Probate Fees Are Rising
Probate Fees Are Rising to £526 on 13 July 2026 When someone dies, the person sorting out their affairs often needs a legal document before banks, pension providers and the Land Registry will deal with them. If there is a Will, this is called a grant of probate. If there is no Will, it is […]
Disabled Person’s Trust: The Mistake That Can Put Benefits (and Care Support) at Risk
A Disabled Person’s Trust is a specialist trust designed to financially support a disabled or vulnerable person without jeopardising means-tested benefits or local authority care support. The trust must meet the conditions in s.89 Inheritance Tax Act 1984, with the disabled person as the principal beneficiary (based on qualifying disability benefits or lack of capacity […]
7 Legal Ways to Reduce Your Inheritance Tax Bill in England
If your estate is approaching or exceeding £325,000, inheritance tax (IHT) is a conversation you cannot afford to delay. With property values continuing to rise across England, more families than ever are finding themselves unexpectedly liable for a 40% tax charge on assets they have spent a lifetime building. For many, this comes as a […]
Protecting Your Children’s Inheritance: How a Trust Works in England
As a parent or grandparent, one of the most important things you can do is make sure the people you love most are properly provided for when you are no longer here. But leaving money directly to children under 18 is not as straightforward as it might seem — and the gap between what most […]
Property vs Health LPA (Last Powers of Attorney): Which Do You Need and When?
Most people don’t think about Lasting Powers of Attorney until it’s too late. By then, it often is. Whether you’re approaching your 50s and want to get your affairs in order, an adult child concerned about an ageing parent, or someone who has recently received a difficult diagnosis, understanding the types of lasting power of […]
What Really Happens If You Die Without a Will in England?
If you live with a partner, have stepchildren, or simply haven’t got around to writing a will yet, this article is for you. Many people assume that when they die, their belongings and assets will automatically pass to the people they love most. Unfortunately, if you die without a will in England, that’s often far […]
The Maple Wills Membership: Ongoing Peace of Mind for You and Your Family
Life changes, and your will should change with it. Whether you’ve recently welcomed a new family member, moved home, changed your financial circumstances, or simply want the reassurance that your wishes are always up to date, the Maple Wills membership is designed to give you and your loved ones lasting confidence in your estate planning. […]
Mental Health Awareness Week 2026 – Milton Keynes
Mental Health Awareness Week 2026 11–17 May | MapleWills Mental Health Awareness Week is an important opportunity to raise awareness, encourage open conversations, and remind people that mental wellbeing matters every single day. At MapleWills, we understand that planning for the future is about more than finances and legal documents—it is also about peace of mind, […]
Probate in England: A Caring, Step-by-Step Guide for Executors and Families
A supportive walk-through of the grant of probate, letters of administration, and what adult children need to know when helping elderly parents prepare. When someone we love dies, the world tilts. Grief arrives in waves, decisions blur, and yet within days, families are often handed a stack of unfamiliar paperwork and a single, unfamiliar word: […]
Understanding How Later-Life Care Is Funded in England
If you’re helping to manage a parent’s care, there’s an important reality that often catches families off guard: later-life care can be expensive, and how it’s funded isn’t always clearly explained.In England, there are three distinct ways care may be paid for: NHS Continuing Healthcare – fully funded by the NHS for those with significant health […]