Digital Will Writing Company Farewill Receive £7.5 Million Investment
The world of Will writers, estate planning providers and probate services may need to adapt as a market leader has started the process of increasing their digital Wills and Probate presence. Farewill, a probate startup and digital Will writing specialist with a considerable market share, has raised £7.5 million in a recent series A funding […]
The Vital Balance Between Technology And Human Legal Service Professionals
Consumer expectations have started to shift in recent years; spurred on, in part, by technological advancements. The consumer now lives a lifestyle of instant gratification. Gone are the days where a customer is forced to wait outside a physical location for the shop to open before making their desired purchase; it can now be bought […]
New Simpler Online Probate Service Launched For The Public
HM Courts and Tribunals service (HMCTS) has launched the new online probate service throughout England and Wales. Throughout the second half of 2018, HMCTS had trialled the online system, that enables the bereaved to apply for a grant of probate, make the statement of truth online and pay for probate using the online service. During […]
90% Of Consumers Uncomfortable Using AI Technology In Will Completion
In recent years there has been a consumer expectation that legal services are completed efficiently and conveniently accessible for the service user. Whilst the use of technology is increasingly being utilised to ensure these consumer expectations are met, a huge amount of people still prefer human interaction and decision making. According to a recent survey […]
First Of Its Kind – UK Probate Research Awards Set For 7 February 2019
Supported by National Association of Paralegals (NALP) and Aviva Legal Indemnities Endorsed by the Association of Professional Probate Researchers (IAPPR) Presented by BBC personality, Nikki Bedi Age UK benefits from Awards silent auction proceeds Nominations close 20 January 2019 www.probateresearchawards.org A world first, The UK Probate Research Awards will celebrate the achievements and examples of excellence across […]
Institute Of Legacy Management Discusses Increased Probate Fees’ Impact On Charities
Solicitor and Chair of the Institute of Legacy Management, and Head of Legacy Professional Partnerships at Cancer Research UK, Maria King, talks about the damaging effects that the planned increases in probate fees will have on the charitable sector. As Probate professionals I’m sure all readers of Today’s Wills and Probate will be familiar with […]
Roundtable Contemplates Potential Opportunities From Probate Fee Increases
Another successful and engaging Today’s Wills and Probate roundtable took place yesterday with professionals discussing the challenges associated with the coming year. The event was held at the ICC International convention centre in Birmingham where we welcomed experts from across the sector in anticipation to hear their views and opinions on an ever changing industry […]
The Inheritance (Provision For Family And Dependants) Act 1975
The Inheritance (Provision for Family and Dependants) Act 1975 (“the 1975 Act”) enables a child of the deceased to make a claim against his or her estate in circumstances whereby the deceased did not make reasonable financial provision for them in their will (or by an intestacy). The scope of what constitutes a child extends […]
Where Do You And Your Will Writing Business Sit?
Every business faces risks that could present threats to its success. Risk is defined as the probability of an event and its consequences. Risk management is the practice of using processes, methods and tools for managing these risks. Here at Countrywide Legacy our aim is to: help you safeguard your business give your clients maximum […]
Managing Risk In Your Will Writing Business
Every business faces risks that could present threats to its success. Risk is defined as the probability of an event and its consequences. Risk management is the practice of using processes, methods and tools for managing these risks. Here at Countrywide Legacy our aim is to: help you safeguard your business give your clients maximum […]
The Institute Proudly Announces Conference Date
The annual IPW and ISPW Annual General Meeting and Willwriting Academy National Conference is fast approaching and will undoubtedly be the sector’s leading conference on issues relating to Estate Planning and Wills. On Wednesday 20th and Thursday 21st March, IPW members will receive the innate and priceless benefits that can only be gained by attending […]
Webinar Update On The Newly Launched Service From The British Banking Association/UK Finance
Title: Making notifying the banks of a death easier for your clients’: An update on the newly launched service from the British Banking Association/UK Finance Presenter: Stuart Simpson, Equiniti Date: Wednesday 30th January 2019 Time: 12.00pm Link: https://goto.webcasts.com/starthere.jsp?ei=1226030&tp_key=de1d4e9ec6 We are delighted to welcome Stuart Simpson from Equiniti who will presenting the next instalment of Certainty […]
Probate Work, Didn’t Bank On That!
Fiona Smith, Director at Carlsons Solicitors: “When our client brought in a Will for the deceased believing it to be the last Will, we discovered that it was an unsigned draft and therefore not valid. This meant that we needed to find out if there was a signed copy. The unsigned Will appointed a bank […]
Benefit Cheat Hides Inheritance To Continue Claiming State Handouts
People work hard throughout their lives to accumulate assets and wealth to hopefully offer them a comfortable retirement. Similarly, many people hope to pass on their wealth through inheritance after they die. Whilst this gift is offered with care in the hope of providing their loved ones with a bit more comfort, for some it […]
Family Launch Legal Battle To Remove Murderer As Executor Of Victim’s Estate
For over four years Lorraine Bristow has tirelessly campaigned to change a strange Scottish succession law which has allowed her brother, who murdered their mother, to remain the executor of the victim’s estate. Although he is no longer able to inherit the estate, the archaic law has provided him with the power and jurisdiction to […]
Urgent Marriages Increasing With Those In Common Law Marriages
Recent statistics have found that more couples are choosing to marry prior to one of the couple dying. In recent years there has been a significant increase in cohabiting couples living as common law husband and wife. Unfortunately, many of these common law spouses fail to make their partnership legal, confident that their shared assets […]
Artificial Intelligence Within Legal Services Sector
The Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) last month published a report which gives an interesting overview of how technology can help modernise and drive innovation in legal services. The report seeks to educate legal service providers on opportunities and risks from technological possibilities such as Artificial Intelligence (AI). In 2019, the legal industry faces challenges such […]
High Court Hears Zaha Hadid Executor Dispute Today
The feud between executors of Zaha Hadid’s estate has developed and built momentum like a heavyweight boxing bout. The acrimonious and bitter events will reach their climax today as they head to High Court. As the initial hearing takes place in the Business and Property Court, the area of the court specialising in probate matters […]
Government Suspend Social Care During Assessment Appeals
New comprehensive research by Human Rights Watch has found that the needs of elderly people are not being met because of a myriad of failings from a number of agencies within the UK’s local and central government. The report opens by highlighting the 140% rise in complaints, to the Local Government and Social Care Ombudsman, […]
Digital Assets And Passing On Clubcard Points
Before the festive period, a survey was released highlighting the increased importance people are placing into digital assets. The poll by YouGov emphatically revealed how important our digital presence is to many people. Over a quarter of the recipients wanted to pass on their ‘digital inheritance’ to a beneficiary after they have died. Facebook and […]
