The Wills Act 1837 explained simply
A plain-English walk through the most important sections of the Wills Act 1837 - the foundation of every valid will in England and Wales.
Insights & guides
Plain-English guides to writing your will
Articles on choosing executors, leaving a legacy, inheritance tax, blended families and the practical nuts and bolts of probate.
How long is a will valid for?
UK wills don't expire - but here's what does revoke a will, and why life events (not time) are the real reason to update yours.
How secure are digital will services?
Data security, document security and continuity for UK digital will services — what to look for, the realistic risks, and how online compares to traditional storage.
When should you update your will?
A practical UK trigger list - the life events and changes that should prompt a will review, plus how to update cleanly.
How much should a will cost in the UK? A 2026 price comparison
Online services, solicitors, charity will months, DIY kits and "free" bank wills compared - typical 2026 prices and what you actually get.
Can you update your will online?
Yes — most online will builders let you re-issue your will whenever life changes. Here is how online updates work, when an update is enough, and when you need a fresh will.
Why DIY wills often fail
The recurring failure modes of UK DIY wills — bad witnessing, missing residual clauses, ambiguous gifts, no substitute beneficiaries — and how to avoid them.
10 common mistakes that can invalidate a UK will
From beneficiary witnesses to vague gifts and missed residual clauses, the avoidable errors that ruin a will - and how to spot them before signing.
The hidden risks of cheap will-writing services
Not all cheap UK will services are the same. The seven warning signs of a risky service, what you actually lose at the bottom of the market, and where to draw the line.
How long does probate take in the UK? Realistic timelines for 2026
A stage-by-stage view of the UK probate process - from death registration to final estate distribution - with realistic 2026 timeframes.
Can an executor also be a beneficiary? What UK law actually says
Yes, you can appoint a beneficiary as an executor in the UK - here is when it works, when it backfires, and how to set it up properly.
UK Inheritance Tax explained: thresholds, reliefs and the £325,000 nil-rate band
Inheritance tax thresholds, the residence nil-rate band, the spouse exemption, business and agricultural reliefs, and how a married couple gets to £1 million.