Planning ahead becomes even more important when tax rules shift — and at Ives & Co Solicitors, our will & probate specialists help families protect their estates with clear, tailored advice. The Autumn Budget 2025 has brought inheritance tax (IHT) back into focus, with updates that could affect thousands of households from next year.
Celebrity estate disputes often grab attention, and the recent headlines about Paris Jackson challenging the executors of Michael Jackson’s estate highlight how quickly tensions can arise during probate. While these cases involve global estates and high-value assets, the underlying issues are very similar to those we see every day in UK probate administration.
This year brings a major shift worth paying attention to: a steep increase in the cost of obtaining official copies of probate documents. Let’s break down exactly what’s changing, when, and what it means for anyone managing an estate.
Recent findings from the Council for Licensed Conveyancers (CLC) highlight a key challenge faced by professionals — inconsistent practices among banks when handling funds from deceased estates.
With inheritance tax (IHT) often seen as one of the most contentious areas of estate planning, proposed reforms have reignited debate about fairness, complexity, and the long-term impact on families.
Wills & Probate are at the heart of ensuring your wealth is protected and passed on smoothly to your loved ones. At Ives & Co, we specialise in guiding clients through estate planning with clarity and efficiency. Any changes to lifetime gifting rules could have a direct impact on your strategy — making it essential to stay informed about the potential implications.
The escalating number of dementia patients in the UK has profoundly reshaped the landscape of contested probate cases, leading to a significant increase in both their frequency and complexity. With nearly a million individuals currently living with dementia in the UK, a figure projected to rise by over 70% by 2040, the legal implications for estate planning and inheritance are substantial.
The Law Commission’s proposal to reform the Wills Act 1837 has sparked widespread interest and debate. Is this the long-awaited update the law needs, or could it open the door to more disputes over estates?
One area where many people get caught off guard is council tax on inherited properties. Let’s break down what you need to know to stay compliant – and avoid unexpected bills.
It’s been revealed that former One Direction star Liam Payne, worth an estimated £24.3 million, passed away without a valid will in place. As shocking as this may seem for someone of his profile and wealth, it’s more common than you might think, especially among younger adults and those who assume they have time on their side.
