Trust, Wills and Probate Archives | Sills & Betteridge Solicitors

Major Inheritance Tax Changes Ahead | What You Need to Know About BPR, APR and Pensions

From 2026 and 2027, significant changes to Inheritance Tax (IHT) rules in the UK will come into effect—changes that could impact thousands of families, business owners, and pension holders. If you own agricultural or business assets, or have a pension pot you plan to pass on, it’s time to take a closer look at your estate planning.

'Association of Lifetime Lawyers' Members Raise Concern About Asset Protection Trusts

If you are considering an Asset Protection Trust to safeguard your home or savings, the Association of Lifetime Lawyers (formerly known as Solicitors for the Elderly) urges you to be cautious after seeing a rise in misleading schemes that could cost you thousands of pounds - and leave you unprotected. Their current campaign calls for stronger regulation and more public awareness to protect families from the miss-selling of Asset Protection Trusts.

Why Lasting Powers of Attorney Are Just as Important as a Will

When planning for the future, most people start with a Will. It is a vital document that ensures your wishes are carried out after your death. However, future planning is not just about what happens when you are gone – it is also about protecting yourself during your lifetime. That is where Lasting Powers of Attorney (LPAs) come in.

Lasting Powers of Attorney are only needed for the elderly – WRONG. Why you need them NOW...

World Alzheimer's Month | Legal Planning and Dementia

Data published by the NHS in August 2025 reveals a new high record number of people diagnosed with dementia in the UK. 506,549 people have been formally diagnosed which is a significant rise from 490,163 reported the same time last year. September is World Alzheimer's Month a global campaign led by Alzheimer’s Disease International (ADI) to raise awareness, challenge stigma and support those affected by dementia.

Probate in 2025 | Why Having the Right Solicitor Makes All the Difference

When a loved one passes away, the last thing you want to face is a mountain of legal paperwork. Yet, for many families in the UK, navigating probate—the legal process of managing a deceased person’s estate—can feel like a second loss. In 2025, the probate process has become faster and more streamlined, but even with various improvements, having the right legal support can be the difference between a smooth transition and a stressful ordeal.