Blanchards International: Worldwide heir tracing experts
Blanchards Inheritance has grown into a global provider of probate research, heir tracing, and genealogy services. Established in 2011 as a family run business in Kent, the company now brings over 15 years of expertise and has evolved into a trusted international firm. Specialising in tracing missing heirs and unknown next of kin, its experienced […]
From risk to control: Legal authority as the foundation of estate administration
In estate administration, establishing legal authority is more than a process checkpoint or formality. It is a continuous control that forms the foundation of every stage of administration. Without a solid foundation that ensures each action is taken by an individual who has the legal right to do so, the estate is exposed to risk, […]
Inheritance tax receipts rise for fifth consecutive year to hit £8.5bn
HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) data shows inheritance tax (IHT) revenue for April 2025 to March 2026 hit a record-breaking £8.5 billion. Receipts for 2025-2026 surpassed the £8.2 billion recorded for the same period the previous year, marking the fifth consecutive increase as increasing property prices and the freezing of the nil-rate band combine to […]
Taylor Rose fined £160,000 by SRA
The Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) has fined Taylor Rose more than £160,000 for compliance failures including failing to return client money promptly. The SRA directed the firm to pay a financial penalty of £160,059, with costs of £1,350. The regulator said it had fined the firm for failing to have effective systems and controls in […]
‘Unconference’ agenda tackles key issues of 2026 for private client professionals and will writers
Upcoming ‘unconference’ TWP Festival has announced the first of its speakers for the event, which will take place on Tuesday 23rd June in Digbeth, Birmingham. Early bird tickets priced at £119 +VAT are available until Friday 8th May. Following the success of the inaugural event, organiser Today’s Media, the publisher of Today’s Wills and Probate, […]
Private client solicitor struck off after billing for work he hadn’t done
A private client solicitor has been struck off after billing clients for wills and probate work he hadn’t done and authorising the transfer of £216,00o from a client account to pay for bills that had never been sent. Associate solicitor Nicholas Devlin admitted creating inaccurate and misleading records in excess of the time spent on […]
Octopus Legacy acquires Shoosmiths will bank to strengthen position in regulated estate planning
Octopus Legacy has acquired the will bank of Top 100 law firm Shoosmiths, marking what the firm says is a significant step in its growth strategy. Shoosmiths said the transfer “aligns with its broader strategy of focusing on core practice areas,” and follows the sale of its private client team to Rothley’s and the divestment […]
Survey: Your views needed on charitable wills
If you haven’t yet completed Remember A Charity’s short survey on the role of professional advisers in charitable legacy giving, there’s still time to share your views. The charity runs an annual Professional Adviser Tracking study, which explores how advisers approach charitable giving. The results will help the sector better understand current practice, identify barriers […]
Shortcomings in continuing competence prompt CPD consultation from SRA
Shortcomings in the continuing competence training regime have prompted the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) to undertake a consultation into the future of ensuring solicitors complete regular and relevant training. SRA-regulated solicitors are required to maintain competence and professional knowledge as part of their obligations under the Code of Conduct for Solicitors. The ‘continuing competence’ regime […]
Tackling the funding gap in estate administration
Founded in 2020 Provira is one of a handful of FCA-regulated organisations offering inheritance and estate lending services to cover inheritance tax and estate costs. In this latest Today’s Wills and Probate Podcast episode host David Opie speaks with John Sanderson, Director of Partnerships at Provira, about the growing role of inheritance and estate lending […]