Recognising pets as family members

Posted on 14th May 2025

A new petition calls for legal changes to make courts recognise pets as family members instead of property. It currently has almost 4,500 signatures but needs at least 10,000 to ensure the government responds. The deadline for signatures is 27th September.

Cats and dogs are often part of the family but the courts treat them as possessions.

Changes to the legal requirements for Wills

Posted on 25th April 2025

To date you can't write a Will on your smartphone.

Max George, member of the popular band ‘The Wanted’, says he wrote his Will on a smartphone before emergency surgery. Unsurprisingly, this caused a lot of comment amongst legal professionals.

Does intestacy law need reform?

Posted on 11th April 2025

A recent poll found that almost two thirds of people across the UK thought the law of intestacy should change. The survey of over 2,000 people showed the majority wanted UK intestacy rules to reflect modern relationships.

When a cohabiting partner dies without a Will there's no legal protect for those left behind.

What is a disabled person’s trust?

Posted on 24th March 2025

Whether someone uses a wheelchair or has a mental disability, they might need extra financial help you can provide in a disabled person's trust

A disabled person’s trust can provide peace of mind that a loved one has financial security after your death.

You could leave some or all your assets in trust for a family member or friend. You might do this because you’re concerned they would find it difficult to manage financially on their own, for example. A trust allows the trustees to manage the assets on their behalf.

Would you use AI to rewrite your Will?

Posted on 10th March 2025

How much confidence do you have in artificial intelligence or AI?

New research found over 70% of people between 30 and 34 would consider using AI to update their Will.

You don't want to risk the content of your Will using artificial intelligence Scrabble pieces.

Should I place my life insurance policy into a trust?

Posted on 27th February 2025

Like an umbrella on a rainy day, a life insurance policy is protection against the unexpected. Should you put yours in a trust?

You might have heard trusts mentioned in relation to Will writing and estate planning.

Trusts are also a consideration if you’re planning to take out some life insurance.

Many of us think about life insurance as protection for a rainy day. It can help our loved ones manage financially when we die. Normally they receive a lump sum free of income tax and Capital Gains Tax, so how might a trust help?

Pension pots and Inheritance Tax – changes in 2027

Posted on 13th February 2025

At 40%, Inheritance Tax or IHT can have a significant impact for the beneficiaries of your estate when you die. By 2032/33 one in eight estates may pay IHT when a surviving spouse or civil partner dies.

Your pension piggy bank might be broken due to inheritance tax changes.

Why you should include guardianship in your Will

Posted on 27th January 2025

Young families with children under 18 should appoint guardians

If you die before your children are under 18 they will need someone to care for them.

You can include who will act as their guardians in your Will.

Family members in care

Posted on 13th January 2025

I have recently received some enquiries from family members who want to bring loved ones home from care.

Vulnerable people living in a care home might need extra help because of age-related illnesses or pre-existing medical conditions.

If your loved on is in a care home you can't legally remove them.

Do you have marriage plans for 2025? Why you should write a Will

Posted on 24th December 2024

Wegging rings can change your life but you need to update your Will.

Did you know that, even if you have a legally valid Will, it becomes void when you marry?

This is because the law in England and Wales sees marriage as a significant change to your finances and commitments. It assumes you will want to review your previous arrangements.