WillSuite set to launch new Client Portal
WillSuite continues the recent release of new system features which includes: user CPD logs, default CRM field options and a new LexisNexis integration enabling users to complete KYC checks on clients. Yet, it does not end there. The latest news out of WillSuite HQ is the launch of a new client facing portal called ‘Love […]
Accountants: Could you be offering probate?
In our latest blog series, we will be exploring the advantages offering probate can bring to accountancy firms, alongside a helpful ‘How to Guide’ to get started. click here and subscribe to our insights. Many accountants offer estate administration services but will pass their clients to a solicitor for probate services. This is a service […]
Restrictions to remain in courts for safety
Most of the remaining coronavirus restrictions in England are set to be lifted on Monday (19 July) but some may need to be retained to allow courts to run safely and efficiently, the Law Society has warned. “We are pleased to see that things are getting closer to normal with widespread vaccination allowing for restrictions […]
Wellbeing is a priority for busy legal teams
The negative impact of the pandemic on mental health has been in the headlines since the first lockdown, and official statistics[1] for the first quarter of 2021 show that the incidence of depression in the population has doubled since the pandemic first struck. This has serious implications for wellbeing and performance, affecting individuals and organisations […]
Free webinar: An overview of Inheritance Tax and gifting
On Wednesday 21st July at 1pm, Kings Court Trust’s experienced Technical Manager, Nigel Merchant, will provide you with a useful overview of Inheritance Tax and gifting. More specifically, Nigel will take this time to talk about: What Inheritance Tax is Its position in various estates The different tax forms that are required What counts as […]
Dragons Den inheritance
When you’re very rich, should you kids inherit everything, or should they work for their money like you did? That’s the question the Mirror asked this week to mark the return of Dragons Den to our screens. The popular BBC programme sees budding entrepreneurs pitch their ideas to some of the UK’s wealthiest individuals. Most […]
Judge Spotlight: Ian Bond
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. […]
Have your say; final reminder for HMCTS communications and engagement survey
HM Courts and Tribunal Service (HMCTS) is seeking feedback about how it communicates and engages with professionals that work in courts and tribunals. The 2021 communications and engagement survey closes this Friday (16th July) can be accessed here and should take around 15 minutes to complete. The survey is asking for professional court and tribunal users […]
Plans to increase probate fees “unwelcome” say Law Society
Plans to hike fees for probate applications are unwelcome particularly when grieving relatives are suffering because the service is still subject to significant delays, said the Law Society of England and Wales in a response to an announcement by the Ministry of Justice (MoJ). The current fees are £155 for professional users and £215 for […]
Responding to customer needs in a space that’s ready for innovation
Responding to consumer needs and a feeling that now is the time that the estate administration space is ready to embrace innovation were key topics discussed in our recent webinar. Tower Street Finance’s Dicky Davies joined forces with Josif Grace from Legado and Aleks Tomczyk from Exizent to talk about innovation in estate administration, in […]
Probate Innovation and Automation – a glimpse into the (not too distant) future
It may be trite to say that CLS ‘feel your pain’ but we have been focussing on learning about the modern probate and private client lawyer’s frustrations and pain points in the drive to stay competitive and focussed in today’s changing legal market. The legal profession needs to balance their customer’s demand for speed with […]
Rare Porsche Takes Centre Stage at Silverstone Sale
The Classic Sale at Silverstone Circuit will showcase a variety of outstanding Porsches, all of which will be offered in their two-day sale on Saturday 31st July and Sunday 1st August. One truly remarkable Porsche going under the hammer is this 1993 Porsche 911 (964) Turbo S ‘Leichtbau’. Finished in Polar Silver, this Porsche is […]
Sponsor Spotlight: Will Aid
In a series of Supporters in Focus pieces, we are thrilled to introduce our supporters of The British Wills and Probate Awards 2021 Alongside headline sponsor Executor Solutions we look forward to recognising achievement, highlighting progression and championing innovation. This week we profile Will Writing Sole Practitioner of the Year sponsors, Will Aid. We’re delighted […]
Lawyers should face more regular checks of their skills and abilities
New research commissioned by the Legal Services Board highlights the importance the public places on lawyers having the right knowledge, up to date skills and attributes to provide good quality legal services. However, the research also found a gap between public expectation and what regulation currently requires to ensure lawyers remain competent throughout their careers. In […]
Two-thirds of people do not consider future care costs when gifting “living inheritances”
The 2021 edition of the Just Group Care Report, a research series that sheds light on how the over-45s think and feel about adult social care, has been published. This year’s report highlights the debate about social care and lack of knowledge about how the system works. For example, over a third of people believe […]
Technical Corner: Trust Reform Proposals
Our ‘Technical Corner’ brings you information that will help you to continue to grow and develop in your career. This month’s technical corner article comes from Emily Deane TEP, STEP Technical Counsel. If you have any questions for our panel of experts, please submit them using the contact form below. We will publish the questions […]
Proposals to increase probate fees
The Ministry of Justice has launched a consultation on a proposed price increase for probate applications as it seeks to address an £85m deficit in the delivery of services in the family jurisdiction. Under the proposals, the cost of applying for a grant of probate will rise to a flat fee of £273 for practitioners […]
First funeral plans, next Willwriters
Monday’s announcement from the Financial Conduct Authority provided some insight into the regulatory regime that will be introduced into the funeral planning sector from 22nd July 2022. Under a new regulatory regime, funeral plan providers will need to register with the FCA and will be subject to a range of new rules including funeral instalment […]
Consumers happier than ever with legal services
The Legal Services Consumer Panel Tracker Survey reveals a general 4% increase in consumer satisfaction levels in 2021. Despite most legal services currently being provided remotely due to ongoing Covid-19 restrictions, the Legal Services Consumer Panel Tracker Survey reveals that 83% of consumers remain satisfied with the level of service received in 2021, a slight […]
How technology can transform the way legal firms assess mental capacity among clients
For legal professionals, the evaluation of mental capacity can be problematic. A practitioner’s assessment of capacity needs to be robust enough to ultimately be accepted by the courts and, without the necessary clinical expertise, any interpretation could be challenged. The highly nuanced nature of capacity adds a further layer of difficulty to the process – […]
