Blog Posts/Our News
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
Growing concerns regarding final wishes in Wills…
A recent article by Ben Wilkinson in The Telegraph highlights a growing concern among individuals regarding the security of their final wishes as expressed in their Wills. The piece discusses the case of Roger Howe, who deliberately excluded his daughter from his £1.4 million estate, only for the courts to
Helping You Through Difficult Times
Losing a loved one is never easy. Grief can be overwhelming, and the added pressure of dealing with legal and financial matters often feels like too much to handle. At SLS Wills and More, we understand how difficult this time can be, which is why we offer compassionate, expert support
Will Writing in England and Wales
Will Writing in England and Wales: What You Need to Know When it comes to writing a Will, many people assume the rules are the same everywhere. However, inheritance laws vary significantly between countries, and even within the UK, different jurisdictions have their own legal frameworks. At SLS Wills and
Sport and Will Writing
Sport and Will Writing: An Unlikely but Valuable Comparison At first glance, sport and Will Writing might seem worlds apart. After all, one involves physical prowess and competition, while the other is about careful planning and legal expertise. However, when you dig a little deeper, the two share some surprising
Estate Planning Lessons from Mary Poppins: Bringing Order and Harmony to Your Family’s Future
The family classic, Mary Poppins, is so good that it’s been remade in 2018 with Emily Blunt. The original is often remembered for its cheerful songs, whimsical adventures, and a magical nanny who literally floats in on the east wind. Beneath the charm and spoonfuls of sugar, however, lies a
Who remember’s Pete’s Dragon…
There is an irony when we say that not a lot of people saw it… The Dragon, not the film… That’s because the Dragon was invisible. Disney’s Pete’s Dragon may be best remembered for its heart-warming friendship between a young boy and a gentle, invisible dragon, but lurking behind the
A Christmas Message from SLS Wills and More
As we approach the festive season, all of us at SLS Wills and More would like to take a moment to wish you a merry Christmas and a peaceful New Year. It’s a time for family and friends, gathering together (in person or virtually) to share in familiar traditions and
Estate Planning Lessons from Home Alone: Ensuring Your Loved Ones Aren’t Left Behind
As the Christmas approaches, we have seen so many posts on social media about the best Christmas Movies and it gets heated! Many of us will revisit the Christmas classic, Home Alone. The film’s storyline of a young boy accidentally left behind while his family jets off on holiday is
Festive Cheer and the Gift of Estate Planning: A November Surprise from SLS Wills and More
November. That curious month where Halloween is a distant memory, Bonfire Night smoke has barely cleared, and the first Christmas decorations start appearing in shops (we’re looking at you, early-bird supermarkets!). It’s also, controversially, when we at SLS Wills and More choose to talk about estate planning. Yes, we know
Fairy Tale Estate Planning: Wicked, The Wizard of Oz, and Who Gets the Ruby Slippers?
Welcome to the next enchanting instalment of our whimsical (yet serious!) series on estate planning through the lens of fairy tales. This time, we’re heading to the land of Oz – where tornadoes, witches, and ruby slippers create the perfect storm of estate planning conundrums. Apt with the launch of
Fairy Tale Estate Planning: Cinderella, the Wicked Stepmother, and Why You Need a Will
Welcome back to the next chapter in our whimsical (but surprisingly serious) look at fairy tales and estate planning. Following the success of our hypothetical Simba case study, we now turn to another iconic tale: Cinderella. This time, we’re tackling the tricky topic of blended families, wicked stepmothers, and why
6 Months in as a Consultant at SLS Wills and More
Starting a new chapter at SLS Wills and more this year, has been a whirlwind of anadventure. Monday 10 th June I arrived at the office in Aylesham ready to meet the rest of theteam. The first couple of weeks I wondered more times than not, if I had made
