When a Testator creates a Will, whether through a professional Will Writer or by preparing it themselves, they carefully decide on the gifts they wish to leave to their loved ones. However, if an abatement occurs, these gifts may not be fully distributed as intended. Instead, they might need to be used to pay off outstanding debts and expenses.

The ‘Changing family structures: The Will writing industry in 2018’ research paper provides new and insightful findings about the Will writing industry in the UK. It builds on the findings from our first Will writing industry report, ‘A changing landscape: The Will writing industry in 2017’. Both papers provide a general overview of the Will writing industry but this year’s report has a specific focus on changing family structures and the implications for Will writing services.

Kings Court Trust has administered close to 10,000 estates and distributed over £2 billion in inheritance. It’s a considerable amount, but there’s a family – your clients – behind every single estate. As we explain below, we work closely with our business partners to help their client's families, which in turn, helps them maintain and grow their business.

According to a YouGov survey, 96% of people who prepare their own Will say they do not need external advice, with 21% stating that fears over the cost of professional advice prompted them to do it themselves.

Earlier this year the Scottish Parliament passed the final stage of the Succession (Scotland) Act 2016. The Act means that any ex-spouse or civil partner will no longer be able to inherit under a Will following a divorce or dissolution, unless the Will makes specific provision for them.

Recent data obtained through a Freedom of Information Act request by Today’s Wills and Probate has shown the number of lasting powers of attorney (LPAs) granted annually has tripled between 2010 and 2015.

Three animal welfare charities have mounted an appeal to challenge a judge’s decision which allowed a woman’s estranged daughter to overturn her Will.

The death of David Bowie last month caused a generation to mourn the loss of one of the world's most charismatic musical stars. The man associated with numerous wild and wacky on-stage personas was perhaps one of the last people you would associate with planning for his death and making sure that his financial situation was left in a highly organised manner.

The average cost of a standard Will produced by a solicitor has dropped in the UK, according to IRN Research. Within the last 12 months, the cost of a professionally produced will has decreased from £124 to £118.