CMA will writing investigation: What does the industry make of it?

Following the Competition and Markets Authority’s (CMA) decision to launch an investigation into unregulated legal services, the feeling from within the industry is – somewhat predictably – mixed. One of the CMA’s focuses is will writing, an unreserved activity which is currently undertaken by qualified, regulated lawyers as well as unregulated practitioners. Naturally, therefore, there […]
‘Home loan’ scheme nearly sees executors incur double inheritance tax charge

A “home loan” scheme designed to avoid inheritance tax (IHT) saw the executors of the estate narrowly miss incurring a double IHT charge following a recent challenge by HM Revenue & Customs. The deceased, Leslie Elborne, sold her home to a trust in 2003 and received a loan note, continuing to live in the home […]
Director of ‘scam’ will writing firm finally set to appear in court

The director of a now dissolved will writing firm described as a “serial scammer” is finally set to appear in court to face fraud charges. Alana Benson will be joined by six other defendants relating to the activities of Indeed Law Ltd, an unregulated will writing firm that was dissolved in October 2020 after going […]
#BWAPAwards2023 | Last chance to nominate your Industry Champion

There is now just one week left to nominate your Industry Champion for this year’s British Wills and Probate Awards, proudly sponsored once again by Arken.legal. What’s more, the shortlist for the other categories is now just days away from being revealed. The Industry Champion Award, a remarkable accolade, is unique in that it relies […]
Dealing with the emotional side of private client work

The latest Today’s Wills and Probate podcast welcomes Emily Robertson, Associate from Burgess Mee, to talk about the impact her job has on her mental health and wellbeing. Emily is part of the private client team dealing with Wills, Trusts, Probate and Court of Protection. She explains that each of the disciplines bring with them […]
Legal executives to get ‘same status’ as solicitors, SRA suggests

A Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) document suggests that legal executives should get the “same status” as solicitors and become aligned in the standards that apply to them, according to reports. After carefully evaluating both regulators’ comments to CILEX’s “case for change”, CILEX declared that it would move through with its plans to transfer regulation of […]
Gary Shaw joins Property Solutions Group

We are excited to share the news that Gary Shaw has joined the Property Solutions Group as Key Account Director. Gary joins us at a key stage of our growth and expansion plans bringing with him a wealth of experience in dealing with complex matters for private client practitioners. Michael Edwards, Group Managing Director, commented: […]
Gifts in wills: How do you get the conversation started?

As a professional adviser, you know that giving your clients all the information they need to make informed decisions is essential – and that includes making them aware of the option to leave a charitable gift in their will. But how do you get the conversation started? One of the most prominent reasons people give […]
Government issues bereavement support reminder to cohabitees

The government has issued a reminder to bereaved parents that those who lost their partner between 9th April 2001 and 8th February 2023 may be eligible for backdated government payments. This comes after Bereavement Support Payment and Widowed Parent’s Allowance were extended in February to cohabiting parents with dependent children – benefits designed to help […]
‘Mid-life MOT’ expansion to help Brits assess work, wellbeing, and finances

Thousands of Brits will be helped to take stock of their work, wellbeing and finances through a £5 million expansion of the DWP’s “Mid-life MOT” initiative, according to the Department for Work and Pensions. The Mid-life MOT is a review for workers in their 40s and 50s that helps them take stock of their finances, […]
Seven in 10 firms don’t have cyber insurance, says Law Society

New research published by the Law Society of England and Wales shows that seven in 10 (72%) of firms have not purchased cyber insurance. The Law Society is encouraging members to consider purchasing cyber insurance and has developed guidance online which helps members navigate the purchasing process. Findings from the research also shows: Purchasing professional […]