Become an Estate Planning Consultant with CTT Group’s Estate Planning Foundation Course

This course provides an introduction to Will Writing and the use of Will-based Trusts and is aimed at those new to Estate Planning or looking to refresh their skills. On completion, you will be able to provide a bespoke service tailored to your client’s individual needs in association with our strategic partners of Countrywide Tax […]
Metamorph firms facing fresh winding-up petition amidst reports of director departure

Two of the firms within the Metamorph legal consortium – MLL Limited and Beaumont ABS Limited – are said to be facing a new winding-up petition amidst claims that executive chairman Tony Stockdale has ended his directorship. This comes as several social media posts have been made by Metamorph staff claiming that they have not […]
Cohabitation law: Government rejects calls for reform

The government has rejected almost all proposals for cohabitation law reform put forward in the Women and Equalities Committee’s recent report. The report highlighted the lack of legal protection afforded to cohabiting couples, with Resolution describing their position as one of “legal limbo”. Key recommendations included an opt-out cohabitation scheme, adoption of a framework concerning […]
An update on the implementation of the Charities Act 2022

After receiving Royal Assent in February this year, the Charities Act 2022 required secondary legislation to come into force. The first piece of secondary legislation, the “phase 1 commencement regulations”, has now been made available and brings various provisions into force on 31st October 2022. The commencement regulations are available to view online here. Of […]
One in 10 Brits now set to leave zero inheritance – study

Rising living costs are not only impacting the quality of life experienced by millions of people at the moment, but new research has revealed that they’re also set to significantly impact the financial legacy that many hope to leave behind when they pass away. According to new research, which polled 2,000 adults, by the Probate […]
Why private client solicitors belong in the boardroom

“It’s rare to come across a private client solicitor with board experience.” The words of Kelly Reid, Associate Director at Realm Recruit and recruitment specialist in private client and Court of Protection solicitors, confirm what many within the private client sector likely already knew. Perhaps private client solicitors don’t think they belong in the boardroom. […]
Reports of AML breaches down 8%, SRA data shows

The number of reports received by the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) regarding potential breaches of money laundering regulations fell by 8% from 273 to 252 between the 2021/22 financial year and the year prior, new data has revealed. The data is contained within the SRA’s Anti-Money Laundering (AML) annual report 2021-22. With regards to the […]
LeO confirms when changes to Scheme Rules will come into effect

The Legal Ombudsman (LeO) has confirmed that changes to its Scheme Rules, which will aim to make it harder for clients to complain about legal services, will come into effect on 1st April 2023. One key change outlined in the new Scheme Rules is the time limit for referring a complaint to the Legal Ombudsman, […]
Special Feature: Will Aid Month – November 2022

In this special edition of the Today’s Wills and Probate podcast host David Opie is joined by WillAid Chair and Head of Legacies at Save the Children, Jonathan Jacques, and Campaign Director Peter de Vena Franks to discuss WillAid month 2022. For the month of November, WillAid promote the opportunity for consumers to have a […]
How can practitioners help clients deal with digital assets?

Your clients may not be aware of how many of their assets – from photos, to email accounts, to cryptocurrency – are categorised as digital, or what happens to these assets when someone dies or becomes incapacitated. Last year, STEP carried out research into estate practitioner views on, and experiences with, digital assets. This was […]
Faith and the impact on private client practice

As a Christian myself I know that faith impacts my day to day life and my plans for the future. In dealing with people of all religions, recognising the importance of a core part of my client’s life helps further understand their situation and intentions when we discuss their wills or dealing with administration of […]
Why it pays to pay for probate

Amid the current cost of living crisis and economic backdrop, it is understandable that many executors will decide to administer a deceased’s estate themselves and dispense with the cost of instructing a solicitor. We have compiled a list of 5 key reasons why it pays to pay for Probate. 1. Protection from financial risk: Executors […]