Wills, Trusts & Estates guides and insights
Plain-English articles, guides and updates from our wills, trusts & estates team. For advice on your own situation, visit our Wills, Trusts & Estates services or request a callback.
19 articles · View all News & Insights
Who inherits when there's no will? Intestacy rules explained
Dying without a will means a fixed legal formula decides who inherits, not you. Spouses, children and the £322,000 statutory legacy explained, plus who gets nothing.
Do I need probate?
Probate isn't always required. Whether you need a grant depends on what the person owned and how they owned it. Here's how to tell, and what to do first.
Executor taking too long? Your rights as a beneficiary
Executors are expected to distribute within about a year, with no hard deadline. Your rights as a beneficiary, when a delay is a real problem, and what to do.
DIY Probate vs Using a Solicitor: An Honest Cost Comparison
DIY probate costs £300 if the estate is straightforward. Solicitors charge £1,500–£10,000+. Here's what can go wrong, who should DIY, and the real liability risks.
Online wills vs a solicitor: which do you actually need?
Online and template wills can be perfectly valid for simple estates. The trouble starts with second marriages, businesses and execution mistakes. Here's how to tell.
Understanding Life Interest Trusts
A life interest trust lets one person benefit from an asset for their lifetime — often the family home — while preserving the capital for others afterwards. It is widely used to…
Does a Trustee Own the Property? What You Need to Know
A trustee holds the legal title to trust property but does not own it for their own benefit. The beneficiaries hold the beneficial interest. This split between legal and beneficial ownership is…
Executor or Will Trustee: What Is the Difference?
An executor gathers in and distributes an estate after death; a trustee holds and manages assets in an ongoing trust. The same person often does both, but the roles and duties are…
What Is a Trust Agreement? How It Works, Who Uses It and Why.
Have you wondered what a Trust Agreement is? Depending on your circumstances, they can be beneficial.
Can an Executor Withhold Money From a Beneficiary? What Can be Done?
If you are a beneficiary of a Will and you think that an Executor is withholding money, it could be for various reasons.
How to Prove You Are Next of Kin for Inheritance
"Next of kin" has no fixed legal meaning in England and Wales. Who inherits depends on whether there is a will, and if not, on the intestacy rules. You prove your entitlement…
What Makes a Will Legal: Requirements, Checklist, and Advice
What are the areas to consider when drafting a Will? Can you draft a Will yourself. We explore the options.