Invitation to STEP/Law Commission free webinar on its 14th Programme of Law Reform

The Law Commission of England and Wales has announced a public consultation on its 14th Programme of Law Reform and has published a scoping document providing background on the programme and ideas for potential projects. STEP is hosting a joint webinar with the Law Commission on 19 May to discuss the proposals in further detail.… Read More Invitation to STEP/Law Commission free webinar on its 14th Programme of Law Reform

April 16, 2021 STEPeditorLeave a comment

STEP launches Thought Leadership webinar series with a look at remote witnessing of wills, and asks whether it’s here to stay

Last week, STEP held the first of its Thought Leadership webinar series which examined the issue of remote witnessing of wills, and whether it would continue after COVID-19-related social distancing measures are lifted. Emily Deane TEP, Technical Counsel at STEP, was joined on the panel by Peter Glowacki, Partner at BLG; and Anatol Dutta, Professor… Read More STEP launches Thought Leadership webinar series with a look at remote witnessing of wills, and asks whether it’s here to stay

September 15, 2020September 15, 2020 STEPeditorLeave a comment

EW probate delays: September update

Update 21 November: HM Courts & Tribunal Service (HMCTS) has announced this week that all legal professionals’ probate calls have been centralised and are now dealt with by the Birmingham Courts and Tribunals Service Centre (CTSC). You will no longer be required to contact a local registry if you need an update on your client’s… Read More EW probate delays: September update

September 10, 2019November 21, 2019 STEPeditor7 Comments

Are you a client of Universal Wealth Preservation?

STEP has received an unprecedented number of enquiries regarding Mr Steven Long and the companies of which he is a Director, namely Universal Tax Solutions of Dencora House, 34 White House Road, Ipswich, Suffolk, IP1 5LT, which traded as Universal Wealth Preservation. Associated companies include Universal Asset Protection Ltd and Universal Trustees Ltd. Mr Steven… Read More Are you a client of Universal Wealth Preservation?

August 9, 2018June 25, 2019 STEPeditor1 Comment

Will-writing reforms proposed

The Law Commission of England and Wales is holding a public consultation on reform of the law of wills. The current law, largely derived from the Wills Act 1837, is understandably antiquated and requires an overhaul. The Commission notes that 40 per cent of people in England and Wales die without leaving a valid will,… Read More Will-writing reforms proposed

August 8, 2017August 21, 2017 STEPeditor1 Comment

New probate fees: a guide for the public

UPDATE 21/04/2017: the Ministry of Justice has abandoned the new fee regime due to lack of parliamentary time prior to the 2017 General Election. See more information. What is probate? When someone dies, you need to get the legal right to deal with their property, money and possessions, and to do so you need a grant… Read More New probate fees: a guide for the public

March 21, 2017July 13, 2017 STEPeditor4 Comments

Legacy giving: the role of the practitioner

On 18 October, my colleague Beatriz Brockhurst (STEP News Editor) and I attended the launch of Legacy Giving and Behavioural Insights – a research report which examined how will writers discussed charitable giving with their clients. Bridging the gap The research illustrates the gap between clients expressing an interest in leaving charitable gifts (35 per… Read More Legacy giving: the role of the practitioner

October 20, 2016October 21, 2016 STEPeditor2 Comments

What’s happening to dormant assets?

The UK government has recently formed the Independent Commission on Dormant Assets which is investigating a revised scheme in order to identify new pools of dormant or unclaimed assets. The existing scheme was formed in 2008, after the Dormant Bank and Building Society Accounts Act 2008 was passed, which deems bank and building society accounts… Read More What’s happening to dormant assets?

June 15, 2016June 15, 2016 STEPeditor1 Comment

Controversial will? Advise your clients on ‘statements of reason’

Earlier this spring STEP hosted the Tax, Trusts & Estates Conference at a number of venues around the UK. Speakers included Stephen Lawson TEP, Chris Whitehouse TEP, Caroline Bielanska TEP, Steven Kempster TEP, Professor Lesley King TEP, and Lucy Obrey TEP. Stephen Lawson provided a much needed update on the Inheritance (Provision for Family and… Read More Controversial will? Advise your clients on ‘statements of reason’

May 17, 2016May 23, 2016 STEPeditorLeave a comment

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