Why Inheritance Disputes Are Rising in the UK

Families across the UK are facing a worrying rise in inheritance disputes—and the root cause is often surprisingly simple: silence. New research from STEP (the Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners) highlights how a lack of estate planning and poor communication within families is driving conflict, particularly where family structures are more complex. While wills and inheritance are often seen as purely legal matters, this growing trend shows just how closely they are linked to good financial planning. In reality, the first steps toward avoiding disputes are not just about drafting a will, but about understanding your finances, clarifying your intentions, and planning ahead in a joined-up way.

The scale of the problem

STEP’s research paints a stark picture. Around 80% of UK adults say their family does not know their wishes for what should happen when they die. At the same time, approximately 35% of adults do not have a will at all, and many existing wills have not been reviewed for years. Practitioners are increasingly seeing disputes arise in blended families, where children, stepchildren and surviving partners may all have competing expectations. In many cases, the conflict is not driven by greed, but by uncertainty—people simply don’t know what was intended, or why certain decisions were made.

Why this isn’t just a legal issue

Although solicitors play a vital role in drafting wills, inheritance disputes often stem from decisions that were never fully thought through from a financial perspective. This is where financial planning adds real value. A financial planner helps clients step back and look at the whole picture:

Without this wider analysis, even a legally valid will can produce outcomes that feel unfair or financially impractical, increasing the risk of challenge later on.

Inheritance tax and lifetime planning

Inheritance tax (IHT) is another area where financial advice is critical. Many people underestimate the value of their estate or assume IHT is only an issue for the very wealthy. In reality, rising property values mean more families are affected than ever.

Good financial planning looks not only at what happens on death, but also at what can be done during your lifetime. This might include:

These decisions can significantly reduce the tax burden on your estate, while also making your intentions clearer to those you leave behind.

Communication is part of the plan

One of the most striking findings from STEP is how rarely families talk openly about inheritance. Only a small minority of people have explained their wishes or even told loved ones where important documents are kept.

From a financial planning perspective, encouraging these conversations is just as important as running the numbers. Explaining why decisions have been made—particularly in blended families—can help manage expectations and prevent misunderstandings later on.

Bringing it all together

Effective estate planning works best when legal and financial advice are aligned. A solicitor can ensure your will is drafted correctly and a financial planner can help you:

In short, inheritance planning isn’t only about documents—it’s about clarity, communication and confidence.

Taking the first steps now, with the right professional support, can protect not just your wealth, but your family relationships too.