Ten Estate Planning Steps That Prevent Litigation

Disputes rarely begin at death. They begin with an unexplained change to a will, an undocumented loan to one child, or a letter of wishes that says nothing about why a decision was made.

Record reasons, use an independent solicitor for late-life changes, obtain a capacity assessment where age or illness could later be questioned, and tell the family what to expect where you can bear to.

Where equality is not intended, say so clearly and in writing. Silence is what litigators later fill with argument.