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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

Switalskis—Sally Ann Masih, Suzy Overton & Jane Beaumont

Switalskis—Sally Ann Masih, Suzy Overton & Jane Beaumont

Trio of recruits strengthens Switalskis residential property team

Ward Hadaway—Steven Hayward

Ward Hadaway—Steven Hayward

Birmingham law firm appoints construction partner

Flint Bishop—six appointments

Flint Bishop—six appointments

Flint Bishop accelerates Northern growth through strategic senior appointments

NEWS
A High Court decision has clarified that a home may be unfit for human habitation not only where conditions endanger health or safety, but also where they seriously undermine comfort and convenience

A longer time limit for employment tribunal claims, new charity law thresholds, property tribunal recruitment and appellate guidance on small-claims costs feature in the latest Civil Way round-up

A recent High Court ruling could make issue estoppel considerably more complex in cross-border litigation, requiring parties to consider the foreign law governing the underlying claim
The Supreme Court has overturned Cheshire West’s bright-line test for deprivation of liberty, replacing it with a broader, more contextual assessment that gives greater weight to an individual’s wishes, feelings and apparent consent
Jonathan Fisher KC’s wide-ranging fraud report contains worthwhile proposals, but turning them into workable reform will require money, capacity and political will
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