Estate Planning Insights
News, Guides & Advice
Expert estate planning advice from the Beneficial Family Wills team. Stay informed about wills, LPAs, trusts, probate, and inheritance tax.
A Will Is Not Only About Who Receives Your Money
Angela Rollinson explains how a Will can record executors, gifts, replacement beneficiaries, guardians and wishes, helping SEND families in North Yorkshire plan beyond inheritance.
The Role of an Attorney: Why Choosing the Right People Really Matters
Debbie Koziol explains how to choose the right attorneys for a Lasting Power of Attorney, including their duties, joint appointments and replacements.
Three Documents Every SEND Family Should Know About
Angela Rollinson explains the role of Wills, LPAs, Letters of Wishes and trusts in SEND estate planning for North Yorkshire families.
Probate and Estate Planning: Making Things Easier for the People You Love
Debbie Koziol explains how clear, current estate planning can make probate and estate administration easier for the people you love in Cheshire.
Your SEND Estate Planning Checklist
Angela Rollinson shares a practical SEND estate planning checklist to help families consider trusted people, future guidance, legal protection and peace of mind.
Three Mistakes SEND Families Make With Their Wills
Angela Rollinson explains three common Will planning mistakes SEND families can make, including direct inheritance, choosing executors and trustees, and assuming a Will is the entire future plan.
What Happens If You Die Without a Will?
Angela Rollinson, SEND parent and estate planning consultant in North Yorkshire, explains what happens to your estate under the intestacy rules if you die without a Will — and why SEND families in particular need to plan carefully to protect their children's futures.
What Happens if Someone Lacks Capacity?
Debbie Koziol, estate planning consultant in Cheshire, explains what happens under the Mental Capacity Act when someone cannot make decisions for themselves — and how early estate planning can protect your loved one's wishes and reduce the risk of future family disputes.
If I Died Tomorrow, Would My Disabled Child Lose Their Benefits?
Angela Rollinson, SEND parent and estate planning consultant in North Yorkshire, explains whether a disabled child would lose their benefits if they inherited money — and what SEND families can do to protect both their child and their inheritance.
Mental Capacity and Making a Will: How I Assess It and Why It Matters
Debbie Koziol, BFW estate planning consultant in Cheshire, explains how mental capacity is assessed when making a Will — and why a dementia diagnosis doesn't automatically prevent someone from writing one.
Why I Specialise in Estate Planning for SEND Families
Angela Rollinson is not only an estate planning consultant — she is also a SEND parent. In this personal post she explains why she specialises in estate planning for SEND families, and why a standard Will is often not enough.
My Biggest Fear Isn't Dying. It's What Happens After.
As a SEND parent, my biggest fear isn't dying — it's what happens afterwards. Angela Rollinson, estate planning consultant in North Yorkshire, shares why planning ahead is the most important thing SEND families can do for their children.
Preparation is Key: Protecting Your Family, Preserving Choice and Reducing Stress
The best time to make important decisions is while you still have complete freedom to make them. Debbie Koziol, estate planning consultant in Cheshire, explains why planning ahead with a Will and Lasting Power of Attorney protects your parents' wishes, your family and their independence.
Who Would Raise Your Children if You Couldn't? Why Appointing Guardians in Your Will Matters
One question stops parents in their tracks: who would look after my children if I wasn't here? Debbie Koziol, estate planning consultant in Cheshire, explains why appointing guardians in your Will is one of the most important decisions you can make.
Why Future Planning Matters for Families Living with Dementia
Debbie Koziol, BFW Cheshire Estate Planning Consultant, shares her personal experience of caring for parents with dementia and explains why estate planning — including Wills and Lasting Powers of Attorney — matters so much for families affected by dementia.
Why Future Planning Matters for SEND Families
Estate planning for SEND families is about protecting the people you love. Angela Rollinson, BFW North Yorkshire, shares why future planning matters and how to start the conversation.
What is a Discretionary Trust in a Will?
A discretionary trust in a Will gives trustees the power to decide how and when beneficiaries receive assets, offering flexibility, protection and tax planning under England and Wales law.
What Happens to Your Home After Death?
Find out how ownership, mortgages, wills and probate affect what happens to your home after death, and practical steps to make sure the right people inherit.
Buy-to-let inheritance tax: where do you stand?
Find out how buy-to-let properties are treated for Inheritance Tax in England and Wales, and practical steps you can take now to reduce the tax burden for your beneficiaries.
Mirror Wills: What Mirror Wills Are and When to Use Them
Mirror wills are separate wills that make matching provisions for each partner. This guide explains how they work, common risks and alternatives in the UK context.
Should you get married to save Inheritance Tax? - Marriage inheritance tax savings
Marriage or a civil partnership can change how inheritance tax is applied. This post explains how marriage inheritance tax rules work and practical alternatives if you do not want to marry.
Why you need a Lasting Power of Attorney
A Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA) lets someone you trust make decisions for you if you can no longer do so. This guide explains the types, benefits and how to set one up.
How to avoid Will disputes: 6 top tips
Poorly planned Wills can cause stress and family rifts. These six practical tips help you avoid Will disputes and make your wishes clear, legally sound and easy to administer.
Inheritance Tax Allowances - will your estate pay tax?
Learn how Inheritance Tax allowances work in England and Wales, including the nil-rate band, residence nil-rate band, gifting rules and practical steps to reduce IHT.
Who can witness a will? Guide for England and Wales
A clear, friendly guide to who can witness a will in England and Wales, why witness choice matters, and practical tips to avoid problems when you make your will.
Remember a Charity: How to Leave a Gift in Your Will
Leaving a gift in your will is a meaningful way to support causes you care about. This guide explains the options, tax benefits and practical steps to include a charity in your Will.
What happens to your digital assets after you die?
You probably have more digital assets than you realise. This guide explains what counts, how executors can get access, and simple steps to include them in your will.
What it means to be an attorney in an LPA
If you have been named as an attorney in a Lasting Power of Attorney, you have an important role. This guide explains your duties, practical steps and where to get help.
How does divorce or separation affect my Will? - Divorce and wills
Find out how divorce or separation can change your Will in England and Wales, what happens to gifts and executors, and how to update your estate plan to reflect your wishes.
BFW Director Awarded CILEX Chartered Paralegal Status
Amy Peters has become one of the first to gain CILEX Chartered Paralegal status. Find out what this means for your wills, LPAs and trust planning with BFW.
Now Is the Perfect Time to Make or Update Your Will
With the year drawing to a close, it is a great time to make or update your will. Read practical, UK-specific guidance on when to review your Will and who to involve.
LPA Registration Fees Increasing From November - Get Your Lasting Power of Attorney in Place
With OPG fees rising in November 2025, now is a good time to put LPAs in place. Learn practical steps, who to appoint and how Beneficial Family Wills can help.
What happens if I don’t have a Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA)?
Without an LPA your family may need to apply to the Court of Protection to become a deputy. This article explains the process, costs and how to protect your future.
Grant of Probate Checklist - Your 10-Step Guide
A clear, practical 10-step checklist to help executors apply for a Grant of Probate, collect assets and distribute an estate in England and Wales. Practical tips and next steps.
Can I leave my pet in my Will? How to leave pet in will and provide for them
You cannot leave money directly to an animal, but you can make clear plans to provide for your pet in your Will, using gifts, trusts or charities and by naming carers.
Budget 2024 - The Impact on Your Estate Planning
The Autumn Budget 2024 brings important changes to IHT, pensions and reliefs that could affect your estate. Read practical steps to review wills, trusts and pensions.
Why Making a Will Is One of the Most Caring Things You Can Do
A Will does more than divide assets. It protects your loved ones, names guardians and reduces uncertainty. Learn practical UK steps and how Beneficial Family Wills can help.
Should I give my home to my children now during lifetime? Gifting your home to children explained
Giving your home to your children is often suggested as a way to reduce care costs or inheritance tax, but it carries risks. This article explains the pitfalls and safer alternatives.
Preparing for your Will appointment
Preparing for your Will appointment need not be stressful. This guide explains what to think about, what documents to gather and the likely questions so you can feel ready.
How to Sign Your Will Correctly
Learn the correct way to sign and witness your Will in England and Wales, practical tips to avoid common mistakes, and how to store it safely.
DIY Wills and the Dangers: DIY Wills Risks Explained
Thinking of writing your own Will? Learn the common risks of DIY wills in England and Wales, and simple steps to reduce the chance of problems for your family.
6 Considerations when Planning for Later Life
Planning for later life helps you protect your family and create certainty. Read practical, UK-focused advice on wills, LPAs, trusts, pensions, tax and care planning.
Damaged Will Consequences: What Can Happen and What to Do
If your will is damaged, Probate may question its validity. Read practical advice for preventing damage, replacing a will, and next steps in England and Wales.
How should joint executors of a Will act?
Clear, practical advice for joint executors of a will. Learn your responsibilities, options if you do not want to act and how to avoid disputes during estate administration.
Vulnerable Person Trust: Protecting a Dependent in Your Will
A vulnerable person trust can protect a dependent after your death, giving trustees flexibility to provide care while keeping tax and inheritance issues in mind. Learn how it works and practical steps to set one up.
What is a Property Protective Trust and do I need one?
A Property Protective Trust lets you leave your share of the family home in trust, giving a surviving partner a life interest while preserving capital for your chosen beneficiaries. Practical UK guidance and next steps.
5 Considerations when you plan your funeral
Thinking ahead about your funeral can spare your family stress and cost. Five practical considerations to help you record your wishes and make sensible arrangements.
Lasting vs Enduring Power of Attorney: Which is best for you?
If you have an Enduring Power of Attorney (EPA) you may wonder whether to keep it or create a Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA). This guide explains the differences and what to do next.
Storing a Will Safely: Physical and Digital Storage Guide
Practical guidance on storing a will and your digital details so your family and executors can find what they need. Learn where to keep originals, digital copies and login information.
How Our Probate Assistance Service Works: Probate Assistance Service Explained
Our Probate Assistance Service guides you through obtaining a Grant of Probate or Letters of Administration, handling tax and distributing assets with care and clarity.
Happy International Women's Day - Wills for Women and Family Planning
On International Women’s Day we celebrate the women who inspire us and remind you to protect your family with wills for women, LPAs and trusts.
BFW Win Prestigious Willwriter of the Year Award
Our Director Amy Peters won IPW Willwriter of the Year. Read how this recognition reflects the quality and accessibility of our will writing and estate planning services.
What’s involved in being an Attorney in an LPA?
Being an Attorney in an LPA carries clear legal duties and practical responsibilities. Learn what the role involves, when powers begin and how to prepare.
How to leave a charitable gift in your Will and what to consider
Leaving a charitable gift in your Will can support causes you love and reduce inheritance tax. This guide explains types of gifts, tax effects and how to update your Will.
Generational Wealth Planning: 6 Considerations for Passing On Family Wealth
Planning for generational wealth ensures your wishes are met and family assets are passed on efficiently. These six practical considerations will help you start.
One size does not fit all: Why online wills may not suit your family
Many online wills are fine for simple situations, but they can miss important family and financial details. Learn when to get tailored advice and what to check.
Why you still need a Lasting Power of Attorney when you have joint bank accounts
Many couples rely on joint bank accounts, but they do not replace a Lasting Power of Attorney. Learn how an LPA protects your money and your partner if you lose capacity.
The 10 Most Common Myths about Making a Will
Many people delay writing a will because of misconceptions. This article debunks 10 common myths about making a will and explains what you should do instead.
Revoking a Will: Your Options and Practical Steps
Understand how a will can be revoked in England and Wales, what happens on marriage or divorce, and the practical steps to revoke or update your will.
Divorce and Your Will: What Changes After Separation
Divorce changes many practical things about your finances, including what happens to your Will. Learn what you should check, how to update documents and who to name instead.
Securing your Legacy: The Importance of a Will
A clear, up to date Will protects your family, reduces the risk of disputes and helps you keep more of your estate. Learn practical steps to secure your legacy.
Why you should update your Will
Keeping your Will up to date ensures your wishes are followed and your family are protected. Learn when to review your Will and practical next steps.
How to leave cryptocurrency in your will
You can leave cryptocurrency in your will, but you must make sure executors and beneficiaries can access it. Learn practical, UK-focused steps to protect your digital assets.
5 million people in the UK are confused by wills - how to get started
Research shows millions are unsure how to start with Wills. Read practical steps, common misconceptions and how to get your Will in place quickly and confidently.
How to Protect Vulnerable Beneficiaries in Your Will
Ensure loved ones who cannot manage money are supported. Discover practical steps to protect vulnerable beneficiaries in your will, including trusts and trustee choices.
Why you need a Lasting Power of Attorney
A Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA) lets you choose who will make financial or health decisions for you if you cannot. Learn why you should set one up now and how to get started.
Why All Parents Need a Will
As a parent you can decide who will care for your children, who receives their inheritance and how it is managed. Writing a Will gives you control and peace of mind.
Will for Homeowners: Why Every Homeowner Should Have a Will or Trust
Owning a home means you should plan for what happens to it. Learn why a will or trust is essential, practical next steps, and how Beneficial Family Wills can help.
How to stop a Grant of Probate: lodging a caveat and next steps
If you think a will is invalid or there is a dispute, you can stop a Grant of Probate by lodging a caveat. Learn when to act, what to gather and who to contact.
Do I Need A Will and What Happens If I Don't Have One?
You might think a will is only for older people or the wealthy. In fact, a clear will protects your loved ones, decides guardianship for children and avoids lengthy legal uncertainty.
Why time is of the essence for your lasting power of attorney
An LPA lets someone you trust manage your money and make health decisions if you cannot. Act early, choose the right people, and register correctly to protect your family.
How to Update Your Will
Find out when and how to update your will, whether to use a codicil or replace the document, and which other records you should check at the same time.
Understanding Health and Welfare LPA and Advance Directives
Learn how a Health and Welfare LPA and an Advance Directive can protect your medical wishes if you lose capacity. Practical UK steps and examples to help you decide.
How do I leave someone out of my Will?
If you want to exclude someone from your Will, a clear exclusion clause and a supporting Letter of Wishes can help reduce the risk of a later challenge. Read practical steps and examples.
Your blended family and your Will
If you have children from a previous relationship, a blended family will needs clear choices to protect everyone. This guide explains what to consider and how to act.
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