Festive season opening hours for SRA calls
Both the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) Contact Centre and Ethics Guidance teams will be answering calls between 29th December and 2nd January. They are both closed on Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year’s Day as these are Bank Holidays. On Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve, the Contact Centre will be open from 8am […]
Cohabitants – Would you leave your legacy to chance?
It is a tormenting fact that only 17% of cohabitants in the UK have made a will. The research provided by The National Consumer Council is of severe concern as many families are being left with the emotional and financial hardships of dealing with a loved one’s estate as it passes through the Rules of […]
Financial planning for retirement – the earlier the better say experts
Pensions and investments are an integral part of the wills and probate process, and plans consumers make in early adulthood can greatly affect not only their own income after retirement, but also what they leave behind. It is crucial for all adults within the UK to be aware of the trials and tribulations of their […]
New research into innovation
The Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) are launching a new research project into innovation in the legal services market, in partnership with the Legal Services Board. The University of Warwick will conduct the research, which will build on findings published by independent charity, Nesta, in 2009. The research will explore the reasons for innovation in business […]
It’s up to wills and probate professionals to save lives in winter
Christmas is usually a time for celebration, but for some it only brings dread as the cold season kicks in. This week alone there are expected to be over 2,500 additional deaths as a direct effect of the drop in temperatures, according to health officials. Wills and probate professionals should fully prepare and safeguard their […]
Review highlights SRA progress 2013/14
The Solicitors Regulation Authority’s (SRA) Annual Review for 2013/14, which was published yesterday, sets out SRA’s progress against their strategic objectives for the past 12 months. The Review, which is available on the SRA website at www.sra.org.uk/reports, highlights the launch of their Regulatory Reform programme, aimed at reducing the burden of regulation while retaining client […]
Outstanding mortgage left by deceased – what would you advise?
This is Money have recently reported a probate case whereby a member of the public wrote in asking for assistance. Advice was provided by both a representative of the publication, as well as a practicing solicitor. Do you agree with the guidance given in this instance? Are there other points that need to be considered? […]
FCA publishes the findings of its work into annuities sales practices and retirement income market
The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) has today published the findings of its thematic review into annuity sales practices and the interim findings of a market study into retirement income. In February 2014 the FCA found that the annuities market was not working well for most consumers and launched a market study to look at the […]
Finance Bill 2015 draft clauses released
This afternoon (10th December 2014) the draft publication of the Finance Bill 2015 was released, with many of the measures having been announced by George Osborne in the recent Autumn Statement. Today’s Wills & Probate look into the relevant changes that may affect consumers within the will writing, probate, and financial planning industries. As declared […]
FREE WillPack course places available
Due to some cancellations, The Society of Will Writers has announced the availability of three free spaces available on a WillPack training session on 16th December. This one day seminar is open to WillPack members only and will be held in association with The Society of Will Writers at their training suite in Lincoln. These […]
Autumn Statement 2014 – what wills and probate professionals need to know
Last week brought a few welcome changes for the wills and probate industry, with taxing alterations being applied to ISAs, pensions and trusts. What does this mean for probate professionals and are there any stipulations or financial implications for clients? Previously when a person died, their spouse was unable to inherit the tax-free benefits of […]
Money Know-How financial experts and will writers are recruiting!
Financial and life planning service provider, Money Know-How Ltd have announced they are currently recruiting! Money Know-How are a well-established team of mortgage and protection advisors, and will writers who are dedicated to giving the best guidance to their clients. Developing lasting and loyal relationships with clients is at the forefront of everything they do. […]
Wake up call for firms looking to employ the right MLRO
Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) reveal there have been some very serious cases of money laundering within the profession of recent. There are law firms who are currently undergoing the disciplinary process, say a Legal Features’ report. They have also stated a selection of main cases becoming public soon after the process is finalised. Manager of […]
US authorities approve fast track stock transfers in the UK
In a first for the UK, US authorities have given the go-ahead for a UK based company to issue fast track medallion signature guarantees to personal representatives when transferring ownership of US listed shares. Until now, UK personal representatives were required to clear security checks in the US and obtain a medallion signature guarantee from […]
Autumn Statement delivers stamp duty reform
In this yesterday’s Autumn Statement, George Osborne delivered a seemingly promising speech, with plans to support home buyers by providing tax cuts for 98% of consumers. As hoped by many within the property industry, new rules will be put in place by the government whereby stamp duty will only be incurred on only the fraction […]
4th EU Money Laundering Directive still provoking debate over publicly accessible register
Discussions within the European Union (EU) regarding the new Money Laundering Directive remain at a standstill, as the EU Parliament have put forward a request to have a set of publicly accessible registers listing owners of foundations and trusts. This 4th EU Money Laundering Directive was initially proposed in 2013 as a way of tackling […]
Will writing that takes just 10 minutes – new online service introduced
A UK financial advice firm has launched a web-based will writing system that will be offered alongside their usual service provision. Is this the next step within the wills and probate industry? Should advice be sought from one place or does will writing and general financial services need to be kept separate? Simple Financial Solutions’ […]
Increased completion will lead to reduced probate fees, according to experts
It’s been reported that a higher level of completion within probate could significantly reduce costs consumers, according to industry specialists. Ronnie Wayte, Chief Executive of probate service provider Golden Charter, claims the current £870 million a year spent on settling estates falls within the hands of the probate practitioners. He says professionals need to increase […]
mfg Solicitors further expand successful probate team
A leading firm in Shropshire has employed a wills and probate specialist to join their renowned contentious probate department. mfg Solicitors have gained the expertise of Andrew Chandler onto their solid team of 12 within the litigation division. Mr Chandler has come from DAC Beachcroft based in Birmingham and is an expert in a range […]
