Free initial discussion available — freephone 0800 214 216
Articles & Guides

Category: Probate

Practical guidance from Simon Jenkins, Director at Curtis Legal.

June 5, 2026

Time Limits for Contesting a Will — Don’t Miss the Deadline

Missing the deadline to contest a will or make an Inheritance Act claim can bar your case entirely. This guide explains all key time limits and what to do if you are late.

Read more →
June 4, 2026

Inheritance Act Claims — Who Can Make One and How

The Inheritance Act 1975 lets spouses, cohabitants, children and dependants claim from an estate. Learn who qualifies, what the court considers, and how to make a claim.

Read more →
June 3, 2026

Grounds for Contesting a Will — The Five Legal Challenges

There are five legal grounds for challenging a will in England and Wales. This guide explains each ground — from lack of capacity to improper execution — and the evidence needed.

Read more →
June 2, 2026

Common-Law Partners and Intestacy — Why You May Inherit Nothing

Cohabiting partners have no automatic right to inherit under English intestacy law. Find out who inherits instead, how the Inheritance Act 1975 may help, and how to protect your partner.

Read more →
June 1, 2026

What Happens to Children’s Inheritance Under Intestacy?

The intestacy rules give children significant rights but with important conditions, including a statutory trust for minors. Learn how children inherit when there is no will.

Read more →
May 29, 2026

Who Inherits When There’s No Will? Intestacy Rules England and Wales

When someone dies without a will in England and Wales, the intestacy rules decide who inherits. Learn the priority order, what spouses and children receive, and how to apply.

Read more →
May 28, 2026

Inheritance Tax on Jointly Owned Assets

Joint ownership affects inheritance tax in different ways depending on whether assets are held as joint tenants or tenants in common. This guide explains the key IHT rules.

Read more →
May 27, 2026

How to Pay Inheritance Tax Before Probate is Granted (Direct Payment Scheme)

IHT must be paid before probate is granted but estate funds are frozen without it. Our guide explains the Direct Payment Scheme, instalment option, and probate loans.

Read more →
May 26, 2026

Executor Personal Liability — When You’re On the Hook

Executors risk personal liability if they pay beneficiaries before clearing debts or fail to meet tax obligations. Learn about devastavit, IHT risks, and how to protect yourself.

Read more →
May 25, 2026

Lasting Power of Attorney — Property and Financial vs Health and Welfare

A lasting power of attorney comes in two types: property and financial, and health and welfare. This guide explains what each covers, the differences, and how to register.

Read more →