Arken announce leadership transition as Newick departs
Estate planning and digital legal technology provider Arken have announced CEO Dave Newick will step down with immediate effect, to be replaced by Anthony Philips. Newick, a New Zealander, came to the UK to lead Arken having been appointed in 2018 after it rebranded from DPL Professional. He has served as CEO during a ‘pivotal’ […]
Dispensing powers, electronic wills and undue influence amongst key recommendations in Law Commission’s modernising Wills Report
The Law Commission has published its much-anticipated report into the modernisation of Wills law and testamentary freedom in which it outlines reform recommendations including the enablement of electronic wills; the abolition of the law that revokes a Will upon marriage; and the updating of the test for testamentary capacity to recognise the modern test in […]
Scots back further discussion on legalising assisted dying
The Scottish Parliament has voted in favour of moving the assisted dying debate forward by a count of 70 to 56, with one abstention. The bill, which was tabled by Liberal Democrat MSP Liam McArthur, passed the first vote in the Scottish Parliament although even supporters wanted to see changes made before they wrre prepared […]
Claims on £18m estate reinstated in High Court battle between siblings and partner
The family of a millionaire who made his fortune in the health drinks industry have won an appeal to reinstate their claim to half his £18m estate. Alan Lorenz, a senior executive at nutritional supplements group Herbalife, died aged 78 in 2021 leaving his estate, which included a £3.5m Maltese property, a £4m home in […]
Regulation ‘profoundly’ changing the dynamics of the funeral plan market
The regulation of the funeral plan market has had a ‘profound and ongoing impact’ not just for funeral plan providers, but also for adjacent sectors like Over 50’s insurance. The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) was tasked with regulating the funeral plan market back in 2020 and outlined how it planned to ‘raise standards’ in the […]
‘Dead’ woman appears at her own High Court challenge after fraudster registered PoA over her estate
An ‘unusual’ probate claim ended in farce as a woman who was falsely declared dead has appeared in court via video from her home in Nigeria to challenge fraudsters who registered a power of attorney over her estate to take ownership of her property. The case centred around June Ashimola who left the UK for […]
Formal recognition for paralegals under Royal Charter amendment
Paralegals will receive formal recognition under amendments to CILEX’s Royal Charter which bestows the title of CILEX Chartered Paralegal to professionals who can demonstrate they have worked in a legal role for over five years and show extensive legal knowledge and competence across key duties and behaviours. It provides career paralegals with a formal status […]
How to win a British Wills and Probate Award – Early Bird Deadline Today
Early bird entry to The British Wills and Probate Awards 2025 finishes today (Friday 16th May). The current discounted rate of £129 +VAT to enter the awards will increase from tomorrow to £169 +VAT. Each entry enables a firm to enter up to three categories. And the best bit is… you don’t need to submit […]
