Last week, the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) published two pieces of research supporting the movement to encourage lawyers to be more transparent with regards to their pricing. One research paper is named ‘Price transparency in the legal services market’ which was conducted from a firm perspective with 1,146 legal firms surveyed. The other is ‘Price transparency in the conveyancing market’ from a consumer perspective with 4,001 members of the public and 1,001 recent house buyers.

Planning for the future means looking after your loved ones after you’ve gone and ensuring they get the full benefit of your legacy. The UK’s older generation has seen their wealth grow by 45%* in the last decade, resulting in more money being passed on as inheritance to the younger generation than ever before. However, this increased wealth means executors are left dealing with complex financial circumstances and legal paperwork. This could see a large chunk of your estate going on professional fees, leaving less money for your loved ones. But it doesn’t have to be this way explains Tom Curran, Chief Executive Officer of Kings Court Trust.

More than 12 months after the death of the iconic musician Prince, his sister and five half-siblings have been declared his legal heirs by a District Judge in Minnesota.

Startling figures have revealed the attitudes of the over 55 age group towards writing a Will. The figures indicate a widespread ignorance of the importance of writing a Will and the risks of dying intestate.

The average debt for those aged 50-59 now exceeds the average savings for the same age group, research has shown. A recent survey revealed the average amount owed by this age group totals £4,641, compared to £4,511 in savings.

The impending increase in probate fees were thrown into doubt earlier this week after they were branded ‘unlawful’ by the parliamentary committee on statutory instruments.

Recent research has shown that 86% of the population wants financial advice to help them prepare for their retirement, highlighting how many people do not feel confident in planning for this pivotal stage of their life.

A High Court Judge has overturned the Will of a ‘significantly vulnerable’ man who left 95% of his estate to his carer.

Around six million people have experience of acting as the executor of a Will but just 4% realise that they are legally responsible for the accurate distribution of the estate that is entrusted to them.