New podcast: Topical Talks with Sarah Bolt on autumn budget impact on the private client sector
Title Research are pleased to share the latest episode of the Topical Talks podcast, featuring Sarah Bolt, Director and Solicitor at Talbots Law. In this episode, Title Research are joined by Sarah to discuss how the Autumn Budgets in both 2024 and 2025 have impacted the Private Client sector. Topics of discussion will include: Pension […]
Court hands down ‘significant’ Teixeira contentious probate ruling
The High Court has awarded properties estimated to be worth up to £5 million to the wife of a deceased London property investor and restaurateur after declarations of trust signed before his death were found to have no legal or equitable effect. In Gabriela Mozerle Teixeira v Amir Ahmad Moaven & Ors, Deputy Master Timothy […]
‘Mistakes have been made’ – SRA chair steps down with apology to profession
Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) chair Anna Bradley has stepped down after eight years in the role, with the formal process for identifying her successor beginning on 1st June. In a statement published on the SRA website, Bradley said she had seen “very significant change in the legal sector” during her tenure, and it was the […]
Court finds undue influence in property gifts but upholds will in £1.7m sibling claim
The High Court has ruled a woman must return £2.6 million of her deceased mother’s fortune after she and her husband “unduly influenced” Jeanne MacDougall into giving them three properties. However, the judge rejected claims of testamentary undue influence in relation to the final will of Mrs MacDougall, which had been contested by her son […]
Octopus targets tenfold probate growth with latest acquisition
Octopus Legal Services has announced the acquisition of the private client team of NewLaw Solicitors, growing the headcount at the private equity backed firm by a third. The SRA-regulated arm of Octopus Legacy said the deal brings more than 50 lawyers into the organisation and broadens the scope of services, moving the company “closer to […]
Later life lending faces ‘critical evolution point’, as FCA’s market review welcomed by equity release firm
With the Financial Conduct Authority’s market study of the later life lending sector underway, one whole-of-market later life lending business says it is engaging with the regulator on product suitability, accessibility and consumer outcomes, leveraging the group’s experience across consumer advice and technology infrastructure. Equity Release Group (ERG) says the later life lending sector faces […]
Threefold increase in solicitors seeking help, Solicitors Charity report finds
Three times as many solicitors sought help with their wellbeing last year than three years ago and increasing numbers of them are women, according to a new report. The Solicitors’ Charity’s Big Report 2025–2026 highlights what it says is increasing demand due to more complex issues related to overlapping pressures across financial, emotional, professional and […]
Inheritance Act claims in high net worth estates: Financial provision beyond need
Inheritance Act claims are not limited to those in financial hardship. In high net worth estates, courts increasingly focus on lifestyle, expectations and moral obligations when assessing whether reasonable financial provision has been made. Nicola K Smith explores how wealth, relationships and proportionality influence outcomes, even where claimants are financially secure. One of the biggest […]