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Plain-English Guides

Free Legal Guides in Plain English

Understanding your legal options shouldn't require a law degree. Our guides explain complex topics clearly, so you can make informed decisions.

Wills Guides

Protecting your loved ones and your wishes

Pension Pots and Inheritance Tax: What Changes in April 2027

Pension Pots and Inheritance Tax: What Changes in April 2027

From April 2027, your unused pension pot will be counted as part of your estate for inheritance tax. If you assumed your pension would pass free of IHT, that assumption is about to change. Here's what the new rules mean for your family.

4 min4 May 2026
A pair of brass-framed reading spectacles folded on a mulberry velvet cushion beside a small clay vessel of dried chamomile, north-window morning light from upper-left, a single dust mote suspended still in the pale shaft above.

Alzheimer's Society Free Will Writing: Will to Remember

The Alzheimer's Society offers free Will writing through its Will to Remember campaign. Learn how it works, the online option via Farewill, and its limitations.

6 min21 March 2026
A brass key resting on a folded square of oatmeal linen, morning light from a north-facing sash window casting a long diagonal shadow across worn oak grain, a faint salt residue on the key's bow where a thumb has worn it smooth.

Inheritance Tax Thresholds 2025/26: How Much Can You Leave Tax-Free?

Learn the current inheritance tax thresholds, how the nil rate band and residence nil rate band work, and practical ways to reduce your IHT liability.

10 min21 March 2026
A brass wax-seal stamp resting beside a spent taper on a pale oak desk, early morning north light crossing the stamp's engraved face, a faint curl of smoke still rising, one thread of beeswax hardened mid-drip on the handle.

Will Reforms 2025: Digital Wills and the Future of Inheritance

The Law Commission wants to replace the 1837 Wills Act. Explore the 31 proposals including electronic wills, video wills, and a dispensing power for courts.

8 min21 March 2026
A brass key resting on a folded square of oat linen, pale north-window light entering from the left, casting a single elongated shadow across the weave — one dust mote suspended in the cold morning air above.

Cancer Research UK Free Will Writing: How It Works

Cancer Research UK offers a free Will writing service with no obligation to leave a gift. Learn how the scheme works and whether it's right for your situation.

7 min21 March 2026
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Wills for Parents: Guardianship, Trusts and Protecting Your Children

As a parent, a Will is essential — it's the only way to name guardians for your children and control how your assets are managed on their behalf.

10 min20 March 2026
Two brass skeleton keys on a single iron ring resting on a worn oak desk, pale north-window morning light raking low across the metal, one key's shadow falling long and clean across the other, faint verdigris at the bow.

Joint Property After Death: Tenants in Common vs Joint Tenants

How you own your property with someone else affects what happens to it when you die. Learn the crucial difference between joint tenants and tenants in common.

9 min20 March 2026
A brass key on a folded wool runner, mid-morning north light casting a single long shadow across the fabric pile. A faint salt haze clings to the windowsill behind — the key worn at its bow from years of turning.

How to Update Your Will: When and Why You Should Review It

Life changes — so should your Will. Learn when to update your Will, what triggers a review, and whether you need a codicil or a brand new Will.

9 min20 March 2026
A row of period terraced homes in Bridlington representing the local housing stock and property protectionA row of period terraced homes in Bridlington representing the local housing stock and property protection

Protecting Your Bridlington Property: Trusts, Wills, and the Family Home in East Yorkshire

Your home is probably your most valuable asset. This guide explains how Wills and trusts can protect it for your family — and the common pitfalls to watch out for in East Yorkshire.

9 min6 March 2026
Bridlington seafront with residential properties overlooking the coast, representing local estate planning

Estate Planning in Bridlington and East Yorkshire: Why It Matters More Than You Think

East Yorkshire has one of the oldest populations in England — yet many residents still don't have a Will or LPA in place. This guide explains why estate planning matters locally.

9 min6 March 2026
A couple sitting together reviewing documents with pens in hand, representing joint estate planning

Mirror Wills for Couples: What They Are, When They Work, and When You Need Something More

Mirror Wills are popular with couples, but they're not always the best solution. This guide explains when they work well, when you might need something stronger, and how to decide.

9 min6 March 2026
A family reviewing will documents together at a table with a solicitor

The Complete Guide to Making a Will in England & Wales

Everything you need to know about making a legally valid Will — from choosing executors to avoiding common mistakes. A clear, practical guide to getting your affairs in order.

14 min6 March 2026

Probate Guides

Navigating estate administration with confidence

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Donating Belongings to Charity After a Death: A Practical Guide

Practical advice on donating a loved one's belongings to charity after their death, including which charities collect, fire label rules, and tax considerations.

7 min21 March 2026
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Funeral Directors in Bridlington: A Compassionate Local Guide

A compassionate guide to funeral directors in Bridlington and East Yorkshire, including independent and national options plus practical advice on costs.

8 min21 March 2026
A brass-handled magnifying glass resting on a folded wool cloth beside three small objects — a cameo brooch, a pewter thimble, a pocket watch — arranged on slate-grey linen, late morning north light casting precise object shadows from upper

Probate Valuations & Auction Houses in East Yorkshire

Find reputable auction houses and valuers for probate in East Yorkshire, including David Duggleby in Scarborough and Dee Atkinson & Harrison in Driffield.

7 min21 March 2026
A brass door key resting on a folded wool cloth atop a bare oak windowsill, pale morning light entering from the north, a faint salt residue dulling one edge, single long shadow stretching across the grain.

Selling a House During Probate in Bridlington

A practical guide to selling a property during probate in Bridlington, including when you can list, local estate agents, CGT pitfalls, and the legal process.

8 min21 March 2026
A brass key on a worn iron ring resting on a folded wool cloth, early morning north light falling from the left, a single long shadow stretching across pale oak boards, faint dust motes suspended above.

Executor Duties Explained: Your Responsibilities and How to Cope

Been named as an executor? Learn what's involved, your legal responsibilities, the timeline, and how to get professional help when you need it.

11 min20 March 2026
A brass key on a slate-grey stone sill, morning north light falling at a low angle, a faint salt residue tracing the key's bow, single cold shadow stretching left across the sill's worn surface.

Contesting a Will: Grounds, Process and Time Limits

Think a Will is unfair or invalid? Learn the legal grounds for contesting a Will in England and Wales, the time limits, costs, and what to expect.

10 min20 March 2026
A brass door key on a folded square of oat linen, resting on a bare oak side table at mid-morning. Cool north light falls from a high sash window, casting one long, still shadow across the pale fabric — a faint salt residue at the key's bow

What to Do When Someone Dies: A Step-by-Step Checklist

A clear, compassionate guide to the practical steps you need to take when someone passes away — from registering the death to applying for probate.

12 min20 March 2026
A calculator and financial documents on a desk representing probate cost planning

How Much Does Probate Cost in 2025/26? A Clear Breakdown of Fees

From the £300 court fee to solicitor charges — a transparent breakdown of what probate actually costs. Aaron believes you should know the numbers upfront, not after you've committed.

8 min7 March 2026
A solicitor guiding a family member through estate paperwork at a desk with organised files and documents

A Step-by-Step Guide to the Probate Process in England and Wales

Dealing with probate during a difficult time can feel overwhelming. This step-by-step guide walks you through the entire process — from registering the death to distributing the estate.

15 min7 March 2026
Bridlington Old Town with period properties representing the local property market and probate services

Finding a Probate Solicitor in Bridlington and East Yorkshire

If you've lost a loved one and need help with probate locally, this guide explains what to look for in a solicitor and how the process works in Bridlington and East Yorkshire.

8 min6 March 2026
A gavel and legal documents representing updates to probate law in England and Wales

Probate Rule Changes in 2025: What Executors Need to Know

Important changes to probate rules came into effect in late 2025. If you're an executor or administrator, this guide explains what changed and what it means for you.

7 min6 March 2026
An empty chair at a family gathering table symbolising the absence of a loved one and the importance of estate planning

What Happens If You Die Without a Will? The Intestacy Rules Explained

Without a valid Will, strict legal rules decide who inherits — and the results can be surprising. This guide explains how intestacy works and why a Will is so important.

8 min6 March 2026

Powers of Attorney Guides

Planning for the future, protecting today

A brass door key on a folded square of heather-grey wool, resting on a cherry-wood side table. Soft north-window light falls from the left, casting one long shadow across the fabric, a single dust mote suspended above the key.

Dementia and Power of Attorney: What Families Need to Know

Essential guide for families facing dementia. Learn when an LPA is still possible, what happens without one, and where to find support in East Yorkshire.

10 min21 March 2026
A tarnished brass key on folded navy linen, a beeswax candle burning low to its left — soft amber light pooling across the worn teeth, a single long shadow stretching toward the desk's far edge, faint salt residue on the bow.

Who Can Override a Power of Attorney? Rights, Safeguards and Disputes

Worried an attorney is abusing their power? Learn who can challenge or override a Power of Attorney, the safeguards in place, and how to raise concerns.

10 min20 March 2026
A wax-sealed envelope resting on a pale cotton blotter, crimson seal freshly pressed and still faintly warm, cool morning light from a tall sash window falling across it — one thin shadow stretching from the seal toward the desk's far edge.

How to Register a Lasting Power of Attorney: Complete Walkthrough

A practical step-by-step guide to registering your LPA with the Office of the Public Guardian — from filling in the forms to using the LPA.

10 min20 March 2026
A concerned family member looking at court paperwork, representing the deputyship process

What Happens If You Lose Capacity Without an LPA? Understanding Deputyship

Without an LPA in place, your family could face a costly and stressful Court of Protection application if you lose capacity. This guide explains the difference — and why planning ahead with Aaron is so much simpler.

7 min7 March 2026
 Property and Financial Affairs LPA vs Health and Welfare LPA: What Is the Difference?

Property and Financial Affairs LPA vs Health and Welfare LPA: What Is the Difference?

There are two types of LPA, and understanding the difference matters. This guide explains both in plain English — so you can decide which ones are right for you and your family.

8 min7 March 2026
An elderly person and a trusted family member reviewing LPA paperwork together at home

Lasting Powers of Attorney: The Complete Guide for England and Wales

An LPA is one of the most important documents you can put in place — yet most people put it off. This guide explains both types of LPA, how they work, and why Aaron recommends setting them up while you're fit and well.

14 min7 March 2026
An older couple walking along Bridlington Cliff Tops representing later-life planning and Lasting Powers of Attorney

Lasting Powers of Attorney in Bridlington: Why Every East Yorkshire Family Should Have One

With over a quarter of East Riding residents aged 65+, an LPA isn't something to put off. This guide explains why Bridlington families should act now — and how Aaron makes the process straightforward.

9 min6 March 2026

Trusts & Asset Protection Guides

Safeguarding wealth for future generations

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Deeds of Variation Explained: Redirecting an Inheritance

Discover how a deed of variation lets you redirect an inheritance for tax savings or family fairness — including the strict 2-year time limit you must meet.

9 min21 March 2026
A small brass key on a folded square of navy linen, resting on a pale oak shelf. Morning north-window light falls from upper left, casting one long thin shadow across the fabric, a faint dust mote suspended just above.

Setting Up a Trust for Your Children or Grandchildren

Want to leave money or property to children without handing it over immediately? Learn how trusts protect young beneficiaries and give you control.

10 min20 March 2026
A worn brass door key on a folded square of oat linen, morning north light from a sash window casting one long shadow across the weave, faint condensation tracing the glass pane behind.

Protecting Your Home from Care Home Fees

Worried about losing your home to care costs? Learn how trusts, joint ownership, and proper planning can help protect your property for your family.

11 min20 March 2026
A family tree diagram representing the flow of assets through a trust structure

Inheritance Tax Planning with Trusts: What You Need to Know

Trusts can play a real role in reducing your inheritance tax liability — but the rules are complex. This guide explains the key options in plain English, so you can make informed decisions.

11 min7 March 2026
A family home with a protective shield icon representing trust-based property protection

Protecting Your Family Home: Life Interest Trusts and Property Protection Trusts Explained

Worried about your family home ending up in the wrong hands? Life interest trusts and property protection trusts can help — this guide explains how they work and whether they're right for you.

10 min7 March 2026
A family tree diagram representing the flow of assets through a trust structure

Trusts Explained: A Plain-English Guide to How Trusts Work in England and Wales

Trusts sound complicated, but the core idea is simple. This guide cuts through the jargon and explains what trusts are, how they work, and why they might matter for your family.

12 min7 March 2026

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