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Robert Ashworth and Fiona Ashworth has the incredible pleasure of being invited to the Cardiothoracic Centre in the Basildon University Hospital. The ‘once in a lifetime’ visit was arranged by Essex Community Foundation where a small group of business professionals in Essex had the unique opportunity to tour the facilities and even get an up-close account of a live heart surgery. This was a very special opportunity to meet top cardiac surgeons, Dr Clesham and Dr Keeble, who set up the Essex Heart Foundation in 2020 to support local charities working with cardiac patients in the community. The fund will facilitate the development of new clinical services and support local cardiovascular research and training. Robert and Fiona often have clients that have serious health issues or who have sadly lost someone they love to a heart condition. Improving their knowledge of cardiac issues, talking to the surgeons and seeing the facilities up close will help them to understand the families concerns and they can direct them to the help and services of the Essex Heart Foundation when clients need some additional support. Commenting on the experience, Robert Ashworth, Director and Solicitor, said: “Thank you so much for the invitation. To
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December 3rd is the International Day of Persons with Disabilities (IDPD), a significant global initiative aimed at promoting inclusivity and raising awareness about the challenges faced by individuals with disabilities. Established by the United Nations in 1992, this day serves as a platform to celebrate the diverse talents, abilities, and contributions of people with disabilities while advocating for a more accessible and inclusive world. In this blog, we share the support available for people with disabilities along with how to start a claim for compensation if your disability was caused by negligence. One of the key aspects of IDPD is the emphasis on the rights of individuals with disabilities to participate fully in all aspects of society. By removing barriers in educational and employment settings, we can create an environment where individuals with disabilities have equal opportunities to learn and thrive. The theme for IDPD 2023 is “Building Back Better: Towards a Disability-Inclusive, Accessible, and Sustainable Post-COVID-19 World” – the focus is being placed upon ensuring that the recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic is inclusive and considers the needs of persons with disabilities. By doing so, organisations can benefit from a diverse range of talents and perspectives, fostering innovation and
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Probate is the legal process of administering the estate of a deceased person, ensuring that their assets are distributed according to their Will or, in the absence of a Will, in accordance with the laws of intestacy. While probate is typically a straightforward process, disputes can arise, leading to what is known as contentious probate. This article explores the concept of contentious probate, its causes, and the legal aspects surrounding such disputes. What is Contentious Probate? Contentious probate refers to a situation where disputes or disagreements arise during the administration of a deceased person’s estate. These disputes can involve various parties, including family members, beneficiaries, or creditors. Common issues include: Most Common Claims Made: At Thompson Smith and Puxon, we help clients with a wide range of disputes concerning an estate or the Will of someone who has passed away. Some of the most common types of claims made include: Validity of the Will: Disputes often arise when there are concerns about the validity of the deceased person’s Will. This may include allegations of undue influence, fraud, duress, or lack of mental capacity when the will was created. Family Disputes: Contentious probate can result from family disagreements over the distribution
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Despite the widespread anticipation and column inches leading up to the Autumn Statement, Inheritance Tax was excluded from the Chancellor’s announcements. Jeremy Hunt spoke for an hour during the delivery of the 2023 Autumn Statement on Wednesday 22 November, announcing a number of changes to help work towards the continued growth of the UK economy. 110 measures have been noted with the Chancellor pulling a final rabbit out of his hat at the end of his speech – a 2% cut to the National Insurance rate for employees. Some of the highlights include: There are a number of changes to digest over the coming weeks and as always, the devil is often in the detail, so if any of these changes impact you or your business, it is important to seek advice. The full details can be found here – HM Treasury Autumn Statement 2023 No Reforms on Inheritance Tax Inheritance Tax creates complexities and concerns for many families, and it had been hoped that a reform of the current practices would be announced within the Autumn Statement. There has been a 12% increase in the amount of IHT paid in comparison to the same period last year, so this
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Richard Broadhead, Head of Residential Property at Thompson Smith and Puxon shares some practical tips for moving house over the winter period and in adverse weather conditions. Moving house at any time of year can be stressful – but moving in adverse weather or over the Christmas period can bring a few more challenges! For further information, advice or to obtain a quote for your property sale and/or purchase, then please contact the Thompson Smith and Puxon team on 01206 217070 or email movinghome@tsplegal.com.
