Christina Taylor of Oakwood Solicitors discusses that probate disputes have surged 17%, hitting a five-year high with over 51,000 contested estates. The rise highlights the growing risk of inheritance battles—especially when no valid will is in place.
Christina Taylor of Oakwood Solicitors discusses that probate disputes have surged 17%, hitting a five-year high with over 51,000 contested estates. The rise highlights the growing risk of inheritance battles—especially when no valid will is in place.
Lucinda Frostick of Remember A Charity explores why structuring charitable gifts in Wills as a percentage, rather than a fixed sum, can offer clients greater flexibility, protect against inflation and maximise tax benefits.
This article from our legal partner Blanchard’s looks at the role of an heir hunter when assisting solicitors in the probate process of an unclaimed estate.
Waiting times for the application of probate have been slashed by more than half, with processing being reduced to half the level compared to six months ago. This improvement has been credited by the Ministry of Justice to government intervention to reduce the backlog of cases caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. Fresh figures from HM […]
2024 proved to be another successful and interesting year for our legal supplier Blanchards. With the growth of the team and their appearance on Channel 4s Key To A Fortune, they have reached new levels of prosperity. In this lookback of their work in 2024 Callum Emmerson discusses the surprises they have come across.
Learn how to accurately value an estate for probate in the UK with Blanchards step-by-step guide. In this article from Callum Emmerson you will understand the importance of estate valuation for inheritance tax, grant of probate, and fair distribution to beneficiaries.
In this article, Callum Emmerson of Blachards comments upon the UK rise in abandoned properties. This piece discusses the factors behind this increase including; economic shifts, legal issues, and overseas investments. Emmerson also talks of possible solutions.
Genealogy has gained significant popularity in the UK with many individuals choosing to explore their ancestry as a hobby. But there is a clear distinction between a hobbyist and a professional that offers their genealogist services to the legal sector. This article from Blanchards Inheritance outlines the key differences.
Cohabiting couples in the UK face risks due to misconceptions about inheritance laws. Research shows 68% of couples don’t realize that without a Will, they have no automatic right to inherit their partner’s estate, even after years together or with children. Peter de Vena Franks discusses how solicitors can address this by joining the Will Aid campaign, which runs in November.
Probate genealogy is a specialized field focused on locating heirs when someone dies intestate (without a will), often misunderstood despite its significance. In this article Callum Emmerson of Blanchards Inheritance debunks some of those common myths for us.
Don’t miss out on Will Aid 2024! In this article Peter De Vena Franks invites you to sign up for this year’s campaign. Will Aid is a fantastic opportunity for law firms to attract new clients, enhance their reputation, and support some of the UK’s most-loved charities. Last year’s campaign raised over £770,000, and with demand already building for this November, now is the perfect time to sign up. By waiving fees for Will writing in exchange for client donations to Will Aid, your firm can make a difference while growing your business.
Unclaimed inheritances in the UK can lead to complex legal procedures, often resulting in the assets being transferred to the Crown. This article from Blanchards explores the common reasons inheritances go unclaimed; including missing heirs, lost wills, and intestacy. The article briefly looks into the legal process of managing unclaimed estates, the role of the Bona Vacantia Division, and what happens when no rightful heirs are found. Learn how to prevent your client’s estate from becoming unclaimed and ensure their wishes are honoured.
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Labour’s recent UK election victory could lead to significant changes in inheritance tax (IHT) policies, focusing on wealth redistribution and public funding.
These proposed changes aim to address economic inequality but will require detailed consultations and phased implementation, so it’s vital for legal professionals to stay informed and advise their clients on proactive estate planning strategies.
The annual Will Aid campaign unites solicitors and UK charities, raising over £24 million since 1988. This initiative benefits charities and offers participating solicitors advantages like flexibility, long-term client relationships, expanded reach and additional service opportunities. It also helps firms meet corporate social responsibility goals.
Participating in the Will Aid campaign offers a unique opportunity for solicitors to grow their client base while supporting UK charities. By waiving your fee for writing basic Wills and encouraging voluntary donations, you can enhance your firm’s profile and contribute to important causes. With comprehensive PR support from the Will Aid team, including press releases, local media coverage, and social media tools, you’ll maximise your campaign impact.
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