The impact of a U.S. Government shutdown on asset repatriation
As Title Research handles asset repatriation in North America, the efficiency and timing of our cases often depend on cooperation with U.S. government agencies. The Internal Revenue Service (IRS), in particular, plays a critical role, as we regularly submit applications for Federal Transfer Certificates ( Form 5173 ) for estates containing U.S. assets – this […]
Update on probate delays and how to avoid a stopped application
Losing a loved one is an emotionally challenging experience, and for many families in the UK, this is compounded by delays in the probate process. In 2024, Personal Representatives (PRs) are increasingly facing extended waiting periods to distribute estates, which has brought new financial and emotional stress. Here’s what you need to know if you […]
Insuristic Launches ‘Unoccupied Care Pro’ to Simplify Unoccupied Property Insurance for Solicitors
Insuristic, a specialist in unoccupied property insurance, has announced the launch of ‘Unoccupied Care Pro’, an inspection-free insurance policy designed for solicitors acting as attorneys and deputies to insure empty properties while the owner is in care. Rob Faulkner, CEO of Insuristic, explained, “After the success of Probate Pro, we identified an opportunity to support […]
IHT receipts £0.5bn higher than last year – HMRC
Inheritance Tax receipts for April 2024 to October 2024 are £5.0 billion, which is £0.5 billion higher than the same period last year, according to HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC). October’s receipts of £776m are two thirds higher than the same month in 2021 and annual receipts are set to smash through the £8bn level […]
Thousands protest in London over controversial IHT changes for farmers
Thousands of farmers gathered in London to protest changes to inheritance tax rules for agricultural estates, announced in the recent Budget. The reforms, set to take effect in April 2026, will introduce a 20% inheritance tax on agricultural assets worth more than £1 million, sparking fears of financial hardship for farming families. Among the protesters […]
Legacy income in 2023/24 remains resilient lifeline for charities, despite slow growth
Legacy income continues to show resilience and serves as a crucial source of funding for UK charities, even amid slower growth in recent years. In 2023/24, legacy income reached £4.1 billion—a modest 1.3% increase from the previous year. This performance, though below the long-term growth trends, remains a major contribution to the charitable sector, particularly […]
Vulnerable people using safety alarms to be better protected as government reaches landmark agreements with telecoms industry
The country’s most vulnerable, including elderly people relying on personal alarms to call for help, will be better protected during the switch from analogue to digital landlines, thanks to a new government agreement reached with the telecoms industry on Monday 18th November. This will include a new requirement for companies to offer an engineer visit […]
New committee aims to empower advisers to accelerate growth of high value legacies
Remember A Charity has announced it has set up a committee of wealth advisers to build expertise within the advisory profession and to champion and promote legacy giving amongst high-net-worth clients. The Private Client Advisory Committee for Legacy Giving is working to guide the consortium’s work programme with wealth advisers, which aims to equip wealth […]
Law Society publishes guidance on disability terminology
To coincide with Disability History Month (14th November – 20th December), the Law Society of England and Wales has published guidance on disability terminology and language to support employers and employees in the workplace. There are a significant number of words, phrases and acronyms that appear when talking about disability, which often change depending on […]
Changes to Civil and Criminal Financial Eligibility Tests
New legislation has been laid to disregard certain compensation payments from the financial eligibility tests for civil and criminal legal aid. The legislation comes into force on Wednesday 20th November 2024 and affects applications for legal aid made on or after this date. Some individuals already in receipt of legal aid (and paying legal aid […]
Understanding undue influence in Will disputes following Rea v Rea (2024)
When a Will is perceived to be unfair, this can lead to concerns that the person making it (the “testator” if male or “testatrix” if female) may not have done so of their own free will, and they may have been persuaded or even forced to alter it to favour a particular beneficiary. Put simply, […]
