Skip to content Skip to footer
Enquiries Call 0345 209 1000

Autumn 2025 edition

Welcome to the latest edition of the Wealth, Health and Inheritance Tax Briefing. If you have any questions regarding the subjects covered in this issue, please do not hesitate to reach out to us.

In this edition

  • Inheritance tax on pensions – what is changing?

    The Autumn Budget in 2024 introduced major changes to inheritance tax, with most unused pension funds set to be included in a person’s estate from April 2027. The move aims to close loopholes and ensure pensions aren’t used as tax planning tools. With draft legislation already published, individuals and advisers should start preparing for the impact on estate planning and pension administration.

  • Farming Heirs and Affairs, a Clarke Willmott Podcast – episode 3

    Join Tom Chiffers and Holly Smith in this episode of the Heirs and Affairs podcast, as they explore how nuptial agreements aren’t just for Hollywood marriages, they can protect the assets of farming families.

    Holly, a family law expert, clarifies misconceptions around nuptial agreements and explains the important role they can play in preserving generational wealth.

  • Does a Will go out of date?

    While a Will doesn’t expire, it can become outdated if your life changes. From marriage and children to financial shifts and legal updates, there are many reasons to review and refresh your Will regularly. Here’s what to consider to keep your wishes protected.

  • Reforming Wills for the modern age

    The Law Commission’s 2025 report proposes major reforms to modernise Will-making, bringing 19th-century law into the digital age. Changes include lowering the minimum age to 16 and allowing courts to consider video or audio evidence of final wishes. Our article explores what this could mean for families, professionals, and estate planning.

  • Clarke Willmott expands Bristol private capital team

    Clarke Willmott has strengthened its Bristol-based private capital team with the appointment of partner Jennifer Charlton and associate Henry Garden. Both bring deep expertise in estate and tax planning for high-net-worth individuals and families. Their arrival reflects the firm’s continued growth in the South West and its commitment to delivering tailored advice across its Bristol, Cardiff, and London offices.

Posted:

Previous editions

In this edition

Episode 1 delves into the vital topic of succession planning for farming families, with a particular focus on the impact of recent changes to inheritance tax legislation. Our private client team shares expert insights to help families navigate this complex area.

Episode 2 explores the intricacies of trusts, particularly focusing on lifetime trusts for farmers and landowners. The discussion unpacks how they can be used effectively to manage and protect agricultural assets across generations.

Listen to episodes 1 & 2

In today’s world, more couples are choosing to live together without getting married. While this lifestyle choice offers flexibility and freedom, it also carries a legal grey area that can pose risks and complications if the relationship were to end. In this article, our family team discuss the importance of cohabitation agreements and who needs one.

A landmark tribunal ruling has provided relief to families who engaged in historic ‘home loan’ inheritance tax schemes, potentially saving them thousands from inheritance tax bills. Clarke Willmott’s Paul Davies explains how the decision marks a significant victory for taxpayers.

Your key contacts

More on this topic

Private wealth

Tips for tricky estates

Our “Tips for Tricky Estates” aim to support both contentious and non-contentious practitioners by providing short, practical monthly tips that touch on common challenges that arise either in estate administration, or estate disputes.
Read more on Tips for tricky estates
Private wealth

Lasting powers of attorney: top ten tips

Our specialist solicitors share tips to help you ensure that your lasting power of attorney is effective and reflects your wishes. Call 0800 652 8025 for a free consultation. Offices in in Birmingham, Bristol, Cardiff, London, Manchester, Southampton & Taunton.
Read more on Lasting powers of attorney: top ten tips
Industry news

Private capital tax implications following the Budget

Jacqui Lazare and Tom Chiffers, partners in national law firm Clarke Willmott LLP’s private capital team, look at the key highlights from the Autumn Budget and the tax implications for private individuals.
Read more on Private capital tax implications following the Budget

Looking for legal advice?