

• Nil Rate Bands: Frozen until 2030 at £325,000 and £175,000, which may increase IHT liability for more families due to asset growth.

• Agricultural and Business Property Reliefs: Limited to 100% on the first £1 million of qualifying assets, then reduced to 50%.

💡 Plan Ahead: It is more important than ever to reassess your estate plans, including considerations around pension contributions, the timing of asset transfers and your wider estate planning.

Get in touch with our office to discuss your estate planning with one of our solicitors.

19/09/2024

We're hiring a new Legal & Office Accounts Assistant in our growing family-run solicitors practice predominantly dealing with Wills, Trusts, Estate Planning, Probate, LPA’s, Contested Wills & Inheritance Disputes, Court of Protection & Residential Property matters.

Apply today or share this post with your network.

https://employers.indeed.com/jobs/view?employerJobId=aXJpOi8vYXBpcy5pbmRlZWQuY29tL0VtcGxveWVySm9iLzVlM2RjNDViLTAyODgtNDVjYS05OGE3LTM4OTU4NGZkMzdiNQ%3D%3D&from=%253Fclaimed%253Dfalse%2526createdOnIndeed%253Dtrue%2526tab%253D0%2526status%253Dopen%25252Cpaused&from=%3Fclaimed%3Dfalse%26createdOnIndeed%3Dtrue%26tab%3D0%26status%3Dopen%252Cpaused

25/08/2024

Check out our latest article discussing the Importance of making a Will:

Making a Will is one of the most important steps you can take to ensure that your loved ones are cared for and that your wishes are respected after you pass away. Whether you’re an individual or part of a couple, having a legally valid Will is essential to avoid unnecessary complications and to provide peace of mind for you and your family.

Not only this but a carefully drafted Will alongside quality legal advice can be a useful tool for estate planning and inheritance tax issues.

Read more in our article -https://www.berrys-solicitors.co.uk/assets/files/The-ImportanceofmakingaWill.pdf

Speak with one of our solicitors who can guide you through the process of making a Will, ensuring that your wishes are clearly expressed and legally binding.

23/07/2024

A much belated post!

A warm welcome to Tom Cox who joined our team as a Paralegal a couple of months ago. Tom covers all Private Client and Property matters and is already a valued member of our team.

Welcome!

24/04/2024

The Importance of Estate Planning!

Recent reports from The Times reveal that inheritance tax has reached a record £5.75 billion in the UK. This significant figure highlights the critical need for estate planning, emphasising the importance of protecting your assets and ensuring your wishes are carried out effectively.

Estate planning is not exclusive to the wealthy or elderly; it's an essential part of financial planning for everyone, regardless of age or financial status. Here’s why estate planning with expert guidance is crucial:

1. Minimise Inheritance Tax with Proactive Planning
The UK inheritance tax threshold is currently £325,000 per individual, with assets exceeding this amount potentially subject to a 40% tax rate. Proper estate planning can help reduce this tax burden on your beneficiaries, ensuring that more of your assets go to your loved ones rather than to the tax authorities.

2. Tailored Solutions with Home Visits
Understanding that every individual and family has unique needs, we offer tailored estate planning solutions. For added convenience and comfort, home visits are available in some instances, allowing you to discuss your wishes and concerns in a familiar environment.

3. Benefit from Years of Experience
With over 30 years of collective experience in the private client and property sector, our team of solicitors possesses the expertise and knowledge to guide you through the complexities of estate planning. We are committed to providing personalised advice and support to help you make informed decisions about your estate.

4. Secure Your Family’s Future – Contact Us Today
Don't leave your legacy to chance. Start planning for your family's future today by scheduling a conversation with one of our experienced solicitors. Contact our office today to organise a consultation and take the first step towards securing your assets, protecting your loved ones, and ensuring your wishes are met.

Take action today by contacting our office to schedule a consultation with one of our experienced solicitors.

Inheritance tax brings in record £7.5 billion, £400 million more than 2022