In this episode of Today’s Wills and Probate, host David Opie welcomes Dan Baines, Founder and CEO of Advanced Inheritance, for a deep dive into the growing role of probate lending in modern estate administration. With delays in probate often leaving beneficiaries in financial limbo, organisations like Advanced Inheritance now offer a regulated, consumer-first solution designed to ease the provide reassurance to families.

The conversation explores two key areas of innovation in this space; lending which allows beneficiaries to access funds early from an estate before the grant of probate, and access to funding to help executors manage upfront costs including inheritance tax. Both are structured to protect consumers—no personal liability, capped interest, and repayment only once the estate is settled.

Dan explains how the business was founded on key principles, embracing FCA regulation and providing bereavement training to frontline staff. He is also aware of the responsibility lenders have to consumers, particularly those who are vulnerable, and explains how the focus is on empowering informed choices during a difficult time; providing access to budgeting tools for example to ensure support is offered responsibly and transparently.

The podcast provides practical insight into how financial innovation can complement traditional probate services for legal professionals, estate planners, and will writers—delivering empathy, flexibility, and real-world impact.

The Today's Wills and Probate podcast is available on your preferred podcast provider, and at www.todayswillsandprobate.co.uk. Subscribe today to hear all the latest news and views across the wills and probate sector.

Thank you to our podcast sponsor VacantC Legal Recruitment

This episode of the Today’s Wills and Probate Podcast is hosted by David Opie and features Lucinda Frostick, Director of Remember A Charity, and Meg Edwards, a solicitor specialising in trusts and estates disputes at Shakespeare Martineau. Their discussion centres on legacy giving, inheritance tax, and the importance of clear communication between advisors and clients.

Lucinda introduces Remember A Charity’s mission to encourage charitable bequests through a consortium of 200 member charities. She highlights positive trends in professional advisors raising legacy giving with clients.

Meg outlines the impact of frozen inheritance tax thresholds and pension changes, warning that more estates will become taxable by 2030. She explains how legacy gifts can reduce tax liability and why charitable bequests offer both practical and emotional benefits.

Together, they explore the disconnect between intention and action in charitable giving. Despite growing interest, too few people formalise their wishes in a will. Lucinda emphasises the role of advisors in bridging that gap by simply starting the conversation.

Meg offers best practice advice including the use of backstop beneficiaries, maintaining detailed file notes, and discussing the importance of setting expectations with loved ones.

Remember a Charity Week runs from 8–14 September 2025.

Charities, professional advisers and partners wishing to get involved in this year’s awareness week are encouraged to register their interest before 15th August 2025 at info@rememberacharity.org.uk.

Find out more online at: rememberacharity.org.uk/RACWeek

The Today's Wills and Probate podcast is available on your preferred podcast provider, and at www.todayswillsandprobate.co.uk. Subscribe today to hear all the latest news and views across the wills and probate sector.

Thank you to our podcast sponsor VacantC Legal Recruitment

In this episode of the Today’s Wills and Probate Podcast, host David Opie explores the evolving world of probate property sales through the lens of auctions.

He’s joined by Russell Taylor, Managing Director and Auctioneer at probate.auction, and Corin Holness, Corporate Relationship Director. Together, they unpack how the auction process is helping executors, legal professionals, and beneficiaries realise better returns and greater transparency when selling estate property.

Russell, with 25 years of experience in the auction world, shares how a growing number of probate properties are being undervalued and resold—often leaving tens of thousands of pounds out of the estate. The podcast highlights why auction might be the right fit for certain properties, particularly those in disrepair, and how probate.auction offers a zero-fee model for sellers that keeps the estate’s value intact.

Corin emphasises the educational role their team plays, providing tailored advice to help determine whether auction or private sale is more appropriate. With greater reach than traditional estate agents, a streamlined nine-week process, and complete transparency, the platform offers a compelling alternative.

This episode lifts the curtain on a misunderstood corner of the probate journey—and what professionals should know when advising clients.

The Today's Wills and Probate podcast is available on your preferred podcast provider, and at www.todayswillsandprobate.co.uk. Subscribe today to hear all the latest news and views across the wills and probate sector.

Thank you to our podcast sponsor VacantC Legal Recruitment