HMCTS launches latest Communications and Engagement Survey
HMCTS has launched its latest survey to gather feedback on how it communicates and engages with court and tribunal users including legal professionals, the advice sector, contractors and criminal justice partner. With the justice system playing a crucial role in society, effective communication and engagement are essential to ensure transparency, accessibility, and trust. From social […]
Interest rate rises on unpaid inheritance tax described as ‘stealth tax’
Interest rate rises on unpaid inheritance tax are a “stealth tax” and a substitute for actual inheritance tax rate rises, it has been suggested. The current interest rate on unpaid inheritance tax is 7.5% having risen 13 times since the start of last year and five times this year alone. This is also some 2.5% […]
Nearly 130,000 LPAs rejected since 2018, study finds
New data has revealed that nearly 130,000 lasting power of attorney applications have been rejected over the last five years due to mistakes. According to Freedom of Information (FOI) data obtained by Quilter, there were over 29,000 rejected applications over the last year alone, brining the total since 2018 to 127,848. Rejected LPA Health and […]
Dealing with succession
Dealing with succession is not a choice but a fact. We all know that life isn’t forever, but it is often something that people tend to put to the back of their minds rather than face the harsh reality. As a result, creating a succession plan often gets pushed way down the list of priorities, […]
Probate application delays at worst level since 2019
The delays affecting probate applications are at their worst point since 2019, new data from the Ministry of Justice (MoJ) has revealed. The MoJ said that during the first quarter of 2023 there were 69,000 applications for probate grants, 89% of which were made digitally, with legal professionals accounting for 63% of applications. They suggest […]
BBC launches new drama about killer who swindled victims into rewriting wills
The BBC has launched the new drama series, “The Sixth Commandment”, about a killer who defrauded the vulnerable by manipulating them into fake relationships to change their wills. The four-part drama written by Sarah Phelps features Timothy Spall as Peter Farquhar and Anne Reid as Ann Moore-Martin. Benjamin Field was jailed for the murder of […]
Legal battle over mother’s estate sees siblings return to court for fourth time
A sister and three bothers are in a legal battle over dead mother’s whole estate and are now returning to court for the fourth time, as reported by The Times. Since their mother left all of her estate to her daughter, Rita in 2016, brothers David, Nino and Remo Rea have been in a disagreement […]
The Gazette offers free client guide to deceased estates notices
The Gazette, the UK’s official public record, is today reminding Today’s Wills and Probate readers that they can access a free client guide to support them when recommending deceased estates notices. The free guide is split into a series of frequently asked questions: What is a deceased estates notice? Why are they important? What happens […]
Top Tips for Marketing Your Estate Planning Company
Marketing plays a crucial role in the success of any business, including estate planning companies. Effective marketing strategies can help you raise awareness about your services, attract potential clients, and establish your brand as a trusted authority in the field. We have put together our top 5 tips to help you market your estate planning […]
Top 5 Social Media Tips for an Estate Planning Company
In today’s digital age, social media has become an essential tool for businesses to connect with their target audience and enhance their brand awareness. For estate planning companies, using social media platforms effectively can help them reach a wider audience, establish thought leadership, and drive client engagement. We are going to share with you, what […]
Free document storage for referring Kings Court Trust partners
Introducing estate administration to your service offering can benefit your business in a multitude of ways. Kings Court Trust, the UK’s leading probate and estate administration provider, has supported those dealing with a bereavement for over 20 years. In addition to offering further support to clients during the difficult time of losing a loved one, […]
Chancellor to offer £1k boost to average annual pension pot
Chancellor Jeremy Hunt has revealed that the average earners will be more than £1,000 a year better off in retirement – also increasing retirement pots by 12% – due to government plans to reform the pension industry. The measures were set out at Mansion House where Hunt revealed that they could release as much as […]
Inheritance tax relief for farmers: What you need to know
According to data from 2022, the value of farmland in England reached an unprecedented high, with the average price of arable land at £10,600 per acre. Given that the average farm size in England is approximately 215 acres, family farms can easily surpass £2 million in value, even without factoring in the worth of the […]
