Leaving behind intellectual property from creative work Creative professionals—writers, designers, musicians, filmmakers, developers, and innovators of every stripe—contribute to the world by crafting works that convey meaning, evoke emotion, and shape culture. These efforts often yield something tangible: a manuscript, a painting, a software programme, or a brand identity. However,...
How to plan your estate around seasonal income or royalties For individuals who earn income in non-traditional ways—such as artists, authors, musicians, actors, and those working seasonally—planning an estate can be significantly more complex than it is for those with steady salaries. Irregular earnings, whether derived from seasonal work in...
Writing a will when you live part-time abroad Planning for the future is an essential part of managing one’s personal affairs, and this takes on additional complexities for individuals who live part-time abroad. Whether you divide your residency between two countries for work, retirement, or personal preferences, writing a will...
Creating legacy video messages as part of your estate plan Estate planning has traditionally centred on financial matters—asset distribution, property ownership, wills, and trusts. However, more people are now recognising the emotional and psychological aspects of what they leave behind. An increasingly popular addition to estate planning is the inclusion...
Estate planning for polyamorous or non-traditional relationships Understanding how to plan for the future is an essential part of life, and doing so becomes even more important—and complex—when your relationships exist outside of traditional societal norms. For polyamorous individuals or those in other forms of non-traditional relationships, estate planning presents...
Leaving property abroad: what UK citizens should know Owning property abroad as a UK citizen can be a rewarding venture, whether it’s a holiday home, a buy-to-let investment, or part of a long-term plan for retirement or relocation. However, navigating the process of leaving this property—whether through sale, inheritance, or...
Writing a will while living abroad with UK ties Living abroad as a British citizen brings exciting opportunities and new experiences, but it also introduces complexities in personal and financial affairs. One critical yet often overlooked aspect is estate planning. When you have UK ties—whether through assets, residency history, or...
Using staggered trusts to support young adult beneficiaries Parents and grandparents often strive to leave behind a lasting legacy that provides both financial stability and personal growth opportunities for the younger members of their family. When children or grandchildren are earmarked to inherit substantial assets, thoughtful planning is critical to...
How to gift family recipes, traditions, or non-financial legacies In a world often dominated by material gifts and financial planning, the value of passing down non-tangible legacies can be overlooked. Yet, it is these deeply personal treasures—family recipes, time-honoured traditions, and moral values—that truly define who we are. They root...
Planning your estate when estranged family might contest your will Planning how your assets will be distributed after your death is already a deeply personal and often emotionally charged process. It becomes significantly more complex when there are estranged family members who might contest your intentions. This situation is more...
What to consider when leaving assets to an unmarried partner Understanding the complexities of estate planning is vital for anyone wishing to ensure their loved ones are cared for after they’re gone. When it comes to longstanding romantic relationships without the legal status of marriage or civil partnership, the process...
Managing inheritance for beneficiaries with gambling issues Inheritance decisions carry enormous responsibility, particularly when beneficiaries have a history of problematic financial behaviour. One of the more complex situations arises when an heir struggles with gambling. The compulsion to gamble can threaten not only the inheritance itself but also the well-being...
Leaving behind a social enterprise: estate considerations When discussing succession planning and estate considerations, the conversation typically leans heavily toward personal wealth, family trusts, and the transition of traditional businesses. Yet, the landscape shifts markedly when the subject is a social enterprise. These mission-driven organisations have a dual purpose—achieving social...
How to name and manage substitute guardians in your will Creating a will is a fundamental aspect of estate planning, particularly for parents with young children. While the primary aim often focuses on asset distribution, one of the most vital elements is the appointment of guardians to care for any...
How to treat private pensions vs. state pensions in estate planning Understanding how pensions factor into estate planning is essential for anyone looking to secure their legacy and ensure their beneficiaries are well cared for. The intersection of pensions and estate planning can be quite complex, particularly given the differing...
Wills for people in the public eye: managing reputation and privacy For individuals in the public eye—whether movie stars, musicians, athletes, media personalities, or high-profile business leaders—estate planning takes on a unique dimension. Unlike private individuals, their personal and professional lives are often intertwined with public interest. Their name carries...
Including overseas burial wishes in your UK will Understanding how to incorporate international funeral preferences into your UK will is vital for ensuring your final wishes are respected and your family is spared unnecessary stress during a difficult time. For those who have strong cultural, religious or personal ties to...
How to ensure care workers are recognised in your estate Care workers are often among the most influential and dedicated individuals in a person’s life, particularly during times of impaired health, advanced age or end-of-life care. They provide not just physical support, but also emotional sustenance, working quietly and tirelessly...
The role of digital signatures in future-proofing wills In an increasingly digital world, traditional practices in estate planning are undergoing transformative changes. One such innovation is the integration of digital signatures, a technological solution with the potential to redefine how we create, execute, and manage legal documents such as wills....
Leaving part of your estate to a cohabiting friend In modern society, personal relationships take many forms. Partnerships and friendships often exist outside traditional frameworks such as marriage or civil partnership. As a result, individuals may form deep, enduring bonds with friends they live with, even if they are not...
Writing a will after winning the lottery or receiving a windfall Coming into a large sum of money through a lottery win or an unexpected windfall is a dream for many. Yet beyond the initial excitement lies a considerable responsibility. While the spotlight often falls on spending and investing, one...
How to protect inheritances from divorce settlements Understanding how inheritances are treated in the context of marital breakdown is essential for anyone who expects to receive or has already received a legacy from a family member. While inheritances are often considered separate property, the reality is more nuanced when it...
Estate planning when you’re caring for elderly parents Caring for elderly parents is both a privilege and a responsibility. As ageing progresses, there are natural transitions in health, cognition and living arrangements that necessitate deeper conversations around their long-term welfare. While emotional and medical support are often top of mind,...
How to manage inheritance for non-UK resident heirs When individuals with assets in the United Kingdom pass away, their estates often include beneficiaries who are based in other countries. Managing an inheritance for heirs who reside outside the UK introduces additional layers of complexity due to variations in international tax...
Leaving money in your will for political or activist causes In today’s dynamic political landscape, many individuals are passionate about the issues that shape societies: climate change, civil rights, economic justice, healthcare, education, and countless others. While supporting these causes often involves volunteering time, participating in campaigns, or offering donations...
Wills and probate considerations for artists and creatives Artists and creatives often dedicate their lives to producing works that reflect personal expression and cultural value. Paintings, compositions, manuscripts, performances, and digital creations are not only reflections of the individual’s talent but also intellectual property (IP) assets that can live far...
How to plan your estate if you’re a beneficiary of a trust Understanding how to align your personal estate plan when you’re a beneficiary of a trust is a critical aspect of long-term financial planning. While trusts can provide significant benefits—such as asset protection, tax planning opportunities, and structured inheritance—they...
Writing a will when you’re estranged from your children Family estrangement is a deeply personal and often painful experience. When it involves children, the emotional landscape becomes even more complex. Parents may find themselves navigating a range of feelings—grief, guilt, anger, or resignation. When these relationships remain fractured over time,...
Estate planning when you’ve been widowed more than once Losing a spouse is one of life’s most profound challenges. When this loss occurs more than once, it magnifies both the emotional and practical complexities involved in moving forward. One area that becomes particularly intricate after being widowed more than once...
Managing pension death benefits outside your will Understanding how your pension death benefits are managed is crucial to ensuring your wishes are honoured and your loved ones are properly supported when you’re no longer around. Many people assume that pensions fall within the remit of their will and will be...
How to include future child or grandchild beneficiaries in a will Planning for the future inevitably involves anticipating the unknown. One key component of this planning is drafting a will, a legal document that outlines how your estate should be distributed after your passing. While it may seem straightforward to...
Leaving a property that is subject to shared ownership agreements Shared ownership schemes have become an increasingly popular way for first-time buyers and those with lower incomes to take a step onto the property ladder. Despite the advantages of affordability and lower initial investment, circumstances often change, and homeowners may...
How to prevent undue influence when drafting your will Understanding the risks and implications associated with undue influence is essential when creating a will. This concern can not only invalidate a person’s final wishes but also engender family disputes, lengthy legal challenges, and substantial financial consequences. Ensuring that a will...
Planning for charitable foundations or scholarships in your will Understanding how your legacy can continue making a difference after your lifetime is a meaningful step in estate planning. Many individuals who have supported charitable organisations during their lives or who have an enduring passion for education, healthcare, the arts, or...
Special considerations for estates that include timeshares When planning or administering an estate, various types of assets must be considered, including real property, investment accounts, collectibles, personal belongings, and digital assets. Among these, timeshares often present unique and complex challenges that can significantly affect estate planning and probate administration. Timeshares,...
How to pass on vintage cars or classic vehicle collections Collecting vintage cars or classic vehicles is often much more than a hobby—it’s a lifelong passion, a labour of love, and for many, a significant financial investment. These collections can represent decades of effort, meticulous restorations, hard-to-find acquisitions, and tangible...
Inheritance planning for couples with different domiciles Navigating the complex interplay between personal relationships and international legal regimes can be a daunting task, particularly when it involves matters of inheritance. For couples who hail from different domiciles—meaning their permanent home or legal residence lies in separate countries—the intricacies of estate...
Leaving behind a digital business: what your will needs to say In an increasingly digitised world, many entrepreneurs have built valuable businesses that exist primarily or entirely online. These digital enterprises—ranging from e-commerce stores and online consultancy platforms to YouTube channels, affiliate marketing streams, and software-as-a-service operations—can represent significant assets...
Managing inheritance when beneficiaries are in legal disputes Understanding how to navigate inheritance issues becomes significantly more complex when the beneficiaries of an estate are engaged in legal disputes. Often rooted in deep-seated familial tensions or differing interpretations of a will, these disputes can delay the distribution of assets and...
How to include family trusts in divorce planning Divorce is a significant life event that involves the disentangling of emotional, personal, and financial relationships. Among the myriad of financial considerations, family trusts can present complex challenges. When a couple decides to separate, determining how assets held in trust factor into...
What to know about passing on loyalty points and rewards schemes In today’s consumer landscape, loyalty programmes have become an integral part of shopping behaviour, travel habits, and everyday spending. Millions of individuals accumulate airline miles, hotel points, credit card rewards, and retail loyalty credits over years of consistent use....
Using letters of wishes to guide trustees and executors Estate planning is a nuanced and deeply personal process, involving not only legal instruments such as wills and trusts but also more informal guidance tools that help align the execution of an estate with the values and preferences of the testator...
Creating separate wills for assets held in different jurisdictions In today’s increasingly interconnected world, it is not uncommon for individuals to possess property and financial interests across different countries. Whether it’s a holiday home in Spain, investment property in Canada, or bank accounts in Singapore, holding assets in separate jurisdictions...
Ensuring pets with long lifespans are cared for in your estate Estate planning is often a deeply personal and thoughtful process, ensuring that one’s wishes are honoured and loved ones are cared for after passing. However, many people overlook one critical component of this planning: the lifelong care of their...
Writing a will after receiving a large compensation payout Receiving a large compensation payout, whether due to a personal injury claim, a workplace accident settlement, or medical negligence, can be a life-changing event. It often comes after an emotionally and physically taxing experience, and while the compensation provides financial security,...
Estate planning tips for frequent travellers and digital nomads Living a life of adventure, whether that means hopping between countries or working remotely from diverse locations across the globe, can be exhilarating. However, frequent travelling and digital nomadism come with their own unique challenges, especially when it comes to preparing...
How to protect intellectual property rights in your estate Understanding how to secure your intellectual property as part of your legacy has become increasingly important in this digital and globalised era. From authors and inventors to entrepreneurs and designers, more individuals are generating valuable intellectual assets that may have enduring...
Including military pensions and veteran benefits in your will Estate planning is a crucial aspect of ensuring the smooth transition of assets and entitlements after death. For military veterans, the process requires particular attention to how military pensions and veteran benefits are considered and integrated. These entitlements are often a...
What to do when beneficiaries live abroad Managing an estate is inherently complex, but when beneficiaries reside abroad, that complexity increases significantly. From navigating legal jurisdictions and foreign tax laws to ensuring timely and safe distribution of assets, executors must address various cross-border issues carefully. These situations are increasingly common...
How to handle foreign marriages and UK inheritance laws Understanding how foreign marriages interact with inheritance laws in the UK is essential for individuals with cross-border family ties or international relationships. Globalisation, migration, and multicultural societies have resulted in a significant number of people entering marriages that take place outside...
Estate planning for couples without children When many people think about organising their estate, their minds often jump to making provisions for children. But not all couples have children, and estate planning is just as essential—if not more so—for them. Whether by choice or circumstance, couples without children face distinct...
Leaving cryptocurrency and NFTs in your will: UK legal considerations In an increasingly digital world, assets are no longer confined to physical properties, savings accounts, or traditional investments. A growing number of individuals are accumulating wealth in the form of cryptocurrencies and non-fungible tokens (NFTs). These digital assets present unique...
How to use trusts to protect family members with addiction or financial issues Understanding how to provide for vulnerable or at-risk family members can be one of the most delicate and complex responsibilities facing a family. When those concerns involve addiction issues or financial instability, the desire to support a...
Including loans made to family members in your will When creating an estate plan, many individuals consider how their assets will be distributed among loved ones — property, savings, investments, and personal belongings are all typically accounted for. However, one commonly overlooked but highly significant detail is whether you have...
Creating succession plans for farms or agricultural estates Planning for the future of a farm or agricultural estate is one of the most significant and sensitive decisions a landowner or farming family can face. These enterprises often carry not only considerable financial value but also deep emotional and cultural ties...
Providing ongoing maintenance for historic or listed properties Understanding how to maintain historic or listed properties is essential not only to preserve architectural heritage but also to comply with legal obligations and safeguard long-term property value. Owners and custodians of such buildings face a unique set of challenges that differ...
The impact of religious beliefs on your will and estate decisions Understanding how faith shapes decisions around end-of-life planning is a significant yet often sensitive consideration. For many individuals, religious tenets profoundly influence their values, ethics, and ultimately the choices they make with regard to their assets, responsibilities, and legacies....
Writing a will when you’re in the process of divorce Going through a divorce is a time fraught with emotional complexities, legal intricacies, and a multitude of decisions that can influence your future substantially. Amid the division of assets, child custody arrangements, and redefining of personal spaces, one critical aspect...
How to structure charitable trusts for ongoing giving Establishing a charitable trust is a significant step for individuals and families who wish to make a lasting impact through philanthropy. It serves as a structured and enduring mechanism to support causes and communities that align with one’s values. With strategic planning...
Guidance for writing wills after adoption or surrogacy When a child joins a family through adoption or surrogacy, it’s an occasion filled with joy, transformation, and new responsibilities. Amid the flurry of emotional and legal preparations, one critical task often overlooked is updating, or in some cases creating, a will....
Establishing a will if you’ve recently become a UK resident Moving to a new country brings with it a host of practical and legal considerations, especially when planning for the future. For those who have recently gained residency in the United Kingdom, drafting a will is an essential yet often...
Leaving a property with tenants: what your will should include Understanding what to include in your will when leaving a property that has existing tenants is essential to ensure your wishes are clearly followed and your loved ones are not burdened with unexpected legal or financial challenges. If you are...
How to ensure business continuity through your will Succession planning is a vital component of ensuring the stability and longevity of any enterprise. For entrepreneurs and business owners, preparing not only for growth but also for unforeseen eventualities is part of responsible leadership. Among the most significant — yet often...
Instructing your solicitor to update your will after major asset sales Updating your will is a crucial aspect of managing your affairs effectively, particularly when there have been notable changes to your asset base. One such change that warrants careful attention is the sale of significant assets, such as property,...
Using a deed of variation to change a will after death The death of a loved one is an emotionally challenging time, and dealing with the legal procedures that follow can add significant strain. One area that may arise during the administration of an estate is the realisation that the...
Including heirlooms and family treasures in your will In the realm of estate planning, financial assets typically take centre stage. However, tangible personal property—such as heirlooms and cherished family treasures—often hold equal, if not greater, emotional importance to loved ones. These items can range from valuable antiques and jewellery to...
Estate planning for carers and those with full-time care responsibilities Understanding the importance of estate planning is critical for everyone, but it takes on an even deeper significance for carers and individuals with full-time care responsibilities. These are often people managing highly complex personal, financial and emotional obligations. Whether caring...
Leaving artwork or collectibles: tax and valuation considerations When planning to pass on artwork or collectibles—whether during one’s lifetime or as part of an estate—it is vital to understand the related tax implications and valuation complexities. These unique assets, often deeply personal and financially valuable, present a distinct set of...
Dealing with UK estates that include foreign pensions Understanding and managing estates in the United Kingdom can be complex, especially when those estates include assets located abroad. Among these potential international components, foreign pensions present unique challenges for executors, beneficiaries, and estate planners alike. With the globalisation of the workforce...
How to name alternate executors in case of unavailability Understanding how to structure a solid and resilient estate plan is one of the most crucial steps in ensuring your wishes are fulfilled after your death. A critical part of this planning is the appointment of executors – individuals tasked with...
Protecting your digital identity and online content after death In today’s interconnected world, our digital identities are an integral part of our existence. From social media profiles and email accounts to blogs, photo storage platforms, digital banking, and subscription services, we live much of our lives online. As our digital...
Including future royalties or licensing income in your will For many individuals, intellectual property forms a substantial portion of their estate. Whether you’re a musician, author, inventor, visual artist, software developer, or even a social media influencer, your creative or intellectual work may generate income during your lifetime—and well beyond....
How to plan your estate if you’re expecting an inheritance yourself Understanding how to manage your own estate becomes more complex when you are also expecting to inherit from someone else. Such a situation necessitates careful financial planning, foresight, and attention to legal and tax implications. Anticipating an inheritance introduces...
Managing inheritance for stepchildren and non-biological heirs In an era where blended families and complex relationships are becoming increasingly common, estate planning has taken on new dimensions. The rise of stepfamilies has brought about sensitive legal and emotional issues concerning the distribution of assets to stepchildren and non-biological heirs. Managing...
Leaving shares in a family business: structuring your will effectively For many entrepreneurs and business owners, building a family business represents a lifetime of hard work, passion, and commitment. It often stands as a lasting legacy intended to benefit future generations. However, without proper legal and financial planning, the transfer...
Creating a will when you own property through a limited company Owning property through a limited company is a common practice among investors and entrepreneurs in the UK. It comes with several advantages, such as tax efficiency, simplified asset management, and liability protection. However, when it comes to estate planning,...
How to manage joint tenancy vs tenancy in common in your estate plan Understanding how property ownership structures impact your estate plan is fundamental to ensuring your assets are distributed according to your wishes after your death. Two of the most common forms of property co-ownership are joint tenancy and...
Leaving assets in staggered distributions for young beneficiaries In estate planning, one of the most critical decisions involves determining how and when your beneficiaries will receive their inheritance. While it may seem straightforward to leave assets to heirs outright, doing so without regard for their age, maturity or capability to...
How to handle jointly owned businesses in a will Estate planning is a crucial part of long-term financial management, especially for individuals who have ownership stakes in businesses. One of the more complex aspects arises when a business is jointly owned—whether with a spouse, family member, or business partner. Planning...
Using family trusts to protect generational wealth Understanding the importance of preserving wealth across generations is an increasingly salient topic for families seeking financial security and long-term prosperity. Whether a family operates a business, owns property, or invests across multiple asset classes, safeguarding these resources for future generations involves more...
How to ensure your pet care wishes are legally enforceable For many, pets are more than just animals—they are beloved members of the family. Dogs, cats, rabbits, birds and other companion animals provide affection, companionship and emotional support. Despite their importance, the law in most jurisdictions still considers pets as...
How to manage digital music and book libraries in estate plans Understanding how to manage digital assets is becoming increasingly important, particularly when it comes to personal collections of music and books. As our lives shift online, the value—both monetary and sentimental—stored in digital libraries can be significant. These libraries...
Estate planning for dual UK-US citizens Understanding the complexities of estate planning is vital for anyone with international ties, and individuals holding dual UK-US citizenship face an especially intricate set of challenges. Navigating the intersection of two sophisticated legal systems, varied tax rules, and differing inheritance laws requires careful strategy....
Leaving instructions for unpublished works or manuscripts In the literary world, unpublished works often hold as much significance as completed, published pieces. Whether they are early drafts, notebooks filled with ideas, or complete manuscripts awaiting an editorial touch, these materials form a substantial part of a writer’s legacy. As such,...
Clarifying burial vs. cremation preferences in your will End-of-life planning is an essential yet often avoided conversation, and among the most personal decisions that individuals face is the choice between burial and cremation. This choice reflects not only practicality but often encompasses aspects of cultural tradition, personal beliefs, religious faith,...
How to provide for long-term care in your will Understanding how to make provisions for long-term care is a critical aspect of comprehensive estate planning. As people live longer, the possibilities of needing various forms of long-term assistance increase. Decisions around care in later life aren’t merely about daily support—they...
Making funeral donations part of your estate planning Making provision for the future extends beyond ensuring wealth is passed on efficiently or taxes are minimised. A thoughtful estate plan considers emotional, social, and ethical responsibilities as well. Among these often-overlooked elements is the decision to direct donations in connection with...
Leaving a legacy to your alma mater or university For many of us, our time at university was transformative. It was more than just academia—it was a defining chapter coloured by intellectual discovery, expanding perspectives, lifelong friendships, and steps towards independence. Our alma mater shaped the people we’ve become and...
When to involve a financial adviser in your estate plan Understanding when to engage a financial adviser in your estate planning process can make a significant difference in ensuring the protection, preservation, and appropriate transfer of wealth across generations. Done effectively, estate planning provides not only peace of mind but...
How to include a foreign marriage or divorce in your will Understanding the implications of international marriages and divorces when preparing your will is crucial for ensuring your estate is distributed according to your wishes. With the increasing mobility of modern life, it is not uncommon for individuals to marry...
What executors need to know about inheritance tax deadlines Dealing with the estate of a loved one who has passed away can be emotionally taxing. When named as the executor of their estate, the responsibility deepens as one must manage both legal obligations and complex financial matters. One of the...
How to reduce IHT liability with agricultural property relief Understanding how to reduce Inheritance Tax (IHT) liability is an essential component of effective estate planning in the United Kingdom. For individuals with qualifying agricultural assets, one of the most valuable reliefs provided under the tax system is Agricultural Property Relief,...
Inheritance planning with family investment companies Understanding how to manage and pass on wealth efficiently is a crucial aspect of financial planning. For high-net-worth individuals and families, traditional vehicles such as wills and trusts have long been cornerstones of succession strategy. However, in recent years, a more flexible and potentially...
Navigating will disputes involving mental capacity claims Understanding and managing disagreements over testamentary documents can be complex, particularly when concerns about the mental capacity of the person who made the will come into play. These disputes often involve sensitive family dynamics, emotionally charged backgrounds, and difficult legal questions. Mental capacity...
Preparing your will when you have estranged family members Creating a will is a crucial element of estate planning, allowing individuals to exercise control over the distribution of their assets upon death. It offers the opportunity to ensure that cherished possessions go to the right beneficiaries, dependants are taken care...
What to do when beneficiaries live abroad Understanding the complexities of estate planning is a critical aspect of ensuring your wishes are fulfilled and your loved ones are cared for after you pass away. The process becomes even more intricate when beneficiaries—those who are set to inherit your estate—reside in...
Setting up life interest trusts for surviving spouses Understanding how to protect loved ones both during and after your lifetime is a key component of thorough estate planning. For many individuals, particularly those in long-term relationships or marriages, there is a desire to provide adequately for a spouse after death...
How to account for second homes in estate planning Owning a second home is a significant achievement and, for many, a rewarding culmination of years of hard work and financial growth. Whether it’s a countryside retreat, a seaside cottage, or an urban apartment, a second property often carries both financial...
Cross-border inheritance: managing EU assets in your UK will In today’s increasingly globalised society, it is not uncommon for individuals to own assets outside their home country. For British citizens, especially those who have spent time living, working, or retiring in European Union (EU) countries, it is quite normal to...
The role of digital vaults in storing your will securely In today’s interconnected world, the transition from traditional forms of document storage to digital solutions has changed how people manage and protect vital information. One of the most important personal legal documents any individual can create is their will. Despite...
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