Stephen Rhodes

Appointing Guardians for Your Children in Your Will 9 minute read Without a named guardian, important decisions about your child’s future may be out of your hands. When you are responsible for looking after a child under the age of 18, writing a Will is not simply about deciding who should inherit your money or […]

When Should a Joint Tenancy Be Severed? 3 minute read Knowing when to sever a joint tenancy could make all the difference to your estate planning. If you own a property with someone else, the way in which you hold that property matters more than most people realise. The legal structure of your co-ownership can

Joint Tenancy vs Tenancy in Common: What is the Difference? 3 minute read How you own your home jointly can have a significant impact on your estate planning, your inheritance tax position, and the security of your family’s future. When two or more people buy a property together, they have to make a decision that

What is a Life Interest Trust? 5 minute read A Life Interest Trust allows you to support your partner today while protecting your children tomorrow. When someone wants to provide for their partner after they die, while also making sure their children ultimately inherit, they often face a genuine tension. Leaving everything outright to a

How to Pass on Digital Assets Through Your Will 9 minute read Your online life has value. Make sure it doesn’t get overlooked. Most of us keep much of our lives online. We store photographs in the cloud, run businesses through websites, hold funds in PayPal or cryptocurrency wallets, and accumulate years of content across

What if I die without a Will? 5 minute read Without a will, important decisions about your estate are taken out of your hands. Every year in England and Wales, tens of thousands of people die without leaving a valid will. When that occurs, the law intervenes and determines everything: who inherits the estate, who

What Is a Letter of Wishes, and Do I Need One? 4 minute read It’s not part of your will, but it can make a real difference to how your wishes are carried out. When most people think about planning their estate, they focus on the will itself. The will is, of course, the key

What Are Mirror Wills and Are They Right for Us? 4 minute read Mirror wills can be effective, but only when they fit your situation properly. If you and your partner are thinking about writing your wills, there is a good chance someone has mentioned mirror wills to you. They are one of the most

When Should I Update My Will? 3 minute read An outdated will can lead to unintended outcomes for your family. Making a Will is one of the most important steps you can take to protect the people you love. But signing it and filing it away is not quite the end of the story. Life

What Kind of Provision Should Be Made in a Will for a Blended Family? 8 minute read When relationships overlap, clear planning helps prevent future misunderstandings. Blended families are increasingly common and come in many forms. You might be in a new relationship after a divorce or bereavement, with children from that earlier relationship. Your