The probate system is modernising. Families are still waiting
There is a version of the probate story that gets told a lot at the moment. It goes something like this: the system has had its problems, Covid made things worse, but digitalisation will fix it. Average processing times are down to five weeks. Fundamentally everything is moving in the right direction. At Provira, we […]
CILEX CEO: ‘I was in the job for 16 days before Mazur…’
Just 16 days into her new role as CEO of the Chartered Institute of Legal Executives (CILEX), the Mazur ruling and subsequent appeal thrust Jennifer Coupland into one of the biggest crises legal services has faced since the Legal Services Act. In a wide-ranging discussion on the Today’s Wills and Probate podcast, Coupland discussed how […]
SRA updates supervision guidance following Mazur ruling
The Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) has published updated guidance on on supervision arrangements following the Mazur case. In the wake of the Court of Appeal ruling, which held that unqualified staff could continue to undertake litigation work under the supervision of regulated lawyers, the SRA has expanded its supervision guidance to ensure firms understand and […]
Law Society shares ‘widespread and serious concerns’ over SRA funding increase proposals
The Law Society of England and Wales says it has “widespread and serious concerns” over the proposed increase in funding the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) is seeking in its 2026-2027 business plan. In its response to the business plan consultation, the representative body said there was “insufficient evidence underpinning some proposals” and the SRA risked […]
Government has ‘no plans’ to update online service to incorporate 1.4m ineligible LPAs
The government has no plans to update its online Use an LPA service to incorporate the 1.4 million lasting powers of attorney on the register that are ineligible to be used with the system. A further 337,000 enduring powers of attorney are incompatible with the system, and there are no plans to extend the service […]
FCA’s later life lending proposals ‘positive’ but need ‘careful consideration’
The Financial Conduct Authority’s (FCA) proposals to improve access to later life lending products for older borrowers have been welcomed as “positive” and “pragmatic” by Key Equity Release. Key warns, however, that proposed changes to Retirement Interest Only (RIO) mortgages could increase the risk of foreseeable harm. Consultation on the FCAs plans, which are open […]
Half of women lawyers say workload is unsustainable for long-term health
Half of women working in legal services say their current working pattern is unsustainable for their long-term health. A majority (67%) of women lawyers have considered moving jobs or taking a career break due to health and wellbeing issues, new research from the Next 100 Years project reveals. The survey of more than 500 women […]
The battle of evidence: Hierarchy, reliability and testamentary capacity
Contentious trusts and probate solicitor Lucy Scurfield examines the legal authorities for modern testamentary capacity disputes and finds a hierarchy based on contemporaneity, reliability and relevance. Modern testamentary capacity disputes are often framed as a contest between legal and medical evidence. The authorities demonstrate that this is the wrong question. The court is concerned […]