The removal of the Bona Vacantia list: Inheritance fraud exposed
The sudden removal of the Bona Vacantia list from the GOV.UK website has sent ripples through the probate and estate administration sectors. At first glance, this might seem like an administrative change, but it marks a significant turning point in how unclaimed estates are handled in England and Wales. This development, prompted by a BBC […]
High Court recognises carer’s right to compensation from mother’s estate in Rogers v Wills
In a ruling from the England and Wales High Court (Rogers v Wills, 2025 EWHC 1367 Ch), a long-running family dispute over unpaid caregiving culminated in a decision affirming the claimant’s entitlement to compensation from her late mother’s estate. The case centred on Ursula Wills, who passed away in April 2020. Her will, executed prior […]
Standish v Standish – how a landmark separation shows the importance of collaboration and fairness
The Supreme Court’s decision in Standish v Standish brings long-awaited clarity to the treatment of non-matrimonial assets on divorce – welcome news for family lawyers, tax advisers, and estate planners. How did we get here? Mr Standish entered the marriage with substantial pre-acquired wealth. In 2017, following estate and tax planning advice, he transferred investments worth £77.8 […]