Reading time: 3 minutes
Written by: Ruth Stevenson, Director/Solicitor at Ives & Co Solicitors
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.
Reading time: 3 minutes
Written by: Ruth Stevenson, Director/Solicitor at Ives & Co Solicitors
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.
Reading time: 3 minutes
Written by: Ruth Stevenson, Director/Solicitor at Ives & Co Solicitors
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.
Reading time: 4 minutes
Written by: Ruth Stevenson, Director/Solicitor at Ives & Co Solicitors
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.
Reading time: 4 minutes
Written by: Ruth Stevenson, Director/Solicitor at Ives & Co Solicitors
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.
Reading time: 4 minutes
Written by: Ruth Stevenson, Director/Solicitor at Ives & Co Solicitors
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.
Reading time: 4 minutes
Written by: Ruth Stevenson, Director/Solicitor at Ives & Co Solicitors
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.
Reading time: 4 minutes
Written by: Ruth Stevenson, Director/Solicitor at Ives & Co Solicitors
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.
Reading time: 4 minutes
Written by: Ruth Stevenson, Director/Solicitor at Ives & Co Solicitors
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.
Reading time: 4 minutes
Written by: Ruth Stevenson, Director/Solicitor at Ives & Co Solicitors
Possible caps on lifetime gifting could change how families transfer wealth and plan for inheritance tax. Anyone considering substantial gifts should understand how potential reforms may affect existing exemptions, long-term plans and the value ultimately passed to beneficiaries.