News & Information

16 May 2025

Major Step Toward Modernising Wills Law

The Law Commission has today published its much-anticipated final report on the reform of Wills law — a landmark moment for our profession and for the future of estate planning in England and Wales.

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09 May 2025

Why Unmarried Parents in the UK Must Make a Will – A Vital Lesson in Light of Recent Tragedy

The recent publicity surrounding the death of Liam Payne has prompted many to reflect on life’s fragility—and how unprepared we often are for the unexpected. While the headlines focus on a high-profile loss, there’s a powerful lesson here for many families, especially those who are unmarried with young children: the urgent importance of having a valid will.

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09 May 2025

Liam Payne Died Without A Will In Place- What Are The Consequences?

The One Direction singer died after falling from a balcony in Argentina in 2024, however, he did not have a valid Will in place.

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09 Apr 2025

Securing Your Digital Legacy: A Guide for Future Access

In today’s digital world, our online lives hold memories, photos, and sensitive personal information—all of which form part of our digital legacy. When someone passes away or becomes incapacitated, gaining access to their digital accounts can be essential for both emotional closure and practical matters.

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03 Feb 2025

IPW Welcomes Government Decision To Retain Original Wills

After conducting a thorough public consultation that showed strong opposition to the destruction of original wills, the Ministry of Justice has decided to preserve them. This move has been supported by professionals in the field, highlighting the continued significance of these documents as legal, historical, and sentimental records.

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20 Nov 2024

Legal experts named again in prestigious Legal 500

Specialists from law firm mfg Solicitors have once again been named among the best in the country within the prestigious Legal 500.

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11 Nov 2024

Autumn Budget 2024 Commentary

After much speculation and rumour (and some leaking) The 2024 budget by the UK’s first female Chancellor, Rachel Reeves, put things into place which have implications for Estate Planning for both individuals and business owners/operators. What do you need to review? The major ones which may affect Estate and Will Planning are as follows:

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22 Oct 2024

IPW Collaboration With CTSI

The Institute of Professional Willwriters is delighted to announce that we will be working indefinitely in close collaboration with Chartered Trading Standards Institute (CTSI).

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19 Sep 2024

When Does a Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA) End in the UK?

Discover when a Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA) ends in the UK and the key factors that lead to its termination, such as the death of the donor or attorney, revocation, or court intervention. This comprehensive guide outlines the circumstances that can invalidate an LPA, helping both donors and attorneys navigate their legal responsibilities with confidence.

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29 Aug 2024

Rachel Reeves’ first Budget- November 2024- How might taxes be raised?

This blog analyzes potential tax changes in Rachel Reeves' first Budget as Chancellor in November 2024, highlighting possible increases to Inheritance Tax, Pensions Tax Relief, and Capital Gains Tax. It explores how these tax adjustments could raise revenue while maintaining Labour's commitment not to increase Income Tax, National Insurance, or VAT, offering insights on what taxpayers might expect.

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24 Jul 2024

The State of Will-Making in the UK: Trends and Challenges

Despite the importance of having a will, 60% of UK adults haven't created one. This blog explores current will-making statistics, reasons behind the reluctance, and ways to encourage more people to formalize their wishes.

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24 Jul 2024

Death Certification and Registration Process Changes Of September 24

Starting from September 9, 2024, all deaths in England and Wales will require an independent review by a Coroner or Medical Examiner before a death certificate is issued. This change aims to ensure thorough scrutiny of all causes of death, affecting the registration process and potentially extending the time needed to complete it.

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10 Jul 2024

UK House Prices Projected to Rise by 1.5% by the End of 2024

Zoopla's latest House Price Index reveals UK house prices are projected to rise by 1.5% by the end of 2024, showing resilience despite economic challenges. This positive trend is supported by steady income growth, offsetting higher mortgage rates and maintaining strong buyer demand.

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10 Jul 2024

The Future of AI in the Legal Profession: Will Robots Replace Lawyers?

AI is transforming the legal profession by automating tasks such as document review, legal research, and contract analysis, improving efficiency and accuracy. Despite these advancements, AI is not expected to replace lawyers completely due to its limitations in human judgment, client relations, and ethical considerations, positioning AI as an augmentation tool rather than a replacement in the legal field.

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05 Jun 2024

Intestacy and Wills

Learn about intestacy and the crucial role of wills in estate planning. Discover how the rules of intestacy dictate inheritance, why making a will is essential, and steps to locate a will if one exists.

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08 Sep 2023

Unveiling the Hidden Crisis: Theft and Fraud Within Families

Financial abuse is a growing concern, but it's not always perpetrated by strangers. Contrary to popular belief, a significant portion of financial abuse occurs within families.

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31 Aug 2023

Property Market Pressures- time to review your situation?

In a recent press release, the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) has reported a significant decline in UK house prices, marking the most substantial drop since the financial crisis of 2008. We at the IPW recommend our clients regularly review their Estate Planning requirements to make sure they are still relevant to their situation and intentions.

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19 Jan 2022

How Soon Should You Apply For Probate After Someone Dies?

How Soon Should You Apply For Probate After Someone Dies? Provided By Sue Ioannou, Chair & Head of Training.

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17 Nov 2021

Do I need a business Lasting Power of Attorney?

Do I need a business Lasting Power of Attorney?

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03 Nov 2021

Do I need a Living Will as well as a Lasting Power of Attorney?

Do I need a Living Will as well as a Lasting Power of Attorney? Provided by Sue Ioannou, Chair & Head of Training.

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27 Oct 2021

Inheritance Tax Thresholds

Inheritance Tax is a complex area, but it is often possible to legitimately reduce the amount of Inheritance Tax that will be due. Provided by Sue Ioannou, Chair & Head of Training.

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21 Oct 2021

Dealing With Financial Affairs After Someone Has Died

After someone dies, their executor or administrator will be responsible for finalising their financial affairs. Provided by Sue Ioannou, Chair & Head of Training.

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13 Oct 2021

Do you have a Will Checklist?

When you are having your Will drawn up, there is more to think about than simply whom you wish to leave your estate to. This article provides a brief checklist of issues to consider when making your Will. Provided by Sue Ioannou, Chair & Head of Training

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06 Oct 2021

The role of the Probate Registry

When someone dies, you may need to contact the Probate Registry. We take a look at the office and the role it plays in estate administration. Provided by Sue Ioannou, Chair & Head of Training.

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07 Sep 2021

How and why to leave money to charity in your Will

How and why to leave money to charity in your Will, provided by Sue Ioannou, Chair & Head of Training.

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23 Jun 2021

Lifetime Trusts Pt.2

This is the second part of two articles about Lifetime Trusts, their ongoing management, and potential problems to watch out for. This article is written by Council member Paul Dodsworth, TEP and Managing Director of Estate Planning Solutions, with input from Alan McAloon, TEP and Managing Director of Acer Prime Law, who provides reserved legal activities for a number of independent Willwriting firms.

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01 Jun 2021

Lifetime Trusts

Is you PII, business and reputation at risk? This article is written by Council member Paul Dodsworth, TEP, Managing Director of Estate Planning Solutions, with input from Oliver Cooper, Managing Director at Foresight Wills and Estate Planning and Alan McAloon, TEP and Managing Director of Acer Prime Law, who provides reserved legal activities for the aforementioned two firms.  This is the first of a series of articles about lifetime trusts, their ongoing management and potential problems to watch out for.

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27 Apr 2021

ID Checking Service

Simple, smart, anti money laundering compliance for you. Written by Trevor Worth, Council Member and Vice Chair.

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09 Apr 2021

Embrace Change And Adapt Accordingly

Article on embracing the challenges those within Willwriting and Estate Planning sector face, especially during the pandemic and how we can go forward, in order to thrive within the industry and keep our businesses going. Written by Council Member, Sarah Williams.

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16 Aug 2019

Article - The Probate Fees Unsuccessful Saga

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06 Jun 2019

The Importance Of Positive Testimonials And Unrivalled Expertise

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30 May 2019

Helping The One Million Estates On The Inheritance Tax Threshold

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23 May 2019

IPW Discuss Benefits Of Joining An Industry Organisation

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16 May 2019

Advising Clients On Effectively Using Will Trusts

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09 May 2019

Understanding The Issues Affecting Elderly Clients

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