Wills & Probate Archives

Do You Need Probate for a Small Estate? Key Checks Before You Start

28 July 2026

You may not need probate for a small estate, but there is no single “small estate” rule in England and Wales. Whether probate is needed usually depends on the assets involved, how they were owned, and what banks, building societies or other institutions require.
Ives & Co Solicitors support families with wills, probate and estate administration, including cases where the estate appears simple at first but still needs careful checking.

When Probate Is Delayed: What Happens to an Estate Before the Grant?

14 July 2026

Probate delays can create real pressure for families, executors and beneficiaries. At Ives & Co Solicitors, our Wills and Probate team supports clients with estate administration, probate applications and the practical legal steps needed after someone dies.

What Is “Reasonable Financial Provision” In Inheritance Act Claims?

29 June 2026

Disputes involving estates and inheritance claims can become highly complex, particularly where family members or dependants believe they have not been adequately provided for within a will. Ives & Co Solicitors advises clients on wills, probate, and estate matters, including complex inheritance disputes where the validity, fairness, or financial provision of an estate is challenged after death.

Living Overseas Does Not Always Remove UK Inheritance Tax Risks

19 June 2026

Many individuals assume that moving overseas automatically removes them from the UK inheritance tax system. In reality, inheritance tax exposure can continue long after leaving the country, particularly where domicile, long-term UK connections, or UK-based assets remain involved.

Last Few Days of Free Will Registration Month 2026

22 May 2026

The National Will Register has announced the return of Free Will Registration Month throughout May 2026, providing individuals and legal professionals across the UK with the opportunity to register wills free of charge. The annual initiative is designed to raise awareness about the importance of ensuring wills can be located quickly and efficiently after death, helping to reduce probate delays, family disputes, and the risk of a valid will being lost or overlooked.

Estate Planning for Digital Assets: Managing Cryptocurrency in Your Will

24 April 2026

As digital wealth becomes more common, estate planning is no longer limited to property, savings, and physical assets. With specialist expertise in will writing and probate, Ives & Co Solicitors supports clients in navigating modern challenges — including how to properly account for digital assets such as cryptocurrency within their estate.

The “Pensions IHT Grenade”: What Families Need to Know

16 April 2026

Recent commentary in the legal press has raised concerns about what some are calling a potential “pensions IHT grenade” — a warning that pension funds may not always be as protected from inheritance tax as many assume. Here’s what that means in practical terms.

Who Pays for Litigation in Probate — And When Can Costs Come from the Estate?

10 March 2026

When disagreements arise after someone passes away, one of the most important questions is: who pays the legal costs?
Recent sector commentary has highlighted growing concern about litigation funding and the circumstances in which costs can properly be paid from an estate.

Finance Bill Proposals and Bereaved Families: What You Need to Know

28 February 2026

When legislation changes, particularly around inheritance tax and estates, it can directly affect grieving families. Recent warnings from the Law Society about the proposed Finance Bill highlight potential financial risks for the bereaved — and why careful estate planning has never been more important.

2026 Will-Making Trends: What Families Should Prepare For This Year

20 January 2026

As families look ahead to a new year, many take the opportunity to put important legal affairs in order. At Ives & Co, our wills and probate specialists see January as a key moment when people pause, reflect, and plan for the future. In 2026, will-making is being shaped by changing family structures, evolving assets, and greater awareness of long-term planning — making this the ideal time to review what really matters.

NEWS

Do You Need Probate for a Small Estate? Key Checks Before You Start

When Probate Is Delayed: What Happens to an Estate Before the Grant?

What Is “Reasonable Financial Provision” In Inheritance Act Claims?

Living Overseas Does Not Always Remove UK Inheritance Tax Risks

Last Few Days of Free Will Registration Month 2026

Estate Planning for Digital Assets: Managing Cryptocurrency in Your Will

The “Pensions IHT Grenade”: What Families Need to Know

Who Pays for Litigation in Probate — And When Can Costs Come from the Estate?

Finance Bill Proposals and Bereaved Families: What You Need to Know

2026 Will-Making Trends: What Families Should Prepare For This Year

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