Articles

In Elliott v Bateson & Anor (Re Estate of Mark Briant) [2026] EWHC 2440 (Ch), the High Court has struck down a life interest trust provision in a will because the solicitor who drafted it failed to explain its effect to the testator. The case is a sharp reminder that where a solicitor introduces a new concept into a will, particularly one that departs from the client's original instructions, the solicitor must ensure the testator genuinely understands what it means.

After 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.

The 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.

If an estate has a controlling stake in a company, you're not just a passenger - sometimes, you may need to steer.

The 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.

The 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.