Office of the Public Guardian launches Mediation Pilot
Alan Eccles, the Public Guardian for England & Wales, has launched a pilot aiming to reduce intra-familial disputes in cases where there is a lasting power of attorney (LPA), an enduring power of attorney (EPA) or a court-appointed deputy. Such disputes can risk the protection of a person who is vulnerable because they may not […]
Court can order sale of property to trustee at expert’s valuation price
In a recent appeal, a High Court judge upheld a decision which allowed one beneficial owner of a property to buy out his siblings’ (the other beneficial owners’) interests in the property at a price determined by a valuation exercise rather than a sale on the open market. In this case, a house was left […]
The importance of family tree verification in intestacy cases
Genealogical research and asset repatriation business, Title Research, has highlighted the importance of family tree verification in its latest case study. The report looks at how changing family dynamics can easily lead to misdistribution without proper investigation. In this case, Title Research was instructed to verify the deceased’s paternal family in an intestacy case. The […]
Free CPD webinar: Reconstructing family trees – Finding the next of kin
Free CPD webinar: Reconstructing family trees – Finding the next of kin On Wednesday, 1st August at 12:00PM, Title Research will be hosting a free CPD webinar about family tree reconstructions. Not everyone passes away with an obvious ‘next of kin’. You may have an estate to administer where the deceased had no immediate family […]
Over £1million rip-off Wills sold by high street banks
An article out in yesterday’s Daily Mail Online has indicated that up to 1.5 million people have been sold “rip-off wills” by our high street banks. You may recall that during the 1990’s and early 2000’s a number of banks were offering will writing services as an added extra to their accounts and mortgage deals. […]
Is it safe to carry out home visits for legal professionals?
Preparing a Will and discussing details of a client’s estate is often a personal matter. This sometimes means Will writers use home visits at the client’s residence instead of meeting in the offices – but as Will writers, do you consider your personal safety when visiting new clients in their homes? More often and not […]
Fraud exposed inside several charities after investigation
Families for Survival and Save the Age Ltd Earlier this week, two former trustees of Families for Survival and Save the Age Ltd were disqualified for their part in a million-pound benefit fraud scheme. Chowdhury Muyeed and Asma Khanam were jailed in 2016 for their involvement in a £1.6 million scam which saw migrants being […]
Care home boss convicted after stealing millions from pensioners
A care home boss in Southport has been convicted of multiple frauds after stealing millions of pounds from elderly residents. David Barton Senior has now been jailed for 21 years following the longest trial in the history of Liverpool Crown Court. The trial, which lasted over a year, uncovered how Mr Barton befriended wealthy pensioners […]
Care home boss convicted after stealing millions from pensioners
A care home boss in Southport has been convicted of multiple frauds after stealing millions of pounds from elderly residents. David Barton Senior has now been jailed for 21 years following the longest trial in the history of Liverpool Crown Court. The trial, which lasted over a year, uncovered how Mr Barton befriended wealthy pensioners […]
Government urged to kick-start next great pensions revolution
Collective defined contribution (CDC) schemes could signal a new era for the welfare state, and “transform the UK private pensions landscape” according to the Work and Pensions Committee’s latest report. The findings come following a ground-breaking agreement between Royal Mail and the Communication Workers Union earlier this year. This deal saw the two parties agree […]
Countrywide Legacy is launching a brand new feature in its revolutionary Software!
Countrywide Legacy has been written and built by our team of experts and barristers to not only draft legal documents, but also assist in running your whole business more efficiently. Having spent so many years in the Will writing industry, taking instructions from clients ourselves, we understand just what you need… Want your business to […]
Connecting with customers in a post-GDPR world
Most people are fed up with GDPR. But, with hefty fines for non-compliance it’s vital you know how to communicate with customers in this brave new world. Helping with this, Dave Newick, MD of Arken.legal is running a must-watch 60-minute webinar to highlight how – while being a massive change – GDPR offers enormous opportunities […]
Will writing software to die for..
There is plenty of software that will enable you to draft Wills and other associated legal documents but only one that is supported and endorsed by the Society of Will Writers. Sure Will Writer – Professional Will Suite is available to all Will Writers, Solicitors and estate planning professionals for an affordable fixed monthly fee. […]
Who is entitled to see a Will when dealing with Will disputes?
When advising clients in Will dispute cases, one of the common questions that we get asked is “do I have the right to see my family member’s Will?”
The reduction of legacies due to substantial lifetime gifts
The rule against double portions can apply when a donor leaves one of his children a portion of his estate under his Will then during his lifetime makes the same child a substantial gift.
Research indicates retirees risk outliving their pension
According to research by the Pensions Policy Institute, more than a quarter (28%) of retirees face decisions that could see them outlive their pension pot. This worrying news highlights that more needs to be done to raise awareness of the importance of appropriate retirement planning.
What happens when someone is presumed dead?
More than 40 years ago, Norman Scott narrowly escaped being killed by an alleged hitman, which he believed was arranged by his former lover, ex-Liberal Party leader Jeremy Thorpe.
What impact could cryptocurrency have on inheritances?
Cryptocurrency is a hot topic in tech circles. And, while Bitcoin has been a trendsetter – earning a reputation as the de facto standard for cryptocurrencies – it’s not the only player in the market. Litecoin, Ethereum, Zcash, Dash, Ripple, Monero and Dogecoin are also making a splash in the digital money world.
Where there’s World Cup Memorabilia, there should be a Will
England’s success in the World Cup has sparked renewed interest in all things football. That has sent the cost of memorabilia soaring – meaning it’s more important than ever to make sure you include treasured sporting items in your will.
Lack of integration cited as advisers biggest hurdle for digital solution adoption
New research shows that a lack of integration between digital tools and platforms is the greatest hurdle for advisers looking to better utilize automated and online solutions.
