How Exizent supports P&P Tax Advisors
P&P Tax Advisors began using Exizent at the beginning of 2026. Russell Smith, director and founder explains: “I first met Luke from Exizent at the annual STEP tax conference in November 2025. I was immediately interested in what the software could offer to support my firm with IHT reporting, which forms a significant part of […]
Growing proportion of estates taking longer for probate to be granted
Concerns have been raised over delays in granting probate following a freedom of information request which showed a 155% increase in cases taking over 18 months. With pensions being brought into the scope of inheritance tax (IHT) from April 2027, there is a danger the situation could get worse. The warning was sounded by financial […]
Caveat applications up 12% year on year, fuelling rise in probate disputes
Applications for caveats increased by 12% in 2025 compared with 2024, as efforts to halt or delay the administration of estates intensify. A freedom of information request by TWM Solicitors found 11,589 caveats were placed in 2025, compared with 10,313 in 2024. The firm points to rising estate values and “complex family dynamics” as key […]
Strike off for probate solicitor who repeatedly misled clients about applications
A probate solicitor who repeatedly misled clients about grant of probate applications – in one case for 19 months – has been struck off. Rachel Parker, who was admitted to the Roll in February 2019 and ceased practising after being dismissed from her role at Buckles Solicitors LLP in March 2024 – made statements in […]
Report critical of pricing transparency in funerals as costs escalate
A newly published report is critical of the failure of the funeral planning sector to be transparent around the cost of funerals, which have risen significantly above the annual rate of inflation. Pure Cremation’s Cost of Funerals research calculates the average cost of a traditional funeral across England, Scotland and Wales, reviewing the costs of […]
Firms share private client news, with expansions, acquisitions and promotions
The onset of spring has seen a series of private client announcements from firms, with IDR Law expanding into London, Boodle Hatfield unveiling its latest promotions, and Steele Raymond expanding its southern presence with the acquisition of Williams Thompson. Specialist contentious probate firm IDR Law Minority PE backed IDR Law, opening its Fetter Lane office […]
Satisfied clients aren’t leaving reviews in growing ‘advocacy gap’, report finds
A survey of legal services clients has found that although the vast majority (84%) are happy with the service they receive, 66% said they would never leave a review. Access Legal surveyed 1,000 clients who have used conveyancing, wills and probate, family law or personal injury legal services in the last two years for its […]
Enabling football fans’ final wishes: A new solution for stadium ashes requests
Matt Young, managing director of Aerial Ashes, has created an innovative solution for football fans whose wishes are for their ashes to be scattered on the pitches of their beloved teams. For football supporters, being laid to rest at the ground of their beloved club is becoming an increasingly common request. But in reality, […]
Understanding complaints and early resolution opportunities
The latest episode of the Today’s Wills and Probate podcast welcomes Senior Ombudsman at the Legal Ombudsman (LeO) Clair Daniel to explore the current landscape of legal complaints handling, the challenges facing firms, and the strategic work underway to improve first‑tier resolution across the legal sector. The backdrop to the discussion is the increase in […]