Probate applications reveal no major improvements, data shows
Although the recent data from the previous month revealed a generous improvement, the waiting time for probate applications has slightly gone up in the number of weeks from submission to grant issue for all probate applications – increasing from 13.6 to 13.8, according to HM Courts & Tribunals Service (HMCTS). For the 27,392 grants of […]
IHT receipts £0.4bn higher than same period last year – HMRC
HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) data showed that Inheritance Tax (IHT) receipts for April 2023 to February 2024 were £6.8 billion, which is £0.4 billion higher than the same period last year. The increase of 6.25% means the Treasury is on course to take record receipts of about £7.54billion from IHT in the 2023/24 tax […]
Charities missing out on millions in historic legacy bequests
Inheritance recovery specialists have warned that charities are missing out on millions of pounds in legacy bequests which were overlooked by the original executors. In the past 18 months, two UK charities have received £125,000 each through the repatriation of legacy gifts – due to the work of Perane. Dozens of other charitable organisations have […]
Dedication to innovation as 7th annual awards launched with early bird rate
The British Wills and Probate Awards, dubbed ‘the Oscars of the probate world,’ returns today as plans for the 2024 ceremony ramp up. 10th October 2024 will see the return of the prestigious ceremony at Kimpton Clocktower Hotel in Manchester alongside returning Headline Sponsor CTT Group. Early bird entry is available across a refreshed list […]
Overwhelming public support for assisted dying law reform, poll Reveals
A recent survey conducted by Opinium Research, commissioned by Dignity in Dying, indicates strong backing for a change in the law regarding assisted dying in the UK. Out of more than 10,000 respondents across England and Wales, three-quarters expressed support for legalising assisted dying for terminally ill adults, with just one in eight opposing the […]
Less than a quarter of UK adults have considered what will happen to their digital assets after they die
Kirsty Limacher, Chief Legal Officer at The Association of Lifetime Lawyers is urging people to think about their digital legacy following new research revealing just 20% of UK adults over 30 have referenced digital assets in their will. The research from The Association of Lifetime Lawyers shows that whilst 86% of UK adults over 30 […]
Introducing “Key to a Fortune,” an exciting new property show with an added genealogy twist
Premiering on Channel 4 this Sunday, the series delves into the stories of individuals unexpectedly inheriting properties from distant relatives, showcasing the emotional decision-making process of whether to retain or sell their newfound assets. The six-part series follows unsuspecting heirs traced by probate genealogy firms – just like us – who receive the news of […]
Navigating the ups and downs of running a will writing business
The Today’s Wills and Probate Podcast welcomes Andrew Buchan, Managing Director of James McKenzie Wills, to discuss the ups and downs of running an estate planning business. Andrew has been with the business for 14 years and has seen the development of the sector first hand. He explains his role and responsibility both to his […]
Can someone with dementia create a valid will?
With an ever-growing and aging population, along with prolonged lifespans, an increasing number of wills are being disputed due to doubts over testamentary capacity. Dementia is a condition predominantly linked with the aging population, and the number of people diagnosed with the disease is set to rise to over 1,000,000 by 2025. Those familiar with […]
