Reading time: 2 minutes
Written by: Ruth Stevenson, Director/Solicitor at Ives & Co Solicitors Frozen income tax thresholds could move millions of pensioners into higher tax bands by the 2027/28 tax year. Even modest increases in pension income may create larger tax liabilities, reducing disposable income for older people already facing rising living costs.
Reading time: 2 minutes
Written by: Ruth Stevenson, Director/Solicitor at Ives & Co Solicitors Leaving a charitable gift in your Will allows you to support causes that matter to you while creating a meaningful legacy. A professionally prepared and regularly updated Will can balance charitable giving with provision for family members and other beneficiaries.
Reading time: 2 minutes
Written by: Ruth Stevenson, Director/Solicitor at Ives & Co Solicitors Older people—particularly those living alone, experiencing poor health or coping with bereavement—can be especially vulnerable to scams and financial fraud. Raising awareness, encouraging open conversations and putting appropriate safeguards in place can help protect their finances and wellbeing.
Reading time: 3 minutes
Written by: Ruth Stevenson, Director/Solicitor at Ives & Co Solicitors An inaccurate or improperly executed Will can delay probate, create additional costs and potentially prevent an estate from being distributed as intended. Professionally prepared Wills can reduce these risks and provide greater certainty for families.
Reading time: 2 minutes
Written by: Ruth Stevenson, Director/Solicitor at Ives & Co Solicitors As people accumulate more digital assets and online accounts, traditional estate planning may no longer capture the full extent of their affairs. Comprehensive digital solutions can help organise important information, support executors and make estate administration easier for bereaved families.
Reading time: 2 minutes
Written by: Ruth Stevenson, Director/Solicitor at Ives & Co Solicitors The Great Wealth Transfer will see substantial assets pass from older generations to younger family members in the coming decades. Effective estate planning, clear family communication and an up-to-date Will can help preserve wealth and ensure it is transferred according to your wishes.
Reading time: 2 minutes
Written by: Ruth Stevenson, Director/Solicitor at Ives & Co Solicitors Recent probate data indicates modest improvements in processing times, although significant differences remain between digital and paper applications. Understanding these trends can help executors prepare for potential delays when administering an estate.
Reading time: 2 minutes
Written by: Ruth Stevenson, Director/Solicitor at Ives & Co Solicitors Notifying organisations after someone dies can place an additional administrative burden on grieving families. Digital services could simplify death notifications, reduce repetitive paperwork and create a more efficient and compassionate bereavement process.
Reading time: 2 minutes
Written by: Ruth Stevenson, Director/Solicitor at Ives & Co Solicitors UK law firms have demonstrated resilience despite rising operating costs and wider economic uncertainty. Stable profitability, continued investment in staff and an ability to adapt have helped the legal sector maintain high-quality services for clients.
Reading time: 2 minutes
Written by: Ruth Stevenson, Director/Solicitor at Ives & Co Solicitors Inheritance disputes are becoming increasingly common in England and Wales, driven by rising estate values, complex family relationships and concerns about financial exploitation. Careful estate planning and clear communication can help reduce the risk of conflict.