Blog Posts/Our News
Do You Really Need a Will if You’re Married? The Common Misconceptions Explained
One of the biggest myths in estate planning is that if you are married, you do not need a Will because “everything automatically goes to your spouse”. Unfortunately, this simply is not true. The rules around inheritance in England and Wales are not as straightforward as many people believe, and
What Succession Teaches Us About Family Business Inheritance
The hit TV series Succession may be filled with drama, boardroom battles, and billionaire lifestyles, but at its core it is about something very real: family, legacy, and the chaos that comes when inheritance planning goes wrong. While most of us do not own global media empires like the Roy
The Rise of Digital Assets: What Happens to Your Social Media and Crypto When You Die?
Most of us now live part of our lives online. From social media accounts and email to online banking, music libraries and even cryptocurrency, our digital assets are becoming just as important as the money in our wallets or the deeds to our homes. But what happens to these assets
The Cost of Dying: Why Planning Ahead Has Never Mattered More
A recent Metro article has highlighted a heartbreaking reality: many parents in the UK can no longer afford to die. With funerals now costing thousands, more and more families are turning to credit cards, crowdfunding, or personal loans just to say goodbye. One father in the article shared that he
Sara Sheppard Highly Commended as Managing Partner of the Year at Modern Law Private Client Awards 2025
Modern Law Awards We are thrilled to share that on 2 July 2025, at a glittering ceremony held at The Rum Warehouse in Liverpool, Sara Sheppard TEP of SLS Wills and More was recognised as a Highly Commended finalist in the prestigious Managing Partner of the Year category at the Modern Law
Charitable Gifts in Wills: A Win for Your Loved Ones and Your Favourite Cause
Many people don’t realise that they can support the causes they care about through their Will, without taking anything away from the people they love. In fact, leaving a gift to charity in your Will can help reduce Inheritance Tax and leave a meaningful legacy long after you’re gone. Despite
How Upcoming Inheritance Tax Changes Could Affect Your Will (Including Pensions)
When the government makes tax changes, it’s rarely good news. In recent years, pensions have often been seen as a relatively safe and tax-efficient way to pass on wealth. However, from April 2027, that landscape is set to change. The Government has confirmed that pensions will be included in the
Important information about Keylu
You may recall that when you were writing your Will with us, we may have suggested that you take a look at Keylu as a way to store information for your Executors to access when you pass away. If you decided to use their facilities, you should have received an
The Wills Bill 2025: What It Means for You and Your Estate Planning
The Wills Bill 2025, proposed by the Law Commission, is set to bring about the most significant reform to wills legislation in England and Wales since the Wills Act 1837. The aim is to modernise and simplify the will-making process so it better reflects contemporary society and digital advancements. For
More Adults Making Wills – But Confusion Still Reigns: How SLS Wills and More Can Help
A recent article in Today’s Wills and Probate has revealed that more adults are taking the crucial step of writing a Will. Encouragingly, the 2025 Wills & Probate Report shows an increasing number of people understand the importance of planning for the future. However, despite this positive trend, significant confusion
Ohana Means Family: What Lilo & Stitch Teaches Us About Estate Planning
Disney’s 2025 live-action remake of Lilo & Stitch has captured hearts worldwide, becoming one of the year’s top-grossing films. Beyond its charming visuals and heartfelt story, the film offers valuable lessons about family, responsibility, and planning for the future, core principles that resonate deeply with the essence of estate planning.
What The Minecraft Movie Can Teach Us About Inheritance Planning
At SLS Wills and More, we believe important lessons about life, and indeed, inheritance, can come from the most unexpected places, even blockbuster movies! One upcoming film that offers surprising insights into legacy and planning is The Minecraft Movie, based on the world-renowned video game that has captured imaginations for
The Hidden Cost of Abuse: Why Estate Planning Plays a Vital Role in Safeguarding Older People
£16.6 billion a year. That’s the shocking cost of abuse against older people in the UK. A landmark study from safer ageing charity Hourglass, released during Safer Ageing Week 2024, has brought to light the devastating economic and emotional toll that elder abuse takes on individuals, families, and society at
New Inheritance Tax Rules to Impact Trusts and Family Businesses
What the latest consultation means for you and your estate planning Inheritance tax (IHT) has long been a complex area, especially for those with agricultural or business assets. Recent government proposals unveiled in the Autumn Budget 2024 are set to introduce significant changes to two key reliefs: Business Property Relief
Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs: A Fairy Tale Lesson in Estate Planning
The classic tale of Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs is a childhood favourite, filled with magic, treachery, and an iconic poisoned apple. But beyond its fairy-tale charm, Snow White’s story contains valuable lessons about estate planning, inheritance, and the importance of protecting your loved ones from unexpected dangers. 1.
SLS Wills and More Wins Best Website at the Legal Growth Awards 2025!
We are thrilled to announce that SLS Wills and More has won the Best Website Award at the prestigious Legal Growth Awards 2025! Sponsored by Zedra, this award recognises excellence in digital presence, user experience, and innovation within the legal sector. Our website has been designed to offer clear, accessible,
The Rising Number of Contested Wills: Why Professional Guidance is Essential
Recent figures from the Ministry of Justice (MoJ) have revealed a significant rise in the number of contested Wills, with a 34% increase over the last five years. In 2023 alone, 195 inheritance disputes were taken to court, compared with 145 in 2017. Over the past decade, the number of
Sara Sheppard Appointed Vice-Chair of The Society of Will Writers Professional Standards Board
SLS Wills and More is thrilled to announce that our founder, Sara Sheppard, has been appointed as the new Vice-Chair of The Society of Will Writers (SWW) Professional Standards Board (PSB), effective from 2025. This prestigious role reflects Sara’s unwavering commitment to enhancing consumer protection and professional standards across the
