Blog

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…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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…