United Kingdom: Wills/ Intestacy/ Estate Planning

At Tees, we often advise clients where the validity of a will or the authenticity of a signature is disputed. In these cases, expert handwriting evidence can be important, but it is rarely the only evidence the Court will consider.

When an unmarried partner dies in England and Wales, the surviving cohabitant faces a harsh reality: they have no automatic inheritance rights under intestacy rules, regardless of how long they lived together. This comprehensive guide examines how property ownership, joint assets, pensions and debts are treated on death, and explores the legal protections available to unmarried couples through Wills, trusts, cohabitation agreements and financial provision claims.

The Office for National Statistics has released its latest report on divorce and dissolution of marriages in England and Wales, revealing significant shifts in how modern relationships are evolving.

The UK’s new Trust Registration Service regulations require certain non-UK express trusts holding UK land acquired before 6 October 2020 to register by 1 September 2027. They also introduce a de minimis exemption for qualifying low-value trusts and extend the registration grace period for certain trusts.

Making a Will is something many of us know we should do, but once it’s signed, it’s easy to put it away and forget about it. The reality is that your Will should evolve as your life does.

From Harry Houdini's magic apparatus to Napoleon's locks of hair, discover how famous figures used their Wills to create lasting legacies with unusual and memorable bequests. Learn why clear testamentary wishes matter for protecting your own legacy.

Legal marriages are declining while lavish wedding ceremonies flourish, creating a paradox where couples invest heavily in celebrations without securing legal protections. This exploration examines why modern couples prioritize the performance of commitment over its legal foundation, and what financial and legal risks they may face when relationships end.

Keystone Law's website features legal insights and firm information, including articles on probate caveats, surrogacy citizenship issues, and relationship law changes in England and Wales. The site provides access to their monthly newsletter covering legal updates, events, and firm news. Visitors can explore various legal topics and connect with the firm's expertise across multiple practice areas.

When family members disagree about funeral arrangements following a loved one's death, who has the legal right to decide? A recent High Court case examined this question after adult daughters sought cremation for their mother while other relatives insisted on burial, citing family customs and traditions.