Justice Committee’s inquiry into probate service of England and Wales

STEP is responding to the House of Commons’ Justice Committee’s inquiry into the probate service of England and Wales and the causes of delays. The consultation examines resource and capacity of the probate service to process applications, while considering long-lasting solutions to alleviate future case backlog. Background The quality of the probate service has declined… Read More Justice Committee’s inquiry into probate service of England and Wales

STEP’s vital role in combatting corruption

What is International Anti-Corruption Day? Established 20 years ago by the UN Convention against Corruption (UNCAC), International Anti-Corruption Day is on 9 December. It aims is to shine a light on the way corruption impacts the world. This year’s theme is ‘Uniting the World against Corruption’, highlighting its impact on peace, security and economic and… Read More STEP’s vital role in combatting corruption

HMCTS Probate User Group update – May 2023

STEP is a member of the Probate User Group, which brings together His Majesty’s Courts and Tribunals Services (HMCTS), professional bodies and charities to address issues with the probate service. At a recent meeting, the challenges that HMCTS (in England and Wales) faces in catching up with an increasing workload and reducing timeframes were discussed.… Read More HMCTS Probate User Group update – May 2023

Dementia Action Week: STEP’s partnership with Alzheimer’s Disease International

This week is Dementia Action Week in the UK. It is an ideal opportunity for us to tell you about our partnership with the charity Alzheimer’s Disease International (ADI). ADI is our current STEP Private Client Awards Charity Partner. While entries to the Awards are free, we encourage entrants to donate to our charity partner.… Read More Dementia Action Week: STEP’s partnership with Alzheimer’s Disease International

UK Spring Budget: key updates for STEP’s members

The Chancellor’s Spring Budget coincided with a challenging set of global circumstances. The collapse of Silicon Valley Bank just days prior emphasised the need for economic confidence, investment and growth here in the United Kingdom. Coined as the ’back-to-work’ Budget, the Chancellor’s focus was on incentivising the skilled workforce to remain in work longer. Among… Read More UK Spring Budget: key updates for STEP’s members

Key highlights from expert discussions about mental capacity, philanthropy and international clients

Delegates from across the world attended STEP’s Special Interest Spotlight Sessions in London, UK on 9 December. Expert panellists discussed the latest issues affecting philanthropic giving, cross-border estates, international clients, business families, contentious trusts and estates, mental incapacity and digital assets. This is the final in a series of blogs capturing the sessions and the… Read More Key highlights from expert discussions about mental capacity, philanthropy and international clients

Contentious Trusts and Estates: trusts and access to justice in light of family and operational diversity

Delegates from across the world attended STEP’s Special Interest Spotlight Sessions in London, UK, on 9 December. Expert panellists discussed the latest issues affecting philanthropic giving, cross-border estates, international clients, business families, contentious trusts and estates, mental incapacity and digital assets.… Read More Contentious Trusts and Estates: trusts and access to justice in light of family and operational diversity