Probate service delays linked to training gaps, admits Justice Minister
His Majesty’s Courts and Tribunals Service (HMCTS) lacked a proper training system when digitising the Probate Service, leading to significant delays, Justice Minister Sarah Sackman KC has acknowledged. Sackman admitted that staff had not fully understood the reforms, contributing to backlogs in processing applications. However, she assured that lessons from this experience had since been […]
IHT receipts £0.7bn higher than same period last year – HMRC
Inheritance Tax receipts for April 2024 to January 2025 are £7.0 billion, which is £0.7 billion higher than the same period last year, HM Revenue & Customs has revealed. Ian Dyall, Head of Estate Planning at wealth management firm Evelyn Partners, said that the monthly increase in inheritance tax receipts leaves “little doubt” that this […]
72% of adults in their early 30s would trust AI to update their will, experts warn
The Association of Lifetime Lawyers is warning of the risks associated with writing a will using artificial intelligence (AI), as new research reveals that 72% of UK adults aged between 30 and 34 would consider using AI to update their will. The research, conducted by Censuswide on behalf of The Association of Lifetime Lawyers, found […]
Nearly 60% of UK adults don’t have a will
A recent survey conducted by JMW Solicitors, which polled 1,097 UK adults, has revealed that nearly 60% of people in the UK do not currently have a will. Despite widespread recognition of its importance, a significant gap remains between understanding the need for a will and taking action to create one. Key Findings suggest: 58% […]
STEP welcomes government response to the probate inquiry and commitment to tackle probate delays
STEP has welcomed the government’s response to probate concerns and commitment to tackle probate delays. According to the latest figures, probate waiting times have halved but 2,171 bereaved families are still waiting over a year for probate to be granted. Sarah Sackman MP KC, the Minister responsible for HM Courts and Tribunals Service (HMCTS), recently […]
Tickets now on sale for The Inspiration & Innovation Conference 3.0
The Inspiration & Innovation Conference 3.0 is back, Taking place on Tuesday, 13th May 2025, at the Edgbaston Stadium, this must-attend event will bring together industry leaders, entrepreneurs, and innovators for a day of inspiring discussions, expert insights, and valuable networking opportunities. Now in its third year, the conference has become a key event for […]
Addison & Anor v Niaz [2024] EWHC 3124: A Landmark Decision on Larke v Nugus Requests
The High Court’s recent ruling in Addison & Anor v Niaz [2024] EWHC 3124 (Fam) underscores the critical role of solicitors in responding to Larke v Nugus requests in contested will cases. The High Court’s recent decision in Addison & Anor v Niaz [2024] EWHC 3124 (Fam) has significant implications for will disputes, particularly regarding […]