Expert Comments

Opinion

Chadwick Boseman’s Estate Dispute: A Reminder of an Executor’s Duties

The dispute surrounding Chadwick Boseman’s estate offers a timely reminder of the responsibilities placed on executors and administrators. Although arising under US law, the case reflects principles familiar to practitioners...

August 6, 2026
Opinion
  • inheritance-tax
  • Trusts
  • wills-and-probate

What Happens to a Music Icon’s Estate? Lessons from Bonnie Tyler’s Death

The death of Welsh singer Bonnie Tyler has drawn attention to the importance of effective estate planning, particularly for those with significant assets, international connections and valuable intellectual property rights....

July 22, 2026
Opinion
  • inheritance-tax
  • Wills
  • wills-and-probate

What Happens to Your Estate If You Have No Spouse or Children? Lessons from Ann Widdecombe’s Passing

The passing of Ann Widdecombe has prompted renewed discussion about what happens to your estate if you have no spouse or children. While her personal arrangements remain private, her circumstances...

July 21, 2026
Opinion
  • wills-and-probate

Probate Fees Increase to £526 – But Are Executors Getting Better Value?

From 13 July 2026, the probate application fee increased from £300 to £526. While HMCTS has improved processing times for straightforward applications, complex estates can still experience significant delays despite...

July 16, 2026
Blog
  • Wills

When the Court Writes the Will

A Statutory Will allows the Court of Protection to make a Will for someone who lacks the mental capacity to do so themselves. The court considers the individual’s wishes, values...

July 8, 2026
Opinion
  • Wills
  • wills-and-probate

Your Will Could Become A Public Document, Here’s Why

Many people are unaware that, in the UK, a Will can become publicly accessible once probate is granted. As confirmed in Holt v Information Commissioner & Ministry of Justice, original...

March 18, 2026
Opinion
  • court-of-protection
  • lasting-power-of-attorney
  • Wills
  • wills-and-probate

Giving Your Heart This Valentine’s Day

Giving your heart this Valentine’s Day can mean more than a romantic gesture - it can be the life-saving gift of organ donation. With the UK’s opt-out system, most people...

February 13, 2026
Blog
  • Wills
  • wills-and-probate

Why Every Parent Should Have A Will: Protecting Your Family And Preserving Your Tax Allowances

If you are married and have children under 18 years old, preparing a Will is one of the most important steps you can take to protect your family’s future. Many…

December 15, 2025
Opinion
  • Wills
  • wills-and-probate

Protecting Our Pets: Why Wills Matter for the Animals We Love

Our pets are part of the family, and many clients worry about what will happen to them after they die. From leaving pets as specific gifts, to setting up trusts...

November 28, 2025
Opinion
  • contentious-probate

Beneficiary Forfeiting Inheritance For Role In Assisted Dying – Morris V Moris (2024)

Whilst suicide is no longer a crime, the assistance of another’s suicide can give rise to criminal (and other) sanctions. Under section 2 of the Suicide Act 1961: (1) A…

July 16, 2025
Opinion
  • inheritance-act
  • inheritance-dispute
  • Wills
  • wills-and-probate

Transgender Beneficiaries – Will Obtaining A Gender Recognition Certificate (GRC) And Changing Your Name Impact Inheritance?

Following the enactment of the Gender Recognition Act in 2005, transgender individuals whose circumstances qualify can choose to obtain a GRC which changes their gender for legal purposes. It is…

May 20, 2025
Opinion
  • Wills
  • wills-and-probate

The Law Commission’s Report On Modernising Wills Law

The Law Commission’s long-awaited report on the reform of Wills Law marks a significant moment in modernising one of the oldest legal frameworks in England and Wales. At the heart…

May 19, 2025
Opinion
  • contentious-probate
  • dispute-resolution

How To Fund A Contested Probate Claim

There is a growing trend of people litigating about contentious probate matters which may be fuelled by increasing values of estates (which mainly consist of properties), public awareness due to…

May 2, 2025
Opinion
  • wills-and-probate

William Shakespeare And A Lesson In Will Drafting: ‘All’s Well That Ends With A Will’

William Shakespeare, one of the greatest playwrights in history, passed away on April 23, 1616 (also his birthday). While his literary legacy continues to captivate audiences worldwide, his Last Will…

April 23, 2025
Opinion
  • inheritance-dispute
  • inheritance-tax
  • wills-and-probate

Polyamorous Relationships and Their Impact on Inheritance and Probate

In recent years, polyamorous relationships have become more visible and more publicly understood. Polyamory refers to having a romantic relationship with more than one person. There is no one right…

February 21, 2025
Opinion
  • contentious-probate
  • dispute-resolution

A Recent Take On Death Bed Gifts – Rahman V Hassan (2024)

The doctrine of donatio mortis causa (which in Latin translates to ‘gift by reason of death’) (“DMC”) dates back to the Roman times, and given the statutory provisions of s9…

October 4, 2024
Opinion
  • contentious-probate
  • dispute-resolution

Testamentary Capacity – Updated in Leonard v Leonard (2024)

A Will can be challenged and set aside if it can be shown that the deceased lacked ‘testamentary capacity’. Banks v Goodfellow (1870) The relevant legal test for establishing (testamentary)…

September 4, 2024
Blog
  • inheritance-tax

Mariah Carey’s Mother And Sister Die On The Same Day: Who Will Receive Their Inheritance First?

The Grammy award winning singer, Mariah Carey, has announced the tragic loss of both her mother and sister. Where there are insufficient details known at this time to determine what…

August 29, 2024
Opinion
  • wills-and-probate

Intestacy, What Happens If I Die Without A Will?

Research has shown that one in two UK adults do not have a will in place and a third of those without a will are over the age of 55…

March 27, 2024
Opinion
  • wills-and-probate

Love and Making Wills

People are often under the impression that the field of Wills & Probate is rather sombre and devoid of love. However in reality that is rarely the case. Clients are…

February 14, 2024
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