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 →

At Chiltern Wills LLP, we are often asked who qualifies as a 'direct descendant' for the purposes of claiming the residential nil rate band (RNRB) – an important tax relief introduced to reduce the burden of inheritance tax on families passing down the family home. What Is the Residential Nil Rate Band? The RNRB is... Continue Reading →

Until 2007, nil rate band Will trusts were used routinely to ensure that the Inheritance Tax free allowances belonging to the first of a couple to die were not lost on the first death. This was done by including a legacy of the Inheritance Tax free amount to a class of beneficiaries including the surviving... Continue Reading →