Reforms designed to transition the process of creating Lasting Powers of Attorney (LPAs) from a largely paper-based process to a digital one are to be enacted. The Powers of Attorney Act passed its third reading Read More
Research into the legacy provisions of leading tech organisations has revealed that more work must be done to support users, and loved ones of those who die or become incapacitated. Ten major providers have been Read More
Will writing software is designed to support the estate planning professional in drafting documentation. It cuts out admin, precedent research, data re-keying and more. Lightening the administrative load. But importantly, it also helps protect the Read More
ChatGPT is a new chatbot, built by Open AI. It was launched in November 2022 and it’s become very popular in a short amount of time. Users can ask it all sorts of questions and Read More
Our Risk Exposure Quiz has produced some interesting results so far. The market is changing, contentious probate claims and cyber-attacks are on the rise. So, amid the challenges, we decided to run a short quiz Read More
Lawtech 365, a premier provider of legal technology, has announced the release of “DynamicID”, a cutting-edge biometrics identity verification software based on NFC technology. Developed in the UK, DynamicID is the most advanced solution of its Read More
Since the official launch of the Connect client facing portal in January 2022, we’ve been busy making improvements and building on user feedback. With that in mind, I thought It would be a great idea Read More
In this latest Today’s Wills and Probate podcast host David Opie is joined by Arken.legal CEO Dave Newick. A “technologist” in an industry where technology adoption has traditionally been slow, Dave shares his Read More
Opinion
Regulation
Technology
Technical Corner: digital assets, personal property law and “data objects”
Technical Corner, 5th August 2022 – Emily Deane TEP, STEP Technical Counsel & Head of Government Affairs The Law Commission of England and Wales published a new consultation paper on 28th July. It seeks views from legal Read More
Joe Cobb, Partner and Head of Department in Wills, Trusts and Estate Planning at JMW Solicitors, offers his view on the challenges faced by the digital probate system, and how it could be improved moving Read More
Editor's Pick
Technology
Wills & Probate
Paper probate applications taking twice as long as digital ones
The latest figures from HM Courts & Tribunals Service have revealed that paper probate applications are sometimes taking more than twice as long as their digital counterparts. In May, the probate service performance figures show Read More
Many small law firms are thinking big when it comes to the tech they need to see them through another period of profound change. But the latest research from LexisNexis’ Bellwether report shows that 47% say Read More
Dr Ritesh Chugh of Central Queensland University, Australia, says you should “prominently engage in planning for your digital legacy”. A digital legacy may sound like a term used only by those of the technological avant-garde, Read More
Requests for personal information can now be made through a new digital service. A new digital service allowing individuals to request personal information is now available which aims to improve the user experience for subject Read More
Regulation
Technology
Wills & Probate
Wills & Probate Market
Video Will Witnessing: What happens next?
The Law Society of England and Wales has launched a survey to inform its response to future consultations on extending the witnessing of wills via video beyond the end of January 2022. In July 2020 the Ministry Read More
Changes to the law due to come into effect in January are set to transport the world of wills and probate back in time to 1837. No, not 1987; all the way back to 1837. Let me explain. Read More
The latest Alpha Legal update is now live and it’s a big one! Look out for: a new Meeting Planner to help you to find a suitable time to meet your clients – ideal for Read More
A Manchester-headquartered law firm lead generator has secured funding to support the growth of the business as it looks to strengthen its market position both organically and via acquisition. mmadigital already captures more online leads Read More
Fraud
Organisations
Technology
Wills & Probate
HMRC investigates 3,574 IHT accounts in bid to claw back
Law firm Pinsent Masons confirms that HMRC opened 3,574 investigations into Inheritance Tax (IHT) in 2020-21 resulting in £254 million in revenue. The firm also revealed that more people are now filing their own returns rather than Read More
In Estatesearch’s third ‘Product in Focus’ article, we look at the Financial Asset Search and why this should be conducted on every case when carrying out estate administration. Investigating a deceased’s finances is Read More
- Equity Release is evolving into “Later Life Lending”
- Guardianship Applications for missing people: What they do and how to apply
- Who has the right to arrange a funeral where the will of the deceased is being challenged?
- The global rise of AI: opportunities and challenges
- The Perfect Lawyer
- Disputing a will of an illiterate testator
- Terminal Illness and Pensions Pitfalls
- Personality disorders and the issue of testamentary capacity
- Intestacy – who inherits if someone dies without making a will?
