Exizent have announced the launch of its Bereavement Index for the fourth consecutive year. This index provides insights into the state of bereavement in the United Kingdom, highlighting areas where progress has been made and
New analysis of Freedom of Information (FoI) data obtained from the Ministry of Justice by Quilter has found that the number of probate cases taking over a year to be granted has risen by 65%
Make a Will Online has announced its victory in the “Best Strategic Will Provider” category at the Smee & Ford Legacy Giving Awards 2024. This prestigious accolade recognises Make a Will Online’s innovation in providing
A report warns that over half a million individuals with dementia could slip through the diagnostic net in the UK by 2040 unless significant changes are made to detection methods, as reported by The Telegraph
Public appetite for charitable gifts in wills is on the rise, with more than one in five charity donors (21%) aged 40+ saying they have included a gift in their will, up from 14% in
The waiting time for probate applications has slightly decreased in the number of weeks from submission to grant issue for all probate applications – decreasing from 13.8 to 13.7 weeks, according to HM Courts &
New research by the Law Society and the Legal Services Board reveals that two thirds of adults in England and Wales (66%), have experienced at least one legal issue in the last four years. The
Jo Summers TEP, partner in the private wealth & tax team at law firm Jurit LLP, has given oral evidence to the Justice Committee examining the impact of probate delays. The inquiry, launched in November
The Legal Services Board (LSB) has announced an independent review of the Solicitors Regulation Authority’s (SRA) regulatory actions in the lead-up to the collapse of SSB Group. The LSB will add this review to the
HMRC has published additional guidance for pension scheme administrators on a range of issues, including the abolition of the lifetime allowance. HMRC provides further guidance on the abolition of the lifetime allowance (LTA) in the
Rachel Reeves, the shadow chancellor, is set to announce Labour’s plan to close an inheritance tax loophole for non-domiciled individuals and target tax avoiders to fund investments in schools and the NHS, as reported by
The Legal Services Board (LSB) has published plans for 2024/25 on how it will ensure regulation contributes fully to delivering legal services that better meet the needs of society. The business plan is focused on
B P Collins has announced that Lisa McBrearty has been promoted to senior associate in the private client practice. With over 18 years of experience in helping clients with their future planning and a full
LexisNexis Legal & Professional® released a new report – Disloyal lawyers: has the partnership model lost its lustre? – which reveals the majority of legal associates aren’t racing to take on the responsibilities, risks and
Pregnant women and new parents will now receive special treatment in a redundancy situation, as a suite of new laws are introduced – delivering the Government’s plan to support families and back hardworking Brits. New
In 2023 there were 122 contested probate cases, up from 116 cases in 2022, according to the Ministry of Justice Family Court Statistics. Philip Collins, Partner at Winckworth Sherwood, said that it “isn’t at all
Statistics from the Family Court reveal a notable surge in Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA) registrations in 2023, surpassing a million for the first time. The data, covering October to December 2023, indicates a 37%
The Institute of Legacy Management reports a significant surge in new legacies received by charities, marking a potential record-breaking year for legacy income. According to their findings, the probate backlog has been substantially reduced by
Memory clinics across the UK are set to initiate trials utilising blood tests for the diagnosis of dementia, aiming to facilitate early access to care, support, and potential new drug treatments. A joint research effort
Co-op Legal Services has announced an increase in profits – operating profits surged by 163% to £21 million in the year ending 31 December, accompanied by a 48% rise in revenue to £68 million. The
HMRC has published guidance on applying for a grant on credit and on recent updates to tax rules and processes relevant to trusts and estates, as posted by ICAEW Insights. It is possible to apply
Andrew Williams from Exchange Chambers has succeeded in the Court of Appeal in Brealey v Shepherd & Co [2024] EWCA Civ 303, a decision likely to become a leading case on the subject of the
Recent research conducted by digital wealth manager Moneyfarm sheds light on millennials’ concerns regarding their parents’ spending habits and the potential impact on their inheritance. The study, which surveyed 1,000 individuals aged 35-50 and another
Funeral provider Distinct Cremations has welcomed the findings of a new trade body that has praised the industry for adapting quickly to new Financial Conduct Authority regulations. In its first annual report, the National Association
The Upper Tax Tribunal has dismissed an appeal by the executors of an estate who sought protective cost measures in their challenge against a GBP400,000 inheritance tax (IHT) levy on the estate, as reported by
Legado have released a report unveiling pivotal insights into the landscape of client and solicitor interactions within the private client legal sector. According to the report, the most commonly used communication channels among Private Client
Fisher Jones Greenwood (FJG) has promoted a number of experienced team members into senior leadership roles. The firm, which is currently based in 10 locations across Essex and Suffolk, is embarking on a period of
Estatesearch has launched in Canada and will now offer asset and liability searches and Will Data Management services to Canadian legal firms. Jonathan Upton, Director, Estatesearch confirmed that the Canadian probate process is “broadly similar”
A report set to be published could bring compensation for women impacted by the rising state pension age as the Ombudsman’s investigation has focused on potential injustices stemming from aligning women’s retirement age with men’s,
The Legal Services Board has confirmed its interim leadership arrangements while its Board recruits a new Chief Executive Officer (CEO). This follows Matthew Hill’s resignation from the role in January 2024, ahead of his departure
Against a tough economic backdrop and with the cost of living rising sharply, law firms saw profits go only marginally down, according to the Law Society’s Financial Benchmarking Survey that provides an overview of the
Although the recent data from the previous month revealed a generous improvement, the waiting time for probate applications has slightly gone up in the number of weeks from submission to grant issue for all probate