United Kingdom: Wills/ Intestacy/ Estate Planning

Subscribe
Welcome to the Mondaq Family and Matrimonial homepage, here you will find thought leadership articles, podcasts, videos and webinars providing insights covering topics such as Divorce, Family Law, Wills and Estate Planning.
Article
Inheritance, Expectation And Dispute: What I, Jack Wright Tells Us About Wills
The BBC drama I, Jack Wright explores what happens when a wealthy patriarch's final will doesn't match his family's expectations, leaving some relatives excluded and others surprisingly benefiting. While the series heightens the drama for entertainment, it raises genuine questions about inheritance disputes: Can disappointed family members challenge a will simply because it feels unfair? What legal grounds exist for contesting testamentary decisions, and could careful lifetime planning have prevented the fa
United Kingdom Family
MR
Mills & Reeve
Article
A Fairer End To Relationships: Cohabitation On Separation
The lack of protection for cohabiting couples on separation and death has been on the agenda for decades. Since 'Mrs' Burns attracted the sympathy but not the help of the court in the 1980s we have been waiting for Parliament to provide much needed protection for cohabiting couples. With previous governments having kicked this can down the road, this is, by far, the closest we have come to real change.
United Kingdom Family
WL
Withers LLP
Article
How To Choose The Right Guardian For Your Child?
Selecting a guardian for your children in the event of your death is one of the most critical decisions you'll make as a parent. Without proper planning through a Will, family disputes may arise and a judge could appoint someone unsuitable for your child's needs. Learn the essential factors to consider when choosing guardians, from emotional compatibility to practical circumstances, and discover how to formalize your wishes legally to protect your children's future.
United Kingdom Family
BP
B P Collins
Article
Succession Planning: Ensuring The Future Of Your Farm
The 2026 inheritance tax changes have fundamentally altered the landscape for farming families, with agricultural property relief now capped at £2.5 million and reduced to 50% above that threshold. This shift means that wills drafted under the old assumptions may no longer protect your farm as intended, making it essential to revisit partnership agreements, coordinate family wills to maximize available allowances, and work with professional advisors who understand the new tax regime. Without proper suc
United Kingdom Tax
PS
Paris Smith
Article
The Office Of The ‘Problem Child’ – Family Offices In An Influencer Age
Jake Paul's recent launch of a family office in North Texas exemplifies a growing trend among younger high-net-worth individuals seeking flexible wealth management structures. As an estimated £5 trillion+ prepares to transfer between generations in the UK alone, family offices are emerging as sophisticated platforms that balance wealth preservation, entrepreneurial opportunity, and philanthropic goals while addressing the complexities of modern tax environments and generational succession.
United Kingdom Family
PS
Penningtons Manches Cooper LLP
Article
When One Word In A Will Can Change Everything
A recent High Court case has thrown into sharp focus just how much rests on the precise wording of a Will. In Wilkinson v Kirkham, decided in May 2026, a judge was asked to resolve a dispute that had arisen from a single word: “daughter.” The question before the court was whether that word, used in the singular, was intended to refer to one specific person or to two. The answer had significant financial consequences, with an estate worth around £281,000 at stake.
United Kingdom Family
BL
Buckles Law
Article
How Are Finances Divided On Divorce? A Guide To Financial Settlements In England And Wales
When a marriage ends, one of the most pressing questions is how finances will be divided. The courts in England and Wales have broad discretion to redistribute assets, guided by principles developed over decades of case law. Understanding how computation and distribution work, and the key principles of needs, sharing, and compensation, can help explain why different families receive different financial outcomes.
United Kingdom Family
W
Weightmans
See more

Latest Videos

See more