All articles
All Estate Planning Articles: Page 3
Every article we publish for England & Wales, newest first: articles 121 to 180 of 404. Prefer to browse by subject? Start from the topic hubs.
- What Is a Codicil UK? How to Amend a Will WithoutA codicil amends an existing will without replacing it, using the same Wills Act 1837 s.9 execution: signed plus two witnesses. When to use one, and the risks.8 June 2026 · 4 min read
- What to Do When a Parent Dies UK: Step-by-Step GuideWhen a parent dies in England or Wales, the immediate steps are: register the death, use Tell Us Once to notify government departments, find the will.8 June 2026 · 7 min read
- What to Do When Your Spouse Dies UKA step-by-step guide for when your spouse or civil partner dies: registering the death, claiming Bereavement Support Payment, pensions, joint assets and ISAs.8 June 2026 · 6 min read
- When Does a Will Become Public Record in the UK?A will becomes public once probate is granted and anyone can order a copy (£16 online). Learn how to search, why wills are public and how to keep plans private.8 June 2026 · 6 min read
- When Someone Dies at Home UK: What to Do ImmediatelyWhen someone dies at home in England and Wales: who to call for expected or sudden deaths, when the coroner steps in, the death certificate and the next steps.8 June 2026 · 6 min read
- Writing a Will Over 70 UKWriting or updating a will at 70 or older: documenting capacity, the urgency of an LPA, reviewing old wills, later-life tax planning and DIY versus solicitor.8 June 2026 · 8 min read
- Will Writing Services UK: Types, Costs and AlternativesThe four ways to make a will in England and Wales compared: high-street solicitor, online service or kit, will writing company and charity will scheme.8 June 2026 · 5 min read
- Writing a Will with Mental Illness UKCan you make a valid will with a mental health condition? How the Banks v Goodfellow capacity test applies, documentation steps and statutory wills explained.8 June 2026 · 7 min read
- Co-Executor UKThinking of naming more than one executor? Learn how joint authority, power reserved and renunciation work, and how many executors you should appoint.7 June 2026 · 9 min read
- Paying Inheritance Tax in Instalments UKInheritance tax on property, businesses and unlisted shares can be spread over 10 yearly instalments. Learn which assets qualify and the interest rules.7 June 2026 · 10 min read
- Modernising Wills: Where Does Reform Stand in 2026?Where does will reform stand after the Law Commission's Making a Will report? Learn what changes are proposed for England and Wales and what it means for you.31 May 2026 · 8 min read
- UK Wills Law Reform 2026: What Happened to the BillThe government missed its 16 May 2026 deadline to respond to the Law Commission's Modernising Wills Law report; your properly executed will remains fully valid.19 May 2026 · 8 min read
- Blended Family Wills UK: Protecting All Your ChildrenStandard mirror wills can accidentally disinherit children from a first relationship. How a life interest trust protects every child in a blended family.18 May 2026 · 10 min read
- Deed of Disclaimer UK: How to Refuse an InheritanceA deed of disclaimer lets a beneficiary refuse an inheritance before accepting it. Used within two years of death, it is treated as if never entitled.15 May 2026 · 7 min read
- Inheriting a House UK: Tax, Ownership and Next StepsWhen you inherit a house in England and Wales, you need to understand inheritance tax, CGT on later sale, probate, and your options, keep, sell, or rent.15 May 2026 · 9 min read
- Insolvent Estate UK: Creditor Priority OrderAn insolvent estate is one where debts exceed assets; learn the strict creditor priority order under AEA 1925 s34 and whether family members inherit the debts.15 May 2026 · 8 min read
- Living Will (Advance Decision) UKA living will, or Advance Decision to Refuse Treatment, is legally binding under the Mental Capacity Act 2005; how to write one and how it differs from an LPA.15 May 2026 · 8 min read
- Capital Gains Tax on Inherited Property UKWhen you inherit a property in England or Wales, CGT is not charged at the point of inheritance, but if you later sell it for more than the probate value.14 May 2026 · 8 min read
- Court of Protection Deputyship UKIf someone loses mental capacity without an LPA, a Court of Protection deputyship is the only way to manage their affairs: how to apply, timeline and costs.14 May 2026 · 8 min read
- Disabled Person's Trust in a Will UKA disabled person's trust in a will lets you leave assets to a disabled loved one without affecting their means-tested benefits; favourable tax treatment too.14 May 2026 · 8 min read
- Grant of Administration with Will Annexed UKWhen a person dies leaving a valid will but no executor can act, a grant of administration with will annexed (administration cta) is issued instead of probate.14 May 2026 · 8 min read
- Life Tenant Rights UK: What a Life Tenant Can DoA life tenant has an interest in possession: income or occupation of trust property for life, but not the capital. Rights, duties and tax. 2026 guide.14 May 2026 · 8 min read
- Valuing an Estate for Probate UKBefore applying for probate, executors must value the deceased's estate for HMRC. A step-by-step guide to valuing assets, debts and jointly owned property.14 May 2026 · 8 min read
- Agricultural Property Relief UKFrom April 2026 APR is capped at £2.5m per person, combined with BPR. Guide to farm inheritance tax, the occupation test and succession planning. 2026.13 May 2026 · 9 min read
- Assent in Probate UK: The AS1 Form ExplainedAn assent is the document that vests a deceased person's property in the beneficiary under s36 Administration of Estates Act 1925; for land it is in writing.13 May 2026 · 7 min read
- Assets That Don't Need Probate UKWhich assets pass outside probate in England and Wales: property held as joint tenants, pension death benefits, life insurance in trust and nominated accounts.13 May 2026 · 8 min read
- What Happens If a Beneficiary Dies Before You UKIf a beneficiary dies before you, their gift lapses and falls into residue, unless you name a substitute or the section 33 Wills Act 1837 exception applies.13 May 2026 · 8 min read
- Bona Vacantia UK: When Estates Pass to the CrownBona vacantia is when someone dies with no will and no qualifying relatives, so their estate passes to the Crown. How it works and how a will prevents it.13 May 2026 · 7 min read
- Business Property Relief UK: Cut IHT by Up to 100%Business Property Relief can cut inheritance tax on qualifying business assets; from April 2026 it is capped at £2.5 million per person, combined with APR.13 May 2026 · 10 min read
- Business Succession Planning UKWhat happens to a sole trader, partnership or limited company when the owner dies, and how LPAs, shareholder agreements and BPR protect business continuity.13 May 2026 · 9 min read
- Care Home Fees and Property UKThe council cannot simply seize your house, but your property will be assessed for care fees if you move into residential care and no qualifying relative.13 May 2026 · 10 min read
- Caveat in Probate UK: How to Stop a Grant IssuingA probate caveat (form PA8) temporarily blocks a Grant of Probate while you investigate or challenge a will: who can enter one, the cost and how long it lasts.13 May 2026 · 8 min read
- Chain of Representation UK: When an Executor DiesThe chain of representation (s7 Administration of Estates Act 1925) allows the executor of a deceased executor to step into their role and complete the.13 May 2026 · 7 min read
- Leaving a Charitable Legacy in Your Will UKHow to leave a gift to charity in your will, the 10% rule that reduces inheritance tax from 40% to 36%, and how to word a charitable legacy correctly.13 May 2026 · 8 min read
- Choosing an Executor for Your Will UKWho should be executor of your will? The right choice keeps estate administration smooth; the wrong one causes feuds, delays and legal bills. How to choose.13 May 2026 · 8 min read
- Codicil to a Will UK: A Cheap Way to Make Small ChangesA codicil amends your will without rewriting it, but must be signed and witnessed under section 9 of the Wills Act 1837; when to write a new will instead.13 May 2026 · 7 min read
- Cy-Pres Doctrine UK: When a Charity Gift FailsIf a charity named in your will has closed or merged, the cy-pres doctrine redirects the gift to a similar charitable purpose instead of failing to intestacy.13 May 2026 · 7 min read
- Deed of Gift UK: Giving Property Away in Your LifetimeWhat a deed of gift is in England and Wales, when you need one, and the gift with reservation of benefit (GROB) rules that can undo the inheritance tax saving.13 May 2026 · 9 min read
- Deed of Variation UK: Redirect an Inheritance Tax-FreeA deed of variation lets beneficiaries redirect an inheritance within 2 years of death; HMRC treats the change as if the deceased made it. 2026 guide.13 May 2026 · 9 min read
- Discretionary Trust in a Will UKA discretionary trust in a will gives trustees flexibility over who inherits and when, protecting vulnerable beneficiaries and managing inheritance tax.13 May 2026 · 10 min read
- Domicile and Inheritance UK: Why It Decides Your IHTYour domicile, not nationality or residence, decides which law governs your estate and whether you pay full UK IHT; domicile of origin and choice explained.13 May 2026 · 8 min read
- Donatio Mortis Causa UK: Deathbed Gifts ExplainedA donatio mortis causa is a conditional gift made in contemplation of death that takes effect without a will. The strict conditions and the IHT effect.13 May 2026 · 8 min read
- Enduring Power of Attorney UK: Is Your EPA Still Valid?Enduring Powers of Attorney were replaced by LPAs for new arrangements in 2007, but existing EPAs remain valid. What they cover and when to replace one.13 May 2026 · 7 min read
- Equity Release and Inheritance Tax UKEquity release through a lifetime mortgage reduces your estate value and can lower your IHT bill, but the loan plus rolled-up interest cuts the inheritance.13 May 2026 · 8 min read
- Estate Administration UK: Step-by-Step for ExecutorsEstate administration for executors: registering the death, validating the will, valuing assets, paying debts and taxes, and distributing to beneficiaries.13 May 2026 · 10 min read
- Excepted Estates UK: Skip the Full IHT AccountMost estates in England and Wales are excepted estates that skip the full IHT400 form; the three categories, thresholds and what executors actually need to do.13 May 2026 · 7 min read
- Executor Liability UK: The Risks and How to Avoid ThemAn executor's personal liability is unlimited. Common mistakes, from paying beneficiaries before debts to missing creditors, and how to protect yourself. 2026.13 May 2026 · 8 min read
- Executor Renouncing Probate UKAn executor named in a will does not have to act. How to renounce probate using form PA15, what power reserved means, and when renunciation is permanent.13 May 2026 · 8 min read
- The Executor's Year UK: How Long Beneficiaries WaitThe executor's year is the 12-month period after death for winding up an estate; what it means in law and the rights beneficiaries gain once it has passed.13 May 2026 · 8 min read
- Expression of Wishes Pension UKA pension expression of wishes tells your scheme trustees who should receive death benefits. Why it matters, how to keep it current, and common mistakes.13 May 2026 · 8 min read
- Family Provision Claims UK: Who Can Claim and WhenWho can make a family provision claim under the Inheritance (Provision for Family and Dependants) Act 1975, what the court considers, and the six-month limit.13 May 2026 · 9 min read
- Foreign Property in a Will UK: Getting It RightHow to deal with overseas property and foreign assets in an English will: which country's law applies, double taxation treaties, the two-will strategy.13 May 2026 · 9 min read
- Paying Funeral Expenses from an Estate: UK RulesFuneral expenses are the first charge on the estate in England and Wales: who pays, what is recoverable, and what happens if the estate cannot cover it.13 May 2026 · 7 min read
- Gifting Property to Children UKGifting your home or investment property to your children: the CGT on the gift, IHT within 7 years, and the gift with reservation of benefit (GROB) trap.13 May 2026 · 9 min read
- Grant of Probate UK: What It Is and How to Get OneA grant of probate is the court document that lets executors deal with an estate: what it is, when it is needed, how to apply online, and processing times.13 May 2026 · 9 min read
- Handwritten Wills UK: Are They Legally Valid?Can you write a will by hand in England and Wales? The legal requirements, why a handwritten will is no more valid than typed, witness rules, common mistakes.13 May 2026 · 7 min read
- Health and Welfare LPA UK: What It Lets You DecideA Health and Welfare LPA lets your attorney make medical and care decisions, but only once you lack mental capacity. What it covers and how to set one up.13 May 2026 · 10 min read
- How to Apply for Probate UK: Forms, Fees and TimingHow to apply for a grant of probate in England and Wales: the forms you file, the documents you need, the court fee, and how long the online process takes.13 May 2026 · 10 min read
- How to Avoid Inheritance Tax UKThere is no single way to eliminate inheritance tax, but 12 legal strategies can reduce or eliminate it: gifting, trusts, pensions, business relief and more.13 May 2026 · 12 min read
- How to Find a Will After Someone Dies UKHow to find a will after someone dies in England and Wales: searching the home, contacting solicitors, the National Will Register and the Probate Registry.13 May 2026 · 8 min read
Self-help information only. Articles on this blog are for general informational purposes and do not constitute legal advice. WillSafe UK is not a firm of solicitors. For complex estates, blended families, business assets or foreign property, please speak to a qualified solicitor.