Research shows that large proportions of family have disputes over inheritance

A recent study conducted by specialist will writers Farewill, on behalf of the Express, reveals that nearly 40% of individuals have experienced disagreements with siblings and other family members regarding inheritance allocations. These disputes, fueled by the increasing value of inheritances, pose significant mental and financial strain and risk leaving a toxic legacy within families. […]

Probate service inquiry disbanded

Grieving Families Permitted To Attend Funerals

The probate service inquiry conducted by the House of Commons justice select committee was disbanded, along with most other parliamentary committees, at the dissolution of parliament on 30 May 2024. In place of a full report, committee chair Sir Robert Neill KC MP wrote to Parliamentary Under Secretary of State, Ministry of Justice, Mike Freer […]

CMA launches draft guidelines for willwriting, online divorce and prepaid probate

CMA praises advancements in legal sector, but more can be done

The Competitions and Markets Authority have announced the first part of their response to the investigation into unregulated businesses which provide will writing, online divorce, and pre-paid probate services in the UK. In it the CMA outline its views on protecting consumers and warns firms that non-compliance could result in further penalties.  Draft guidelines specifically for […]

Assisted dying debate: Voices echo across parliament

The recent surge in discussions surrounding assisted dying, ignited by Dame Esther Rantzen’s revelation of her terminal illness and her advocacy for legalising the practice, has sparked a parliamentary petition and a debate within Westminster Hall. With over 200,000 signatures urging a fresh vote on the issue, MPs gathered to share personal anecdotes and conflicting […]

Addressing challenges and proposing solutions: Insights from the Probate Registry Inquiry

The ongoing inquiry into the Probate Registry by the Justice Committee has brought to light a series of challenges and potential solutions, as discussed by representatives from various professional bodies. With the aim of enhancing the resilience and efficiency of the Probate Registry, MPs delved into different proposals and suggestions put forth by regulators and […]

High court ruling: Solicitors ordered to pay majority of costs in will dispute

In a recent High Court ruling, a firm of solicitors was instructed to cover 60% of legal expenses regarding a case involving the rectification and interpretation of a will. The case centred on the will of James McKay, prepared by BBMW Limited, later merging with GWCA Solicitors. The dispute revolved around the distribution of McKay’s […]

Level expands into probate lending and acquires Tower Street Finance

Level, a UK-based and FCA regulated lender within the family and private client law sectors, is targeting growth in the probate lending sector with the acquisition of Tower Street Finance. Level has also secured new investment from Kendal Capital and additional funding from Correlation Risk Partners to support its growth plans.  The announcement comes as […]

Increase in court fees by 10 per cent has been implemented

Individuals involved in law proceedings will face increased court fees, from 1 May 2024 – a development that may affect decisions on managing legal disputes. The scheduled changes include higher costs for various applications, including those on wills and probate. Since November 2023, it has been confirmed by the Ministry of Justice that most court […]

Advisers urged to take action ahead of consumer duty deadline

The Equity Release Council (the Council) is reminding advisers of their responsibilities under the next phase of the FCA’s consumer duty, which comes into force on July 31st 2024. The ‘closed book’ phase of the duty means consumers on products that are no longer sold or renewed must come under the same scrutiny as those […]

Have your say on dealing with charity legacies – Survey

The Institute of Legacy Management (ILM) has today launched a survey asking probate professionals for their thoughts and experiences of dealing with charities. ILM has teamed up with Today’s Wills and Probate to understand more about the way in which law firms and probate practitioners interact with charity teams and what lessons can be learned […]

Changes to ex gratia payments in the Charities Act 2022

Roman Kubiak, Head of Private Wealth Disputes, and Eleanor Evans, Head of Trusts and Estates Administration from Hugh James, summarise the changes to ex gratia payments in sections 15 and 16 of the Charities Act 2022, which will be brought in later in 2024. The Charities Act 2022 received Royal Assent in February 2022, and […]