Blog Posts/Our News
Predatory Marriage – Why Awareness and Safeguarding Matter More Than Ever
A week on from The Society of Will Writers Conference, many delegates are still reflecting on the sessions that struck a chord. For Sara Sheppard of SLS Wills and More, one talk stood out above all others: Daphne Franks’ deeply moving account of her mother, Joan Blass, who was the
Having Difficult Conversations: Talking About Your Wishes Before It’s Too Late
For many families, the hardest conversations are often the most important ones. Talking about what you want to happen when you die, or if you lose capacity, can feel uncomfortable. Yet, these discussions can make all the difference for your loved ones. They provide clarity, prevent confusion, and make sure
Trust or Trap? Why Asset Protection Trusts May Not Be the Right Answer
Over recent years, so-called asset protection trusts have been heavily marketed to families as a way to protect property, reduce care fees, or make estate planning “simple”. At first glance, these trusts may sound appealing. After all, most people want to make sure their home and savings pass on to
Downton Abbey, Legacy and the Final Curtain
When Downton Abbey: The Grand Finale hits cinemas in September 2025, it will bring to a close not just a beloved story, but a long-running exploration of heritage, inheritance, social change and the weight of passing on an estate. For those of us in the world of Wills, estate planning
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
Understanding Advanced Medical Directives – Taking Control of Your Future Care
When it comes to planning for the future, many people think of Wills or Lasting Powers of Attorney (LPAs). But another vital part of future planning that often gets overlooked is an Advanced Medical Directive – sometimes known as a Living Will. This important document allows you to outline your
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
