Weds 16th September 2026
At a recent Wealden Business Group breakfast meeting, Jake Paine of Squiggle Consult Ltd delivered an engaging feature presentation on why proactive estate planning is vital to protecting family assets and securing legacy. Based locally in Ashford, Squiggle Consult is an award-winning, B Corp Certified family-run business that delivers clear, jargon-free estate planning services across England, Scotland, and Wales. Jake opened by emphasizing the dangers of relying on default intestacy laws, which can lead to assets passing unexpectedly to distant relatives or the Crown. Without proper planning, common life challenges such as remarriage, divorce, or financial hardship leave families vulnerable to accidental disinheritance.
A central highlight of the talk was Jake’s explanation of “sideways disinheritance,” a frequent risk stemming from standard joint property ownership. Under joint ownership, property automatically transfers to the surviving partner upon first death, overriding any standard Will or intestacy rules and eliminating control over who ultimately inherits the home. To solve this, Jake mapped out four primary options: doing nothing, basic Wills, Will Trusts, and Lifetime Trusts. He noted that while Lifetime Trusts provide strong ring-fencing, they require the property to be fully mortgage-free and rule out equity release. Consequently, for clients with active mortgages, Will Trusts emerge as the ideal solution – ring-fencing 100% of the deceased partner’s share while safeguarding the surviving partner’s right to live in the home.
Jake concluded the presentation by highlighting the critical role of Lasting Powers of Attorney (LPAs). He stressed that establishing LPAs for both personal affairs (Health & Welfare, Property & Financial Affairs) and commercial interests is vital, ensuring trusted individuals are legally appointed to manage decision-making should a person lose mental capacity during their lifetime.
You can see Jake’s presentation below:
