The end of video witnessing for wills in the UK: A step backwards for modern legal practices?
In perhaps a somewhat predictable move, the UK government has decided not to renew the temporary legislation allowing for the video witnessing of wills, a measure introduced during the COVID-19 pandemic to facilitate the legal process while adhering to lockdown restrictions. This decision marks a return to the traditional requirements of the Wills Act 1837, […]
MPs highlight improved end-of-life care in assisted dying jurisdictions
A recent Health and Social Care Select Committee report in the House of Commons reveals that countries allowing assisted dying have not seen a decline in end-of-life care. There is evidence of enhanced support and increased funding in these areas. The committee, while not advocating for a change in English law, aims to stimulate informed […]
Will struck out for undue influence is restored on appeal at EWCA
In a recent development within a prolonged legal battle, the Court of Appeal in England and Wales has overturned a High Court ruling from August 2023 regarding the contentious will of Anna Rea, who passed away in 2016. This marks the latest chapter in a series of lawsuits involving Rea’s estate, which began after her […]
Surge in inheritance disputes strains families and courts in England and Wales
In England and Wales, inheritance disputes are reaching record levels, with specialist lawyers estimating around 10,000 cases annually, as reported by The Guardian. The year 2021-22 saw 195 cases go to trial, a significant increase from 145 in 2017. This rise is attributed to the wealthy baby boomer generation passing on, more second marriages resulting […]
MoJ addresses probate delays and promises faster processing
In a recent response to concerns raised about probate application delays, Lord Bellamy, the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Justice, outlined measures the Ministry of Justice is implementing to expedite the probate process. This comes after Lord Naseby, a member of the Conservative party, inquired about the steps being taken to meet the government’s target […]
STEP responds to the Ministry of Justice consultation on the storage and retention of wills
STEP has responded to the Ministry of Justice’s consultation on the storage and retention of wills and other documents submitted in applications for probate. This consultation proposes a reform that will allow older wills and documents, dating back to 1858, to be converted into digital form and be destroyed at a later date. If this […]
Over 2,000 charities benefit as online wills gain popularity
An organisation that has helped over 2,000 charities to benefit from charitable gifting through wills has reported a surge in business as more people begin to leverage the accessibility of online wills. Founded in 2018 by Carl Christensen, FreeWills creates a positive impact that benefits both legacy donors and a wide range of charities. Carl […]
‘Saltburn’: How the Catton family could have protected the Saltburn estate and could Oliver’s inheritance still be contested?
The dark comedy, psychological thriller that is Emerald Fennell’s ‘Saltburn’ has recently taken social media by storm, trending for its twisted storyline, leading to the demise of the aristocratic Catton family. *Trigger warning, and spoiler alert* Filmed at the English country-home Drayton House in Northamptonshire, ‘Saltburn’ is home to the Cattons, an affluent family that […]
Law firms and leadership – the skill of profitable delegation
The Today’s Wills and Probate podcast welcome Dan Warburton on to discuss the topic of leadership. Dan works with law firms leaders and partners to elevate their leadership skills to enable them empower staff to be more efficient and effective. Dan describes his work as “the skill of profitable delegation;” to create leaders who can […]
Battle over will highlights risks of predatory marriages and importance of protecting vulnerable elders
There has been much in press this month about the ongoing legal battle between the daughter of the late Robert Harrington, Jill Langley, and his widow Guixiang Qin in respect of Mr Harrington’s Will. Mr Harrington died in May 2020, aged 94, 11 months after marrying his 54 year old carer, Ms Qin, to whom […]
