Key highlights from expert discussions about mental capacity, philanthropy and international clients

Delegates from across the world attended STEP’s Special Interest Spotlight Sessions in London, UK on 9 December. Expert panellists discussed the latest issues affecting philanthropic giving, cross-border estates, international clients, business families, contentious trusts and estates, mental incapacity and digital assets. This is the final in a series of blogs capturing the sessions and the… Read More Key highlights from expert discussions about mental capacity, philanthropy and international clients

Digital assets: risks, liabilities and solutions for estate planners

Delegates from across the world attended STEP’s Special Interest Spotlight Sessions in London, UK on 9 December. Expert panellists discussed the latest issues affecting philanthropic giving, cross-border estates, international clients, business families, contentious trusts and estates, mental capacity and digital assets.… Read More Digital assets: risks, liabilities and solutions for estate planners

How cross-sector collaboration clarified life and health trusts registration protections

The 1 September deadline has passed for registerable trusts, simplifying the timescale to the same 90 days for all nontaxable trusts. It seems a good time to highlight other simplifications, affecting trusts of insurance policies, which may not be immediately apparent.… Read More How cross-sector collaboration clarified life and health trusts registration protections

England and Wales Law Commission consults on reforming the law relating to digital assets

The Law Commission of England and Wales published a consultation paper on 28 July seeking views from legal and technology experts in order to examine how existing personal property law should apply to digital assets. The UK government has asked the Law Commission to make recommendations for reform to ensure that the law is capable… Read More England and Wales Law Commission consults on reforming the law relating to digital assets

Trust Scotland Act 1921 centenary prompts call for reform

The Edinburgh Tax Network celebrated the 100th anniversary of the Trust Scotland Act 1921 by hosting a web event for stakeholders this week, which STEP attended. The centenary of the Principal Statute on 19 August has prompted the Scottish Law Commission to submit a draft bill for potential reform, the Trusts (Scotland) Bill, to the… Read More Trust Scotland Act 1921 centenary prompts call for reform

Progress on digital legacy planning from internet service providers

UPDATE 13 DECEMBER 2021 On 13 December 2021, during the release of its iOS 15.2 update, Apple officially released its Digital Legacy feature, which lets people choose the specific people (up to five family members or friends) who will be able to access their account after they die. The chosen contacts will then be able… Read More Progress on digital legacy planning from internet service providers

Invitation to STEP/Law Commission free webinar on its 14th Programme of Law Reform

The Law Commission of England and Wales has announced a public consultation on its 14th Programme of Law Reform and has published a scoping document providing background on the programme and ideas for potential projects. STEP is hosting a joint webinar with the Law Commission on 19 May to discuss the proposals in further detail.… Read More Invitation to STEP/Law Commission free webinar on its 14th Programme of Law Reform