Give STEP your feedback and they’ll donate £1 the World Literacy Foundation*
STEP are looking for feedback from practitioners (whether you are a member of STEP or not) so that they can better understand your priorities and focus their offering. This research will allow STEP to continually improve the services they provide. Access the survey here and help the World Literacy Foundation, who work to ensure every […]
4 day week for leading software company
Arken.legal, experts in digital estate planning solutions, has introduced a four-day working week for full time employees following a hugely successful nine-month trial. Since October 2020, all full-time employees at the firm have had Fridays off – with the exception of two staff who take a different day to ensure cover – but have maintained […]
New entrant tech provider expands service
A new digital platform has been launched to help accountants that manage probate cases to streamline inefficient and costly processes with easier estate management and case administration. Exizent is the first ever platform to connect data, services and the network of people involved when someone passes away. It enables users to capture all estate information […]
Unique estate expense funding product launches
A unique new product to help executors and personal representatives who have expenses to pay as part of their duties but don’t have the funds readily available to pay upfront costs has been launched by an innovative Yorkshire based funder. Tower Street Finance has launched Estate Expense Funding as part of its range of funding […]
Classics with celebrity history on sale
Silverstone Auctions closed their catalogue with a number of unrepeatable opportunities including these two superb Aston Martins with celebrity provenance. The UK market leading classic car auction house head to The Classic at Silverstone on Friday 30th July – Sunday 1st August where they will host their flagship auction. Going under the hammer on Saturday […]
“Treat clients as people, not cases” – the Hugh Jones way…
Today’s Wills and Probate talks to Rachel Dobson, managing director of Hugh Jones Solicitors, the largest firm of independent Court of Protection solicitors in the country, based in Manchester How did you get involved in private client law? “I actually cut my teeth in Commercial Litigation, although I have not practised in that field for […]
Inheritance gifting requires more thought
77% of over-45s have not thought about whether they might need professional care in later life, nor have they planned for it, or spoken to family about it, says the latest Just Group Care Report. The Social Care – Policy Vacuum Report, which set out to investigate how the over-45s think and feel about adult […]
The importance of ensuring capacity is assessed when making an LPA
I recently acted in a Court of Protection matter concerning the execution of Lasting Powers of Attorney (LPAs) which ultimately proceeded to a contested trial. I acted on behalf of the Respondent in the proceedings. An application to the Court of Protection was made to appoint a Deputy on behalf of P. At that stage, […]
Wellbeing is a priority for busy legal teams
The negative impact of the pandemic on mental health has been in the headlines since the first lockdown, and official statistics[1] for the first quarter of 2021 show that the incidence of depression in the population has doubled since the pandemic first struck. This has serious implications for wellbeing and performance, affecting individuals and organisations […]
Judge Spotlight: Ian Bond
In a series of Supporters in Focus pieces, we are thrilled to introduce our Judges of The British Wills and Probate Awards 2021 Alongside headline sponsor Executor Solutions we look forward to recognising achievement, highlighting progression and championing innovation. However, the awards couldn’t take place without the hard task of judging and shortlisting the entries. […]
Have your say; final reminder for HMCTS communications and engagement survey
HM Courts and Tribunal Service (HMCTS) is seeking feedback about how it communicates and engages with professionals that work in courts and tribunals. The 2021 communications and engagement survey closes this Friday (16th July) can be accessed here and should take around 15 minutes to complete. The survey is asking for professional court and tribunal users […]
Probate Innovation and Automation – a glimpse into the (not too distant) future
It may be trite to say that CLS ‘feel your pain’ but we have been focussing on learning about the modern probate and private client lawyer’s frustrations and pain points in the drive to stay competitive and focussed in today’s changing legal market. The legal profession needs to balance their customer’s demand for speed with […]
Rare Porsche Takes Centre Stage at Silverstone Sale
The Classic Sale at Silverstone Circuit will showcase a variety of outstanding Porsches, all of which will be offered in their two-day sale on Saturday 31st July and Sunday 1st August. One truly remarkable Porsche going under the hammer is this 1993 Porsche 911 (964) Turbo S ‘Leichtbau’. Finished in Polar Silver, this Porsche is […]
First funeral plans, next Willwriters
Monday’s announcement from the Financial Conduct Authority provided some insight into the regulatory regime that will be introduced into the funeral planning sector from 22nd July 2022. Under a new regulatory regime, funeral plan providers will need to register with the FCA and will be subject to a range of new rules including funeral instalment […]
STEP celebrates 30 years of advising families across generations
STEP, the professional association for practitioners who advise families across generations, today celebrates 30 years of being at the forefront of change in the inheritance planning industry by setting high standards and promoting education for trust and estates advisers worldwide. The organisation, whose 20,000-strong global membership comprises lawyers, accountants, trustees and others who help families […]
Firms warned over security risk of WFH
Law firms jave been warned to rethink remote working policies to avoid cyber attacks and data breaches. The “Future of Working from Home” white paper has found that 41% of data breaches are caused by a lost or stolen device, highlighting the requirement for many legal firms’ IT departments to carefully consider working from home policies […]
Spousal claims under the Inheritance (Provision for Family and Dependants) Act 1975
It is often said that a spouse is a favoured applicant under the Act because: the level of provision is such financial provision as it would be reasonable in all the circumstances for a spouse to receive, whether that provision is required for their maintenance; and the divorce fiction by virtue of which the court […]
SFE’s Virtual Conference new format proves a hit
The annual Solicitors for the Elderly (SFE) Conference virtual door opened this week (Wednesday 23rd June) with a new and exciting format. This year’s event attendees explored a day long, in-depth case study named ‘Nigel Jones’, along with a breadth of topics including lack of capacity, testamentary agreements, care options and tax implications. SFE Chairman, […]
Free webinar: Business and Agricultural Relief
Join Kings Court Trust’s experienced Technical Manager, Nigel Merchant, for their upcoming webinar on Wednesday 30th June at 1pm. In this session, Nigel will explore Business and Agricultural Relief in estate administration, more specifically, he will cover: • What is Business and Agricultural Relief • How much Business and Agricultural Relief can be claimed upon […]
Equity Release Council publishes second edition of its Adviser Guide
The Equity Release Council has refreshed its ‘Adviser Guide to Equity Release’ which is aimed at encouraging new entrants into the market and support existing advisers. The popular document supports high standards of advice and good consumer outcomes and is available to all, on the Council’s website here www.equityreleasecouncil.com/adviser-guide The guide reflects the evolution of […]
