HM Courts and Tribunals have announced, that as of Monday 2 November 2020, all grants of probate (where there is a will) applications must be made using MyHMCTS. There is a grace period until 30
The Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners (STEP) surveyed 1,700 practitioners worldwide to see how they were coping with the coronavirus pandemic. Key points from the global survey revealed: Just under 50% of practitioners saw
The Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) has revealed that they have extended the renewal window for the Practising Certifiate until 20 November 2020. A statement on the SRA website revealed: “We have decided to extend the
It’s safe to say 2020 has been a year like no other, and no amount of new year’s resolutions could have prepared us for what was to come. It’s safe to say that the legal
On Thursday 22 October 2020, professionals from across the wills and probate sector came together to celebrate the successes and achievements of the industry is what has been a challenging year, at the British Wills
The British Wills and Probate Awards enjoyed an afternoon of sparkle as the ceremony took to the virtual stage in its third year. Due to the current restrictions in place, the traditional awards event couldn’t
Senior executives from some of the UK’s biggest banks, building societies and insurance companies have come together for the first time to discuss how they can improve services for bereaved customers. More than 60 organisations,
In six days’ time, we’ll all be able to get together and inject a little bit of sparkle into our Thursday afternoon, as we celebrate this year’s British Wills and Probate Awards. The overriding purpose
As a result of the coronavirus pandemic, the closure of new claims to the Solicitors’ Indemnity Fund (SIF) has been postponed until 30 September 2021. Although, the postponement gives solicitors another 12 months breathing space.
The Rt. Hon. Sir Andrew McFarlane, President of the Family Division and Head of Family Justice has issued guidance relating to the replacement of affidavits with statements of truth in non-contentious probate processes. President’s guidance
Last week, professionals in the industry came together in a virtual environment to discuss risks that have arisen in the wills and probate sector, especially since firms and practitioners have been adopting the “new normal”.
The Competition Market Authority (CMA) has been informed by the Legal Ombudsman (LeO), that the time is now right to allow complaints from clients of unregulated legal service providers. Clients are unclear about which areas
On 2 November 2020 the amended Non-Contentious Probate Rules come into force. They include the Overriding Objective, require solicitors and probate practitioners to use the online portal and replace the need for an affidavit with
Against the backdrop of Legal Geek’s annual virtual conference, the Law Society of England and Wales today launched its LawTech, Ethics and the Rule of Law discussion paper, which seeks views on the ethical considerations
The Britney Spears conservatorship battle continues, with her lawyers outlining her mental capacity, and detailing the pressures her father (sole conservator) has been placing on her. Spear’s lawyer, Sam Ingham has described the pop princess’
The Chartered Institute of Legal Executives (CILEx) has called for changes to the legal regulatory framework to accommodate the growth of emerging lawtech solutions and the increasing use of remotely accessed legal services. It says
Boris Johnson has addressed both Parliament and the nation today as he’s outlined his latest measures in a bid to simplify and standardize the rules regarding the Coronavirus restrictions implemented in England. The cases of
In less than two weeks’ time, the great and the good of the wills and probate sector will congregate virtually for the 2020 British Wills and Probate Awards. The overriding purpose of the awards is
The Professional Paralegal Register is delighted to announce that the PPR Outstanding Achievement Award was given to Sir Robin Knowles, CBE at the National Paralegal Awards virtual ceremony on Friday 18 September. The award was
Regional law firm Thrings has added further strength and depth to its private client offering with the appointment of two experienced legal specialists. Senior associate Karen Perugini and solicitor Harriet Burt will work within the
Planning for succession can be a problematic time for partners who have reached the time in their careers where they want to retire and take a more relaxed approach to life. Succession is often a
We are pleased to announce that from Monday 12 October our sister publication Today’s Family Lawyer will be re-opening after being hibernated due to the coronavirus pandemic. The publication offers an overview of family law
In a series of Supporters in Focus pieces, we are thrilled to introduce our supporters of The British Wills & Probate Awards 2020. This year the awards will recognise a sector which has tackled the
The coronavirus understandably changed life as we know it, putting many things on hold. Whilst many people were able to work from home during the pandemic, helping their firm run ‘business as usual’, the strategic
Holden Smith Law Firm was founded by David Bancroft, James Smith and Jamie Megson in February 2019. As a firm it specializes in property, litigation, family and wills and probate. Being a relatively new and
Inheritance Tax (IHT) is extremely confusing for clients. However, the latest ruling from the Supreme Court provides clarity over whether pension transfers should be subject to an IHT charge. Under current rules, any pension transfer
Recently, we published that the International Underwriting Association of London (IUA), the trade body with the responsibility for underwriting professional indemnity insurance (PII) have written an open letter of the industry warning them about their
Cabeer Ahmed has been struck off the solictor’s roll after being found guilty of misconduct. Prior to closing his firm, Ahmed used £100,000 from a client’s estate to re-pay debts he owed to HM Revenue
Wednesday 9 September saw the first Today’s Wills and Probate roundtable of the year, and the first one that has been held digitally due to the coronavirus pandemic. The Discretionary Trusts – discussing risk and
It’s safe to say that 2020 has been a year like no other. But now there seems to be a semblance of ‘normality’ as more people return to work, children and students are back at
In a series of Supporters in Focus pieces, we are thrilled to introduce our supporters of The British Wills & Probate Awards 2020. This year the awards will recognise a sector which has tackled the
Metamorph Group Limited have acquired the Hampshire-based law firm Knight Polson as the group continue to strengthen their group office network and increase the number of offences in Hampshire to five. After the recent deal