The law surrounding wills, inheritance and estate planning continues to evolve, making it important to review your arrangements regularly. For anyone considering will writing Bristol, recent and forthcoming legal changes provide a good reason to check whether an existing Will still reflects your wishes and family circumstances.
Changes to Inheritance Tax
One significant development in 2026 concerns Agricultural Property Relief (APR) and Business Property Relief (BPR). From 6 April 2026, a new £2.5 million allowance applies to qualifying agricultural and business property eligible for 100% relief. Property above this allowance may qualify for relief at 50%. Unused allowance can generally be transferred between spouses or civil partners, potentially allowing up to £5 million of qualifying property to benefit from the 100% relief allowance between them.
These changes could be particularly relevant to business owners, farmers and families with substantial agricultural or business assets. Professional advice can help families understand how their Will, trusts and wider estate-planning arrangements interact with the new rules.
Pensions and Inheritance Tax
Another important change is due to take effect from 6 April 2027. Most unused pension funds and pension death benefits will then be brought within the value of an estate for Inheritance Tax purposes. The Government has legislated for these changes through the Finance Act 2026.
This makes pensions an increasingly important part of estate planning. Those reviewing their arrangements may wish to consider how pension benefits fit alongside their will writing Bristol, other investments, property and intended beneficiaries.
Modernising Wills Law
The Law Commission published recommendations in 2025 aimed at modernising wills law. These include proposals concerning electronic wills, the rules surrounding marriage and the automatic revocation of a Will, testamentary capacity and protection against undue influence.
Importantly, these are recommendations rather than changes that have all become law. The Government has said it will consider the recommendations.
This distinction is important when considering information found online. Proposed reforms should not be treated as current law until they have been formally implemented.
Changing Family Circumstances
Family structures are also receiving attention from lawmakers. In 2026, the Government consulted on proposals that could give qualifying cohabiting partners greater inheritance rights where someone dies without a valid Will. The consultation proposes extending certain intestacy rights to qualifying cohabitants, although legislation would be required before such proposals become law.
For unmarried couples, this highlights the importance of understanding the current intestacy rules. Simply living with a partner does not currently provide the same inheritance position as being married or in a civil partnership.
Why Reviewing Your Will Matters
For people looking at will writing Bristol, recent legal developments demonstrate why estate planning should not necessarily be treated as a one-off exercise. Changes to taxation, pensions, family circumstances and the law can all affect how an estate should be structured.
A review may be particularly appropriate following marriage or divorce, the birth of children or grandchildren, a significant change in property or business ownership, or changes to your financial circumstances.
If you are considering will writing Bristol, obtaining professional advice can help ensure that your Will accurately reflects your wishes and works alongside your wider estate-planning arrangements. Regular reviews can also help identify whether changes in the law or your personal circumstances mean that your existing arrangements should be updated.
This article provides general information about legal developments and should not be regarded as individual legal or tax advice.