Explore every episode of the podcast Today's Wills & Probate Podcast

With the estate planning industry undergoing significant merger and acquisition activity the Today's Wills and Probate podcast welcomes on one of the most active proponents to discuss what businesses can do to make themselves appealing to the acquisitive organisations. 

Tishya Ray, who leads corporate development and strategic partnerships at Octopus Legacy joins host David Opie to share insight into how acquiring firms assess value, manage hidden liabilities, and deploy data-driven modelling to scale within a traditionally fragmented industry.

Ray outlines details of the Octopus model for profiling organisations and understanding their reasoning for sale; which varies hugely and can be for any number of factors. While understandably coy on some of the intellectual property that has gone into Octopus'' acquisition strategy, Ray does provide plenty of insight for professionals on what steps they might take now, to realise the full potential of their business' future value. 

Will banks is an obvious starting point; a single stored will acts as a powerful multi-generational client flywheel. In the short term, holding a valid document enables lifetime estate planning revenue through will updates, rewrites, and necessary upserves including Lasting Powers of Attorney (LPAs) or property trusts. Long-term, when a death notification is received, it unlocks the opportunity to provide distinct bereavement guidance alongside high-margin probate conversion. This process ultimately introduces the firm to an average of four beneficiaries, who frequently convert into estate planning customers themselves, creating a compounding growth network.

This is where firms need to be acting now; there is a clear "value ladder" for firms considering an exit strategy where value increases based on the contractability and actionability of a record. A bare client name with an out-of-date address sits at the lowest rung, while the premium tier consists of a legally valid, physically stored "qualifying will" attached to an up-to-date client who has consented to marketing and pays recurring storage or amendment fees. This predictable annuity line allows acquirers to value a firm on a revenue multiple rather than a transactional, one-off basis. 

Hidden liabilities like poorly documented pre-sold executor packages are also a re flag for acquirers. 

Ray concludes that while the motivation to sell varies, the position a founder sells from is dictated by the systems and compliance they implement in the years prior. By standardising files, maintaining clear data consent, and ensuring robust client communication paths, firms can successfully build to last and build to sell.

The Today's Wills and Probate podcast is available on your preferred podcast provider, and at www.todayswillsandprobate.co.uk. Subscribe today to hear all the latest news and views across the wills and probate sector.

Thank you to our podcast sponsors LEAP Estates, Property Ladder Group and Finders International.

Recently rebranded untangled joins the latest Today's Wills and Probate Podcast to discuss the continued impact of the Great Wealth Transfer, the increasing reliance on inheritance amongst younger generations and the role interim funding has to play in scenarios where estate administration grinds to halt because of issues around liquidity. 

Senior growth specialist William Dorey sits down with podcast host David Opie to discuss how specialised financial products function during the probate process, how firms handle regulatory oversight, and the real-world impact of the ongoing generational wealth transfer.

Previously known as Ampla Finance, the company were one of the first to enter the probate lending space. Bound by the FCA's Consumer Duty mandates, Dorey emphasises the business model requires strict compliance to prevent predatory lending or funding frivolous spending. Sometimes, he notes, a quick or substantive "no" is the best outcome for a vulnerable consumer. To maintain these standards, the platform strictly takes its client introductions from fully regulated professionals, including SRA-registered solicitors and authorised brokers.

Reliance on inheritance, a personal experience for Dorey having purchased his own home with the help of parents, is a very real issue at a time when modern consumers face inflation and financial pressures at home. Asset rich but cash poor estates place additional pressures on personal representatives.

In many respects, the podcast concludes that the core challenge facing the industry is public and professional education. Private client and conveyancing solicitors have an opportunity to understand these alternative marketplace options so they can effectively connect the dots for cash-poor clients during times of bereavement.

Disclaimer: Ampla Consumer Finance Limited (trading as Untangled) is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. Untangled offer regulated Credit agreements. All lending is subject to eligibility and creditworthiness assessments. Loans are subject to interest and fees.

The Today's Wills and Probate podcast is available on your preferred podcast provider, and at www.todayswillsandprobate.co.uk. Subscribe today to hear all the latest news and views across the wills and probate sector.

Thank you to our podcast sponsors LEAP Estates, Property Ladder Group and Finders International.

In an exclusive interview with the Today's Wills and Probate Podcast Circe Law CEO Jade Gani explains why a newly-launched alliance is taking the Solicitors Regulation Authority to task on changes to the compliance regime, explaining how the proposals will disproportionately impact small and medium sized law firms. 

As one of the founders of the SME & Boutique Law Firm Alliance Gani explains the group is not opposed to protections which would reduce the risk of notable recent failures including Axiom Ince and PM Law, but raises concerns the route proposed by the Solicitors Regulation Authority would not only not be effective, but would disproportionately impact boutique and high street law firms with a knock-on impact on access to justice, consumers choice, and diversity in the law.

As it stands, from January 2027 law firms with a turnover over £600,000 or over £2m in their client account will be required to separate the roles of Compliance Officer for Legal Practice (COLP) and Compliance Officer for Finance and Administration (COFA) from those with "unilateral decision making" responsibilities in the firm.

The group say they have asked for the rules changes to be paused while evidence of what risks are posed at the thresholds proposed is gathered. Gani adds the proposals are unworkable in smaller firms, around 15% of the overall number of regulated law firms, where there are no suitable alternative postholders.  

So contentious is the debate, the Alliance has said it would call for a vote of no confidence in the leadership at the regulator should the proposals go ahead. 

In an open letter and subsequent meeting with the SRA the group has proposed a number of alternatives which they say would have a more proportionate and effective impact. 

In response the SRA has said it agreed with the need to better protect the public by strengthening the safeguards around client money and was "committed to continuing the conversation on this important issue" before responding further. 

The Today's Wills and Probate podcast is available on your preferred podcast provider, and at www.todayswillsandprobate.co.uk. Subscribe today to hear all the latest news and views across the wills and probate sector.

Thank you to our podcast sponsors LEAP Estates, Property Ladder Group and Finders International.

The naivety of consumers around the costs associated with estate administration is placing huge financial pressures on people at a time of great distress as they navigate the process of dealing with bereavement and managing estate administration. 

It's part of the story behind the growth of FCA-regulated lenders who offer options to families hit by unexpected liabilities, including inheritance tax (IHT), property maintenance, and care home fees; an acute issue for many considering recent economic pressures. 

Partnerships director at The Estate Registry, James Emery joins the latest Today's Wills and Probate podcast to discuss how lenders are offering solutions to both the families of those who have died, and practitioners, for cases involving asset-rich but cash-poor estates, where urgent funding is required before a grant of probate can be issued?

Emery highlights the "legal paradox" in England and Wales where assets cannot be liquidated or sold until the grant of probate is received, yet the grant cannot be unlocked without paying HMRC first. He says specialist financing, like inheritance loans, solves this by allowing early access to up to 50% of the anticipated net inheritance, taking the risk away from the estate to cover these urgent liabilities.

Operating in this sensitive market requires strict FCA compliance he explains, meaning practitioners must handle signposting ethically, focusing on transparent, compliant referrals rather than direct recommendations.

The lending service operates alongside a notification service offered by The Estate Registry, which allows executors to alert multiple service providers simultaneously, removing the administrative process of sending repetitive emails, or having to have countless painful conversations.

It's all part, adds Emery, of a more joined up approach to private client law; where once solicitors once operated in silos, there is now a robust connectivity between legal experts, funding providers, genealogists, and probate property specialists, all of which ensures a better client service concludes Emery. 

The Today's Wills and Probate podcast is available on your preferred podcast provider, and at www.todayswillsandprobate.co.uk. Subscribe today to hear all the latest news and views across the wills and probate sector.

Thank you to our podcast sponsors LEAP Estates, Property Ladder Group and Finders International.

Despite advances in technology, and an increasingly interconnected world, genealogy remains a highly skilled investigative process. A cursory skim through Facebook simply doesn't cut it explains head of private client at Estate Research Dom Hendry in the latest Today's Wills and Probate Podcast. 

Modern genealogists spend a huge amount of time ruling out incorrect leads, verifying information, and cross-referencing sources before reaching reliable conclusions. It would be wholly inaccurate to portray genealogy as an exercise in browsing social media or conducting internet searches! Instead its painstakingly trawling through official records, including birth, marriage and death certificates, immigration records, wills, and government archives. Social media can occasionally provide leads, but it is rarely relied upon as a primary source because of concerns about accuracy and verification.

Historically, a solicitor might have relied on information provided by known family members, but modern family arrangements, remarriages, blended families, and previously unknown relatives create greater potential for disputes. There is also varying accessibility to records around the world; the UK benefits from comprehensive and relatively open public records, whereas other jurisdictions may have excellent records that are more difficult to access due to legal restrictions. 

This growing risk of an unknown child or beneficiary emerging after an estate has been distributed has contributed to increased demand for professional genealogy services says Hendry. 

The podcast moves on to discuss the removal and re-publication of the Bona Vacantia following it's use to perpetrate fraud; and succession law reform following the government's recent cohabitation consultation which Hendry warns could result in unintended consequences

With continued growth in both probate genealogy and the wider probate sector predicted, and increasing demand for end-to-end support, the profession must steer clear of commoditisation concludes Hendry, and continue to excel in allying technical expertise with the advice, reassurance and empathy needed by families during some of the most challenging moments of their lives.

The Today's Wills and Probate podcast is available on your preferred podcast provider, and at www.todayswillsandprobate.co.uk. Subscribe today to hear all the latest news and views across the wills and probate sector.

Thank you to our podcast sponsors LEAP Estates, Property Ladder Group and Finders International.

With Remember a Charity Week just days away, director of the charity campaign Lucinda Frostick joins the Today's Wills and Probate Podcast to share details of this year's activities and efforts to spread the legacy giving message beyond will writing.

Recognising the growing role of wealth advisers and independent financial advisers in the wider estate planning conversation, Remember a Charity have launched a guide designed specifically for wealth advisers aiming to give advisers more confidence discussing philanthropy and legacy giving with high-net-worth clients. It offers practical conversation starters, explores values-based discussions, and identifies key moments when legacy planning may be particularly relevant, such as retirement, business sales, significant financial events, or health concerns.

It's another example of the growing importance of collaboration between wealth advisers, solicitors, tax specialists, charities, and other professionals. As estates become more complex and wealth transfer accelerates, clients increasingly benefit from an integrated approach that places them at the centre of a coordinated network of advisers. Frostick adds the evidence shows such collaboration not only improves outcomes for clients but also creates opportunities for professionals to build stronger, longer-lasting relationships.

Despite concerns about declining levels of lifetime charitable giving, legacy giving continues to perform strongly says Frostick. Research shows the proportion of people aged 40 and over who have included a charitable gift in their will has increased from 14% in 2010 to 22% today. She suggests this trend reflects a growing understanding that people can support charitable causes alongside providing for family and loved ones, rather than viewing the two objectives as mutually exclusive.

Although there are tax benefits to legacy gifting, there are "rarely" the primary motivation says Frostick. Instead, most donors are motivated by the desire to create a positive impact and leave a meaningful legacy that reflects their values and life experiences, a key message of Remember of Charity.

The Today's Wills and Probate podcast is available on your preferred podcast provider, and at www.todayswillsandprobate.co.uk. Subscribe today to hear all the latest news and views across the wills and probate sector.

Thank you to our podcast sponsors LEAP Estates, Property Ladder Group and Finders International.

Given the changing dynamics of estate planning and private client law there is an opportunity for lawyers and law firms to reassert the principle of the 'family lawyer'; someone to whom a family can turn to time and again for legal needs. Not a purely transactional relationship, but one based on trust and mutual respect. 

It is one of the topics discussed in a wide-ranging discussion on the latest Today's Wills and Probate Podcast as host David Opie is joined by Lakshmi Turner, Chief Executive of the Association of Lifetime Lawyers, formerly Solicitors for the Elderly (SFE).

There is certainly an opportunity for a more holistic approach to create significant benefits for both clients and firms, helping individuals plan not only for death through wills and estate planning, but also for life, health, finances and future care needs. With the Great Wealth Transfer in full swing, and an increasingly aging population it's a busy time to be a private client lawyer. 

Turner discusses the origins of the membership body, first conceived by Gordon Ashton, then Deputy Master of the Court of Protection, and a group of specialist practitioners who sought to create an organisation dedicated to training, best practice and supporting lawyers advising older people.

One of the organisation’s most enduring strengths is it collaborative community says Turner. From its earliest days, members have shared knowledge and expertise through forums and discussion groups, creating a culture where solicitors support one another with complex client matters. She argues that this collective expertise ultimately benefits clients, who indirectly gain access to the insight and experience of thousands of specialist lawyers. 

The organisation has focused not just on legal skill, but also soft skills for lawyers advising older and vulnerable clients who must also understand safeguarding, capacity assessment, communication, advocacy, and the identification of abuse. These are skills rarely taught during formal legal education but are increasingly critical in practice. The organisation’s Lifetime Care in Practice Award was developed to address this gap, providing externally accredited training designed to improve the quality of client care. 

The Association of Lifetime Lawyers celebrates its 30th anniversary in 2026 with the newly launched Twilight Awards the highlight of a year of celebration.

The Today's Wills and Probate podcast is available on your preferred podcast provider, and at www.todayswillsandprobate.co.uk. Subscribe today to hear all the latest news and views across the wills and probate sector.

Thank you to our podcast sponsors LEAP Estates, Property Ladder Group and Finders International.

After a baptism of fire when just 16 days into her new role as CEO of the Chartered Institute of Legal Executives (CILEX) Jennifer Coupland was thrust into one of the biggest crises legal services has faced since the Legal Services Act with the Mazur ruling and subsequent appeal.

In a wide ranging discussion on the Today's Wills and Probate Podcast, Coupland discusses how she handled the immediate aftermath of the decision, the appeal, and how she plans to shape the organisation going forward after plans to bring CILEX under SRA regulation were shelved.

She leads CILEX after a successful period running the Institute for Apprenticeships and Technical Education, transforming the perception of apprenticeships into a respected and sought-after career route. She sees strong parallels with CILEX’s model of “earning while learning,” which she believes is vital for improving diversity and accessibility in the legal profession.

Although CILEX was ultimately successful in its Mazur appeal, the ordeal was a "really, really tough 10 months for some of our members" says Coupland who adds the case exposed outdated aspects of the Legal Services Act 2007 and advocates for a sector-wide review to modernise legislation.

Through the course of the podcast she also highlights the need to improve consumer understanding of legal services, particularly awareness of specialist providers and the importance of quality, regulation, and affordability. Internally, Coupland has navigated challenges around potential regulatory alignment with bodies like the SRA, ultimately pausing plans but maintaining a commitment to reducing duplication and complexity.

Looking ahead, CILEX’s five-year strategy focuses on growth, education, influencing legal reform, and raising the organisation’s profile, with member engagement seen as crucial to its future direction. 

The Today's Wills and Probate podcast is available on your preferred podcast provider, and at www.todayswillsandprobate.co.uk. Subscribe today to hear all the latest news and views across the wills and probate sector.

Thank you to our podcast sponsors LEAP Estates, Property Ladder Group and Finders International.

When we think about scattering a loved ones' ashes we might picture a favourite spot or peaceful place that holds an important part in our lives. 

Not many of us would think about releasing them from a drone; but that's exactly what Matt Young thought about with Aerial Ashes; a service which scatter ashes using a unique slow‑release mechanism that created a gentle, symbolic plume in the sky

The Today's Wills and Probate podcast welcomes Matt to discuss the origins of the business, the symbolism of the process, and the practicalities of wind speed, moisture, altitude and aerodynamics which all play a factor in the controlled, elegant release of ashes which creates a 100m wide plume and a sense of awe and wonder. 

The drone is just half the story says Young. What resonates most is the emotional impact. Families families who had kept ashes for years, unsure what to do; others who feared the mess and distress of scattering by hand. One widow, unable to leave the UK because she “couldn’t leave her husband behind”, finally found closure when his ashes were released over their favourite spot in Brighton.

With a documented rise in secular celebrations of life over traditional church funerals what emerges from the conversation is not a novelty service, but a thoughtful, highly specialised way of helping families honour their loved ones - with dignity, symbolism and a sense of place.

The Today's Wills and Probate podcast is available on your preferred podcast provider, and at www.todayswillsandprobate.co.uk. Subscribe today to hear all the latest news and views across the wills and probate sector.

Thank you to our podcast sponsors LEAP Estates, Property Ladder Group and Finders International.

The latest Today’s Wills and Probate Podcast turns its attention to one of the profession’s most persistent, and least openly discussed, challenges: the impact of maternity leave on women’s careers in law. 

While the legal sector is not alone in perpetuating the motherhood penalty, the measurable career disadvantage experienced by women after having children, the podcast explores the unique pressure the legal sector presents around billable hours, PQE structures and the absence of traditional line management which compound the issue. 

Returning mothers must “claw back” work, visibility and confidence say Sara Lyons and Hannah Bradshaw, former employment lawyers and co‑founders of Blue Sky; both of whom have personally experienced the issue and who now coach hundreds of female lawyers going through similar experiences. 

Lyons and Bradshaw are clear; this is not a theoretical concept, nor a “woke invention”, but an economic and structural reality that continues to shape women’s progression in the legal sector. 78% of women on their programme report experiencing the motherhood penalty, while 77.8% worry about the impact of maternity leave on their long‑term career prospects. These figures, they argue, should be a wake‑up call for firms that still consider themselves “equal opportunities employers” while operating within systems that are anything but gender‑neutral.

There is a cultural discomfort that surrounds maternity‑related discussions in law firms they say. Silence is damaging; women want clarity, support and honest dialogue about career progression, not well‑meaning but vague reassurances.

“You can have it all... just not all at the same time" is the mantra firms and employees need to adopt. 

The Today's Wills and Probate podcast is available on your preferred podcast provider, and at www.todayswillsandprobate.co.uk. Subscribe today to hear all the latest news and views across the wills and probate sector.

Thank you to our podcast sponsors LEAP Estates, Property Ladder Group and Finders International.

The latest Today’s Wills & Probate Podcast looks at what can be understood from analysis of over 250,000 Wills and what clients really want. 

The data is drawn from LEAP Estates' comprehensive 2026 Private Client Industry Report which also looks at close to 200,000 LPAs to inform a profession responding to shifting demographics and rising complexity.

Joining host David Opie is Andy Hitchon, Head of Private Client at LEAP Legal Software and a former private client lawyer himself for a "been there, done that" conversation. 

One of the key takeaways from the report is people are planning earlier, living longer and forming more blended families, creating a surge in trusts, protective structures and repeat planning cycles. Hitchon points to the growing normalisation of later‑life relationships, recalling an 83‑year‑old client preparing to remarry as evidence of how social change is reshaping estate planning needs.

Regulation and tax policy are adding further pressure. With thresholds frozen and property values rising, more estates are drifting into the IHT net, increasing both the need for proactive planning and the likelihood of future disputes. Hitchon warns that the sector must be ready for this shift, particularly as HMRC tightens expectations around tax advice.

What emerges from the conversation is a sector in transition: more technical, more holistic and more exposed to risk than ever before. Hitchon’s message is clear; the profession must adapt, and quickly.

The Today's Wills and Probate podcast is available on your preferred podcast provider, and at www.todayswillsandprobate.co.uk. Subscribe today to hear all the latest news and views across the wills and probate sector.

Thank you to our podcast sponsors LEAP Estates, Property Ladder Group and Finders International.

Founded in 2020 Provira is one of a handful of FCA-regulated organisations offering inheritance and estate lending services to cover inheritance tax and estate costs. 

In this latest Today's Wills and Probate Podcast episode host David Opie speaks with John Sanderson, Director of Partnerships at Provira, about the growing role of inheritance and estate lending in the probate process, exploring the reasons for increasing demand and how they work in practice both for consumers and probate professionals. 

Although still in its infancy as a sector, inheritance and estate lending has rapidly become a recognised solution to the cashflow problems that frequently arise during estate administration, with lenders like Provira offering beneficiaries access to up to 50% of their expected inheritance either before or after probate is granted. These funds can be released within days and can be used for almost any purpose, from clearing debts to meeting living or care costs. Another option is to borrow against the estate to meet estate liabilities, most commonly inheritance tax, but also other administration costs such as legal fees, surveyors’ fees or property renovation to enhance sale value.

Rising house prices combined with the long‑term freeze of the inheritance tax nil‑rate band have led to more estates incurring tax liabilities. At the same time, many estates are asset‑rich but cash‑poor, with value tied up in property and investments that cannot easily be accessed before probate. This creates a funding gap at a critical moment, particularly given the timing of IHT payments, which is driving interest and demand for lending services explains Sanderson. 

The Today's Wills and Probate podcast is available on your preferred podcast provider, and at www.todayswillsandprobate.co.uk. Subscribe today to hear all the latest news and views across the wills and probate sector.

Thank you to our podcast sponsors LEAP Estates, Property Ladder Group and Finders International.

The latest episode of the Today’s Wills and Probate podcast welcomes Senior Ombudsman at the Legal Ombudsman (LeO) Clair Daniel to explore the current landscape of legal complaints handling, the challenges facing firms, and the strategic work underway to improve first‑tier resolution across the legal sector.

The backdrop to the discussion is the increase in the number of cases in which LeO identify poor complaints handling, up from 46% in 2023/24 to 49% in 2024/25; and efforts to stop complaints at source by equipping firms to better deal with issues before they become complaints.

Daniels says demand for LeO’s services has risen sharply, across all areas of law, with several likely drivers: rising customer expectations shaped by instantaneous digital communication, cost‑of‑living pressures increasing the inclination to complain, and sheer volume of transactions. Communication and delay remain the two most common causes of complaint—together accounting for around 47% of complaints. Often, complaints arise from mismanaged expectations, such as unclear service‑level agreements or clients misunderstanding the steps and timeframes in transactions.

There is the increasing role AI plays in complaints to consider. LeO is increasingly seeing (as are firms) consumers rely on tools such as ChatGPT or Microsoft Copilot to produce lengthy, formalised, and at times overly legalistic complaints, complete with copied‑and‑pasted case law. While understandable, this can hinder early, informal resolution. She encourages firms to avoid mirroring an escalated tone, instead refocusing on the core issue and maintaining a professional, calm approach.

Keen to dispel misconceptions about LeO Daniels reiterates the ombudsman is strictly impartial and supports firms as much as consumers, including dismissing complaints where service has clearly been reasonable. To help firms get matters right at first tier, LeO provides resources such as the technical advice desk, sector insights, and forthcoming Model Complaints Resolution Procedure, complete with templates and toolkits. A new learning platform with training and webinars is scheduled for 2026.

Listen in to hear more about LeO's attitude to setting and managing client expectations early, strategies to handle AI‑generated complaints effectively, and internal communication and processes that reduce escalation risk and improve client trust.

The Today's Wills and Probate podcast is available on your preferred podcast provider, and at www.todayswillsandprobate.co.uk. Subscribe today to hear all the latest news and views across the wills and probate sector.

Thank you to our podcast sponsors LEAP Estates, Property Ladder Group and Finders International.

From lawyer, to Microsoft and Meta, and now to Arken.legal, Anthony Philips legal journey takes him through a series of household technology names and halfway round the world before recently landing as CEO at the will writing and technology platform. 

In this wide-ranging discussion, Philips shares his reflections on his own journye, and that of the wills and probate sector which is going through a process of digitalisation, modernisation and cultural change. 

Wills and probate is a uniquely personal area of law; one in which the interface between people and technology must be navigated sensitively and incrementally says Philips. 

He is an advocate for much of the proposed modernisation outlined in the Law Commission’s wholesale review of wills law; although he is clear technology should be an enabler, not an ideological driver. Practitioners and clients should be able to produce either a traditional paper will or an electronic version seamlessly, depending on what is right for them. Electronic wills are not inherently “better,” but suggests they can provide evidential advantages such as timestamps and enhanced audit trails. But concerns around remote witnessing, coercion, and safeguarding must be addressed with practical, industry‑led solutions rather than by leaving government to define standards alone.

There are lessons from other areas of law and technology to be learned too. Many sectors face interoperability challenges, the integration of different and competing technologies and platforms into each other to create a more seamless user experience, and the need for digital infrastructure improvements across government. 

And in closing, Philips acknowledges there is a huge amount of complexity, interconnectivity, relationships and sector dynamics that take time to understand which all have a role to play in the speed of change.  

The Today's Wills and Probate podcast is available on your preferred podcast provider, and at www.todayswillsandprobate.co.uk. Subscribe today to hear all the latest news and views across the wills and probate sector.

Thank you to our podcast sponsors LEAP Estates, Property Ladder Group and Finders International.

A deeply personal tragedy is the inspiration behind a new book launched by will writer Steve Bish, and the topic of discussion on the latest Today’s Wills and Probate podcast.

Bish is somewhat typical of many will writers who have unconventional routes in to the legal profession. His own career began in sales, marketing, training and recruitment, before running a traditional wooden window manufacturing business. 

But the untimely and tragic death of a friend led Bish to retrain and become a will writer after supporting the family of his friend, and helping deal with the legal aftermath. 

Close friend Carl was killed in a traffic collision during a scooter ride the pair were taking one evening. Carl died without a will, leaving his wife Anne and young daughter to navigate the rules of intestacy at the worst possible time. Witnessing their struggle left an imprint on Steve that inspired him to retrain. 

He now spends a huge amount of time and energy advising clients on the importance of estate planning; a motivation that ultimately fuelled the creation of his book. He didn’t want a dry technical manual or a textbook that gathers dust. Instead, he aimed for a plain‑English, conversational guide, the kind of resource people could pick up, dip in and out of, and actually understand. The tone echoes how he speaks at WI and Rotary talks: relatable, humorous, accessible and packed with real‑world examples.

Where There’s a Will, There’s a Way is now available to purchase, with a proportion of each sale being donated to the Kaotic Angel Foundation.

The Today's Wills and Probate podcast is available on your preferred podcast provider, and at www.todayswillsandprobate.co.uk. Subscribe today to hear all the latest news and views across the wills and probate sector.

Thank you to our podcast sponsors LEAP Estates, Property Ladder Group and Finders International.

Estate planning is changing; demand is rising, lifestyles are changing, family structures are becoming more complex, and taxation is crippling. Clients no longer want, or indeed need, a simple will. They want a plan. Something reviewed regularly. Something that adapts as life changes.

It's the topic of the latest Today's Wills and Probate Podcast as host David Opie welcome Andrew Houston, Managing Director of CTT Group on to discuss his views on moving away from traditional transactional work toward a model where ongoing service will become the norm.

With a nod to CTT's founder and industry innovator Clive Ponder, whose death just over 12 months ago came as a great shock, innovation and technology will be at the core of how we as an industry deliver the future of estate planning services. 

AI is already reshaping training, advice quality, and client engagement; indeed CTT themselves have invested heavily in an in-house AI simulator, which allows advisers to practise conversations with a virtual client. It tests technical knowledge. It tests soft skills. And it provides instant feedback. A far cry from the old model of supervisors shadowing advisers in person.

Clients expect speed. Consistency and transparency in the all important fact find which, with the ever evolving legal landscape and rise in contentious matters, makes the role of technology in capturing information, prompting the right questions, and creating clear audit trails, all the more important. 

Technology, says Houston, is the enabler.

There will of course be winners and losers. Firms that fail to evolve will fall behind. The winners will be those who continue to innovate. Those who embrace data. Those who refine the client journey. The next three years, he predicts, will bring rapid acceleration and possibly start to see a hugely fragmented market, consolidate. 

The Today's Wills and Probate podcast is available on your preferred podcast provider, and at www.todayswillsandprobate.co.uk. Subscribe today to hear all the latest news and views across the wills and probate sector.

Thank you to our podcast sponsors LEAP Estates, Property Ladder Group and Finders International.

The latest Today’s Wills and Probate Podcast dives into one of the most pressing conversations in private client work: how technology can transform the way people create and register Lasting Powers of Attorney.

Host David Opie welcomes Matt Cresswell, founder of Power of Attorney Online, for a discussion about modernising a process that millions still find confusing, slow and inaccessible.

Like many founder stories, Matt's own route into the sector is far from traditional. After his father’s dementia diagnosis, Matt and his family struggled through an LPA process that was expensive, error‑prone and emotionally draining. His background in advertising, marketing and eight years at Facebook/Meta “planted a seed that maybe there’s a better way”.

The discussion explores why awareness of LPAs remains so low, despite their importance. Digitisation offers a huge opportunity for technology to improve accuracy, speed and user confidence suggests Matt, which would go some way to tackling the 50,000 applications rejected each year due to basic mistakes.

Digital tools aren’t designed to replace solicitors says Matt. Power of Attorney Online is a “Goldilocks” solution: guidance‑led, affordable and perfectly suited to straightforward applications, while more complex or sensitive cases remain firmly in the hands of legal professionals.

There is an opportunity for everyone concludes Matt. The sector can grow the market together, raise public understanding, and make LPAs easier for the millions who still don’t have one.

The Today's Wills and Probate podcast is available on your preferred podcast provider, and at www.todayswillsandprobate.co.uk. Subscribe today to hear all the latest news and views across the wills and probate sector.

Thank you to our podcast sponsors LEAP Estates, Property Ladder Group and Finders International.

The latest episode of Today’s Wills and Probate Podcast welcomes Angus Houston, founding director of Pavilion Row, in conversation with host David Opie.

Angus shares the story behind Pavilion Row’s creation and its mission to support professionals working in wills and probate. He reflects on the early challenges of establishing a business in such a sensitive area and the values that continue to guide its growth.

A key theme of the discussion is trust. Angus explains how Pavilion Row has built long‑standing relationships by prioritising transparency and reliability, ensuring practitioners and their clients feel supported at every stage.

The conversation also explores innovation. From adapting to regulatory changes to embracing new technologies, Angus highlights how Pavilion Row has remained agile while keeping its focus firmly on people. He stresses that progress in the sector must always balance efficiency with empathy, emphasising the responsibility professionals carry, and the importance of compassion alongside technical expertise.

He doesn't shy away from the bigger picture either, discussing the evolving landscape of wills and probate, the pressures facing practitioners, and the opportunities for collaboration across the sector. 

Another 'must listen' from the Today's Wills and Probate podcast

The Today's Wills and Probate podcast is available on your preferred podcast provider, and at www.todayswillsandprobate.co.uk. Subscribe today to hear all the latest news and views across the wills and probate sector.

Thank you to our podcast sponsors LEAP Estates, Property Ladder Group and Finders International.

"Be prepared, because the person who turns up might be that bloke who used to read the News at 10."

Journalist and broadcaster Alastair Stewart OBE joins the first podcast of the latest series of the Today's Wills and Probate Podcast to discuss his personal journey and challenges of living with vascular dementia. In a candid and personal discussion Stewart shares details of his early life, and formative influences which took him from Southern Television to a long career with ITN and later GB News, becoming one of the country's most recognisable broadcasters.

His journey to diagnosis, like many, begins long before confirmation in 2023. Stewart’s symptoms first showed in subtle ways before he was encouraged to visit his GP. 

The discussion reflects on the impact of dementia both on Alastair himself, and his family. He touches on the role professional services play in making him feel 'safer' and better prepared for the future and provides some candid advice for practitioners on how to support clients living with dementia. 

Honest, moving, and at times surprisingly uplifting, Alastair offers an eye‑opening perspective on a condition that is misunderstood and “terrifyingly common, but not terrifying.”

For practitioners supporting clients with cognitive decline, this episode is not only insightful—it is essential listening.

The Today's Wills and Probate podcast is available on your preferred podcast provider, and at www.todayswillsandprobate.co.uk. Subscribe today to hear all the latest news and views across the wills and probate sector.

Thank you to our podcast sponsors LEAP Estates, Property Ladder Group and Finders International.

With private equity funding fuelling the UK legal services market the Today's Wills and Probate podcast welcomes one of the latest additions to the cohort, Vault Private Client, to the podcast. 

Vault is the newest practice within the Beyond Law Group; a private equity backed legal services firm which describes itself as 'a disruptive, non-traditional law firm that builds and manages specialist practices, each operating independently within a central infrastructure and a people-focused culture.'

Podcast host David Opie is joined by Russell Kaminski, Partner at Vault, and Lucy Cresswell, Associate, who share the story of the launch of Vault and how it fits into Beyond’s ambitious growth model.

Russell's own background is Manchester based, having been at Brabners and JMW prior to leading Vault. His focus has always been advising high‑net‑worth individuals, business owners, and families on succession planning and estate matters. Lucy describes her progression from an admin role at JMW to qualifying as a solicitor with extensive experience in probate, estate administration, and inheritance tax planning.

The conversation explores why Beyond Law Group identified private client services as a natural extension to its corporate, family, and property practices. With strong demand in the North West, the firm says it makes it their mission to make estate planning an opportunity rather than a burden. They highlight the importance of regulated, holistic advice that protects assets, mitigates tax, and avoids disputes.

The model is collaborative. Clients benefit from a trusted network of accountants, wealth managers, and other advisors, ensuring joined‑up solutions. Private equity backing gives the team freedom to build long‑term relationships rather than chase short‑term wins.

Culture is another theme. Beyond prides itself on being supportive, entrepreneurial, and people‑focused. Staff at every level are encouraged to contribute ideas and shape the firm’s direction.

The podcast finishes exploring the importance of business development and the role on and offline presence plays in the success of legal services. Vault's ambition is clear: to become the leading boutique private client law firm in the UK.

The Today's Wills and Probate podcast is available on your preferred podcast provider, and at www.todayswillsandprobate.co.uk. Subscribe today to hear all the latest news and views across the wills and probate sector.

Thank you to our podcast sponsors LEAP Estates, Property Ladder Group and Finders International.

To what extent do women feel as though there is a glass ceiling in law and how can we overcome that? That is the question posed in the latest episode of the Today’s Wills and Probate podcast, as host David Opie sits down with Cara Doyle and Katie Howard from JMW Solicitors to explore gender equality in the legal profession.

Cara is a solicitor in the firm’s private wealth team, advising clients on wills, trusts, probate, and charitable structures. Katie is a partner in the family team, specialising in divorce, financial settlements, and protective orders. Their work often overlaps, offering clients a holistic approach to life’s most sensitive legal matters.

The conversation begins with personal stories and how Katie and Cara each enter the legal professions... neither of their journey's is straight forward and both reflect on the state of gender equality in law. While neither has faced overt discrimination, they acknowledge structural issues in employment, particularly around parental leave and the gender pay gap. 

There has been progress, with post-COVID flexibility helping to level the playing field, but more progress is needed.

The discussion also explores the value of women-focused initiatives like Women in Wills. Initially sceptical, Cara found the experience empowering. Katie highlighted how women-only networking events can offer a more inclusive space, especially in male-dominated sectors.

Looking ahead, Cara is pursuing STEP accreditation and expanding JMW’s presence in Leeds. Katie is focused on mentoring junior colleagues and championing diverse routes into law.

Their message is clear: representation matters, and with the right support, women in law can thrive.

The Today's Wills and Probate podcast is available on your preferred podcast provider, and at www.todayswillsandprobate.co.uk. Subscribe today to hear all the latest news and views across the wills and probate sector.

Thank you to our podcast sponsors LEAP Estates, Property Ladder Group and Finders International.

As more than half of lawyers say they anticipate leaving their role within the next five years because of poor mental health and wellbeing, the latest Today's Wills and Probate Podcast tackles the issue head on with a wide ranging discussion on what organisations can do to protect their staff. 

Joining the podcast are Trish McLellan and Niamh Warnock of LawCare; a mental health and wellbeing charity focused on the legal services sector. It has published the results of its survey into the wellbeing of those working across legal services; with concerning results. 

Alongside the half of lawyers who said they anticipates leaving their role in the next 5 years, a third said they anticipated leaving the legal sector completely. The normalisation of overworking plays a sizeable role in high levels of burnout and anxiety undermining mental health and wellbeing. 79% of respondents said they regularly work beyond their contracted hours, with nearly 10% saying they worked 21 or more hours.

Half of respondents said they had experienced anxiety either often, very often, or all of the time over the last 12 months.

All of which suggests the sector faces a 'turning point' with both Trish and Niamh keen to point out there are things organisations can do proactively to support staff and tackle the nearly two thirds of workers who consider their mental health to be ‘poor’.

"What’s needed is strong leadership and the commitment to put them in place" said LawCare CEO Elizabeth Rimmer. 

There are clear, practical steps that can be taken right now and outlined in the report that lead to a healthier sector, including actively managing workloads to prevent burnout, embedding flexible and hybrid working practices that recognise and support diverse needs and evaluating workplace mental health and wellbeing initiatives to ensure they deliver real impact - equipping people coming into the profession to help them have a sustainable career in law. 

The case has been made; we don’t need more evidence. It is time to move on from discussing the problems to implementing solutions. 

Read Life in the Law 2025 here on the LawCare website. 

The Today's Wills and Probate podcast is available on your preferred podcast provider, and at www.todayswillsandprobate.co.uk. Subscribe today to hear all the latest news and views across the wills and probate sector.

Thank you to our podcast sponsors LEAP Estates, Property Ladder Group and Finders International.

The latest episode of the Today's Wills and Probate Podcast, takes a musical tur as host David Opie welcomes John Heavens, CEO of Your Legacy Solutions - and a professional jazz musician. John shares with David his background and how the worlds came to collide; and how he manages to balance his two professions. 

By day, he leads a tech-driven estate planning firm. By night, he’s a signed vocalist and flautist with a London jazz and blues label. His musical roots run deep, with a family history steeped in performance, including a great-great-grandfather who played organ at Melbourne Cathedral.

The conversation explores how John manages his time and works with those around him. Discipline, organisation, and a strong support team are key... with practice at 5.30am part of his daily ritual. 

John reflects on the parallels between music and estate planning. Both require structure, precision, and creativity. He discusses the mathematical nature of music theory and how it complements analytical thinking in business.

Technology plays a central role in John’s work. Legacy Solutions is nearly paperless, with systems built by co-director Andrew Cooper. AI is used cautiously for marketing, but John remains curious - and slightly wary - about its growing influence in both estate planning and the music industry.

The podcast also touches on the realities of being a professional musician. Beyond the glamour lies obsessive discipline, years of training, and a commitment to craft. John’s upcoming album, 90 Minutes from New York to Paris, launches on vinyl in May 2026 at the World Heartbeat Music Academy.

It’s a compelling listen for anyone interested in creativity, business, and the evolving role of technology in both. You can find more at johnheavens.com.

The Today's Wills and Probate podcast is available on your preferred podcast provider, and at www.todayswillsandprobate.co.uk. Subscribe today to hear all the latest news and views across the wills and probate sector.

Thank you to our podcast sponsors LEAP Estates, Property Ladder Group and Finders International.

The probate industry is under increasing pressure to demonstrate practitioners have acted in the best interest of the estate, particularly as beneficiaries become more financially dependent on inheritances.

The Probate Registry has done much to ease the pain of delays and now private enterprise is playing its part in helping law firms and probate professionals remain on the right side of compliance.

Enter Darren Leggett, Co-Founder and Co-Managing Director of Property Ladder Group (PLG) who joins the latest Today's Wills and Probate Podcast to discus how the organisation is geared not just to to support families but also enhance the professional capabilities of legal practitioners.

Increasing regulatory pressures, mitigating risk, complying with SRA guidelines and providing documented evidence for decisions are all part of the job familiar to probate professionals; particularly when facing scrutiny from beneficiaries or charitable organisations. Darren outlines how evidence-based reporting protects firms from claims and aligns with SRA guidelines when valuing property, emphasising the importance of documentation and transparency, especially in light of rising claims against law firms for undervaluing estates.

It's a concept Darren describes as “unregulated compliance”, a term coined to describe PLG’s commitment to maintaining high standards in an otherwise unregulated part of the probate process.

He shares his own journey and experiences which led to the founding of PLG, a full-service probate property solution, which provides solicitors, executors, and beneficiaries with everything from valuations and sales to garden maintenance, lock changes, and chattel clearance. 

The Today's Wills and Probate podcast is available on your preferred podcast provider, and at www.todayswillsandprobate.co.uk. Subscribe today to hear all the latest news and views across the wills and probate sector.

Thank you to our podcast sponsors LEAP Estates, Property Ladder Group and Finders International.

In this episode of the Today’s Wills and Probate podcast, host David Opie is joined by Elka Goldstein, founder of Sort & Store, to explore how estate clearance is being reimagined for one of probate’s most emotionally fraught tasks: clearing a loved one’s home.

Sort and Store has taken the traditional house clearing process and introduced a digital element, documenting and cataloguing every item into a private online catalogue. Everything is then relocated to a secure warehouse and placed in storage. Families can browse, select, and decide what to keep, donate, or sell - in their own time, and from anywhere in the world.

The benefits, explains Elka, include giving families that time and space to grieve and decide what they want to do, rather than rushing them to make decisions under pressure. This approach not only eases emotional strain but also reduces conflict. With high-resolution images and item-level transparency, executors and probate professionals gain a clear record of estate contents—minimising disputes and supporting smoother administration. The platform’s categorisation tools and dropdown actions make it easy to coordinate decisions across families and professionals alike.

Elka also touches on the social impact of the service, from reducing landfill waste to partnering with charities that rehome donated items. 

The Today's Wills and Probate podcast is available on your preferred podcast provider, and at www.todayswillsandprobate.co.uk. Subscribe today to hear all the latest news and views across the wills and probate sector.

Thank you to our podcast sponsors LEAP Estates, Property Ladder Group and Finders International.

In this episode of Today’s Wills and Probate, host David Opie welcomes Dan Baines, Founder and CEO of Advanced Inheritance, for a deep dive into the growing role of probate lending in modern estate administration. With delays in probate often leaving beneficiaries in financial limbo, organisations like Advanced Inheritance now offer a regulated, consumer-first solution designed to ease the provide reassurance to families. 

The conversation explores two key areas of innovation in this space; lending which allows beneficiaries to access funds early from an estate before the grant of probate, and access to funding to help executors manage upfront costs including inheritance tax. Both are structured to protect consumers—no personal liability, capped interest, and repayment only once the estate is settled.

Dan explains how the business was founded on key principles, embracing FCA regulation and providing bereavement training to frontline staff. He is also aware of the responsibility lenders have to consumers, particularly those who are vulnerable, and explains how the focus is on empowering informed choices during a difficult time; providing access to budgeting tools for example to ensure support is offered responsibly and transparently.

The podcast provides practical insight into how financial innovation can complement traditional probate services for legal professionals, estate planners, and will writers—delivering empathy, flexibility, and real-world impact.

The Today's Wills and Probate podcast is available on your preferred podcast provider, and at www.todayswillsandprobate.co.uk. Subscribe today to hear all the latest news and views across the wills and probate sector.

Thank you to our podcast sponsors LEAP Estates, Property Ladder Group and Finders International.

This episode of the Today’s Wills and Probate Podcast is hosted by David Opie and features Lucinda Frostick, Director of Remember A Charity, and Meg Edwards, a solicitor specialising in trusts and estates disputes at Shakespeare Martineau. Their discussion centres on legacy giving, inheritance tax, and the importance of clear communication between advisors and clients.

Lucinda introduces Remember A Charity’s mission to encourage charitable bequests through a consortium of 200 member charities. She highlights positive trends in professional advisors raising legacy giving with clients.

Meg outlines the impact of frozen inheritance tax thresholds and pension changes, warning that more estates will become taxable by 2030. She explains how legacy gifts can reduce tax liability and why charitable bequests offer both practical and emotional benefits.

Together, they explore the disconnect between intention and action in charitable giving. Despite growing interest, too few people formalise their wishes in a will. Lucinda emphasises the role of advisors in bridging that gap by simply starting the conversation.

Meg offers best practice advice including the use of backstop beneficiaries, maintaining detailed file notes, and discussing the importance of setting expectations with loved ones. 

Remember a Charity Week runs from 8–14 September 2025.

Charities, professional advisers and partners wishing to get involved in this year’s awareness week are encouraged to register their interest before 15th August 2025 at info@rememberacharity.org.uk.

Find out more online at: rememberacharity.org.uk/RACWeek 

The Today's Wills and Probate podcast is available on your preferred podcast provider, and at www.todayswillsandprobate.co.uk. Subscribe today to hear all the latest news and views across the wills and probate sector.

Thank you to our podcast sponsors LEAP Estates, Property Ladder Group and Finders International.

In this episode of the Today’s Wills and Probate Podcast, host David Opie explores the evolving world of probate property sales through the lens of auctions.

He’s joined by Russell Taylor, Managing Director and Auctioneer at probate.auction, and Corin Holness, Corporate Relationship Director. Together, they unpack how the auction process is helping executors, legal professionals, and beneficiaries realise better returns and greater transparency when selling estate property.

Russell, with 25 years of experience in the auction world, shares how a growing number of probate properties are being undervalued and resold—often leaving tens of thousands of pounds out of the estate. The podcast highlights why auction might be the right fit for certain properties, particularly those in disrepair, and how probate.auction offers a zero-fee model for sellers that keeps the estate’s value intact.

Corin emphasises the educational role their team plays, providing tailored advice to help determine whether auction or private sale is more appropriate. With greater reach than traditional estate agents, a streamlined nine-week process, and complete transparency, the platform offers a compelling alternative.

This episode lifts the curtain on a misunderstood corner of the probate journey—and what professionals should know when advising clients.

The Today's Wills and Probate podcast is available on your preferred podcast provider, and at www.todayswillsandprobate.co.uk. Subscribe today to hear all the latest news and views across the wills and probate sector.

Thank you to our podcast sponsors LEAP Estates, Property Ladder Group and Finders International.

In this episode of the Today’s Wills and Probate Podcast, David Opie welcomes a panel of legal experts to explore the recent Addison and Niaz case and its important implications for Larke v Nugus requests. He is joined by Lucy Scourfield, associate in the contentious trusts and probate team at Forbes Solicitors; Shannon Thompson, a non-contentious Wills, Trusts and Probate solicitor at Forbes, who are representing the firm; and Norman Lamb, a barrister from Nine Chambers, specialising in contentious probate matters.

Together, the panel delves into the facts of the Addison and Niaz case, examining the challenges encountered in securing disclosure from the will draftsman and highlighting the High Court’s decision to order the respondent to pay costs personally.

They unpack the broader tension between legal privilege and the duty to disclose, offering clear guidance on best practices for both contentious and non-contentious practitioners when responding to Larke v Nugus requests.

The discussion also touches on the growing significance of section 122 applications under the Senior Courts Act 1981, underscoring the consequences of delayed or inadequate responses.

With practical insights into the importance of file management, contemporaneous notes, and collaborative working between departments, this episode is essential listening for legal professionals involved in will drafting and dispute resolution.

The Today's Wills and Probate podcast is available on your preferred podcast provider, and at www.todayswillsandprobate.co.uk. Subscribe today to hear all the latest news and views across the wills and probate sector.

Thank you to our podcast sponsors LEAP Estates, Property Ladder Group and Finders International.

In this episode of the Today’s Wills and Probate podcast, host David Opie welcomes Anthony Allsopp, Head of Business, and Simon Barber, Technical Manager at Title Research, to explore the nuanced challenges of probate genealogy and the role of missing beneficiary insurance.

The conversation begins with a look at Title Research’s history, from its founding in 1965 to its evolution into a specialist firm focused on genealogy and international asset repatriation. Allsopp outlines the company’s structure, highlighting its two core teams—one dedicated to genealogical research, the other to asset recovery—and its connection to Kings Court Trust.

Barber elaborates on his role overseeing research quality and providing consultancy to legal professionals navigating estate complexities. He describes the persistent growth in modern genealogical challenges, particularly as blended families and digital data reshape how beneficiaries are identified.

The discussion also examines the use—and limitations—of tools like social media, the increasing reliance on digital records, and the emotional dynamics involved in missing beneficiary cases.

On the insurance side, Allsopp and Barber explain the two main types of cover, the importance of working with FCA-registered genealogists, and how insurers assess risk based on available documentation and the genealogy firm’s reputation.

Through practical insights and case examples, the episode emphasizes the need for collaboration between legal professionals, genealogists, and insurers to ensure smooth and secure estate administration. The conversation also anticipates growing complexity in this field, driven by evolving family dynamics and the legal and financial implications that follow.

The Today's Wills and Probate podcast is available on your preferred podcast provider, and at www.todayswillsandprobate.co.uk. Subscribe today to hear all the latest news and views across the wills and probate sector.

Thank you to our podcast sponsors LEAP Estates, Property Ladder Group and Finders International.

The project to modernise wills law book-ends the career of Professor Nick Hopkins in his role as the Commissioner for Property, Family and Trust Law at The Law Commission as he departs in the coming months following the end of his tenure.

Before he departs Nick sits down with Today's Wills and Probate Podcast host David Opie to discuss the culmination of 10 years' effort, resulting in the 500-page Modernising Wills Law report and associated draft bill. 

He explains the focus of the report is tackling the major changes in law and society over the last 190 years. It's a challenge he concedes, but says there were three main aims that drove the commission's recommendations

• Ensure testators' testamentary intentions are given effect
• Protect vulnerable testators
• Provide greater clarity and certainty in the law

In a wide-ranging interview Nick explains how and why the Law Commission arrived at the recommendations and tackles some of the concerns raised by practitioners in the weeks after its publication. 

The Today's Wills and Probate podcast is available on your preferred podcast provider, and at www.todayswillsandprobate.co.uk. Subscribe today to hear all the latest news and views across the wills and probate sector.

Thank you to our podcast sponsors LEAP Estates, Property Ladder Group and Finders International.

In this episode of the Today’s Wills and Probate Podcast, host David Opie welcomes Sam Grice, founder of Octopus Legacy (formerly Guardian Angel), to discuss the origins, evolution, and future ambitions of one of the fastest-growing companies in the end-of-life planning and bereavement support space.

Sam's journey into the wills and probate sector began with a deeply personal tragedy. In 2017, while working in financial services, Sam lost his mother suddenly in a car accident. At just 27, he found himself navigating the overwhelming emotional and logistical challenges of bereavement. With his father also in shock, Sam took on the responsibility of managing the legal, financial, and practical aftermath.

This experience exposed the fragmented and emotionally taxing nature of the bereavement process. It sparked a desire to create a company that could guide others through what he describes as “the toughest thing anyone’s ever going to go through.” Within days of his mother’s passing, the seed for what would become Guardian Angel was planted

Sam discusses Guardian Angel's journey from launch through to its integration into the energy and venture capital fund Octopus Group; an acquisition borne out of a shared journey of grief with Octopus' founder; and its ultimate ambition to be a national brand known for compassionate, comprehensive end-of-life support.

By combining people and technology, Octopus Legacy has consolidated its service offering, introduced legacy features like voice notes and personal messages alongside legal documentation, and launched its bereavement concierge, a service that allows grieving individuals to call a single number for help with anything from legal paperwork to finding a dog walker.

The Today's Wills and Probate podcast is available on your preferred podcast provider, and at www.todayswillsandprobate.co.uk. Subscribe today to hear all the latest news and views across the wills and probate sector.

Thank you to our podcast sponsors LEAP Estates, Property Ladder Group and Finders International.

In the latest episode of the Today’s Wills and Probate Podcast, host David Opie discusses the intriguing and often surprising world of probate genealogy with Eileen Lavelle, Regional Head at Anglia Research. Eileen offers a behind-the-scenes look at what it means to be a probate genealogist and how their work dovetails with the probate process.

Eileen's day-to-day role involves identifying and locating rightful heirs, constructing family trees, and providing solicitors with the necessary documentation to administer estates. Sometimes, it’s as simple as finding a missing son; other times, it’s a complex web of international research and historical detective work.

“No two days are the same,” she says. “You never know what you’re going to find when you start your day.” 

Understandably much of the research work has moved online but it's not that long ago when much of Eileen's time was spent in and around Greater Manchester searching through microfilm and dusty library books. And while online is helpful, the key is to know where to look. “If you don’t know the sites exist, you can’t access the information,” she says. 

Eileen shares a couple of anecdotes of cases of disappearing relatives who turn up on the other side of the world, bigamously married; and the case involving finding 72 beneficiaries for a £1.5m estate in Cornwall. 

The discussion also touches on Missing Beneficiary Insurance (MBI) and where and when it is most appropriate to protect beneficiaries and professionals. 

As society becomes more mobile and family structures more complex, Eileen anticipates that probate genealogy will only become more challenging. Blended families, unmarried parents, and international migration all complicate the process of proving relationships and inheritance rights. 

Throughout the discussion Eileen's passion for the work is evident "I can’t believe I get paid for this!"

The Today's Wills and Probate podcast is available on your preferred podcast provider, and at www.todayswillsandprobate.co.uk. Subscribe today to hear all the latest news and views across the wills and probate sector.

Thank you to our podcast sponsors LEAP Estates, Property Ladder Group and Finders International.

The latest Today's Wills and Probate Podcast welcomes workplace culture and staff retention specialist Andre Thomas of Thomas Telman to discuss the critical importance of cultivating a positive workplace culture and the direct impact this has on staff retention and overall business success.

The firm has created a empirical methodology by which culture can be measured through engagement surveys, focus groups, and one-on-one interviews. He identifies 15 key data points for assessing culture, including career development, psychological safety, retention rates, and recruitment costs. By gathering both quantitative and qualitative data, firms can gain a comprehensive understanding of their workplace culture and identify areas for improvement.

Throughout the discussion Andre shares some of the detail of this methodology which can reduce the likelihood of errors and claims (engaged and satisfied employees are less likely to make mistakes), create positive cultures where employees feel valued, and aligned with the company's values increasing productivity, and plays a sizeable role in attracting and retaining top talent and ultimately improving profitability.

Andre Thomas explains that many firms fail to take culture seriously due to a lack of clear definition and measurement. He argues that culture is not about superficial perks like table tennis tables or bean bags but about the genuine employee experience. Conversely, a toxic culture is marked by poor communication, lack of psychological safety, and high turnover.

He encourages firms to be open about their findings and involve employees in the process of making improvements; trust and transparency are the foundations of a positive workplace culture, which in turn drives staff retention and business success.

The Today's Wills and Probate podcast is available on your preferred podcast provider, and at www.todayswillsandprobate.co.uk. Subscribe today to hear all the latest news and views across the wills and probate sector.

Thank you to our podcast sponsors LEAP Estates, Property Ladder Group and Finders International.

In this latest episode of the Today’s Wills and Probate Podcast, host David Opie is joined by Stephen Lawson, Partner at IDR Law and Elizabeth Gibbison, a solicitor at Irwin Mitchell and Chair of Law Society Private Client Solicitors Section Advisory Committee, to discuss the likely contents of the Wills Act 1837 by the Law Commission, its wider implications, and the broader legislative changes facing the private client sector

The Wills Act has remained largely unchanged for over 150 years. The Law Commission first tackled its reform in 2017, paused to address marriage law, and revisited it with a supplementary consultation in 2023. The result will likely be a comprehensive overhaul of how wills are made and interpreted in England and Wales.

A central feature of the report is the legal recognition of electronic wills. While the Law Commission supports their introduction, the specific technical requirements - such as identity verification and safeguards against fraud - will be left to statutory instruments, meaning further regulation from Parliament. The Commission is also likely to recommend that courts be granted the power to dispense with certain formalities, allowing them to validate wills that clearly reflect a deceased’s intention - even if they technically fall short of legal requirements.
 
Cases involving predatory marriages and dementia may also be tackled as efforts to protect vulnerable people are reviewed; including the automatic revocation of a Will following marriage. 

A key point of contention is whether to retain the long-established Banks v Goodfellow test or move toward the more modern Mental Capacity Act 2005 framework. Lawson argued in favour of Banks v Goodfellow for its clarity and practicality, while Gibbison proposed a hybrid approach, using both tests complementarily.

The report comes at a hugely exciting time in private client practice with IHT reforms, Non-Dom regime changes, Assisted Dying, cohabitation reform and digital transformation all play out over the course of the next few years. 

The Today's Wills and Probate podcast is available on your preferred podcast provider, and at www.todayswillsandprobate.co.uk. Subscribe today to hear all the latest news and views across the wills and probate sector.

Thank you to our podcast sponsors LEAP Estates, Property Ladder Group and Finders International.

Arken Group CEO Dave Newick joins the Today's Wills and Probate Podcast to discuss the output of a recent report published by Arken looking at the current landscape of the private client sector. 

The podcast focuses on three key discussion points borne out of the report; law firms and professionals need to be;

1. better at understanding the data they hold
2. proactively manage the changing employment landscape
3. explore scalability and finding their marketplace.

"Strategically navigating a consolidating estate planning market" looks at the current activity around the acquisition of smaller firms by larger firms actively seeking to build their will banks and client databases. Dave outlines how the arrival of private equity into the sector is impacting and warns with a general lack of succession planning, and changing workplace dynamics, firms are not always well equipped to deal with what's coming in the next 2, 5, and 10 years. 

The total number of firms is diminishing and consolidators are realising the opportunity he says. 

Where firms have an opportunity is in leveraging the data they hold in their client and will banks. Indeed, the value of firms is relative to their ability to interrogate, segment, and use their data for marketing purposes... in short the value of firms is diminished without the ability the leverage the data they hold. 

On the changing employment landscape new models of employment are becoming more popular with the self-employed consultant style firm developing in private client having seen much success in conveyancing. The changes are driven by generations in the workforce who don't want to work in that traditional law firms way. Gen X'ers and Millennials value freedom and flexibility says Dave, and firms must be attuned to that. 

And finally on distribution volume providers are scaling their businesses through partnerships with consumer organisations; how do you make the most of that when you don't have the scale to service at that level? Well, the answer says Dave is to be a part of the disruption; be in front of where the demand is and partner with introducers/IFAs etc. There is, he adds, renewed enthusiasm and interest in estate planning because of the great wealth transfer and with 27,000 licensed financial advisors there are plenty of opportunities to be targeting. 

Strategically navigating a consolidating estate planning market white paper is available to review here. 

The Today's Wills and Probate podcast is available on your preferred podcast provider, and at www.todayswillsandprobate.co.uk. Subscribe today to hear all the latest news and views across the wills and probate sector.

Thank you to our podcast sponsors LEAP Estates, Property Ladder Group and Finders International.

In this Today’s Wills and Probate Podcast, host David Opie sat down with Mariam Khan, Solicitor at WMP Legal, to discuss the complexities of Islamic wills and estate planning.

Many will writers and solicitors do not have the expertise to draft wills that align with both English law and Islamic inheritance principles. Mariam Khan has developed this niche expertise, ensuring that her clients receive advice that respects both legal and religious frameworks.

Mariam’s journey into this specialisation began during her studies. While attending a legal exhibition in Birmingham, a solicitor approached her and suggested she consider focusing on Islamic wills. Having studied Islamic studies and Islamic inheritance laws in her youth, she found this to be a natural fit. However, she soon realised that Islamic wills are more complex than they initially appear and require in-depth training to execute correctly.

To refine her expertise, Mariam travelled to Pakistan for further education. This experience deepened her understanding of Islamic inheritance law, reinforcing the necessity of having knowledge in both English and Islamic legal systems. While the COVID-19 lockdown delayed her return, it provided her with an opportunity to immerse herself further in the subject.

A key distinction between standard wills and Islamic wills is the concept of testamentary freedom. In English law, individuals have the freedom to distribute their estate as they wish, including excluding certain people. In contrast, Islamic wills adhere to guidelines set forth in the Quran, specifying fixed shares for heirs. Mariam also outlined the key differences between English and Islamic wills.

When asked whether the Muslim community has a higher proportion of will-writers compared to other communities, Mariam noted a 50/50 divide. Historically, will-writing has been less common in the Muslim community due to a lack of awareness. However, as understanding of Islamic inheritance obligations increases, more individuals are taking steps to ensure their wills are correctly structured.

The Today's Wills and Probate podcast is available on your preferred podcast provider, and at www.todayswillsandprobate.co.uk. Subscribe today to hear all the latest news and views across the wills and probate sector.

Thank you to our podcast sponsors LEAP Estates, Property Ladder Group and Finders International.

Podcast host David Opie in joined by CEO of the charity LawCare, Elizabeth Rimmer, to discuss their latest "Life in the Law" surveys which are now open for completion until Friday 21st March. 

LawCare supports and promotes mental health and wellbeing across the legal services sector. They have 2 main focuses. Their first is in providing direct support on and offline for those who wish to reach out. Their second focus is on providing wider education and advocacy of mental health planning and promotion across the law. Importantly, says Elizabeth, LawCare help organisations understand how they can better support their people through identifying risk factors in the work place that undermine people's mental health

The survey last ran in 2020 with the results published in 2021 and found 69% of respondents said that had experienced poor mental health. Addressing some of the reasons why the survey found 1 in 5 respondents had experienced bullying and workplace harassment; and less than half of respondents with line management responsibilities had any formal training. 

In 2025 there are 2 surveys to complete; one for individuals and one for organisations. More information about how to complete the surveys is on the LawCare website (Life in the Law) and below.

The surveys are asking questions about wellbeing, hours people work, psychological safety, burnout, management and support, and bullying and harassment. 

For organisations, the survey is looking into whats steps are organisations taking to address the factors of poor mental health. Good mental health is a strategic investment, says Elizabeth. Staff who have positive mental health are going to be more effective, more productive, more likely to stay in the organisations. 

The objective of the surveys is to help produce evidence based best practice for firms to practically implement into their organisations. This needs to be done properly, strategically, and you need to give people capacity to deliver it concludes Elizabeth. 

Complete the surveys via the links below:

• Life in the Law 2025 (Individuals)
• Life in the Law 2025 (Organisations)

The Today's Wills and Probate podcast is available on your preferred podcast provider, and at www.todayswillsandprobate.co.uk. Subscribe today to hear all the latest news and views across the wills and probate sector.

Thank you to our podcast sponsors LEAP Estates, Property Ladder Group and Finders International.

The Today's Wills and Probate Podcast welcomes back Dan Warburton, a law firm consultant and trainer who specialises in helping individuals delegate work more effectively; in the process junior staff are elevated, the individual has a happier work/life balance, and ultimately the firm can be more profitable. 

It's a soapbox Dan has jumped on before having appeared previously on the podcast to discuss “the skill of profitable delegation;” creating leaders who can deliver high levels of performance across their team. Few partners achieve what Dan describes as a “transition out of being a technician in the business to being a business owner"; it should be their objective to remove themselves from a position where the structure and success of the organisation relies on them.

This discussion centres on the launch of Dan's book "Delegate Now to Supercharge Your Profits" in which he outlines the secrets to his methodology;

• including the key differences between "delegation" and "profitable delegation" - "It’s easy to delegate work away ineffectively... It’s a very different skill to delegate work away and have it handled to a high standard whilst gaining a great reputation and making a firm reliably profitable.")
• Proactive and reactive management - "I’ve come to see that there really is no other way than leading regular one-on-one calls to lead and manage team members effectively."
• Leading teams in a way that makes them loyal to you

Throughout the podcast Dan discusses tips and tactics for how to work with individuals in the business to help them become more efficient, effective and confident members of the team which in turn enables leaders to lead, rather than remaining forever in the The Law Technician’s Valley of Doom - It’s where partners are all burned out from working long hours and cannot see how to increase their firms’ profits without working even longer hours.

They cannot stop working, and they cannot take breaks to recharge their batteries very often. They take holidays infrequently because their firms rely on them so much to keep operating.

The Today's Wills and Probate podcast is available on your preferred podcast provider, and at www.todayswillsandprobate.co.uk. Subscribe today to hear all the latest news and views across the wills and probate sector.

Thank you to our podcast sponsors LEAP Estates, Property Ladder Group and Finders International.

In the second episode of the fourth series of the Today's Wills and Probate Podcast, host David Opie sat down with Taz Khalid, CEO, and Jean Ward, COO of My Probate Solicitor (MPS), to discuss the launch of the new business and the introduction of ZENA—an AI-powered “warrior princess” designed to streamline probate services for an ageing and growing population.

MPS was founded as a tech-centric firm with AI at its core, offering a fixed-fee solution for probate. Ward, who transitioned from a background in personal injury to the private client sector, saw an opportunity to create a more efficient and controlled process. By commissioning AI and training it with carefully curated data, the team has successfully developed ZENA to enhance their services.

MPS specialises in probate, wills, and trusts while maintaining a transparent, fixed-fee model. They describe their process as being 'streamlined and AI-powered' guiding clients through each step with precision and ease.

Khalid and Ward emphasised their vision for MPS is as a leader in legal tech placing the client at the centre of the experience; they will, for example, provide direct phone support where clients can receive immediate assistance.

Looking ahead, Khalid expressed a desire for the probate market to move towards fixed fees, ensuring fairness and transparency for consumers. As an SRA-regulated firm, MPS hopes to set an example for the legal industry, encouraging other professionals to adopt a more tech (and consumer) friendly approach.

The Today's Wills and Probate podcast is available on your preferred podcast provider, and at www.todayswillsandprobate.co.uk. Subscribe today to hear all the latest news and views across the wills and probate sector.

Thank you to our podcast sponsors LEAP Estates, Property Ladder Group and Finders International.

In the first episode of the fourth series of the Today's Wills and Probate Podcast, host David Opie is joined by Alison Hesketh of TimeFinders; a service best described as providing later life admin support.

Filling the "yawning gap" between the legal and financial professions, and the care sector, Timefinders was set up in 2010 following Alison's own experiences of supporting her family.

Initially focused on retirement downsizing, the business rapidly widened its services to help people 'live in the right place at the right time.' There is little information about care options and contingency planning, says Alison. And as we are regularly reminded, when only c.60% of the adult population have a Will, encouraging people to think about what happens in later life can be challenging.

"What happens if you can't drive any more; what happens if you can't get upstairs and you don't have facilities downstairs... these questions are things people don't want to think about but what we find is when we guide them through that process, every single time clients say they feel so much better because it's been a worry in the back of my mind."

TimeFinders works with legal and financial advisors to ensure people are properly prepared with up to dates Wills and Lasting Powers of Attorney as an example. Their advocacy service is designed to help clients make important decisions about their future while they can; and often work with people whose own family is unable to provide that dedicated support, whether through distance or other commitments.

It's disappointing, concludes Alison, successive governments have kicked the social care can down the road and we have to do something to protect the most vulnerable in society. 

The Today's Wills and Probate podcast is available on your preferred podcast provider, and at www.todayswillsandprobate.co.uk. Subscribe today to hear all the latest news and views across the wills and probate sector.

Thank you to our podcast sponsors LEAP Estates, Property Ladder Group and Finders International.

What is the current sentiment across the profession around wills, probate, client experience, speed of administration, attitude toward financial services... that is the topic of the latest Today's Wills and Probate which delves into the recently published "Bereavement Index"; an annual report tracking the key issues facing individuals and firms dealing with the administration of death.

It is a "state of the nation" says Aleks Tomczyk, the report's author and co-Founder and Managing of Exizent, covering three key areas of death administration; the individuals and families going through bereavement; the legal profession; and financial services.

This latest version of the report, which is now in its 4th year, covers the attitudes of legal professionals, identifying a marked increase in the percentage of legal firms who think the probate process is "slow and inefficient"; which has increased from 67% in 2022, to 94% this year.

In the first part of this year's report, released earlier in 2024, reassuringly for the profession, 94% of people who turned to a professional for help, would do so again. So, says Tomczyk, the profession is doing something right! But inefficiency and capacity are major issues for firms.

57% of respondents said government need to be better; with delays at HMRC and HMCTS, not to mention the Probate Registry, a constant frustration. And that frustration is increasing, with over 65% of respondents saying they believe probate cases are delayed more than 50% of the time, compared to 39% in 2023.

And then firms themselves could be looking inwardly at investment in dedicated software and technology which will reduce admin. "Software is good at that stuff", say Tomczyk, "putting in information once and using it multiple times to populate court forms and estate accounts for example."

And technology has a huge role to play in the recruitment and retention of talent who are, says Tomczyk, digital natives, regaling a story from a recent university presentation where the room was filled with laptops and tablets, not pen and paper, for note taking.

The report is a fitting end to the latest series of the Today's Wills and Probate Podcast with some useful thoughts and takeaways for firms to think about into 2025 and beyond. The latest report can be downloaded via this link.  

The Today's Wills and Probate podcast is available on your preferred podcast provider, and at www.todayswillsandprobate.co.uk. Subscribe today to hear all the latest news and views across the wills and probate sector.

Thank you to our podcast sponsors LEAP Estates, Property Ladder Group and Finders International.

Legal Services Director at Kings Court Trust Charlotte Toogood joins the latest Today's Wills and Probate podcast to impart her experience of working in estate administration over the last 16 years. 

 With contentious probate on the rise Charlotte shares her thoughts on what we can do as practitioners, and how we can better advise families to either avoid disputes, or deal with them constructively and to the benefit of all. 

"There is a lot of information in the national press about estate planning; I don't agree with it all but people believe what they read and as professionals we have a responsibility to educate clients on the complexities, and realities of estate administration."

Take caveats as an example; they are so easy to place electronically and are incredibly impulsive; people simply don't realise the impact and the ensuing delays. 

Asked how practitioners can pre-empt disputes Charlotte suggests we need to encourage families to have conversations in their lifetime; rather than wait when it's too late and the decision can't be explained. Clients need to be encouraged to be open about family dynamics; it is the role of the professionals to ask the right questions and encourage open communication from the outset of the relationship, says Charlotte.  

She adds where disputes arise, staff can end up bearing the brunt of client frustrations and explains how as a business they have fine tuned their support for staff through line management, regular file review meeting, and the introduction of mental health first aiders at Kings Court Trust. 

The podcast finishes with a case study of a complex matter in which Charlotte explains the scenario, and how, through working collaboratively as a business and with their clients and peers, they succeeded in bringing the matter to  fruition.

The Today's Wills and Probate podcast is available on your preferred podcast provider, and at www.todayswillsandprobate.co.uk. Subscribe today to hear all the latest news and views across the wills and probate sector.

Thank you to our podcast sponsors LEAP Estates, Property Ladder Group and Finders International.

Today's Wills and Probate Host David Opie is joined by Birketts' Head of the Private Wealth Dispute Team Bernadette Baker and Partner in the team Kate Harris to discuss the case of Leonard v Leonard; a convoluted and disputed probate case concerning the estate of Jack Leonard and the validity of two separate Wills. 

Bernadette leads with a comprehensive outline of the case, including considerations for Jack's blended families, his extensive business interests and in later life, failing health. 

Kate picks up the details of the disputes which found the later Will, written in 2015, was not valid due to Jack's lack of testamentary capacity. But the case is important for practitioners for a number of reasons

• This case confirmed Banks v Goodfellow is still the correct test for testamentary capacity and has not been displaced by the Mental Capacity Act 2005
• Importantly the case re-affirms the test for the validity relates to the understanding of the Will being written; not just the concept of writing a Will. 
• Long term illnesses WILL impact testamentary capacity; as opposed to shorter, episodic illness

The discussion also explores the impact of technology on this case, with Bernadette acknowledging in all likelihood there was evidence on Jack's phone and email accounts that would have been useful in the case; but the inability to access such information meant the evidence was lost. There is a message here for practitioners around advising clients on the ability of their loved ones to access electronics and accounts (like mobile phones) when they are gone. 

A fascinating insight into the ramifications of a case that was widely reported on in the national and industry press from the team who successfully brought the case to the courts. 

The Today's Wills and Probate podcast is available on your preferred podcast provider, and at www.todayswillsandprobate.co.uk. Subscribe today to hear all the latest news and views across the wills and probate sector.

Thank you to our podcast sponsors LEAP Estates, Property Ladder Group and Finders International.

As one of the disruptors in the wake of the Legal Services Act 2007 QualitySolicitors (QS) was launched in 2009 with the ambition to help the high street fight back against the anticipated onslaught of major brands entering the legal market - so-called 'Tesco Law.'

QS grew rapidly, with firms up and down the country adopting the familiar black and pink branding, adding the name "QualitySolicitors" to their firm name to create greater brand recognition. In 2011 an investment of c.£100m saw Palamon Capital Partners take a majority stake in the group.

In the years since QS has remained steadfast in its support for the high street and, after a short stint as part of Metamorph, emerged relatively unscathed following a Management Buyout (MBO) in 2022.

On this latest Today's Wills and Probate Podcast, host David Opie welcomes CEO Richard Skelley and Chief Operating Officer Victoria Browning to discuss what's next for QS.

There is still much continuity; Victoria has been with the business since 2016 overseeing much of the work done to support firms with recruitment and business development, employer branding and conveyancing panel services. And equally there are breaks from the past; QS firms no longer need to rebrand their firm for example.

The business is now focused on 4 key principles, explains Richard. The QS Way: A Philosophy for Sustainable Growth covers People, Process & Procedures, Power of Many, and Profile - principles supported by continued to efforts to help firms through the QualitySolicitors consumer-facing website which still generates 1m hits annually.

And membership has been reviewed with a new tiered approach offering free, 'lite' and full options for firms. It is, says Richard, a much more flexible approach than previously.

We've kept the great bits QS had - we have over 100 sites across the country and still have clients that joined right at the start - and augmented it with a range new options based on member feedback, concludes Richard, adding we are always happy to talk to firms interested in learning more about how QS can support them in the growth ambitions.

The Today's Wills and Probate podcast is available on your preferred podcast provider, and at www.todayswillsandprobate.co.uk. Subscribe today to hear all the latest news and views across the wills and probate sector.

Thank you to our podcast sponsors LEAP Estates, Property Ladder Group and Finders International.

Free and low cost will schemes are an established part of the wills and probate sector, providing charities with valuable legacy income streams, and practitioners with their largest source of lead generation.

The latest Today's Wills and Probate Podcast welcomes Richard Millar of Capacity Marketing on to discuss the value of free and low cost will networks.

Capacity Marketing is probably one of those companies you've never heard of, but have almost certainly come across in some way.  The business runs the National Free Wills Network, set up in 2008, to bring charities, firms and the public together.

The podcast explores the various views around whether free and low cost will services devalue will writing; and how they can be used as part of the wider estate and later life planning conversation with clients.

There is no doubt, says Richard, will writing is seen in some quarters as a loss lead service. Our own statistics show around 85-90% of those who engage with National Free Wills Network will use it to complete a "Standard" will. But it is absolutely the basis for on ongoing relationship.

And of course for charities, will writing is a vitally important source of income. As Richard says, good intentions count for nothing. 

The conversation also discusses the recently published CMA guidance which is welcome and should give the public more protection. He suggests transparency is a hugely important issue to address; comparing a comprehensive service from a city centre firm, to an online will writing questionnaire service might be obvious to us, but assumes a level of knowledge from the public they might not have.

The Today's Wills and Probate podcast is available on your preferred podcast provider, and at www.todayswillsandprobate.co.uk. Subscribe today to hear all the latest news and views across the wills and probate sector.

Thank you to our podcast sponsors LEAP Estates, Property Ladder Group and Finders International.

Dean Morgan is the Managing Director of a franchise of Grey Matters Consultancy; a business founded with the aim of meeting the needs of those in retirement at the point they need additional assistance, and for offering guidance to those who have the responsibility for their care. 

Dean is himself a franchisee based in Cardiff with a background in social care and through Grey Matters provides a range of services focused on identifying financial support for the elderly and vulnerable; anything from disabled badges and council tax exemption to pension credits and attendance allowance. 

Attendance allowance specifically is a hugely under-appreciated and under utilised benefit, providing financial support to people of retirement age and older to live comfortably and independently in their own home. 

It can be over £5000 per annum at the higher rate, and Dean does a lot of work, including podcasts like this, to help people understand their eligibility and  correct common misconceptions. 

One of the biggest barriers is the application form. For an indication of the complicated nature of applying for attendance allowance Dean cites research from 2021 which showed 60% of applications fail. In his own franchise he is achieving 99% success rates.

He explains how doing things "in the right order" can often help with applications; attendance allowance can open up eligibility for pension credit; can be used as evidence to support council tax reduction claims; those caring for recipients of attendance allowance could claim carer's allowance.

Dean also explains how the requests for help often come from the families of the vulnerable, not from vulnerable people themselves who often suffer in silence. 

Listen in for Dean's interesting insight into the much needed work of organisations who play their part in supporting the social care sector and how they can work with private client practitioners to dovetail their services. 

The Today's Wills and Probate podcast is available on your preferred podcast provider, and at www.todayswillsandprobate.co.uk. Subscribe today to hear all the latest news and views across the wills and probate sector.

Thank you to our podcast sponsors LEAP Estates, Property Ladder Group and Finders International.

Helen Stewart, Partner and Head of Probate at Thomson, Snell & Passmore joins the latest Today's Wills and Probate Podcast to discuss the launch of a new association to support collaboration and best practice amongst independent administrators (IAs) and estates in conflict.  

The National Association of Independent Administrators (NAIA) brings together contentious and non-contentious practitioners in disputed estate administration work. 

The work of IAs is important, says Helen, citing figures that show there are 10,000 disputed estates annually. In 2021/22 195 disputes ended up in the courts, up from 145 in 2017 - and these numbers don't include estates settled out of court. 

We know contentious matters continue to be on the increase so it made sense to introduce an opportunity to share ideas, best practice, collaboration and referrals amongst practitioners. There is also a need for the work of IA's to be better known and understood; a key objective of the NAIA 
 
Helen discusses her introduction to IA work and how the group has fostered a community of professionals with shared expertise, supporting one another through pooled experience. 

Formal submissions are required and membership criteria is laid out in the developing constitution.  For those interested in finding out more about the NAIA, whether for membership or referrals, you can contact Helen Stewart on helen.stewart@ts-p.co.uk. 

The Today's Wills and Probate podcast is available on your preferred podcast provider, and at www.todayswillsandprobate.co.uk. Subscribe today to hear all the latest news and views across the wills and probate sector.

Thank you to our podcast sponsors LEAP Estates, Property Ladder Group and Finders International.

Tim Hewson joins the Today's Wills and Probate podcast to discuss LegalWills - his Canadian-based technology company providing will writing and estate planning services in Canada and North America.

The business started in a bar in Ottawa where Tim and his colleagues were discussing whether any of them, all successful tech high-flyers, had a will or had considered any form of later life and succession planning. Somewhat serendipitously none of them had and it sparked the idea to launch the business in 2001.

In the time since Tim and his small team have built up the business offering Will writing services in North America, Canada, South Africa and England and Wales; each providing a unique challenge to the software and workflows.

The discussion moves on to the differing speed at which the various jurisdictions, sometimes even within the same country in the case of the USA, are adopting innovation and technology. Electronic signing and storage is one example, says Tim, where it's important we keep up with the changing legislation to ensure our product and service is where it needs to be.

The law as changing as well; Tim uses the example of cohabitation and 'Common Law' relationships where some states have greater legal protections that other which have to be accounted for in estate and succession planning.

On the general trends over the past 20+ years in the sector Tim bemoans the speed of innovation and change, identifying it often needs legislative intervention  and lobbying to enact. But greater acceptance of digital in our daily lives has made online wills more accessible and acceptable, which, says Tim, can only be a good thing.

The Today's Wills and Probate podcast is available on your preferred podcast provider, and at www.todayswillsandprobate.co.uk. Subscribe today to hear all the latest news and views across the wills and probate sector.

Thank you to our podcast sponsors LEAP Estates, Property Ladder Group and Finders International.

The Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) has recently requested law firms complete an anti-money laundering and sanctions data collection exercise. The SRA is required by Office for Professional Body Anti-Money Laundering Supervision (OPBAS) to take a risk-based approach to supervision and is requesting firms complete the requested information as full as possible.

It will, they say enable them to "see the distribution of risk across the legal profession, which in turn informs our programme of inspections and our guidance."

The latest Today's Wills and Probate podcast welcomes Gavin Ball of HiveRisk to tackle the tricky topic of what firms need to be thinking about when it comes to completing the information, and wider considerations when it comes to firms' anti-money laundering policies, processes and procedures.

In 2024 alone law firms have been fine £200,000 directly relating to failures in their anti-money laundering and sanctions processes.

Gavin goes on to discuss the areas he sees firms failing on as a compliance specialist. He talks technology and how it can help firms with their compliance obligations but warns the key is understanding what the information is telling you... in their audits the SRA will challenge firms and staff to interpret reports provided through technology and how to interpret its content.

Gavin also discusses politically exposed persons (PEPs), sanctions, and how to deal with reporting suspicious activity (SARs) to the National Crime Agency (NCA) in this informative and insightful podcast.

The Today's Wills and Probate podcast is available on your preferred podcast provider, and at www.todayswillsandprobate.co.uk. Subscribe today to hear all the latest news and views across the wills and probate sector.

Thank you to our podcast sponsors LEAP Estates, Property Ladder Group and Finders International.