As a wills specialist, one of the most common misconceptions we at KWW Solicitors encounter is that estate planning simply involves writing a will. While a well-drafted will is the cornerstone of any robust estate plan, it’s often just the beginning. For many individuals and families, particularly those with complex circumstances or significant assets, the
Unsurprisingly given that almost two centuries have past since the Wills Act of 1837 was signed into English and Welsh law, it has become hopelessly out of step with modern society. On May 16, 2025, the Law Commission, the independent body that reviews and recommends reforms to the law, delivered a landmark report and accompanying
In the intricate world of UK law, certain documents act as flexible tools, allowing for necessary adjustments and amendments to existing agreements or legal arrangements. One such instrument is the Deed of Variation (DoV). While it might sound complex, understanding what a DoV is and when it can be used is incredibly helpful, particularly in
The UK Wills & Probate Consumer Research Report 2025 reveals a significant and encouraging trend: more of us are finally getting around to making a will. For the first time since records began, more than four in 10 UK adults (41%) now have this crucial document in place. This represents an uplift from 38% in
There have been a number of changes in regard to marriage law and marriage status since 2004, with the most recent being the introduction of opposite-sex civil partnerships in 2019. These changes have been important in providing clarity over legal rights and financial security when one of the couple dies. Meanwhile, despite ongoing campaigns, couples
While the specific terms of any will are up to the individual who makes it, after they have died there may be circumstances where those left behind wish to pass their gift to someone else. “Beneficiaries don’t have to accept their inheritance, whether under a will or under the terms of intestacy,” says Jack Haskew,
While financial assets can be divided relatively easily when settling an estate, this is not usually possible with heirlooms such as a painting, a piece of furniture or individual pieces of jewellery. Even if items are not valuable, such items may be the cause of a dispute between siblings who have set their heart on
Acting as an executor means you are responsible for reporting the value of the estate and declaring any inheritance tax due, so it is important to make sure you follow the correct procedures. “Since January 2022, new rules have applied in respect of reporting inheritance tax,” says Jack Haskew, Head of the Private Client team
Whether the beneficiary of an estate is entitled to inherit a small personal item, a share or even the majority of the assets of the person who died, it can be a stressful time for them while they wait for probate to come through. Delays at the probate office are outside your control, but if
When dealing with the administration of an estate, distributing the gifts is one of the final stages. It is important the executors do not make distributions too soon, to protect themselves and the estate against debts or claims. Executors are advised not to pay out gifts before obtaining the Grant of Probate as time limits
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