Proposed changes to the statutory legacy limits on Intestacy

As part of Rogers & Norton’s continuing drive to keep clients and professional contacts up to date with legal developments, we can advise that the Ministry of Justice has announced that as from the 1st February 2009 married couples/civil partners whose spouse/civil partner dies without leaving a Will, are set to benefit from an increase in the statutory legacy limits under proposals published by the government.

The limits are currently set at £125,000 where the deceased leaves a surviving spouse/civil partner and children, and £200,000 where the deceased leaves a surviving spouse/civil partner and parents or siblings, but no children. The limits have not been increased since 1993.

It is proposed that the new levels of the statutory legacy will increase to £250,000 and £450,000 respectively. The statutory legacy is the amount payable to a surviving spouse/civil partner from the estate of his/her partner who dies intestate, that is, without leaving a Will.

Justice Minister Bridget Prentice said:

“This increase will give extra protection to married couples and civil partners whose spouse or civil partner dies without making a Will. But it also highlights how important it is for men and women to make arrangements for their loved ones in the event of their death.

Married couples and civil partners should not assume that when their spouse or civil partner dies, they will automatically be entitled to everything. It is up to the individuals to make sure that their wishes are respected by making a Will.

My message to people is, don’t leave it to chance. Make sure your loved ones are properly provided for by leaving a Will.”

Tom Lawrence, a solicitor in our Private Client Department, said “The amendments to the statutory legacy limits are a welcome change. However we strongly urge people against placing any reliance on these provisions and continue to advise all our clients that making a Will is a sensible and prudent step to take as soon as possible.”

If you have any queries on this subject please do feel free to contact our Private Client Department by either email to willsrogers-norton.co.uk or by telephone on 01603 666001.

Rogers & Norton Charity Golf Day 2008

Cancer care in Norfolk has been given a boost thanks to the efforts of over 100 golfers who took part in a special event in aid of Macmillan Cancer Support. A total of £3,100 was raised at the Rogers & Norton Charity Golf Day held at Bawburgh as part of Macmillan’s ‘World’s Biggest Coffee Morning’ event. “The money will now be used to provide better care and information for the people of Norfolk,” said Helen Chapman, Macmillan’s Fund Raising Manager. “We have a mobile information centre which tours the villages and market towns of Norfolk and last year we gave grants of over £70,000 to cancer sufferers in the county. Our thanks go to Rogers & Norton for their valuable support.”

Added Graham Knights from Rogers & Norton, “Unfortunately almost everyone will know someone who has been affected by cancer and that’s why people responded most generously on the day to support the fantastic work Macmillan continues to do. “We are already planning to run a similar event next year.”

Corporate Manslaughter Seminar 26th November 2008

On the 26th November 2008 Rogers & Norton in conjunction with Heath Lambert Group hosted a seminar on the impact of Corporate Manslaughter and Corporate Homicide Act 2007.

The seminar at Dunston Hall was attended by over 70 delegates and involved presentations by Mark Hambling and Phil Kerridge, both partners in the practice. Phil analysed the law prior to the 2007 Act coming into force on the 6th April 2008 and considered the law which remains in place following the Act and the current sentencing regime under the Health and Safety at Work legislation.

Mark analysed the new Corporate Manslaughter and Corporate Homicide Act 2007 and provided an overview as to what will need to be proven for a successful prosecution and advised on the steps that employers should take so as to ensure that they do as much as possible to avoid prosecution in the unfortunate event of a fatality in the workplace

Commenting on the seminar Mark Hambling indicated that "Rogers & Norton were delighted to be able to co-host this seminar with Heath Lambert and analyse both the legal and insurance issues. The seminar was very popular and clearly demonstrated the awareness of local businesses as to the impact of this Act and the need to be pro-active in ensuring compliance with the legislation".

Following the seminar both Mark and Phil indicated that they are more than happy to discuss, without obligation and initially without charge, the impact of the new Act should any delegate wish to make contact

Although the seminar has now concluded, both Mark and Phil will be happy to answer any further questions on the impact of the Act and can be contacted on the details listed below.

Philip Kerridge
Telephone: 01603 675612
Email: pnk@rogers-norton.co.uk

Mark Hambling
Telephone: 01603 675668
Email: mbh@rogers-norton.co.uk