Influence the future of mental health in the legal sector
LawCare, the mental health charity for the legal sector, has launched its new “Life in the Law 2025” surveys and invites you to take part. There are two separate surveys: one for individuals in the legal sector, and another for organisations, such as law firms, chambers, and in-house legal departments. The surveys are anonymous and take approximately […]
Gary Shaw appointed Group Managing Director of Property Solutions Group
Property Solutions Group Incorporating Southey & Co (PSG) has announced the promotion of Gary Shaw to Group Managing Director. Established in 2014 by property expert Barry Mattock, PSG was founded to offer tailored, comprehensive property services designed specifically for legal professionals. Over the years, the company has built a strong reputation for innovation and resilience, […]
CILEx Regulation sets out its priorities for delivering forward thinking evidenced-based legal regulation in 2025
In its 2025 Corporate Plan, launched today, CILEx Regulation Limited (CRL) sets out a bold programme of action to strengthen the regulation of legal executives and improve information to consumers. The key priorities deliver the first year of its 2025-2027 Corporate Strategy which was published in November 2024 and reflect widespread consultation with the profession, […]
Consultation outcome: Government decides to preserve all original wills after public outcry against destruction
The Ministry of Justice has announced its decision to retain all original wills following an extensive public consultation that revealed overwhelming opposition to their destruction. The consultation, launched in December 2023, sought views on transitioning to a digital-only system for storing wills and other probate documents. However, the feedback highlighted the public’s deep attachment to […]
The ‘Great Wealth Transfer’ will continue in 2025 – STEP
The New Year will continue to bring both challenges and opportunities with no shortage of demand and need for qualified and highly experienced trust and estate practitioners to advise, support and help families better plan for the future, according to STEP. Emily Deane, Technical Counsel & Head of Government Affairs at STEP said that the […]
Stealth tax changes to IHT set to impact 14,500 more farmers
New analysis reveals that changes announced in Rachel Reeves’s Budget could result in an additional 14,500 farmers becoming subject to inheritance tax (IHT), as thresholds fail to keep pace with inflation, as reported by The Telegraph. The Central Association of Agricultural Valuers (CAAV) estimates that the number of farming estates affected by the revised inheritance […]
Safe Hands administrators secure liquidators for Cayman Islands firm scandal
The administrators of Safe Hands Plans, the collapsed pre-paid funeral company that left 46,000 customers with a £60 million shortfall, have successfully appointed liquidators to Navigator, a Cayman Islands firm where customer funds were diverted, as reported by The Times. This move comes amid allegations of the “misuse of trust funds” and is regarded as […]
Solicitor struck off for misleading probate clients about case progress
A recently qualified solicitor from Irwin Mitchell, who misled multiple contentious probate clients about the progress of their cases, has been struck off the roll, as reported by Legal Futures. Rachael Catherine Worthington, formerly Williams, admitted her misconduct and stated that she had already left the legal profession due to the pressures she experienced. Ms. […]
Millions unaware of upcoming IHT changes for pensions
Around 8.5 million people remain unaware of new rules that will subject pensions to inheritance tax (IHT) starting in April 2027, according to financial service provider Canada Life. The lack of awareness persists despite the Government’s announcement in October’s Autumn Budget, which is expected to nearly double the number of estates liable for IHT. By […]
Nigel Farage urges crackdown on public sector pension costs as council tax burden revealed
Nigel Farage has called for a major review of public sector pensions, describing them as “Ponzi schemes” after new figures revealed that a quarter of council tax revenue is being used to fund staff retirement pots, as reported by The Telegraph. The Reform UK leader warned that generous public pensions represent the “biggest ticking time […]
Birkett Long announces latest promotions
Essex-based law firm Birkett Long has announced the promotion of several valued team members across a variety of departments. These recognitions highlight their ongoing commitment to fostering career growth. The following team members have been promoted, effective 1 December 2024: • Sian Taylor – Senior Associate in the Commercial Real Estate team. • Orhan Ismail […]
2025 look ahead for the legal profession
Law Society of England and Wales looks at what 2025 holds for the legal sector as it celebrates its bicentenary. Richard Atkinson, president of the Law Society said: “2025 sees the Law Society celebrating 200 years of supporting and representing solicitors. The year also brings a host of new opportunities for the legal profession, with […]
Thank you and happy holidays
Thank you to all our Today’s Wills and Probate readers, subscribers and contributors for your support in 2024. It has been another busy year in the wills and probate and wider private client and estate planning world with too many stories to mention. We look forward to continuing to bring you the very latest news, […]
Succession lessons from Murdoch Case
Law firm Holmes Mackillop says that Rupert Murdoch’s failed attempt to give his eldest son control of his media empire brings into sharp focus questions of succession (and of power and control) that arise in any business, not just family businesses. The court case saw the 93-year-old media mogul reportedly blocked in his bid to […]
IHT receipts £0.6bn higher than last year – HMRC
Inheritance Tax receipts for April 2024 to November 2024 are £5.7 billion, which is £0.6 billion higher than the same period last year, according to HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC). Higher receipts from March 2022 are expected to be due to a combination of higher volumes of wealth transfers following recent IHT-liable deaths, recent rises […]
Hirachand v Hirachand sees Supreme Court rules against recovery of success fees in landmark case that shows ‘significant shift for inheritance claims’
The Supreme Court ruled against the recovery of success fees in a landmark inheritance case that saw a mother and her estranged daughter go head to head over the family estate. Hirachand v Hirachand,(Nalini Hirachand-Appellant, Sheila Hirachand -Katan Hirachand-Respondents)in a case highly anticipated by the wills and probate sector, was concluded to allow the inclusion […]
‘A blow for claimants, but the right decision in law’: Reactions to Supreme Court Ruling in Hirachand v Hirachand
The Supreme Court has made a landmark ruling on the way ‘no win, no fee’ agreements are treated in inheritance claims. Wright Hassall, the firm that represented the appellant in the case, and their client are “pleased” that the Supreme court has reached a positive conclusion and allowed the appeal. Following a hearing in January […]
Enhancing compliance: Insights from the SRA’s thematic review on professional obligations
The Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) has conducted a thematic review of how firms and individuals engage with their professional obligations. This review highlights how firms access, understand, and integrate regulatory information, as well as areas for improvement to promote a culture of compliance and competence. The review engaged with 250 individuals through a survey, conducted […]
Kings Court Trust unveils new brand identity
Kings Court Trust, a provider of probate and estate administration services, has announced the launch of its refreshed brand. They have stated that the rebrand reflects extensive research and a deeper understanding of the needs of partners, clients, and the probate sector. It is designed to communicate the company’s values more clearly. Suzannah Taggart, Chief […]
Celebrating Women in Wills in 2024
2024 has been a year of growth and development for Today’s Wills and Probate networking group Women in Wills. Women in Wills was set up in 2017 by Karen Babington to provide Collaboration, Insight and Support for women working in the private client sector. This year’s event programme has brought these objectives to life which has allowed […]
