Manal Fouad, Author at Bowling & Co Solicitors

How a last-minute gift could save your heirs £140,000 in tax

When it comes to inheritance tax, the old adage holds true: timing is everything. But few realise just how much timing can matter, especially when a carefully timed “deathbed gift” could preserve tens of thousands of pounds in tax-free allowances.

How to avoid making mincemeat of estate planning

January 23, 2025
Manal Fouad
Family, Private, Residential

A will that was hand-written on the back of two cardboard food packages has been confirmed as legally binding by the High Court. Manal Fouad, Partner and Head of our Private Client team, takes a closer look.

Trustees – What responsibilities do they have

Trustees have a wide range of responsibilities when administering the trust estate under their charge. What is a trustee? A trustee is a person or a firm that holds and administers property or assets held in a trust for the benefit of a third party. A trust can be created for a variety of purposes. For example, trusts can be established in bankruptcy situations or in certain types of retirement plans or to manage assets for a minor or someone lacking capacity. Alternatively, a trust may be established to hold…

Declaration of Trust and the enforcement of charging orders

October 3, 2024
Manal Fouad
Property Market News, Property Law, Residential, Private Client

A recent case considering the enforcement of charging orders and the validity of a Declaration of Trust has highlighted the complexities surrounding property and trust matters in an insolvency.

Emergency Power of Attorney: when and how to obtain it

December 15, 2023
Manal Fouad
Private Client

The Court of Protection will determine if an individual has the mental capacity to make specific decisions and if not, they will issue an emergency Power of Attorney.

Inheritance Tax: Strategies to Secure Your Family’s Financial Future

November 8, 2023
Manal Fouad
Family, Private Client

There has been speculation in the media for the past few years about Inheritance tax (IHT) as a potential target for tax reform, but so far this has not come to fruition. People are fearful of the bills they will leave for their families, but the reality is that many who worry fall well below the threshold at which IHT is payable. But with IHT charged at 40 per cent it’s certainly worth doing a regular check on where you stand, as those who could be liable can minimise their liability by taking advice and planning ahead.

Divorce and your Will

In a 2021 survey, over two-thirds of happily married couples were uncertain about their estate's fate in a divorce. Additionally, 37% believed their former spouse would lose any claim to their estate post-divorce. Read more.

blended family of five watching TV, eating take out - Bowling & Co Solicitors

Estate planning for blended families

Ensure a secure future for all children in blended families with proper estate planning. Protect their inheritance and well-being.

Power of Attorney – why everyone should have one

December 16, 2022
Manal Fouad
General

A Power of Attorney is a very valuable document to have in place, allowing you to plan when you can no longer make decisions for yourself. Read more here.

Trustees – HMRC eases penalities

November 10, 2022
Manal Fouad
Family

Trustees who missed the September deadline to comply with the expanded scope of the Trust Registration regime have been thrown a lifeline by HMRC. Read more here.

Manal Fouad