Missing witnesses, tricky templates, and hieroglyphic handwriting: The worst ‘DIY’ wills revealed

With Smith v Ganning offering a reminder of the importance of executing a will properly, the perils of “DIY” wills are firmly in the spotlight. Today’s Wills and Probate therefore set out to hear practitioners’ views on their worst experiences with DIY wills – here’s what they had to say. Hannah Williams, Solicitor, Head of […]
Free webinar: Why applications fail at the Probate Registry

The Probate Registry is experiencing ongoing delays, and incorrect submissions can further delay the application process. This may cause stress and anxiety at an already difficult time for your clients. That’s why Kings Court Trust’s next webinar on Wednesday 17th May at 1pm will explore some of the reasons why applications are rejected. Technical Manager […]
2023 Probate Research Awards highlights the effect of decolonisation on probate industry

Probate solicitors and “heir hunters” were awarded for their success in solving international intestacy cases, predominantly linked to recent deaths of nationals born in their countries of origin – that gained independence in the mid 20th century – at the 2023 Probate Research Awards. Now in its fifth year, the Awards unofficially known as “The […]
Who pays the inheritance tax on gifts from life interest trusts?

Trustees often make “gifts” from life interest trusts. Trustees and beneficiaries may be surprised by the allocation of responsibility to actually pay the tax. Gifts made from an individual to other individuals are “Potentially Exempt Transfers” (PETs) for inheritance tax purposes: “potentially exempt” because, provided the donor survives for seven years, the property they gave […]
Work life matters: Hybrid working

Law firms everywhere continue to grapple with how to make hybrid working work in their organisation. It’s certainly not easy. Back in lockdown-times, when there was no choice and people were duty-bound to work from home, that’s exactly what they did. They worked from home. Some people loved this. Some people hated it. Yes, there […]
IHT becomes ‘mainstream tax on ordinary people’ as receipts hit new record

Record inheritance tax (IHT) receipts across the previous financial year have led to suggestions that the measure has now become a “mainstream tax on ordinary people”. The total take for 2022-2023 reached £7.1 billion, according to new data from HMRC. This surpasses the previous record of £6.1 billion set last year by £1 billion as […]
#BWAPAwards2023 | Two weeks remaining for early bird entries

There are now just two weeks remaining for early bird entry to the British Wills and Probate Awards 2023 at the discounted rate of £129 +VAT. Registration is via The British Wills and Probate Awards website with firms able to register for up to three categories in their submission. The 2023 event promises to be […]
Law Society invites applications to join Wills and Equity Committee

The Law Society of England and Wales is inviting applications from practitioners to join its Wills and Equity Committee as it seeks to recruit five non-Council members* before this Sunday’s deadline. Here’s all you need to know. The Wills and Equity Committee is a policy advisory committee that helps guide the Law Society’s work on […]
Solicitor issues warning following defence against fraudulent calumny and undue influence claims

A solicitor has issued a warning to those considering contesting a will following a successful defence against claims of fraudulent calumny and undue influence made against her client. A 99-year-old mother died and left her estate behind to one of her sons and her four grandchildren. However, she had four sons in total – three […]
New report supports wills and probate sector market intelligence

Shortly after launching a quarterly market intelligence report into the conveyancing sector, new start-up Valafy has arrived in wills and probate. Founded by Karen Babington and Chris Harris, Valafy is a new cost-effective business intelligence service which aims to provide actionable business insights in the form of benchmarking reports by collating data in a confidential and […]
Financial abuse, mental capacity, and LPA reform

In this latest episode of Today’s Wills and Probate host David Opie is joined by Giles Wilson Founder and Managing Partner Melinda Giles. With over 25 years experience in private client, Melinda brings a wealth of experience to a discussion which considers her expertise in financial abuse and associated issues with capacity; alongside reform and […]