Many parents assume that once they have written a Will, their children are protected. But one detail hidden inside many standard Wills can create a serious problem that families rarely spot until it is too late. In England and Wales, if a child inherits under a basic Will trust structure, they will usually become fully entitled to their inheritance at the age of 18. At first glance, that may sound perfectly reasonable. Legally, they are an adult. But in practical terms, many

It often begins with good intentions. An older parent wants to “make things easier” for the family. Someone suggests adding an adult child onto the title deeds of the home to avoid probate or inheritance tax. It sounds simple, practical, and harmless. But this well-meaning decision can create risks that many families never see coming. You May Be Giving Away More Than You Realise Once another person becomes a legal owner of your property, their circumstances can begin affectin

Why half of all wills created may not truly reflect your wishes There is a comforting belief that once you have written a Will, the job is done. Your wishes are clear, your family is protected, and everything will pass as intended. Unfortunately, the reality is more complicated than that. Based on current UK data, it is reasonable to estimate that around half of all existing Wills may be vulnerable to a problem known as sideways disinheritance. It is not widely understood, bu

Mirror Wills are one of the most common types of Wills used by married couples. They are simple, easy to understand, and in many situations they work perfectly well. But in some circumstances, mirror Wills can lead to very serious unintended consequences, including children being disinherited entirely. That is why it is important to understand not just how mirror Wills work, but also where the risks lay. What are mirror Wills? Mirror Wills are usually made by couples and are