FCA publishes rules on retirement risk warnings
New rules published by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) today will help to protect consumers wanting to access their pension savings from 6th April 2015 by requiring firms involved in the sale of retirement income products to give additional warnings tailored to them. The 2014 Budget introduced new pension freedoms for consumers with defined contribution […]
CLC Publishes Strategy and 2015 Business Plan
Governing Council of CLC settles strategy of specialisation in regulation of property law services Focus on continued support for innovation and competition in context of high standards of consumer protection Builds on the regulator’s strengths and sets clear course for its fourth decade The Council for Licensed Conveyancers has published its strategy for a clear […]
Banker; Deal or no Deal?
Changing circumstances are a major factor when preparing and updating a will for clients. Typical considerations include family dynamics, property ownership, and retirement plans – all of which need to be scrutinised well in advance of any changes occurring. However new schemes are being introduced which could open doors later in life, in ways which […]
Will they, or won’t they?
The My Power of Attorney campaign in Scotland aims to make people more aware of the benefits of having a Power of Attorney (PoA) in place. Do you feel this is a necessity within will writing and estate planning, or are there other means of security that can be taken should clients lose capacity for […]
Shariah Wills in modern day
At a time when society is so multiculturally diverse with a variety of consumer choices and opinions; it is important to understand that a practitioner may be approached by a client who wishes to tailor his or her will to reflect his or her beliefs and ensure it conforms with, for example, Shariah Law. Provided […]
Could Lasting Powers of Attorney safeguard your clients?
Recent analysis shows around 11,500 families each year find themselves having to apply to the Courts and appoint a Deputy, when a family member becomes unable to handle their affairs. This chosen person is delegated to make decisions on behalf of the family member, where a Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA) is not in place. […]
Pension scandal could leave your clients out of pocket
It’s been reported this month that some of the top insurers have gone against the advice of the financial ombudsman and have provided consumers with highly reduced compensation — leaving many pensioners hundreds of pounds worse off. This case brings forward the matter of solicitors and will writing professionals having to thoroughly analyse clients’ financial […]
Legal Compliance Today site launch
Today marks the official launch of Legal Compliance Today — sister site to successful conveyancing news site, Today’s Conveyancer, as well as wills and probate news site, Today’s Wills & Probate. The latest addition has been set up to inform Compliance Officers within law firms of the latest legislation and advice that allows firms to remain […]
Will they, or won’t they?
A new online estate planning software company is looking for testers – will this be a success within the industry? @ThywillWorthing We’re looking for experienced will writers to trial WillSuite. Does your will writing team have any recommendations? – WillSuite (@WillSuite) February 18, 2015
Pension changes could affect how expats arrange their estate
Brits retiring abroad who are adapting their financial affairs to suit April’s new pension rules are also being advised to reassess their worldwide estate and inheritance plans once they are non-residents of the UK. "Expat priorities will be slightly different to those of a fellow retiree in the UK, which means that relocating retirees are […]
Why is creating a will so important?
As part of their 2015 marketing strategy, The Society of Will Writers have created a second video, surrounding consumer protection in the will writing industry. This follows a meeting between the Legal Services Board (LSB) and the representative bodies of the industry, where best practice regarding both consumer and professional education was discussed. As a […]
Is your client making the right financial choices?
Will writing and estate planning aren’t simply about what will happen when someone passes away. All lifestyle choices and financial decisions for later life are also an inherent part of the entire process. Essentially if a person fails to document what will happen with their estate should they be no longer around, the decision making […]
Don’t forget the “little” things
As a wills and probate professional, you will be well versed in planning what will happen to your clients’ estates — bequeathment of residential property, bank accounts, and high-value investments. However do you always consider what will happen with everything else, such as the pictures on the walls, old furniture, or even the set of […]
Will they, or won’t they?
Will the new Facebook “Legacy Contact” addition prove useful for the wills and probate sector? New Facebook feature lets you designate a person to edit your page after your die http://t.co/pjMjEs3uCb – Daily Mail Online (@MailOnline) February 12, 2015
Kidd Rapinet place beating bogus firms at the top of their 2015 agenda
As a regular user of the Lawyer Checker Account and Entity Screen search, Kidd Rapinet LLP is prioritising the security of its client’s money within purchase transactions. As is advised by LC, all fee earners at Kidd Rapinet have been instructed to ensure that they obtain the recipient solicitors’ client account details at the earliest […]
Lasting Powers of Attorney – is your practice ‘Planning Ahead’?
The Ministry of Justice is launching a “planning for the future” campaign next month to raise public awareness of LPAs and to get the message across: “Make the choice. Don’t take the chance”. “We want people to view LPAs as an important part of planning for their family’s future,” said a spokesperson for the campaign, […]
Interview with Brian McMillan, Director General of The Society of Will Writers
The Society of Will Writers has just released a video to encourage more people, from all backgrounds, to join the profession. Brian McMillan, Director General of the society, talked to Today’s Wills and Probate about why will writing is such a rewarding role. What inspired the video Brian? "We as a society are always looking […]
7 years too late
When preparing and dealing with probate cases, full disclosure of all assets is paramount as you will be aware. Failure to do so can result in hefty fines from HMRC. An example of such a case of recent is one that focused on the matter of a beneficiary failing to declare gifts received in the […]
Online Will Writing Software – designed by experts, delivered to professionals
How would you like a steady stream of new clients each week whilst increasing your income and all for as little as £3.50, for each new lead you generate? With Willmaker Direct you can! So, what is Willmaker Direct? Willmaker Direct is an Online Software Package which allows you to set up a Will for […]
Introducing a unique partnership that will grow your business
Countrywide Tax and Trust Corporation Ltd is an established Legal Services company which holds the status of a Trust Corporation. Not only do we provide such services as Professional Executors, Guardians and Trustees, Countrywide are leading experts in the field of Estate Planning in both private planning for individuals, business and agricultural planning, and offers […]
