The government has announced a major shift in how pensions will be treated for Inheritance Tax (IHT) purposes. From 6 April 2027, most unused pension pots and certain pension death benefits will be counted as part of the deceased’s estate for IHT purposes. This change will affect thousands of estates and could significantly increase the... Continue Reading →

At Chiltern Wills, we have the privilege of working with people from all walks of life, and over time we have noticed that past divorce settlements often influence clients' current Wills. Every client brings their own story, their own values and their own hopes for the future. One of the most fascinating – and very... Continue Reading →

If you’ve ever come across the term 'bona vacantia', you’ll know it refers to ownerless property—most often the estates of individuals who pass away without a Will and without traceable family. In England and Wales, these estates fall to the Crown, and for years, the Government Legal Department (GLD) maintained a public Bona Vacantia list of such unclaimed... Continue Reading →

As more aspects of our lives are dealt with online, questions around digital probate are becoming increasingly common. What happens to our online bank accounts, digital photos, email inboxes, or even cryptocurrency when we die? At Chiltern Wills LLP, we specialise in probate services across England and Wales, and we’re seeing a growing number of... Continue Reading →

When a loved one passes away, the legal and financial responsibilities that follow can feel overwhelming. One of the most common questions families ask is: “Do we need probate?” The answer? "Probate is not always needed". Below, we'll explain what probate is, when it’s required, and — crucially — when you can avoid it. What... Continue Reading →

Setting up a legacy contact on your iPhone is a digital step towards your overall estate planning strategy. As more aspects of our lives move online, it’s essential to consider what happens to our digital assets when we die. Apple now allows users to nominate a 'Legacy Contact'—a trusted person who can access your iCloud... Continue Reading →

It has been a long time since Wills law was modernised - most of it is still governed by the Wills Act 1837 - but there are proposals afoot to bring it up to date. Last week, The Law Society released a report on modernising Wills law. It has welcomed the Law Commission’s recent proposals... Continue Reading →

Liam Payne's estate has been making headline news recently. As celebrity news often illustrates, the consequences of not having a will can be far-reaching—especially when young children and significant wealth are involved. Liam Payne, the former One Direction star, sadly died unexpectedly last year aged 31, without leaving a Will. With an estimated net worth... Continue Reading →