Judge Spotlight: Trevor Worth MBA TEP F.IPW

Judge Spotlight: Trevor Worth MBA TEP F.IPW

In a series of Supporters in Focus pieces, we are thrilled to introduce our Judges of The British Wills and Probate Awards 2021 Alongside headline sponsor Executor Solutions we look forward to recognising achievement, highlighting progression and championing innovation. However, the awards couldn’t take place without the hard task of judging and shortlisting the entries. […]

Professional indemnity insurance policies must provide clarity on cyber-related risks

Professional indemnity insurance policies must provide clarity on cyber-related risks

The Law Society has today voiced its support of the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) as it consults on proposed changes to the minimum terms and conditions (MTCs) for professional indemnity insurance (PII) policies so they’re clearer on cyber-related risks. The SRA’s consultation response is in reaction to demands from the insurance industry for PII policies […]

Movers and Shakers – 28th May

Movers and Shakers - 28th May

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…… Simpson Millar continues national expansion with appointment of […]

Assisted Dying Bill could help families in England and Wales

Assisted Dying Bill could help families in England and Wales

A national newspaper has joined the call to help implement a proposed law enabling terminally  ill people to choose how they die. The Sunday Times is backing a private member’s bill which will legalise assisted dying in England and Wales. The Bill is being introduced by Baroness Meacher and has it’s first reading tomorrow (Wednesday […]

Hospice money fraudulently spent by daughter

Hospice money fraudulently spent by daughter

Willowbrook Hospice was defrauded of approximately £20,000 from Patricia Eden’s estate, after her daughter Deborah Nilsson spent the money on a new kitchen, bathroom and family holiday. The fraud came to light when Ms Nilsson’s daughter reported her. During the trial at Liverpool Crown Court, Ms Nilsson explained that her mother had changed her mind […]

Mental Capacity and COVID19 Vaccine Conundrum

Mental Capacity and COVID19 Vaccine Conundrum

Beverley Beale, Court of Protection Panel Deputy and Associate at Weightmans LLP, discusses a case of a family dispute in which a member of their family who lacked mental capacity, should not have the Covid-19 vaccination. With the continued roll out of the COVID19 vaccine programme and the further lifting of social restrictions, there is […]

Interview: Property fund provides greater choice for practitioners

Interview: Property fund provides greater choice for practitioners

Since launching in December 2020 Proffered have quietly been going about their business of helping probate practitioners, executors and beneficiaries navigate the world of probate property sales with a fully funded solution for executors and beneficiaries. Now ready to launch more widely, in an exclusive interview, Managing Director Adam Bonner tells Today’s Wills and Probate […]

Judges Spotlight: Sue Carter

Judges Spotlight: Sue Carter

In a series of Supporters in Focus pieces, we are thrilled to introduce our Judges of The British Wills and Probate Awards 2021. Alongside headline sponsor Executor Solutions we look forward to recognising achievement, highlighting progression and championing innovation. However, the awards couldn’t take place without the hard task of judging and shortlisting the entries. […]

How to Practise Wills & Probate Law From Anywhere

How to Practise Wills & Probate Law From Anywhere

How solicitors work has changed—and it could be for the better for you and your firm. For a lot of wills and probate solicitors, it was previously unthinkable that it was possible to work from home. The past two years have shown that it’s not just possible but very manageable for solicitors and other legal […]

Government unveils new pension scam prevention measures

Government unveils new pension scam prevention measures

The government have announced new rules to tackle online pension scams. The Department for Work and Pensions and Guy Opperman MP is helping shut the door on social media scammers trying to plunder people’s pensions under new scam prevention measures due this autumn. Back in the summer of 2019 experts in the industry were warning […]

Register now for Estate Planning for Married Couples and Civil Partners

Register now for Estate Planning for Married Couples and Civil Partners

The first part of our pentalogy: Planning for different client scenarios The latest in our Superhero Webinar series will provide you with an Estate Planning guide for all of your clients. Part ONE of five will cover Estate Planning for Married Couples / Civil Partners. Topics include: The positives and negatives of: Simple Mirror Wills […]

Probate delays continue but Tower Street Finance can offer a lifeline

Probate delays continue but Tower Street Finance can offer a lifeline

Probate delays are still causing real issues for families waiting to receive an inheritance. The new online systems and centralisation of probate offices, which one would imagine were designed to speed things up, have far from had the desired results. The effects of Covid also continue to contribute to the long waits, leading to some […]

London firms fell short during the pandemic

London firms fell short during the pandemic

A study of top London organisations – including a number of leading lawyers – has revealed almost half (47%) of firms expect call volumes to increase over the next few months – yet many struggled to manage their switchboard calls or prioritise customer service during the pandemic. The outsourced communications provider – which handles more […]

Judge Spotlight: Barry Mattock

Judge Spotlight: Barry Mattock

In a series of Supporters in Focus pieces, we are thrilled to introduce our Judges of The British Wills and Probate Awards 2021 Alongside headline sponsor Executor Solutions we look forward to recognising achievement, highlighting progression and championing innovation. However, the awards couldn’t take place without the hard task of judging and shortlisting the entries. […]

SRA abandons plans to reduce grants from Compensation Fund

SRA fining powers increased to £25,000 despite industry push-back

The Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) has abandoned its plans to reduce the maximum grants made from the Compensation Fund. This u-turn has been welcomed by The Law Society for England and Wales. A spokesperson for the Law Society commented: “We are pleased to hear that the SRA has decided not to reduce the single claim […]

Free webinar: ‘Overcoming client objections’

Free webinar: ‘Overcoming client objections’

Join Kings Court Trust’s Technical Manager, Nigel Merchant, for their upcoming webinar on Wednesday 2nd June at 1pm. Nigel will explain why an objection is a good sign and will reveal how to overcome some common scenarios, involving: Wills, LPAs, financial advice and estate administration. The session will cover: What is an objection? Why do […]

One week left to secure the best Alpha Legal prices!

One week left to secure the best Alpha Legal prices!

Still thinking about Alpha Legal and what it could do for your business? Are you an Estate Agent, Will Writer, Accountant or Solicitor needing access to: – ID verification for your clients – secure document sharing – e-signatures – a client portal to enhance your brand and secure your client communications? Register this week (before […]

Judge Spotlight: Anthony Belcher

Judge Spotlight: Anthony Belcher

In a series of Supporters in Focus pieces, we are thrilled to introduce our Judges of The British Wills and Probate Awards 2021 Alongside headline sponsor Executor Solutions we look forward to recognising achievement, highlighting progression and championing innovation. However, the awards couldn’t take place without the hard task of judging and shortlisting the entries. […]

Annual Practising Certificate Fee consultation survey launched

Annual Practising Certificate Fee consultation survey launched

The Law Society has launched its member survey on the Practising Certificate Fee (PC fee) for 2021/22. The survey continues the consultation on the PC fee and business plan which began on 10 May and has already involved proactive discussions with groups of members to get their feedback. As a response to the challenges solicitors […]

Legacy Futures announce 2021 Award Winners

Legacy Futures announce 2021 Award Winners

Legacy Futures is delighted to announce the winners of the inaugural Legacy Futures Awards 2021. The Legacy Future Leader Award WINNER: Emma Bowles, ellenor “Emma demonstrated passion for legacies and sharing it with colleagues, care staff and supporters of ellenor hospice. Since she joined the team there has been a 20% growth in In-memory income.” […]