Assisted dying could be delayed until 2029
The Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill, the private member’s bill brought forward by MP Kim Leadbeater to legalise assisted dying, could be delayed until 2029 following concerns it is ‘unworkable.’ Spen Valley MP Leadbeater has championed the cause, introducing the bill in October 2024. But the timelines for its introduction could now be […]
No further update on IHT reforms in Spring Statement
The Chancellor’s Spring Statement provided no further update on contentious inheritance tax (IHT) reforms or including the proposed inclusion of pension pots in estates from 2027. The lack of clarity comes despite significant pushback on measures first announced in October’s Budget, particularly the cap on exemptions for business assets and agricultural land from 2026. The […]
FCA to scrutinise whether pure protection market provides fair value to consumers
The FCA has launched a market study into how well the distribution of pure protection insurance products – which support families with financial commitments if someone becomes critically ill or dies – is working for consumers. In 2023, around £4.85 billion was paid out in claims on individual policies to support people suffering from bereavement, […]
Charitable gifts in wills most prevalent among younger will-makers
The majority of charity supporters in their 40s and over have written a will (at 61%) and just under one third (31%) of those with wills have included a charitable gift, according to new research released by Remember A Charity. Charitable wills are most prevalent amongst younger will-makers, with 34% of those in their 40s […]
Will writing reform is now ‘unstoppable’
Changes to the outdated, antiquated process of writing a will might finally be around the corner, according to one industry insight, who says that, for too long the legal system has maintained a system that feels outdated and inaccessible, leaving many people hesitant to engage with the process. Carl Christensen, founder of FreeWills says he’s […]
One in 10 have forgotten to remove their ex as their beneficiary
Many people are forgetting to update key financial information following a divorce, which could have serious implications for their families’ financial futures, new research from L&G has revealed. One in ten people who have divorced (over 815,000 – 10%1) have forgotten to remove their former spouse as the beneficiary of their life insurance policy meaning, […]
It’s time for the law to allow electronic wills
It’s not a matter of if, but when there will be a shift in the law to allow wills to be signed electronically. A new bill due for publication next month should make the situation clearer, and there is an opportunity here for the government to take bold steps towards modernising this important area of […]
There is a Caveat – so I can’t get a grant and I can’t administer the estate
We increasingly hear from Private Client practitioners that they are unable to obtain a Grant of Probate because a Caveat has been registered which prevents the Grant being issued. Often practitioners don’t even know that a Caveat has been registered until they make an application for a Grant of Representation and find that the application […]
A summary of the recent case of “Natthachai v Burrage and Burrage [2025] EWHC 568 (Ch)”
Will claim Solicitors, specialist no win no fee will dispute and will contest Solicitors, explain the key findings in “Natthachai v Burrage and Burrage” Contesting a Will: The Case of Natthachai v Burrage and Burrage [2025] EWHC 568 (Ch) In one of the more complex recent will disputes, the High Court was asked to decide […]
