Wills Act 1837: Foundational legislation for will-making in England and Wales. While a Letter of Intent isn't a will, understanding this Act is crucial for ensuring the letter aligns with formal will requirements and doesn't inadvertently create conflicts.
Administration of Estates Act 1925: Primary legislation governing how estates are distributed and administered after death. Essential for understanding the framework within which the Letter of Intent will operate.
Inheritance (Provision for Family and Dependants) Act 1975: Allows certain categories of people to make claims against an estate if reasonable financial provision hasn't been made for them. Important to consider when expressing intentions about estate distribution.
Mental Capacity Act 2005: Sets out the framework for assessing mental capacity and making decisions. Relevant for establishing and documenting capacity when creating estate planning documents.
Trustee Act 2000: Defines trustees' powers and duties. Important when the Letter of Intent includes references to trust arrangements or suggests creation of trusts.
Inheritance Tax Act 1984: Primary legislation governing inheritance tax, including nil-rate bands and various reliefs. Critical for tax planning aspects of estate distribution.
Finance Acts (Various): Annual acts that update tax regulations and thresholds. Important for keeping estate planning advice current and accurate.
Data Protection Act 2018: Governs the handling of personal information in the UK, including post-GDPR requirements. Relevant when collecting and storing personal information in estate planning documents.
Care Act 2014: Legislation covering adult social care in England. Relevant when the Letter of Intent includes provisions about long-term care planning.
Powers of Attorney Act 1971: Legislation governing powers of attorney. Important when the Letter of Intent references future incapacity arrangements or delegation of authority.
