As will writers, probate practitioners and legal professionals, you are well used to dealing with the shock and grief that bereavement can bring. You know too that it is often a difficult time to broach
Darlington law firm, Latimer Hinks, have sent an open letter to the Chancellor, George Osborne stating the changes to the Inheritance Tax (IHT) rules discriminate against the childless. Currently, where an estate is worth more
A recent survey by comparison website money.co.uk 669 people over the age of 55 were asked if they would, or did they, pay for financial advice before making a withdrawal of their pension. Only 19%
The sale of the HSBC will writing service that has subsequently left many customers confused has been responded to by an open letter. This response to a letter the bank issued in July to those
Karen Babington of Today’s Wills & Probate is dipping a toe in the Irish Sea before venturing on a coast to coast cycle ride across the north of England. The fundraiser challenge that’s been set
The legal services industry has something of a reputation for confusing and bemusing clients with long, tortuous sentences and jargon. However, one specialist genealogical and people-tracing firm, which works closely with the legal sector, is
What are your thoughts on farmland succession – is it such a minefield or do you have effective ways to overcome common issues? Let us know your thoughts on the matter in the comment section
A leading Essex law practice has recently announced the addition of a new partner to their firm. The appointment of solicitor, Caroline Dowding as partner at Birkett Long is even more intriguing as she is
Local solicitors and the York Teaching Hospital Charity (YTHC) are joining together in October for a charity fundraiser, offering will writing services and advice to local people. The campaign hopes to encourage more local people
Current data shows that the correlation between drawdown clients and LPAs could be stronger. Recent changes to pension access demonstrate the importance of future planning for those managing their finances. As previously reported by Today’s
In June of this year, eight people were sentenced at Nottingham Crown Court due to a failure to advise clients correctly on the use of, so called, asset protection trusts. Unfortunately, this is not the
Remember a Charity in your Will Week runs from September 7th to 13th 2015, so it’s time for solicitors and will writers to get involved. Rob Cope, Director of Remember a Charity, tells Jane Common
Questions are being raised as to whether the legal profession is ready for a potential surge in inheritance claims following recent landmark decision of Ilot v Mitson, as previously reported by Today’s Wills & Probate.
Daniel Curran is Managing Director of probate genealogy experts Finders and a leading figure in the heir hunting industry. He chatted to Jane Common about why it’s such an interesting sector to work in and
More and more firms and practices are embracing online marketing; with the introduction of websites, downloadable client documentation, and the use of social media, with an aim to invite potential clients to use their services.
The UK’s most popular wills register, Certainty, continues to see growth with new firms joining its ranks daily. The benefits of a service that allows firms to register wills with an easy online system has
Jacqueline Barnicoat complained to the Ombudsman that financial services firm, Hargreaves Lansdown, had taken too long to direct death benefits payments to her, as had been instructed by her late partner. The Ombudsman threw out
It is just over 2 years now since the Law Society unveiled its latest quality standard, the Wills and Inheritance Quality Scheme (WIQS) and coming up to 2 years (on 31st October) since the first
Changes implemented in April of this year, as previously reported by Today’s Wills & Probate, have altered the way over 55s can now access their pension funds. For legal professionals, the new rules prompt questions
Contractors that used the tax efficient Employee Beneficiary Trust (EBT) are now being contacted by HMRC in relation to unpaid tax. Any firms that may have used the scheme could now be liable for a
The Law Society’s Wills and Inheritance Quality Scheme (WIQS) allows professionals within the industry to become accredited with a seal of approval from the regulator. Would you regard having this stamp of approval as a
The National Survey of Bereaved People — VOICES (which stands for Views of Informal Carers Evaluation of Services) was commissioned by the Department of Health in 2011 and 2012, and NHS England from 2013. Administered
New guidance issued by the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales (ICAEW), on 1st August, could see accountants facing disciplinary action if they manage estates on behalf of clients without being licensed or
Chancellor George Osborne announced during the Summer Budget his proposals to radically overhaul tax relief on pensions. He invited industry executives to consult on his plans with the publication of a Green Paper. Effectively, pension
Today’s Wills & Probate reported last week that the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) has identified the way vulnerable customers are treated by law firms to be a key risk within their Risk Outlook report 2015/2016.
Former Care Minister, Norman Lamb, believes that the Government’s recent announcement to push back the limit of £72,000 on the cost of care, from April 2016 to 2020, means that the reforms are being abandoned
When distributing an estate, whether there is a will in place or not, considerations are usually made for family, close friends, and any other individual or organisation noted within a client’s will. However, the people
Savers have withdrawn £1.8 billion in the first two months of the pension freedoms, according to figures from the Association of British Insurers. In April and May, savers took out £1 billion in 65,000 cash
e-know.net, the leading provider of outsourced IT services in the legal sector has issued a warning to the Industry against using unsecured emails. Misuse of client funds and bogus law firms were identified as key
Hertfordshire resident, Heather Ilott, overturns her mother’s will that had planned to disinherit her, in a landmark court appeal – granting her £163,000. In 2004, Heather Ilott, daughter of Melita Jackson, witnessed a shocking discovery
In today’s society people have been misled over the perception that tax reliefs are a major influence as to why people give to charity. However, a recent survey undertaken by Ipsos MORI on behalf of
Leading wealth management and employee benefits adviser Helm Godfrey has launched a Will Writing Service as part of its wider financial and estate planning advice proposition. Those using the service will be given an in-depth