LSB promises tougher scrutiny and ‘significant’ shake-up in response to Public Bodies Review
The Legal Services Board (LSB) says it accepts the 10 recommendations outlined in the the government’s Public Bodies Review, and has committed to setting out plans for a “significant” shake-up of its operations. Writing in its response to the Public Bodies Review, the oversight regulator said it would focus its strategy on “stronger oversight to […]
Half of adults say they would accept AI involvement in will drafting
Half of adults would be open to AI playing a role in the will-drafting process according to the latest annual report from the National Will Register. In the fourth year the National Wills Report 2026 has been produced, the results indicate more consumers would be open to the use of AI in will drafting – […]
Lords Committee calls for progress on will writing reform
The Chair of the House of Lords Justice and Home Affairs Committee has called for progress on wills reform in an open letter to minister for courts and legal services Sarah Sackman. Lord Foster of Bath has called on the government to “clarify what action it is taking to make digital wills legally valid, how […]
Kennel hand suing estate over Champion dog breeder’s £1.1m legacy
The £1.1m will of a Crufts champion dog breeder is at the centre of a High Court fight between her son and a kennel hand. David Brand, 59, says Mary Swash, pictured, a well known breeder of pedigree Airedale terriers, treated him like “family” and promised to look after him for life. Brand worked alongside […]
Law Society welcomes CJC’s AI report but warns of potential for ‘misleading documents’
The Law Society of England and Wales has warned about the potential for “misleading documents” in its response to the Civil Justice Council’s report on preparing court documents with AI. Brett Dixon, Law Society president, said: “When people have to represent themselves in court and prepare court documents using AI, there can be serious consequences. […]
3 in 4 firms do not display LPA fees (and some quote out of date registration fees)
In a survey of law firms’ websites, three quarters of law firms do not publish what they charge for preparing a lasting power of attorney (LPA). A review of 113 solicitor firms’ websites in 20 towns and cities across England and Wales found 31 (27%) displayed a current LPA price. Six more showed only out-of-date […]
When survivorship clauses are not enough: What James v James means for will drafting
The High Court’s recent decision in James v James, a case in which our firm acted for the successful claimant, provides important guidance on the circumstances in which section 33 of the Wills Act 1837 (“section 33”) can be displaced by will drafting. The judgment serves as a reminder that wording which appears straightforward to […]
Perpetuities in modern probate: lessons from Crest Nicholson v Calvert (2026)
Although arising from a development-land dispute, Crest Nicholson Regeneration Ltd v Calvert [2026] EWHC 531 (Ch) highlights the continuing relevance of perpetuity rules in probate practice. Executors administering historic trusts, agricultural land, option agreements and contingent interests may find that the validity and value of estate assets depend on pre-2009 perpetuity regimes. The 2009 Act […]