This week’s tweet is a consumer query about whether or not they need to use a probate professional. Would you always advise people use a specialist, no matter how small the estate – or where
In Sharp v Hutchins (2015) the High Court upheld the contents of a 2013 will of elderly bachelor Ronald Butcher. Mr Butcher left his entire estate to a peripheral friend, leaving his one remaining family
The Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) is calling on solicitors and firms to raise the bar in customer service in order to help and to protect vulnerable people. In its Risk Outlook report launched this week,
Bridging Finance Solutions has seen a 22% increase in the number of deals relating to probate cases in 2015 compared to the same period last year. Increasingly it seems that bridging finance is being used
Two thirds of people reaching retirement age next year will receive less than the full ‘flat-rate’ state pension. Pensions Minister, Ros Altmann, has disclosed in a statement to the House of Lords that just 37%
In 2013, a consultation to deter inheritance tax (IHT) mitigation through the use of multiple trusts was published by the Treasury, proposing blocking this type of legislation. However, it was confirmed in last week’s Budget
Recent reports show that thousands of retired emergency service workers, who were left out of pocket, have been grossly underpaid by the Pension Ombudsman. This was as a result of a lucrative Government scandal that
When making, or amending, a will for your clients careful consideration needs to be given as to who will be the executor(s) of the estate upon death. One option could be to appoint the Public
The Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) has launched a campaign asking for views on the professional standards expected of solicitors. The campaign “A question of trust” will involve the legal profession and the public in a
BirthStar, a research and advisory firm for asset managers and intermediaries, has launched a new CPD research series on rethinking retirement. The research is designed to help advisers navigate with their clients, the new pension
SunLife has reported that one in ten people are forced into debt to pay for funeral costs. SunLife’s most recent extensive research consisted of an online survey of 1,504 UK adults who were responsible for
The creation of the first legal plc in England shows a new way forward in opening up the market through flexible regulatory practice, says the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA). Gateley Plc raised £30 million this
Redstone Wills are offering Paradigm mortgage brokers a free will for themselves, as part of a strategy to get mortgage brokers to recommend their services. The Paradigm Group, which includes Paradigm Mortgage Services, comprises over
New rules which give far greater flexibility over what individuals can do with their ‘pension pot’ came into force on 6th April 2015. Anyone over the age of 55 can now take advantage of the
Industry experts are now predicting a rush in £1 million home valuations following the change to the inheritance tax (IHT) threshold which was announced in this week’s Budget. So what does this mean for the
Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA) forms have changed from Wednesday 1st July. Here is our guide to the changes: The Government has introduced new, clearer and simpler Lasting Power of Attorney forms. They come into
Social media channels continue to be one of the greatest untapped resources of many will writers, probate practitioners, and estate planners. There are regularly potential clients who are looking for particular service providers in their
With the second 2015 Budget being announced today, the Chancellor is expected to raise the inheritance tax (IHT) threshold to £1 million and include a special inheritance tax exemption for family homes. The exemption will
Regulation (EU) 650/2012 (Brussels IV) came into force on 17th August 2012 and will apply fully to deaths occurring on, or after, 17th August 2015. The Regulation attempts to harmonise the private international law rules
The law designates that a pet is construed as property. This distinction prevents anyone from naming a pet as a beneficiary of their will. Alternatively bequeathing an allocated sum can be arranged, to provide for
As of 1st July the new LPA forms are effective. How have the forms changed? The new forms reflect the responses to our consultation and feedback from users who were directly involved in their development. The
The Law Society has published guidance for solicitors to help them meet the needs of vulnerable clients. This includes clients with a range of physical and learning disabilities, and mental health problems. The Law Society
The British Liver Trust are calling for all solicitors and will writers to become a part of their latest will campaign. Does there need to be a stronger link between will writing and charities, or
The Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales (ICAEW) has reported to having nearly 100 accountancy firms who are now licensed to offer probate services. The ICAEW became a new regulator of probate services
A recent discussion on LinkedIn highlights the need for solicitors and probate practitioners to be vigilant when acting with banks and other professionals. Andy Riddle, Managing Director of Professional Deputies; a firm that manages the
Will Aid has been forced to issue an apology after an email that was sent to 10,000 inquirers who had failed to have wills written under a previous scheme, were sent information promoting Co-operative Legal
Matt Lancaster, Sales and Marketing Director of Osprey Legal Cloud has been appointed as the new Chairman of the Legal Software Suppliers Association (LSSA), the UK industry body for legal systems developers and vendors. Lancaster
The Government is set to consult and review the current legislation of exit fees from pensions. In particular the consultation taking place next month will look at options to address any “excessive” early exit penalties.
There is said to be an increasing need for probate genealogists – are they the key to finding missing beneficiaries? Growing Need for Probate Genealogists! #ProbateGenealogy #Genealogists #Probate #Wills #Inheritance http://t.co/xvyDdbcpdR – Heir Hunters
The Institute of Legacy Management (ILM) has appointed Chris Millward, currently Head of Legacies at Save the Children UK, as its new Chief Executive, starting full-time on 20th July 2015. Chris has been on the
Barclays is being sued by Tinuola Aregbesola, the daughter of the late Ebenezer Aregbesola, who claims that a botched will by the bank deprived her of a stake in her late father’s London home. The
When drafting or even amending a will for your clients, funeral planning is one of the integral areas that needs careful preparation. Helping to reduce the burden on family members or loved ones left behind