Is using a genealogist expensive?
Over recent months, we have become aware of a perception in the private client sector that using a genealogist to help with an estate challenge is an expensive proposition. Of course, whether something is expensive will always depend on a person’s individual perspective and vary depending on the situation that has presented itself. In this […]
What do you advise your client who has property in Spain?
As a will writing and estate planning professional it is possible you will come across scenarios in which clients have properties abroad. This throws up plenty of potential pitfalls for both the adviser, and the client. In our latest podcast I discuss the challenges surrounding properties in Spain which is an area of expertise for […]
Genealogy firm Finders sold to private equity
Genealogy business Finders International has been sold to private equity firm Pelican Capital in an undisclosed deal. The sale will see Managing Director Danny Curran step away from the business he founded 27 years ago, with current deputy MD Simonne Llewllyn stepping up to become Finders International’s first CEO. Since launching in 1997, Finders has […]
CMA launches draft guidelines for willwriting, online divorce and prepaid probate
The Competitions and Markets Authority have announced the first part of their response to the investigation into unregulated businesses which provide will writing, online divorce, and pre-paid probate services in the UK. In it the CMA outline its views on protecting consumers and warns firms that non-compliance could result in further penalties. Draft guidelines specifically for […]
Dedicated auction platform for probate property launches
A dedicated probate auction platform has been launched exclusively for probate property, serving executors, administrators, solicitors and family of the deceased. Probate.Auction is described by its founders as the first countrywide auction platform for probate property. It hopes to deliver speed, transparency and certainty for probate properties, reducing the average time to sell from 140 […]
How can charitable gifts make an estate work harder for all beneficiaries?
Raising £4 billion annually*, charitable gifts in Wills are crucial to sustaining a wide range of good causes and services – from hospices and homeless shelters to mental health helplines, emergency rescues, and more. In a challenging economic environment, and as these essential services face an ever-increasing demand, this income has never been more valued […]
‘Unique’ zero-interest estate funding facility launched
A new interest free estate funding facility has been launched by a national probate property services provider to help estate administrators access cash locked up within an estate while going through probate. London-based Property Solutions Group (PSG) claims to have launched a market first funding facility to cover costs associated with property clearance, maintenance, repairs, […]
“State of the Nation” Summit returns in May
An evening designed to foster discussion and debate on the current opportunities and challenges facing the will writing, probate, tax, trusts and estate planning community returns on 8th May following its successful return in 2023. Tickets are available to purchase via the links below. The Today’s Wills and Probate “State of the Nation” summit brought […]
Charities raise concern at probate inquiry
The charity community has provided evidence in Parliament of the impact of delays on charities and legacy gifting. Representatives from The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award, Cancer Research UK and Devon Air Ambulance Trust shared insight into the impact of delays on charity services, forecasting ability and wider finances; as well as highlighting the huge personal […]
Consultant model growing ‘significantly faster’ than traditional firms
Consultant style, or ‘Platform’ law firms are growing at a ‘significantly faster’ rate than traditional competitors with Setfords and Taylor Rose MW leading the way amongst Alternative Legal Service Providers (ALSPs). Property law continues to be the leading area of law practiced by consultant lawyers, with a small but growing proportion of family and private […]
WillSuite’s 2024 Annual Report reveals surprising trends in estate planning
The release of WillSuite’s 2024 Annual Report has provided a comprehensive look into the intricate landscape of will drafting across England and Wales. Drawing from data sourced from over 200,000 wills and 140,000 Lasting Powers of Attorney (LPAs), the report sheds light on key demographics, emerging trends, and notable statistics within the estate planning industry. […]
Brits would ‘rather watch TV’ than write their will as new data reveals half of UK adults haven’t written a will
According to a UK membership body for lawyers nearly ‘half of UK adults’ haven’t made a will, and almost a third would ‘rather watch TV’ than work on their final wishes. The Association of Lifetime Lawyers, formerly known as Solicitors for The Elderly, is urging people to consider the risks of not having a will […]
Evidence NDAs restrict access to justice, says LSB
Evidence NDAs used to cover up illegal conduct, promote imbalances of power and restrict access to justice published by the Legal Services Board. The Legal Services Board has published this morning a summary report of evidence on the use and misuse of non-disclosure agreements (NDAs), based on the experience of those who responded to a […]
Government confirms no extension to video witnessing
The government have confirmed that there will be no further extension to legislation which permitted the remote witnessing of Wills via video. In a statement in the House of Commons on Thursday 1st February, Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Justice Mike Freer said the special measure, which has been enacted for 4 years, will not […]
Save the dates – Upcoming events from Today’s Wills and Probate
Today’s Wills and Probate has long championed the diversity of the wills, probate, tax, trusts and estate planning profession, serving up daily news, industry insight and best practice across both the regulated and unregulated legal communities. The associated events programme similarly encourages will writers and solicitors to come together to collaborate and celebrate this vibrant […]
The New Arken Instruction Hub is Digitally Transforming the Estate Planning Professional’s Client Interactions
Arken Legal, part of the Arken Group of companies, has launched a ground-breaking new platform that digitises the estate planning solicitor’s client interactions. The Arken Instruction Hub represents a leap forward in client engagement, instruction taking, quoting, document sharing/approval and more, empowering firms to significantly enhance efficiency. In today’s digital world people expect digital services […]
Lord Chancellor’s Speech at the Civil Justice Council’s National Forum
On Friday 17th November, the Lord Chancellor and Secretary of State for Justice Alex Chalk KC MP delivered a speech at at the Civil Justice Council’s 12th National Forum.Can I thank Sir Geoffrey very much for inviting me and can I begin, if I may, by recognising the important, and indeed exceptional, work he has […]
#BWAPAwards23: Afterparty Sponsor Spotlight
In a series of Supporters in Focus pieces, we are thrilled to introduce our sponsor of the Afterparty at The British Wills and Probate Awards 2023. We are delighted to have Estatesearch on board with the sixth year of The British Wills & Probate Awards and grateful they took the time to answer some of our questions. […]
LPA reform receives Royal Assent
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 in the House of Lords last week and has today (19th September) received Royal Assent. The updates are in response […]
Challenging the validity of a Will on grounds of undue influence
What is undue influence? It is possible to have a Will set aside on grounds that it was procured by means of undue influence. This is the idea that a testator has been influenced by coercion, in the sense that their Will must be overborne or by fraud. Whether this has happened is a question […]
