Copy probate fees to rise from £1.50 to £16
The fee for obtaining copies of probate grants, wills or letters of administration will increase from £1.50 to £16 per copy on 17th November 2025. The increase applies to all copy requests, including copies ordered at the time of applying for the grant and any subsequent requests after the grant has been issued. Amendments under […]
SRA ‘concerned by continued non-compliance’ with source of funds checks
The Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) has reviewed ‘a substantial body of data’ for a thematic review of source of funds and wealth compliance, and says it is ‘concerned by the continued levels of non-compliance’. Data gathered through proactive supervision work over three years has consistently shown that compliance with source of funds requirements remains a […]
‘Political convenience’ over ‘economic imperative’ to blame as Chancellor prepares the way for tax rises
In an unusual step the Chancellor of the Exchequer Rachel Reeves has done little to quell speculation about upcoming tax increases in a speech in Downing Street. Both the Prime Minster and the Chancellor have failed in recent days to provide any reassurances the Labour party will stick to its manifesto promise not raise National […]
Aviva backs technology-led probate provider with lofty ambitions
An SRA regulated law firm has secured investment from Aviva and Founders Factory to create a fixed fee, technology led probate probate solution. Trustestate says it has launched a platform designed to ‘simplify and modernise the probate process in the UK’; harnessing technology and creating greater transparency for families in what is traditionally a ‘complex […]
LeO reveals ‘significant rise’ in demand for help, with poor communication and delays most common complaints
The Legal Ombudsman (LeO) has released its annual complaints data and insight for 2024/25, which reveals an increase in demand for help that has continued to rise significantly in the first half of 2025/26. The report – which covers complaints received and resolved by the LeO between 1 April 2024 and 31 March 2025 – […]
Solicitor fined for allowing £9.1m trust to be funnelled through client account
A solicitor has been fined £4,000 after failing to conduct proper due diligence on a trust he had been instructed to create, with £9.1m of assets flowing through the firm’s client account and an alleged significant loss to two beneficiaries. Jeremy Bennett was sanctioned by the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) after he was alleged to […]
Should smaller legal practices be worried about AI?
According to The Law Society there is a striking disparity in AI adoption across the UK legal sector. Approximately 75% of the largest law firms are already using AI as part of their daily operations, while only 30% of small law firms are even exploring the technology. Do smaller practices risk falling behind as AI […]
The November Budget: What could it mean for estate planners?
As the Chancellor prepares to deliver the Autumn Budget this November, attention is turning to the changes that could shape financial planning and wealth transfer in the year ahead. For estate planning professionals, this moment will bring both opportunity and uncertainty, from possible adjustments to Inheritance Tax thresholds, to evolving rules around pensions and capital […]