Wills & Probate

From misplaced certificates to long-forgotten investments, missing shareholdings are more common than many realise, writes John Martin

Financial protections for domestic abuse victims would be strengthened and cohabiting couples be given inheritance and separation rights, under historic government proposals

As family structures evolve, the law may face difficult questions about inheritance rights for those in polyamorous relationships

Chris Bryden and Josh Stamp-Simon assess the potential inheritance rights of those in throuples, poly quads and other polyamorous relationships

Declarations of trust signed shortly before an entrepreneur’s death were ‘sham’, the High Court has held in a decision with implications for solicitors and independent administrators

Premier Solicitors and Finders International emerged as leading winners at the 2026 Probate Industry Awards, held in London and now in their eighth year

Civil procedure continues to evolve with a distinctly practical edge. In his latest 'Civil way' column for NLJ, Stephen Gold highlights how courts are resisting technical traps—from overlooking missing costs schedules to admitting late surveillance evidence where no ‘ambush’ arises

A High Court ruling involving the Longleat estate has exposed the fault line between modern family building and historic trust drafting. Writing in NLJ this week, Charlotte Coyle, director and family law expert at Freeths, examines Cator v Thynn [2026] EWHC 209 (Ch), where trustees sought approval to modernise trusts that retain pre-1970 definitions of ‘child’, ‘grandchild’ and ‘issue’

Charlotte Coyle sets out what modern families & practitioners need to know after Cator v Thynn

Lasting powers of attorney & letters of wishes should evolve with a client’s life. Regular reviews can prevent family disputes, court intervention & costly mistakes, writes Ann Stanyer