# legal aid (news sources) — RSS Amplifier Recent posts from the 1 feeds in the RSS Amplifier directory that cover legal aid. Page: Feed: --- ## [Don’t default to pension withdrawals in later life lending, advisers warned](https://todayswillsandprobate.co.uk/dont-default-to-pension-withdrawals-in-later-life-lending-advisers-warned/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=dont-default-to-pension-withdrawals-in-later-life-lending-advisers-warned) _2026-08-27 · Today's Wills and Probate · Today's Wills and Probate_ Later life lending advice should explore all the options available to homeowners instead of defaulting to tax-free pension lump sums, Key Equity Release has warned. HMRC data analysed by Key shows a record 1.27 million people made flexible withdrawals from pension funds in the 2025/26 tax year, many of whom the equity release adviser says \[…\] ## [Tech round-up: £1m legal AI launch and a new platform for SME firms](https://todayswillsandprobate.co.uk/tech-round-up-1m-legal-ai-launch-and-a-new-platform-for-sme-firms/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=tech-round-up-1m-legal-ai-launch-and-a-new-platform-for-sme-firms) _2026-08-27 · Juliet Shaw · Today's Wills and Probate_ A new AI operating system for the legal sector promises to enable AI adoption alongside firms’ existing technology infrastructure and case management systems. ClearPathOS, developed by ClearPath AI, understands the context surrounding a matter, case or transaction, its developers promise, with specialist AI capabilities that can “undertake research and reasoning… coordinate workflows, communicate… ## [New podcast: topical talks with Heledd Wyn on financial abuse and vulnerable clients](https://todayswillsandprobate.co.uk/new-podcast-topical-talks-with-heledd-wyn-on-financial-abuse-and-vulnerable-clients/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=new-podcast-topical-talks-with-heledd-wyn-on-financial-abuse-and-vulnerable-clients) _2026-08-26 · Title Research · Today's Wills and Probate_ Title Research is pleased to share the latest episode of the topical talks podcast, featuring Heledd Wyn, partner at Rothley Law. Heledd specialises in future planning, private wealth and court of protection matters. She is well-regarded for her expertise in long-term and elderly care issues, especially issues surrounding financial abuse. Title Research is joined by \[…\] ## [Digital estate planning: don’t let digital wealth become lost wealth](https://todayswillsandprobate.co.uk/digital-estate-planning-dont-let-digital-wealth-become-lost-wealth/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=digital-estate-planning-dont-let-digital-wealth-become-lost-wealth) _2026-08-26 · Kings Court Trust · Today's Wills and Probate_ For many people, estate planning still revolves around physical assets, however, the way people build and manage wealth has changed dramatically over the past decade. For will writers, financial advisers, and anyone supporting clients with estate planning, digital assets are becoming an increasingly important consideration. In this blog, Kings Court Trust covers: Data from recent \[…\] ## [Former Axiom Ince director struck off over amended client invoice](https://todayswillsandprobate.co.uk/former-axiom-ince-director-struck-off-over-amended-client-invoice/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=former-axiom-ince-director-struck-off-over-amended-client-invoice) _2026-08-26 · Matilda Battersby · Today's Wills and Probate_ A former director of Axiom Ince has been struck off and ordered to pay £5,000 in costs for amending an invoice to give “the misleading impression” of a discount. Toby Richard Matthews admitted to dishonestly amending a counsel’s fee note for a client while he was a director at Axiom Ince, ahead of a Solicitors \[…\] ## [Dudley Building Society launches educational trust guide](https://todayswillsandprobate.co.uk/dudley-building-society-launches-educational-trust-guide/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=dudley-building-society-launches-educational-trust-guide) _2026-08-26 · Kayla Kerridge · Today's Wills and Probate_ Dudley Building Society has launched a new educational guide designed to help more people understand how trusts work and the role they can play in protecting savings, supporting loved ones and planning for the future. The new Trust Savings Guide has been created as a practical resource for customers who may have heard of trusts \[…\] ## [Employers urged to do more to support bereaved workers as women disproportionately affected](https://todayswillsandprobate.co.uk/employers-urged-to-do-more-to-support-bereaved-workers-as-women-disproportionately-affected/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=employers-urged-to-do-more-to-support-bereaved-workers-as-women-disproportionately-affected) _2026-08-25 · Matilda Battersby · Today's Wills and Probate_ Women are four times less likely to get help with the admin of death, with newly published research showing men were four times more likely than women to pay a professional to handle estate admin. The YouGov survey of 1200 respondents, 51% of whom had lost a loved one over the past five years, commissioned \[…\] ## [Megan Lee-Devlin appointed chief executive of HMCTS](https://todayswillsandprobate.co.uk/megan-lee-devlin-appointed-chief-executive-of-hmcts/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=megan-lee-devlin-appointed-chief-executive-of-hmcts) _2026-08-25 · Kayla Kerridge · Today's Wills and Probate_ HM Courts and Tribunals Service (HMCTS) has appointed Megan Lee-Devlin as its new chief executive officer, responsible for the administration of criminal, civil and family courts in England and Wales. As director general for justice services and transformation at the Ministry of Justice (MoJ), Lee-Devlin led the digital transformation of services across the justice system, \[…\] ## [Charity Commission encourages due diligence from trustees amid ‘complex’ attacks on services](https://todayswillsandprobate.co.uk/charity-commission-encourages-due-diligence-from-trustees-amid-complex-attacks-on-services/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=charity-commission-encourages-due-diligence-from-trustees-amid-complex-attacks-on-services) _2026-08-25 · Today's Wills and Probate · Today's Wills and Probate_ Charities face attacks from “bad actors” using increasingly complex methods, the Charity Commission has warned. Structural vulnerabilities in the regulation of some charity services and overlaps between different regulators are being exploited, according to a new report by the regulator. The Charity Commission’s second annual Charity Sector Risk Assessment highlights a sustained increase in… ## [‘No room for complacency’ despite slowdown in IHT receipts](https://todayswillsandprobate.co.uk/no-room-for-complacency-despite-slowdown-in-iht-receipts/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=no-room-for-complacency-despite-slowdown-in-iht-receipts) _2026-08-24 · Juliet Shaw · Today's Wills and Probate_ Inheritance tax receipts increased by £100 million in July compared to the same period last year, reaching £3.2 billion. Although growth has slowed in recent months, the receipts indicate a longer-term trend that “remains firmly upwards”, Quilter’s tax and financial planning expert Shaun Moore said. “Frozen thresholds, rising property values and growing asset wealth continue \[…\] ## [Non-Custodial Crypto Gateway (Sponsored)](https://crawlproof.com/a/bf7Z8mVzpVJM) _2026-08-24 · **Sponsored**_ Accept multi-chain crypto, automated fee handling, and trustless escrow with real-time settlement. ## [Ricky Gervais IHT plans shine light on ‘stark position’ of cohabiting couples](https://todayswillsandprobate.co.uk/ricky-gervais-iht-plans-shine-light-on-stark-position-of-cohabiting-couples/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=ricky-gervais-iht-plans-shine-light-on-stark-position-of-cohabiting-couples) _2026-08-24 · Today's Wills and Probate · Today's Wills and Probate_ The comedian Ricky Gervais has said he will marry his partner of 44 years to ensure the couple won’t be liable for inheritance tax. In an interview with Saga magazine, Gervais said Jane Fallon’s cancer diagnosis earlier this year had prompted him to change his long-standing opinion on marriage. “It’s horrible, isn’t it? I’ve got \[…\] ## [Moore Barlow acquisition extends Knights’ reach in England’s south east and south central markets](https://todayswillsandprobate.co.uk/moore-barlow-acquisition-extends-knights-reach-in-englands-south-east-and-south-central-markets/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=moore-barlow-acquisition-extends-knights-reach-in-englands-south-east-and-south-central-markets) _2026-08-24 · Juliet Shaw · Today's Wills and Probate_ Knights has agreed to acquire the commercial and private wealth service lines of full-service law firm Moore Barlow LLP, in a move the increasingly expanding firm says will build further scale in the “attractive” markets in south east and south central England. In an announcement on the London Stock Exchange (pictured), Knights said Moore Barlow’s \[…\] ## [When estate value doesn’t equal estate liquidity](https://todayswillsandprobate.co.uk/when-estate-value-doesnt-equal-estate-liquidity/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=when-estate-value-doesnt-equal-estate-liquidity) _2026-08-21 · The Estate Registry · Today's Wills and Probate_ Managing risk proactively in estate administration depends on identifying and addressing potential issues before they become major problems. This includes recognising financial pressures that may not be obvious when looking at the value of the estate. While an estate can have substantial value in property and other assets, very little cash may actually be readily \[…\] ## [Finalists for The British Wills and Probate Awards 2026 announced with tickets now on sale](https://todayswillsandprobate.co.uk/finalists-for-the-british-wills-and-probate-awards-2026-announced-with-tickets-now-on-sale/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=finalists-for-the-british-wills-and-probate-awards-2026-announced-with-tickets-now-on-sale) _2026-08-21 · Today's Wills and Probate · Today's Wills and Probate_ The finalists for The British Wills and Probate Awards 2026, sponsored by Arken.legal, have been announced today (Friday 21st August) with 80 firms recognised for their commitment to organisational excellence and customer service success ahead of the annual celebration gala dinner on 8th October at Manchester’s Kimpton Clocktower Hotel. The shortlist is the culmination of \[…\] ## [Consultation responses welcome ‘long overdue’ cohabitation reform – with caveats](https://todayswillsandprobate.co.uk/consultation-responses-welcome-long-overdue-cohabitation-reform-with-caveats/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=consultation-responses-welcome-long-overdue-cohabitation-reform-with-caveats) _2026-08-21 · Juliet Shaw · Today's Wills and Probate_ The wills and probate sector has shared more responses to the government’s A Fairer End to Relationships consultation, which closed last week. While the overall view is positive, the responses come with caveats that changes must be fair and offer choices for cohabiting couples. STEP, the professional body for trust and estate practitioners, welcomed the \[…\] ## [Reclaimed IHT doubles over 12 months as property values dip](https://todayswillsandprobate.co.uk/reclaimed-iht-doubles-over-the-last-12-months-as-property-values-dip/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=reclaimed-iht-doubles-over-the-last-12-months-as-property-values-dip) _2026-08-21 · Today's Wills and Probate · Today's Wills and Probate_ A freedom of information (FoI) request from NFU Mutual has revealed the number of estates reclaiming overpaid inheritance tax (IHT) doubled last year, as a result of a mismatch between property valuations for the purposes of IHT and property sale prices. The number of estates which successfully reclaimed overpaid IHT jumped from 5,070 in the \[…\] ## [SRA rebukes two solicitors for failures in estate administration](https://todayswillsandprobate.co.uk/sra-rebukes-two-solicitors-for-failures-in-estate-administration/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=sra-rebukes-two-solicitors-for-failures-in-estate-administration) _2026-08-21 · Juliet Shaw · Today's Wills and Probate_ Two wills and probate solicitors have been issued with rebukes by the Solicitors Regulation Authority for the way they dealt with the administration of estates. Susan Mary Carpenter, a solicitor with Powell & Co in Sutton Coldfield, was instructed by two executors in May 2022 to act in the administration of their mother’s estate. The \[…\] ## [£12k fine for client account breaches in the administration of an estate](https://todayswillsandprobate.co.uk/12k-fine-for-client-account-breaches-in-the-administration-of-an-estate/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=12k-fine-for-client-account-breaches-in-the-administration-of-an-estate) _2026-08-21 · Juliet Shaw · Today's Wills and Probate_ A Kings Lynn firm has been fined £12,366 and ordered to pay costs of £1,452 for client account breaches relating to the administration of an estate. The Solicitors Regulation Authority fined Hawkins Ryan LLP for transferring £23,348.50 from its client account to its office account between June 2022 and December 2023 for work pertaining to \[…\] ## [‘Use existing data before introducing new reporting obligations’ Law Society tells SRA](https://todayswillsandprobate.co.uk/use-existing-data-before-introducing-new-reporting-obligations-law-society-tells-sra/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=use-existing-data-before-introducing-new-reporting-obligations-law-society-tells-sra) _2026-08-21 · Today's Wills and Probate · Today's Wills and Probate_ The Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) should ensure proposals for new reporting requirements for firms are evidence-based, proportionate and do not create unnecessary administrative burdens, particularly for smaller firms, the Law Society of England and Wales has warned. In its response to the regulator’s latest client money consultation, the Law Society said it supports the SRA’s \[…\] ## [Cohabitation consultation must balance modern family life with consent, clarity and informed choice](https://todayswillsandprobate.co.uk/cohabitation-consultation-must-balance-modern-family-life-with-consent-clarity-and-informed-choice/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=cohabitation-consultation-must-balance-modern-family-life-with-consent-clarity-and-informed-choice) _2026-08-20 · The Estate Registry · Today's Wills and Probate_ The Estate Registry (TER) welcomes the government’s consultation on cohabitation rights and the wider debate about whether the law adequately reflects the way millions of people now live. TER is a leading UK provider of estate planning and end-of-life admin services, including bereavement notification services NotifyNOW and Settld, and InheritNOW. Howard Enders (pictured), chief operating \[…\] ## [Prime Noise-Cancelling Picks (Sponsored)](https://crawlproof.com/a/yaRpyAc7oNAO) _2026-08-20 · **Sponsored**_ Browse Prime-eligible, 4-star-and-up noise-cancelling earbuds with fast shipping and deals ## [Former Law Society president calls for more support for ‘solicitors from all backgrounds’](https://todayswillsandprobate.co.uk/former-law-society-president-calls-for-more-support-for-solicitors-from-all-backgrounds/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=former-law-society-president-calls-for-more-support-for-solicitors-from-all-backgrounds) _2026-08-20 · Kayla Kerridge · Today's Wills and Probate_ A former Law Society president has called for greater attention to the pressures affecting solicitors from different backgrounds, as it was revealed a disproportionate number of Black solicitors are seeking support from The Solicitors Charity. Dr I. Stephanie Boyce CBE (pictured), president of the Law Society of England and Wales from March 2021 until October \[…\] ## [LSB approves SRA’s draft rules to separate COLP and COFA roles from owners](https://todayswillsandprobate.co.uk/lsb-approves-sras-draft-rules-to-separate-colp-and-cofa-roles-from-owners/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=lsb-approves-sras-draft-rules-to-separate-colp-and-cofa-roles-from-owners) _2026-08-19 · Today's Wills and Probate · Today's Wills and Probate_ The Legal Services Board (LSB) has approved plans to separate the roles of compliance officers from senior managers and owners, in an addendum to Rule 8 of the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) Authorisation of Firms Rules. In December last year the SRA published proposals to separate the roles of compliance officer for legal practice (COLP) \[…\] ## [Knights adds THP Solicitors to Thames Valley presence](https://todayswillsandprobate.co.uk/knights-adds-thp-solicitors-to-thames-valley-presence/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=knights-adds-thp-solicitors-to-thames-valley-presence) _2026-08-19 · Today's Wills and Probate · Today's Wills and Probate_ Knights has acquired Thames Valley-based THP Solicitors in a move the firm said will enhance its capability “in one of the UK’s most economically significant growth regions”. The acquisition is the second in the area, coming after Knights acquired IBB Law in 2025. In an announcement on the London Stock Exchange, Knights said it would \[…\] ## [More than 14m people live in ‘legal aid desert’, new report reveals](https://todayswillsandprobate.co.uk/more-than-14m-people-live-in-legal-aid-desert-new-report-reveals/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=more-than-14m-people-live-in-legal-aid-desert-new-report-reveals) _2026-08-18 · Matilda Battersby · Today's Wills and Probate_ Nearly a quarter of the population of England and Wales lives in an area classed as a ‘legal aid desert’, new research reveals. Analysis of local authority data by LexisNexis suggests that 14.49 million people, or 23% of the population, live in an area with a high need for legal aid and limited access to \[…\] ## [SRA cites hallucinations and client confidentiality concerns in AI warning note](https://todayswillsandprobate.co.uk/sra-cites-hallucinations-and-client-confidentiality-concerns-in-ai-warning-note/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=sra-cites-hallucinations-and-client-confidentiality-concerns-in-ai-warning-note) _2026-08-18 · Today's Wills and Probate · Today's Wills and Probate_ Hallucinations and client confidentiality are two major concerns cited by the Solicitors Regulation Authority in a new Misuse of AI warning notice issued by the regulator. Acknowledging the increased use of AI across the legal sector in the support of tasks such as research, drafting, document review and administrative processes, the SRA’s executive director of strategy and policy \[…\] ## [Honorary King’s Counsel award nominations open](https://todayswillsandprobate.co.uk/honorary-kings-counsel-award-nominations-open/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=honorary-kings-counsel-award-nominations-open) _2026-08-18 · Kayla Kerridge · Today's Wills and Probate_ The Ministry of Justice is inviting nominations for the award of King’s Counsel Honoris Causa. The nomination window is open now and will close on 18th September. To be eligible for the award, the individual must be a qualified lawyer or legal academic, including probate practitioners, solicitors and chartered legal executives. The honorary award is unique \[…\] ## [Firm news: all the latest private client updates and appointments](https://todayswillsandprobate.co.uk/firm-news-the-latest-private-client-appointments/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=firm-news-the-latest-private-client-appointments) _2026-08-17 · Juliet Shaw · Today's Wills and Probate_ Sara Morgan, chair of STEP’s England and Wales Regional Committee, has joined Joseph Hage Aaronson & Bremen LLP as partner within its expanding private client team. Morgan (main photo) is a solicitor and chartered tax adviser with over 20 years’ experience in private client tax, trusts and estate work. She advises individuals and trustees in \[…\] ## [PE-backed legal consolidator acquires second firm in a month](https://todayswillsandprobate.co.uk/pe-backed-legal-consolidator-acquires-second-firm-in-a-month/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=pe-backed-legal-consolidator-acquires-second-firm-in-a-month) _2026-08-17 · Today's Wills and Probate · Today's Wills and Probate_ Law firm consolidator Oak Legal Group has acquired Harpenden-based Perrin Myddelton out of administration. The news was shared on social media by Colm McGinley, CEO of the private equity group backing the venture. Oak Legal Group was launched in July with the acquisition of Hedges Law, backed by CKM3. The business is led by Nicola \[…\] ## [Pre-nups and the Great Wealth Transfer: protecting the next generation’s inheritance](https://todayswillsandprobate.co.uk/pre-nups-and-the-great-wealth-transfer-protecting-the-next-generations-inheritance/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=pre-nups-and-the-great-wealth-transfer-protecting-the-next-generations-inheritance) _2026-08-17 · Alistair Myles, Partner and Founder, Ribet Myles · Today's Wills and Probate_ The rise in prenuptial agreements isn’t simply about couples expecting divorce – it’s increasingly being driven by Britain’s Great Wealth Transfer, as younger generations inherit property, businesses and investment portfolios earlier than ever before. Alistair Myles explains why family wealth is becoming one of the biggest drivers behind modern prenups and looks at the crossover \[…\]