Do I Need a Solicitor for Probate?
Dealing with the death of a loved one is never easy, and the process of handling their estate can add additional stress during an already difficult time. One of the most important tasks is applying for probate, a legal process that involves administering the deceased’s estate. But how do you know if you need a […]
Join Exizent at the Scots Law Conference Series!
Are you looking to deepen your knowledge on a range of practical topics, from lifetime planning post-election and dealing with digital assets to resolving legal rights disputes and understanding the impact of recent legislation on trusts? Join over 60 experts and meet fellow professionals from the Scottish legal industry at the Scots Law Conference Series. […]
British Wills and Probate Awards 2024 – Shortlist Revealed
The shortlist for The British Wills and Probate, sponsored by CTT Group, has been revealed with 75 firms, businesses and individuals recognised for their commitment to innovation, service excellence, client experience and technical expertise. Throughout the week, starting on Monday 19th August, a selection of category shortlists have been revealed exclusively through Today’s Wills and […]
Legal Services Board unveils interactive map and research to drive action to enhance legal sector diversity
The Legal Services Board (LSB) has released an interactive map and two reports aimed at understanding and addressing the barriers that stop people from pursuing a successful and fulfilling legal career, regardless of background or circumstance. The map and report identify specific stages in lawyers’ careers where barriers can prevent some groups of people from […]
The Gazette seeks wills and probate professionals to help test new website
The Gazette is preparing to launch an updated mobile responsive website and is looking for wills and probate professionals to join a brand-new Research Group and help test it. Group members who help with the user experience (UX) testing will receive a gift card reward or charitable donation for their time. The Gazette plays an […]
ERC launches guide to support the development of Retrofit Lifetime Mortgages
The Equity Release Council has unveiled new guidance for member firms to consider when launching retrofit lifetime mortgages. In consultation with the Green Finance Institute (GFI) and Council members, The Retrofit Lifetime Mortgage Guidance is designed to support product development and act as a starting point for broader discussion within the industry as providers seek […]
IHT receipts £0.2bn higher than same period last year – data reveals
Inheritance Tax receipts for April 2024 to July 2024 are £2.8 billion, which is £0.2 billion higher than the same period last year, HM Revenue and Customs revealed. Laura Hayward, Tax Partner at professional services and wealth management firm Evelyn Partners, said that annual rises in inheritance tax paid are “pretty much a given these […]
UK Government considers Canadian-style pension reform to boost infrastructure investment and efficiency
The UK government is exploring a Canada-inspired pension system to boost efficiency and infrastructure investment. ICAEW Insights looked at how this compares with the UK’s existing model. Chancellor Rachel Reeves is exploring a Canadian-inspired model to reform the UK’s public sector pension system, sparking debate over whether it benefits pension holders or simply unlocks funds […]
High court rejects bid to remove brother as beneficiary in family trust dispute
The England and Wales High Court (EWHC) has dismissed a man’s attempt to exclude his brother from a family trust set up by their late father, as reported by STEP. The dispute arose after Jonathan Marcus sought to remove his brother, Edward Marcus, as a beneficiary of a trust created in 2003 by their legal […]
Bond and Bond v Webster, Daddy, Bond and Bond [2024] EWHC 1972 (Ch) a run through the legal principles
Overview – Bond and Another v Webster and Others [2024] EWHC 1972 (Ch) This is a claim against the legal validity of a Will and Codicil prepared by a firm of Solicitors who also took steps to have the testator assessed for capacity by his treating doctor. It appeared on its face to be a […]
Navigating the SRA AML Questionnaire: Key Insights for Law Firms
The Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) has rolled out a new AML (Anti-Money Laundering) Questionnaire, and if you’re involved in managing compliance for a law firm, this is something you’ll want to pay close attention to. The questionnaire is designed to gather detailed information about your firm’s approach to AML, including your risk assessments, policies, and […]
