I. Stephanie Boyce: Mind over matter
We read daily of inflationary court backlogs, crumbling court infrastructure, legal aid deserts, lack of court staff. The number of those seeking legal advice has increased, but this has not been matched by the resources needed to deliver justice promptly for those turning to the justice system. In addition, the aftermath of the recent global […]
Protracted probate applications persisting despite positive signs
Probate application delays remained the order of the day in June with applications taking an average of nearly four months, new data has revealed. Specifically, the timeliness between submission and grant for all probate applications was 13.9 weeks. While this remains comfortably above the 12-month average of 11 weeks, it represents a slight improvement on […]
Inheritance Tax interest rates continue to rise
As Inheritance Tax (IHT) interest rates continue to increase, Personal Representatives face additional financial burden when settling a deceased person’s estate. Throughout 2023, the interest rate on unpaid IHT has increased six times. On 22nd August 2023, interest increased to 7.75% – an increase of 1.75% from January 2023 – and interest on repayments increased […]
Lack of communication and action ‘poses IHT risk for blended families’, research shows
Lack of action around inheritance tax planning within blended families could mean wealth isn’t passed on as intended, according to new research from financial planning firm abrdn. Almost half (47%) of blended families have not changed or updated their will after getting divorced, getting re-married, having children or becoming a step-parent. This is despite more […]
Andrew Tucker, CEO of Irwin Mitchell, passes away
National law firm Irwin Mitchell has announced that its Group Chief Executive Officer, Andrew Tucker, passed away last Wednesday following an “unexpected illness”. Tucker had been part of Irwin Mitchell for nearly 40 years, joining the firm in 1985 and becoming a Partner in 1988. He was appointed to the role of Group Chief Executive […]
Absence of lawyers ’caused problems’ in DIY will dispute
The lack of lawyer involvement was part of a problem in a dispute over which document achieved a single mother’s final wishes, as reported by The Law Society Gazette. Sitting as a judge of the High Court, His Honour Judge Berkley found Joanne Abraham’s later will did not achieve what she hoped for: “to secure […]
Firm announces ‘world-first’ integration of sign language into its services
A London law firm has announced the integration of sign language and video relay into its provision of legal services, something it describes as “a first for law firms globally”. Culver Law specialises in tax planning services, wills, trusts, estate administration, wills and probate disputes, and Court of Protection services for vulnerable people. The firm […]
The British Wills and Probate Awards 2023: Announcing the shortlist | Day four
Today’s Wills and Probate can today reveal the full shortlist for this year’s edition of The British Wills and Probate Awards, supported by headline sponsor CTT Group and networking sponsor Exizent. The revered black-tie ceremony – now entering its sixth year – has become one of the most significant dates in the calendar of the […]
New podcast launches aiming to ’empower the bereaved’
Westerleigh Group has teamed up with a funeral director to help empower the bereaved and support a wider campaign calling for compulsory bereavement education in schools through a series of podcasts. “Death: A Changing Industry” is a podcast which was started earlier this year by Funeral Director John Adams, immediate past-President of the National Association […]
