
Articles

Sham Trusts and the fight for a family's inheritance
18 Aug 2026After a father of two died, declarations of trust surfaced that threatened to divert the bulk of his estate away from his wife and their two (then) minor children. The High Court found the declarations of trusts to be shams.

Inheritance Challenges: Can a high rolling lifestyle continue after death?
17 Jun 2026The High Court’s recent decision in Thirsk v Thirsk offers important guidance for individuals who believe they have not been adequately provided for in a loved one’s will. The case highlights how the Inheritance (Provision for Family and Dependants) Act 1975 (the "1975 Act") can be used to ensure fair financial provision is made, particularly for spouses, partners, and other dependants.

The Bartlett Duty for estate administrators: when you might need to stick your oar in
27 May 2026If an estate has a controlling stake in a company, you're not just a passenger - sometimes, you may need to steer.

Modern families: surrogacy sparks Landmark Trust law ruling in £200M estate
27 May 2026The High Court has delivered a landmark decision in the case of Cator & Ors v Thynn & Anor [2026] EWHC 1045 (Ch), addressing the challenges of trust law in the context of modern family dynamics.

Costs Chaos: Is detailed assessment worth it?
10 Apr 2026The recent Tucker v Howe case, decided in February 2026, is a striking example of how disputes over estate administration costs can escalate, leaving beneficiaries with significant financial consequences.

How lifetime gifts can cause problems on a future estate administration - double portions
29 Jan 2026Lifetime gifts can sometimes affect how an estate is divided after death, particularly where the presumption against double portions applies and the parent’s intentions are unclear.





