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15 January 2009
Issue: 7352 / Categories: Features , Wills & Probate
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Stop press!

Michael Tringham explains why probate is hitting the headlines

The internet is alive with probate news: from referral services to will registries. Totallyfreewills.co.uk announce: “With the launch of a new online client referral service solicitors will have access to high value complex wills and lucrative probate business...UK consumers will be encouraged to create their free wills by securely inputting the required details online. The will is automatically generated then checked and finalised by an appointed Totally Free Wills panel solicitor.”

Meanwhile Certainty.co.uk is launching a will register, endorsed by former Law Society President Kevin Martin and available for wills prepared by regulated professionals. Certainty cite a survey showing that that 67% of people did not know where to find their parents’ Will. Their website adds: “Not being able to find a Will causes untold distress and potential financial loss for your family. It takes just 60 seconds to register your Will to be certain your Will is not lost, misplaced or forgotten over the passage of time.”

Last rites?
Yet only two years ago shrouds and obsequies were

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MOVERS & SHAKERS

Birketts—four appointments

Birketts—four appointments

Firm expands partnership with four lateral hires across key practice areas

Harper James—Lottie Hugo

Harper James—Lottie Hugo

Commercial law firm announces appointment of corporate partner

Carey Olsen—Patrick Ormond

Carey Olsen—Patrick Ormond

Partner joins corporate and finance practice in British Virgin Islands

NEWS
Serial sperm donor Robert Albon has lost his bid for a declaration of paternity, ‘on the ground that to grant it would manifestly be contrary to public policy’
The government is considering wholesale reform of consumer class actions—the ‘opt-out’ collective claims certified by the Competition Appeals Tribunal (CAT)
A ‘sophisticated suspected fraud’ may have taken place at PM Law involving the improper removal and misuse of about £39.5m of client funds, the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) has confirmed
The Serious Fraud Office (SFO) will invest in technology to catch tech-reliant fraudsters and handle voluminous case materials
Law firms enjoyed rapid growth in 2025, according to a Financial Benchmarking Survey, published by the Law Society last week
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