WAE Flashcards
(85 cards)
What is the spouse’s entitlement under intestacy?
£322,000 and half the remaining residue of the estate and personal chattels
Cash is re-absorbed back into the estate.
What is the issue’s entitlement under intestacy?
The other half of the residue of the estate shared equally among issues
No spouse or issue ranking includes parents, siblings (whole blood and half-blood), grandparents, uncles & aunts (whole blood and half-blood), and the Crown Bona Vacantia.
What are the formalities needed for appropriation of the deceased’s share by the spouse?
Need writing within 12 months of grant of probate
If the house is worth too much, transfer money from their own bank account to make up the difference.
What is a statutory trust?
A substitution rule and contingency rule in the absence of a will
Look out for this term whenever someone dies intestate.
What is the assumption for the contingency limb regarding vested interest?
The interest becomes vested once a person reaches age 18, subject to the actual age stipulated in the will
If the contingency is not met, the trust continues.
What does the contingency rule/limb state?
Interest is contingent upon the issue reaching age 18 or as specified in the will provisions
If they fail, they must wait until that age to receive their interest.
What is the substitution rule/limb?
If the issue does not survive the deceased, their own issue may inherit under the substitution limb of statutory trusts
This applies to children, siblings, aunts/uncles, and s.33 WA 1837 implies the substitution limb in law.
What is the Power of Maintenance according to s.31 TA 1925?
Powers to apply and accumulate income for beneficiaries under 18
It also includes a duty to pay trust income to a beneficiary who is vested in possession.
What does the Power of Advancement cover?
The power to advance capital for any beneficiary with a vested or contingent interest in the capital of a trust fund
Can advance the whole of the beneficiary’s entitlement if appropriate.
What is the significance of a ‘significant gift’ to a solicitor in a will?
Triggers the need for independent solicitor advice
Recorded in an attendance note due to potential validity issues.
What are the validity requirements for a will?
Capacity, intention (general or specific), and formalities
Presumption exists for capacity and formalities regarding due execution.
What does the test for capacity involve?
Capacity at the material time to make wills based on impairment to soundness or understanding
Need capacity to both make and revoke a will.
What is the test for duress in will creation?
Coercion or pressure that overpowers the testator’s freedom of action
Appeals to ties of affection or pity for future destitution.
What are the formalities for due execution under s.9 WA?
Signed by the testator and witnessed by two or more witnesses present at the time
Must also be signed by each witness in the presence of the testator.
What special attention is needed for blind or illiterate testators?
An extra attestation clause is required
This is to maintain presumption of intention once the will is read aloud.
What must happen for alterations/amendments to be valid?
Signed and attested by witnesses, must read naturally
Must reference each amendment made by name.
What is the close class rule?
Closes once the first beneficiary has a vested interest
Starting point is when the first beneficiary becomes entitled in possession.
What is a claim under the IPDFA?
Failure to make reasonable financial provision
Claims must be within 6 months after death.
What is the deadline for variations under IPDFA?
Must be within 2 years
Applies to claims made by surviving spouses and others.
What is the significance of the NRB?
£325,000 for inheritance tax purposes
It establishes the threshold for tax liability.
What does the Downsizing Rule allow?
Applies to those who lack RNBR due to not having a QRI
It allows them to qualify under certain conditions.
What is the death rate for IHT?
40% value at the date of death
This rate applies to the estate value exceeding the NRB.
What is the exemption for charity in IHT?
If up to 10% of the estate is left to charity, the estate is eligible for a reduced tax rate of 36%
This encourages charitable donations.
What is the rule on life interests post-2006?
Only life interests for testamentary trusts are covered
This includes intermediate post-death trusts.