Wills and Probate Industry – Looking forward to 2021
We have certainly had a turbulent ride in 2020 with the pandemic causing unprecedented chaos and disruption and changing the legal landscape. Today’s Wills and Probate asked professionals and organisations in the industry their predictions for 2021 – and what they think will happen in the sector in the coming year. Emily Deane, TEP, STEP […]
UK Wills & Probate Consumer Research Report 2020 released
Up to date research into the UK Wills and Probate Consumer Research found clear consumer interest in virtual consultations, digital probate applications and online court proceedings. The IRN’s consumer report entitled ‘Wills & Probate Consumer Research Report 2020‘ is the third edition of this report offering insights into consumer behaviour, perceptions, brand awareness, and opinions […]
‘Cancel Culture’ in Will Writing or just the usual attitude?
Covid-19 has inevitably increased the demand for making a will and Lasting Powers of Attorney (LPAs). For those involved in this area of law, 2020 has been particularly challenging. With the threat of ill health (or worse) there has been a dramatic rise in people wishing to make a will – but has it been […]
LSB pushes legal regulators to drive up performance and improve governance
The Legal Services Board (LSB) has published annual reports on the performance of the eight legal services regulatory bodies. Each organisation regulates different types of lawyers and carries out its responsibilities in different ways. Nevertheless, they have the same responsibilities under the Legal Services Act 2007 (the Act) and are assessed against the same 27 […]
UK law firms working in France can continue post 31 December transition
News that international law firms operating in France as UK limited liability partnerships (LLPs) will be able to continue practising at the end of the Brexit transition period on 31 December without restructuring was welcomed by the Law Society of England and Wales after months of behind the scenes talks. The French government has confirmed […]
Merry Christmas everyone!
Everyone at Today’s Wills and Probate would like to wish everyone a Merry Christmas. We thank you for all of your support during this year. We wish you many happy returns and all of the best for 2021. Here are a selection of some of the festive pictures we were sent.
2021 sees implementation of SQE
The Solicitors Qualifying Examination (SQE) will be introduced on 1 September 2021. The purpose of this exam is to enable more people to gain access into the legal profession by replacing traditional routes into law. The Solicitor’s Regulation Authority (SRA) state on their website: “As the SQE gets closer to implementation, we plan to publish […]
My step-parent has made a new Will after my parent died which has disinherited me. What can I do?
By Emma-Louise Green, Associate at Meridian Private Client LLP and listed specialist in the Certainty Contentious Probate Hub & Area A scenario that we frequently encounter as contentious probate practitioners is where a step-child finds themselves in a situation where their step-parent has changed their Will following the death of their spouse who was the […]
Geordies would spend inheritance windfall jetting off on a jaunt
We recently asked 2,000 UK adults how they would spend an inheritance windfall: “Vegas”, “gold bullion”, “splashing out on a new house or wheels”, or more sensibly “investing” were among the responses. But for the majority of people living in Newcastle it’s all about fun in the sun. Thirty-one per cent of Geordies say they […]
How Kate Garraway’s story demonstrates the importance of a Lasting Power of Attorney
Kings Court Trust has a new blog that uses the story of TV personality, Kate Garraway, to explain why we should be prepared for the unexpected with a Lasting Power of Attorney. Did you know that less than 1% of adults in the UK have a Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA) in place? Unfortunately, Derek […]
Celebration of the famous faces we lost in 2020
2020 has seen the passing of some famous faces, with the worlds of entertainment, sport, music and literature losing some shining stars. As we celebrate another festive period and say goodbye to an unprecedented year, we thought it would be nice to look back and celebrate the lives of some of those who inspired so […]
CMA issues funerals market investigation final report
The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has published the final report on its in-depth market investigation into funeral services, confirming its remedies for the sector. The CMA has today confirmed its provisional conclusions, issued in August, which identified a number of issues in the funeral services sector and suggested a package of ‘sunlight remedies’ to […]
Don’t risk incorrect estate distribution, conduct a Certainty Will Search
Taking a client’s word that no Will exists or that there is no later Will of the deceased poses a risk that the estate will be distributed incorrectly either as an intestacy or by using an invalid Will. This not only prevents the deceased’s wishes from being carried out but also means that it opens […]
Title Research launches a new guide on administering an estate with US assets
Title Research’s newest guide explains the complexities of administering an estate with US assets. Estate administration can be complex. Among the list of tasks that add to this complexity is when an estate contains assets that are held overseas, specifically, in the United States (US). US shares can be very difficult to sell or transfer, […]
Will Brexit affect the Wills and Probate Industry ?
At this stage its difficult to know exactly how to stay compliant in light of Brexit as we don’t know what changes there will be in legislation. However, the main legislation governing wills is the Wills Act 1837 which given its age it clearly was not implemented under an EU directive and is not therefore […]
Fruitful Probate Service User Group meeting revealed increased usage
A productive Probate Service User Group meeting took place recently where HM Courts and Tribunals Service (HMCTS) took on board recent practitioners’ insights into the service. HMCTS joined The Law Society, STEP Society, Solicitors for the Elderly (SFE), Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales and Royal National Institute of Blind People to hear […]
Title Research launches podcast discussing 2020’s biggest industry news stories
In episode ten of Topical Talks, Title Research was joined by Nigel Merchant, Technical Manager at Kings Court Trust, to discuss the biggest industry news stories from 2020. Nigel and Anthony Allsopp of Title Research discuss the pandemic’s impact on the industry, as well as other popular topics from throughout the year, including: • Adapting […]
Waving goodbye to 2020
It has been a difficult year for many, but a large amount of businesses have been able to quickly adjust to the challenges that the pandemic has thrust upon them. Finders International are among these firms, and have been able to keep the high level of service even with staff working from home and difficulties […]
IHT400 delay can hinder probate applications
HMRC are advising people not to submit their grant of probate or administration too early, otherwise they will be met with subsequent delays due to an issue with matching up IHT400 and IHT421 forms. The delays have come about as a result of HMRC changing the way they process IHT421 forms. They no longer print, […]
A look back on Wills and Probate in 2020
No-one could have predicted this year and how it has turned out and I am sure I speak for many that it is a year that we would be happy to see the back of. Turn the clock back 12 months, and not many people would have been prepared for the consequences a worldwide pandemic […]
