Free webinar: Avoiding complaints: Failed Wills, intestacy, and cross-border estates
Complaints in estate administration are on the rise – but what’s really driving them? In this informative webinar, Anthony Allsopp, Head of Business at Title Research, will explore why non-professional Personal Representatives (PRs) face challenges and complain when dealing with complex estates. Join us to uncover the key issues behind complaints and discover how to […]
This Simple Magnet Trick Could Reveal Hidden Value in an Estate
Jewellery can be one of the trickiest parts of probate to assess. A small box of mixed items might contain everything from family keepsakes to surprisingly valuable pieces. For solicitors and executors knowing where to start can feel daunting, but there are some simple checks you can do yourself to get a clearer picture of […]
A message from Paul Toghill, the new CEO of Kings Court Trust
As part of King Court Trust’s continued commitment to deliver exceptional estate administration services, we are delighted to welcome Paul Toghill as our new Chief Executive Officer (CEO). Paul brings a wealth of leadership experience and strategic insight, with a strong track record of guiding organisations through periods of growth and transformation. His appointment marks an important step […]
Birchall Blackburn Ensures Due Diligence with Estatesearch and Exizent
Birchall Blackburn is a trusted legal partner with offices throughout the North West. Rosemary Johns, Partner, is based in the Chorley office and along with the private client team of more than 20 team members across the different locations including Preston, Leyland, Southport and Morecambe, Birchall Blackburn offers professional client focused legal services locally, where […]
5 Red Flags That Get Your Inheritance Tax Return Escalated
HMRC operates a two-tier system for reviewing inheritance tax returns. Initial assessment falls to trained caseworkers who follow detailed internal guidance when examining submitted valuations. If these officers spot potential issues, the file escalates to the specialist Shares and Assets Valuation team. When it comes to personal possessions and household chattels, many of these escalations […]
Professional body welcomes plan to reform the Wills Act
Proposals to reform the Wills Act are long overdue and should be welcomed, the Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners (STEP) has said. Last month the Law Commission published a list of 31 recommendations for reforms to the Wills Act 1837. These cover issues linked to how wills are made, who can make a will […]
New podcast: Topical Talks with Heledd Wyn on vulnerable clients
We are back with a new episode of ‘Topical Talks with Title Research’. This episode features Heledd Wyn from Rothley Law Limited. Title Research’s Legal Services Director, Charlotte Toogood, and Head of Business, Anthony Allsopp, join her to discuss vulnerable clients, including: The STEP report from November 2023; Roles and responsibilities of private client practitioners; […]
Addressing the issue of unknown assets
As a leading legal technology provider, we develop innovative solutions which help private client professionals improve efficiency and reduce risk – particularly when it comes to identifying assets within an estate. Our Financial Profile Service is a comprehensive asset and liability search ordered through a free, secure online portal. We contact more than 150 organisations, […]
Should executors value chattels themselves — or could it cost the estate?
Should Executors Value Chattels Themselves — or Could It Cost the Estate? When applying for probate executors must report the value of the deceased’s personal possessions, known as chattels. These include furniture, jewellery, artworks and general household items. It can be tempting for executors to estimate the values themselves to save time or reduce costs. […]
Understanding Probate Thresholds in 2025
When someone dies, banks and financial institutions often require a Grant of Probate or Letters of Administration before releasing funds, but not always. This is dependent on the probate threshold set by each institution. Our latest article breaks down the current probate thresholds set by banks and building societies across England and Wales, helping personal […]
The hidden agony of selling unmodernised probate property: A silent struggle
In the labyrinth of probate, where grief intertwines with legalities, the sale of an unmodernised property often becomes the silent torment of executors, families and charities alike. This is not merely a transaction; it’s a journey through emotional and financial mazes, where every step is laden with pain. For executors, managing a deceased estate is […]
The value of getting it right
In May, the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) issued guidance to retail banks on how they should manage the bereavement process—part of a broader campaign to address consumer vulnerability. While the regulator’s efforts are commendable and clearly centred on consumer care, guidance alone rarely drives meaningful change. Incentives may nudge behaviour, but it’s often the threat—or […]
Coming Soon: SOS Innovate – A new era in legal practice management software
In the coming months, SOS Legal will be introducing SOS Innovate — a powerful new legal software platform built to meet the evolving needs of its user firms. Designed to streamline operations, enhance user experience, and support scalable growth, SOS Innovate marks a bold step forward for one of the UK’s most trusted legal tech […]
The Estate Registry: UK Law Commission’s recommendations on will reform simplify estate administration for the bereaved
The Estate Registry, which owns bereavement notification services Settld and NotifyNOW, as well as LegacyNOW, welcomes the UK Law Commission’s recommendations on updating wills in England and Wales. The move recognises that most people in the UK want to conduct their business online, including stressful end of life administration. The Estate Registry has urged regulators […]
The Surprising Reason Second Homes Need a Professional Contents Valuation for Probate
When it comes to probate, second homes are often treated as an afterthought, especially if they’re located hundreds of miles from the executor or solicitor, but that can lead to costly oversights. At Swift Values, we regularly uncover high-value items in second homes that families assumed were filled with nothing but “the usual” — a […]
Protecting Data, Building Trust: Our Cyber Essentials Accreditation
At Anglia Research, safeguarding sensitive information is not just a technical requirement; it is a fundamental part of how we operate. We are therefore proud to have achieved Cyber Essentials accreditation, a government-backed certification developed by the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC). This rigorous standard assesses how organisations protect themselves against common cyber threats such […]
What price customer service?
When a loved one dies, it should be a simple case of calling and informing the creditor of their passing and wrapping up the estate. Only it isn’t. Ask anyone who has recently been through a bereavement and is responsible for managing an estate and it will invariably involve a tale of woe and sometimes […]
Free webinar: Frequent challenging scenarios in estate administration
You think you’ve got it all wrapped up… then you find a bank account in Australia. Estate administration can be full of surprises. One moment you’re finalising paperwork, the next you’ve uncovered unknown shares in North America or a failed Will. On Thursday 29th May at 12pm, join Title Research’s Technical Manager, Simon Barber, as […]
Free webinar: Effectively offer estate administration to your clients
Your clients trust you during their most difficult moments but are you prepared? On Wednesday 28th May at 12pm, Kings Court Trust’s Head of Growth, Simon Brand will host a webinar discussing how to effectively offer estate administration to your clients. He will also examine some of the common objections you may face, and discuss […]
Charitable Beneficiaries
It is fair to state that the work associated to a charitable beneficiary is usually greater than that of a noncharitable beneficiary. The reasons for this are largely down to the rules and regulations that the charity themselves need to adhere to, meaning that additional evidence and documentation are required to enable decisions to be […]
