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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

Gardner Leader—Charlotte Botham & Belinda Sinnott

Gardner Leader—Charlotte Botham & Belinda Sinnott

Law firm strengthens real estate team with two new partners

DR Solicitors—Sarah Cook

DR Solicitors—Sarah Cook

DR Solicitors strengthens primary care expertise with appointment of legal director

Womble Bond Dickinson—David Varney

Womble Bond Dickinson—David Varney

Womble Bond Dickinson appoints David Varney to strengthen digital practice

NEWS
The Court of Appeal's decision in Mazur v Charles Russell Speechlys LLP has lifted months of uncertainty for Chartered Legal Executives while prompting a rethink of regulation and supervision
The assisted dying debate returns to Westminster as Lauren Edwards MP reintroduces legislation that stalled in the House of Lords last session despite clearing the Commons
A little-noticed provision of the Crime and Policing Act 2026 has fundamentally expanded corporate criminal liability
Artificial intelligence is transforming legal practice, but careless reliance on it is creating growing professional risks
The law offers cohabiting couples surprisingly greater protection after one partner dies than when they separate during life
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