Key questions about a wide range of important and topical legal matters were answered at seminar hosted by South West law firm Lodders.

Explanations and answers about care fee planning, the Residence Nil Rate Band, inheritance tax, probate fees and Lasting Powers of Attorney were covered by some of the regions' top private client lawyers.

The comprehensive programme at this year's Private Client Seminar, at the Manor House Hotel in Moreton-in-Marsh, addressed pressing concerns over how to protect commercial interests and assets, while looking after the health and wealth of family and loved ones.

In welcoming the 100 guests to the event, Head of Lodders' Private Client team Martin Green said: "The seminar's programme has been designed to answer the questions most frequently asked by our clients.

"The General Election and Brexit are contributors to today's shifting landscape, together with recent Government U-turns, including the shelving of plans to increase probate fees, and the seminar will provide invaluable guidance on how to plan for the futures of loved ones, your home and investments."

Steve Brignull, Partner in Lodders' Private Client department, explained the Residence Nil Rate Band tax that came into effect on 6 April this year, and the considerations for people with more than one residence, who have downsized or have sold their home to cover the costs of care.

The firm's Sofia Tayton and Jessica Beddows, both key members of Lodders' specialist Care and Capacity team, outlined effective care fee planning and how to plan for your own or a loved one's mental incapacity, including the role and importance of Lasting Powers of Attorney and the Court of Protection.

Emma Sommerville delivered a brief round-up of topical issues, including an explanation of the Government's U-turn on probate fees, Wills and Trusts, and the growing role of the 'Bank of Mum and Dad' in helping children and grandchildren onto the property ladder.

Lodders is a premier law firm in Warwickshire, Cheltenham, the North Cotswolds, Gloucestershire and its 20-strong private client team has achieved the highest possible rankings in the independent guides to the legal profession, Legal 500 and Chambers UK.

For more information, visit www.lodders.co.uk.

First picture: left to right, Jessica Beddows, Stephen Brignull, Emma Sommerville, Martin Green and Sofia Tayton, all from Lodders

Second picture: Nigel Goodhand, Peter Aylward, Rebecca Bradley (Lodders)

Third picture: Vicki Gulliver (Lodders), Deborah Pluck