The role of religious beliefs in modern estate planning

This webinar will help practitioners navigate the key considerations in succession and estate planning for clients with religious and spiritual beliefs. It will explore how different faiths approach estate matters, the diversity of beliefs even within families, and the importance of understanding clients’ wishes while recognising the legal limits in England and Wales. Using examples from Christian, Jewish, Islamic, Scientology, Buddhist, and Hindu perspectives, participants will gain practical insight to give tailored advice and manage estates in a way that respects both faith and law.

Topics covered include:

• Legal systems: common law, civil law, and Sharia law
• Testamentary freedom vs forced heirship
• Making a valid will in England and Wales
• Erosion of testamentary freedom?
• Religious beliefs: considering specific faiths and their beliefs, including common areas where wills and estate planning are impacted:
  • Advanced Decisions and Living Wills
  • Powers of Attorney (and Deputyship Orders)
  • Wills and Trusts, including the identity of executors and trustees
  • Burial and Funeral Wishes
  • Ownership of Property
  • Disposition of Assets
  • Loans and Interest
  • Financial Planning
  • Charitable Giving
  • Dispute Resolution
• Other considerations:
  • No-contest clauses
  • Validity of foreign wills
  • Domicile and impact on succession
  • Administering an international estate