Reading time: 4 minutes
Written by: Ruth Stevenson, Director/Solicitor at Ives & Co Solicitors
Rising dementia diagnoses are contributing to more complex probate disputes, particularly where a person’s testamentary capacity is questioned. Medical evidence, witness accounts and detailed solicitor records can be crucial when determining whether a Will reflects the deceased’s wishes.
Reading time: 2 minutes
Written by: Ruth Stevenson, Director/Solicitor at Ives & Co Solicitors
Proposed reforms to the Wills Act 1837 could introduce digital Wills, greater flexibility over signing requirements and a new approach to testamentary capacity. Although modernisation may make Will-making more accessible, concerns remain about fraud, undue influence and an increase in estate disputes.
Reading time: 3 minutes
Written by: Ruth Stevenson, Director/Solicitor at Ives & Co Solicitors
Inheriting a property can create unexpected council tax responsibilities while probate and estate administration are underway. Executors and beneficiaries should notify the local council, check which exemptions or discounts apply and keep clear records to avoid unnecessary charges.
Reading time: 3 minutes
Written by: Ruth Stevenson, Director/Solicitor at Ives & Co Solicitors
Liam Payne’s reported death without a Will highlights how intestacy rules determine who inherits an estate and who is responsible for administering it. Making a valid Will allows you to choose your beneficiaries, appoint trusted executors and provide clear instructions for your assets.
Reading time: 2 minutes
Written by: Ruth Stevenson, Director/Solicitor at Ives & Co Solicitors
Contested Wills are becoming more common as changing family structures, concerns about mental capacity and higher-value estates increase the potential for disputes. A professionally prepared and regularly reviewed Will can help clarify your wishes and reduce the risk of future conflict.
Reading time: 2 minutes
Written by: Ruth Stevenson, Director/Solicitor at Ives & Co Solicitors
Government action, additional staffing and increased use of digital applications significantly reduced probate waiting times during 2024. Faster processing offers welcome relief to families, beneficiaries and charities, although accurate applications remain important for avoiding preventable delays.
Reading time: 2 minutes
Written by: Ruth Stevenson, Director/Solicitor at Ives & Co Solicitors
Inheritance Tax receipts are rising as frozen thresholds and increasing property values bring more estates within the tax net. Proposed changes affecting pensions and agricultural and business property relief further highlight the importance of reviewing Wills and estate-planning arrangements regularly.
Reading time: 2 minutes
Written by: Ruth Stevenson, Director/Solicitor at Ives & Co Solicitors
Changes to Agricultural Property Relief and Business Property Relief could create significant Inheritance Tax liabilities for farming families. The article examines how the reforms may affect farm succession and outlines planning options involving lifetime gifts, spousal exemptions, business structures and insurance.
Reading time: 2 minutes
Written by: Ruth Stevenson, Director/Solicitor at Ives & Co Solicitors
The UK’s ageing population is increasing demand for Wills, probate, trusts and wider estate-planning services. Digitalisation is improving accessibility and efficiency, but changing family circumstances and growth in contentious probate continue to make personalised legal advice important.
Reading time: 2 minutes
Written by: Ruth Stevenson, Director/Solicitor at Ives & Co Solicitors
Bereaved families can face inconsistent processes, repeated requests for information and delays when notifying organisations or administering an estate. Clearer national standards could encourage more compassionate communication, simpler procedures and better coordination between service providers.