If you have young children, understanding guardianship is crucial. Without a legal guardian appointed in your Will, the Family Court will decide who raises your children - not you. This guide explains the critical consequences and why making this vital decision now brings invaluable peace of mind for your family's future.

Are you thinking about helping your children or grandchildren financially—perhaps with a house deposit or university fees—but you're worried about how it might affect Inheritance Tax? You're not alone. Many of our clients at Westwood Estate Planning want to be generous now, while they're here to see their family benefit, but they're unsure about the rules and don't want to create problems down the line.

The '7-year rule' is one of those phrases that gets mentioned a lot, often causing more confusion than clarity. In this article, we'll break down exactly how it works, what gifts are affected, and—most importantly—how you can make gifts wisely to reduce your potential Inheritance Tax bill while supporting the people you care about.

By the end, you'll have a clear understanding of this essential rule and practical steps you can take today.

We've noticed a lot of discussion online about the upcoming £10 increase to Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA) fees. Some people are genuinely annoyed about it, and we get that—nobody likes seeing costs go up. But we think the conversation is missing the point.

In this article, we'll explain what's actually changing, why it's happening, and—more importantly—why the protection an LPA gives you matters far more than ten pounds. By the end, you'll understand the new fees, but also why they shouldn't be the thing you focus on.