Inheritance law in England and Wales governs what happens to a person's assets when they die. If there's a valid will, the estate is distributed according to the deceased's wishes. But if someone dies without a will—known as dying intestate—strict legal rules determine who inherits. Contested wills and inheritance disputes are heard in the Chancery Division of the High Court for larger estates, or the County Court for smaller claims. Common disputes include challenges under the Inheritance (Provision for Family and Dependants) Act 1975, which allows certain people to claim if they weren't adequately provided for. The legal framework includes the Wills Act 1837 (setting out requirements for a valid will), the Administration of Estates Act 1925 (governing intestacy rules), and the Inheritance Tax Act 1984 for tax obligations. Executors and administrators must also be aware of their duties under trust law principles and the Trustee Act 2000. Our inheritance and intestacy articles guide you through the probate process, explain who inherits when there's no will, and help you understand your rights if you believe you've been unfairly excluded from an estate. We also cover estate planning and the importance of making a valid will.
Section 27 notices: protecting executors from unknown debts
How Section 27 notices protect executors from unknown creditors—when to place them, costs, timings and practical steps.
Selling a probate property: when you can market, exchange, and complete
Selling a probate property: what you can do before the grant, when you can exchange and complete, valuations and insurance tips.
Protecting inheritance from care home fees
Protect inheritance from care home fees in England & Wales: means test thresholds, property rules, planning options, worked examples and common pitfalls.
Challenging HMRC on inheritance tax: Real cases, technical Insights, and practical steps
Challenge HMRC on Inheritance Tax: real cases, valuation disputes, APR/BPR issues, gifts with reservation, evidence strategy and step-by-step appeals.
Inheritance tax for farms and agricultural property: Key exemptions and reliefs
IHT for farms and agricultural property: how APR and BPR work, eligibility, farmhouses, occupation tests, mixed-use land, pitfalls and planning tips.
Inheritance tax for couples: Transferable allowances and joint estates
Inheritance tax for couples: how to use transferable nil-rate and residence bands, combine allowances, plan joint estates, and avoid common pitfalls.
Inheritance tax thresholds Explained: What counts and how to calculate
Inheritance Tax thresholds explained: what counts, nil‑rate and residence bands, tapering over £2m, worked examples and how to calculate your IHT.
Inheritance tax after the second parent fies: What children need to know
IHT after the second parent dies: how combined estates are taxed, transferable allowances, residence nil‑rate band, valuations and practical planning steps.
Digital Assets and Your Estate: What Happens to Online Accounts
Digital assets are now a significant part of our lives, yet they’re often overlooked in estate planning.
Funeral Planning in the UK: Rights Costs and Pre-Paid Options
Planning your funeral in advance is a compassionate step that can spare your loved ones from difficult decisions and unexpected costs at a vulnerable time.
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