Utilising Technology To Unburden Staff
This is the fifth blog in this series of posts where we’re discussing how lawyers and law firms are struggling to cope with the lockdown and what we can suggest to help them. Many aren’t set up for homeworking, social distancing or self-isolation. And it’s all happened so quickly there has been very little time […]
Have Businesses Adapted Quickly Enough To New Normal?
Technology and internet enabled devices have helped the world remain connected whilst in lockdown. For many key workers providing Wills services, this has been a time of quick adaptation. Firms and businesses have needed to provide a digital service whether that is through completing the Wills process or advertising their services. High street providers, reliant […]
My Will Writing Journey – Part 4
So today is the final day of my Will Writing Course, and I can safely say it has been an information heavy week. Last night, I had the pleasure of joining the Women In Will’s virtual meeting which was hosted by Today’s Wills and Probate, and thanks to the course, I can safely say I […]
Movers and Shakers – 15th May 2020
Here at Today’s Wills and Probate, we wanted to share with you the good news we’ve had within in the industry of professionals joining firms and those who have moved up the promotional ladder. This week we’ve seen the following announcements with regards to appointments and promotions: Kathryn Bew – left Wansbrough Solicitors and joined […]
Updated Grants Of Representation Compulsory From Monday
The eight-week introductory period for the new standard grant of representation application forms will lapse from Monday May 18. Any probate application using outdated methods involving a ‘statement of truth’ will now face delays as their forms, including the old statement of truth, ‘will be returned with a request for the appropriate new form.’ The […]
Ask An Expert: Communicating Effectively With Grieving Families
Recent Office for National Statistics (ONS) data indicates that the UK has suffered over 50,000 more excess deaths in the opening five months of 2020. Unfortunately, this means that more clients are likely to need probate services for deceased relatives who have fallen victim to the virus. Governmental working restrictions are beginning to ease and […]
My Will Writing Journey – Part 3
So, if I thought yesterday was information heavy and intensive. Today’s training, which subsequently is three quarters of the way through the course was going to be more information heavy. My little boy, who had behaved exemplary over the past few days decided he didn’t like mummy not paying him attention, and decided to sit […]
Countrywide Membership Which Includes Our Will Checking Service
Those of you who are members of Countrywide Tax & Trust Corporation Ltd are aware that we offer a Will Checking Service. This service is INCLUDED in your monthly membership fee. We thought it would be helpful to circulate a reminder of what the service includes so you can ensure you are getting the most […]
Law Society Advises On Cautious Return To Offices
The Law Society of England and Wales is urging law firms to remain cautious when entering ‘unchartered waters’ as the lockdown restrictions are lifted and legal businesses are free to work form their offices. Simon Davis suggests all law firms adapt and embed new risk assessment protocols to ensure employees and clients are kept safe. […]
My Will Writing Journey – Part 2
After a night of going over my notes, and realising that the introductory information provided on the first day of the course, cemented some of the knowledge I already had of the sector – thanks to my contributions with this publication – I was excited to see what day two of the course would bring. […]
Certainty Expert Webinar Presents Tom Dumont QC, Barrister At Radcliffe Chambers
We’re pleased to welcome back Tom Dumont QC, Barrister at Radcliffe Chambers who will be presenting May’s Certainty Expert Webinar on Thursday 21st May at 12.00pm, titled ‘Execution of Wills, especially in a Lockdown’. Since 1837, the law relating to the execution of Wills has changed very little, but still the rules are often broken, […]
Forfeiture Rule Doesn’t Apply To Woman Who Accidentally Killed Husband
74-year-old Sandra Amos has successfully inherited her husband’s estate, contesting her step-daughter’s case for forfeiture after she accidentally killed her husband in a car crash. Mrs Amos was driving herself and her husband Royston Amos to Canterbury from their home in Wales in January 2019. On the way to the destination Mrs Amos was involved […]
Cyber Criminals Hack Into Leading US Law Firm
A New York based law firm, Grubman Shire Meiselas & Sacks, who are predominantly used by the world’s rich and famous, have suffered a substantial cyber attack. The cyber criminals claim to have access to over 756 gigabytes of the law firm’s and its client’s personal data, including legal contracts, personal email accounts and email […]
Care Home Covid Deaths Decline For First Time
Data released yesterday has found that the number of deaths linked to Covid-19 in care homes is falling for the first time since the first recorded virus death at the start of April. According to the weekly ‘Deaths Registered in England and Wales’, 2,423 care home resident deaths attributed Covid-19 as the cause of death […]
My Will Writing Journey – Part 1
A few weeks into lockdown I decided that I wanted to do something different and learn a new skill which could help me, both as a writer for Today’s Wills and Probate and provide me with another new skill. As well as juggling working from home, and keeping a two-year old little boy entertained, I […]
Government Extends Furlough Scheme Until October
The Government has just announced an extension of the furlough scheme to October with no changes before end of July. Details of changes after that will be provided by the end of May but are likely to require an employer contribution. The Chancellor confirmed employees will continue to receive at least 80% of salaries and […]
Brothers Victorious In Farm Inheritance Dispute
Following the death of Anthony (Tony) Sowray, who died intestate, his estranged daughter Claire naturally inherited his estate. However, problems arose when both Matthew and James Willis spoke of Claire’s father’s promise to them that they would inherit some of the estate. This was due to Matthew having worked on the farm for more than […]
Care Worker Deaths Signigicantly Higher Than Average
Care worker deaths attributed to Covid-19 are statistically significantly higher than the average rates of coronavirus deaths involving working age adults. According to Office for National Statistics (ONS) death data up to April 20, 2,494 working age adults (between 20 and 64 years old) have been killed by the virus. Of this number, 131 registered […]
Containing Care Home Covid Spread Governmental Priority
With care home deaths related to Covid-19 continuing to rise despite hospital deaths falling in recent weeks, the government’s 50 page ‘recovery’ document details the further protections and procedures being put in place to detect and prevent further care home fatalities. According to weekly death rate data in care homes up to April 24, almost […]
Simpler Funerals Becoming The Norm
Since the Coronavirus pandemic, the way we celebrate the life of our lost loved ones has changed. UK funeral services group, Dignity, has revealed that as a result of the worldwide pandemic, mourners are choosing to opt for a simpler service during these times. The group saw the amount of simple funeral services they provide […]
