Andrew Chandler and Kevin McLeod Presenting At IPW North West Regional Meeting
On 5th June 2019 associate solicitor Andrew Chandler of mfg Solicitors LLP, newly appointed sponsors of the IPW, and Gavin McLeod barrister of St Philips Chambers, will be attending the IPW North West regional meeting to present an update and answer any questions you may have on matters of contentious probate. Andrew specialises in all […]
Aldi Matriarch’s Will Prohibits Younger Family’s Business Involvement
The twenty-first century has seen the popularity of the family business diminish; losing its popularity to corporate conglomerates residing in modern buildings with shiny interactive desks. To a large extent, the Victorian values of the family business being passed down the generations is no longer the popular option. In fact, according to a 2018 research […]
CMA Launches Comprehensive Funerals Market Investigation
The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has launched a full in-depth market inquiry into the funerals sector following concerns over high price rises, a lack of transparency in the industry and exploitation of vulnerable consumers. The thorough investigation came about following an initial publication of its interim report in November 2018, whereby the CMA launched […]
Legal Eye To Host Seminar On New SRA Code Of Conduct
Specialist risk and compliance business Legal Eye will run a seminar for lawyers to find out more about the upcoming changes to the SRA Handbook and Code of Conduct. Held at the offices of JLT Specialty in London on 13th June it will be an opportunity for firms to find out more about the practical […]
Nearly 50% Of Over 50s Revise Their Wills Multiple Times
A YouGov survey has revealed that 44% of over-50s have changed their Will several times due to the complexities of modern family relationships. Law firm Winckworth Sherwood, who commissioned the study, found that people typically changed their Will because of either specific life events or sudden changes in life circumstances. Examples of life events which […]
Jennie Bond Is Set To Host The Awards Again
The country’s most recognisable broadcast journalist, Jennie Bond, is ecstatic about returning to host the second British Wills and Probate Awards again, alongside founders, Today’s Wills and Probate and headline sponsor Arken.legal (UK) Ltd, a leader in software solutions for the legal services industry. Today’s Wills and Probate are delighted to welcome Jennie back to […]
Webinar: Why Cyber Security Is Every Leader’s Job
Risk management solution provider, Lawyer Checker is hosting an exclusive and informative webinar on why cyber security should start in the boardroom and not just be the responsibility of the IT department alone. The National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) has identified the legal sector as a top target for cyber criminals along with the Solicitors […]
Estate Planning Neglected By Majority Of UK Adults
Despite the slight increase in the uptake of Will creations in UK adults, the majority of UK families could still be faced with unnecessary Inheritance Tax (IHT) bills. According to a recent report, conducted by over-50s financial firm Saga, the UK’s reluctance to adequately plan for their death is causing the families left behind to […]
Brexit, Regulation And The SRA Handbook
The new Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) Standards and Regulations will allow solicitors to work in non-regulated practices, carrying the title ‘solicitor’. The handbook has been extensively re-written to provide a shorter set of rules, with less guidance and indicative behaviours. More will be left to the individual judgement of the solicitor, particularly those working alone […]
Individualised Client Advice Will Avoid Tragic Probate Outcomes
The UK’s reluctance to consider its mortality and protect the express wishes of the deceased has long-been documented. In 2018, it was reported that only 46% of the adult population had made an up-to-date will. Whilst many may feel too upset to consider the impact they will leave behind, failing to plan will cause unintentional […]
Webinar: What Does It Mean To Be A Successful Estate Planning Adviser?
Being a successful Estate Planning Adviser can only be achieved if you have the ability to give the best risk-free advice to your clients. At Countrywide, it is our firm belief that best advice can only be consistently achieved if: You can offer your client the planning best suited to their individual circumstances rather than […]
Judge’s Fundamental Right To Sex Comment Overshadows Complex Capacity Case
A recent Court of Protection case has highlighted the difficulty in clearly defining a marriage when one partner loses capacity. Whilst the case may have been overshadowed by the presiding Judge’s comments concerning the ‘fundamental human right’ for a husband to have sex with his wife, a recent Court of Protection case has considered the […]
Cyber Security Measures Improving But UK Firms Still Vulnerable
Cyber attacks aimed at UK businesses and charity organisations appear to be decreasing. However, businesses that are targeted and attacked appear vulnerable to repeated threats. According to the Cyber Security Breaches Survey 2019, released by the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, 32% of businesses and 22% of the charity sector reported that their […]
Third Of Retiree Mortgage Market Made Up Of Equity Release Products
For every £1 that was accessed by the UK population over 55-years-old through a pension scheme, 50p of housing wealth was withdrawn via equity release products. Equity release has enjoyed huge annual increases over the last seven years and is now considered to be a mainstream financial planning option to help those in later life. […]
Treethorpe’s Lauren Geary Wins Best Probate Research Paralegal
In 2018 Treethorpe were approached to be Headline Sponsors at the inaugural National Paralegal Awards; an event organised by the Professional Paralegal Register. The event itself took place on Friday 29th March 2019, at the May Fair Hotel’s Crystal Room. Treethorpe’s Lorna Gallacher and Lauren Geary were both finalists in the Best Probate Research Paralegal […]
Fraser And Fraser Crowned Paralegal Business Of The Year
Fraser and Fraser has scooped the prestigious Paralegal Business of the Year Award at the National Paralegal Awards 2019. The genealogy and international probate research specialist fought off fierce competition to take the honours in this inaugural event, which has been launched by the Professional Paralegal Register (PPR) and is scheduled to become an annual […]
JC Lawyers Achieves The Legal Eye Quality Standard
JC Lawyers has achieved the Legal Eye Quality Standard in recognition of its proactive and robust approach to risk management. Lawyers at the Ashbourne-based firm are property specialists and as such are regulated by the Council for Licensed Conveyancers (CLC). The firm has always been enthusiastic about the delivery of conveyancing services to local people across […]
National Paralegals Awards 2019 Winners Announced
On 29th March 2019, 200 people gathered together at The May Fair Hotel in London for a glamorous gala dinner to celebrate the achievements of Paralegals from across the UK. This is the first awards to take place in the UK which focuses on rewarding the Paralegal Sector. The winners from the 12 categories, covering […]
Millions In Cryptocurrency Lost With Sudden Death Of CEO
An estimated £105 million of cryptocurrency belonging to investors has been lost following the death of a cryptocurrency exchange company boss. Gerald Cotten died suddenly aged 30 in December 2018 after suffering complications arising from Crohn’s disease during a visit to India. His death certificate has recently been issued, following some speculation as to the […]
Crowdfunded Funerals On The Rise As Undertakers’ Fees Soar
With the average cost of a funeral now standing at £4,271, families are struggling to find the money to arrange for their loved ones’ burial or cremation. The Competition and Markets Authority launched a market study in 2018 which revealed funeral costs had increased by two-thirds in the previous ten years. For those who can’t […]