Despite advances in technology, and an increasingly interconnected world, genealogy remains a highly skilled investigative process. A cursory skim through Facebook simply doesn't cut it explains head of private client at Estate Research Dom Hendry in the latest Today's Wills and Probate Podcast.

Modern genealogists spend a huge amount of time ruling out incorrect leads, verifying information, and cross-referencing sources before reaching reliable conclusions. It would be wholly inaccurate to portray genealogy as an exercise in browsing social media or conducting internet searches! Instead its painstakingly trawling through official records, including birth, marriage and death certificates, immigration records, wills, and government archives. Social media can occasionally provide leads, but it is rarely relied upon as a primary source because of concerns about accuracy and verification.

Historically, a solicitor might have relied on information provided by known family members, but modern family arrangements, remarriages, blended families, and previously unknown relatives create greater potential for disputes. There is also varying accessibility to records around the world; the UK benefits from comprehensive and relatively open public records, whereas other jurisdictions may have excellent records that are more difficult to access due to legal restrictions.

This growing risk of an unknown child or beneficiary emerging after an estate has been distributed has contributed to increased demand for professional genealogy services says Hendry.

The podcast moves on to discuss the removal and re-publication of the Bona Vacantia following it's use to perpetrate fraud; and succession law reform following the government's recent cohabitation consultation which Hendry warns could result in unintended consequences

With continued growth in both probate genealogy and the wider probate sector predicted, and increasing demand for end-to-end support, the profession must steer clear of commoditisation concludes Hendry, and continue to excel in allying technical expertise with the advice, reassurance and empathy needed by families during some of the most challenging moments of their lives.

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 sponsors LEAP Estates, Estate Research, Property Ladder Group and Finders International.

With Remember a Charity Week just days away, director of the charity campaign Lucinda Frostick joins the Today's Wills and Probate Podcast to share details of this year's activities and efforts to spread the legacy giving message beyond will writing.

Recognising the growing role of wealth advisers and independent financial advisers in the wider estate planning conversation, Remember a Charity have launched a guide designed specifically for wealth advisers aiming to give advisers more confidence discussing philanthropy and legacy giving with high-net-worth clients. It offers practical conversation starters, explores values-based discussions, and identifies key moments when legacy planning may be particularly relevant, such as retirement, business sales, significant financial events, or health concerns.

It's another example of the growing importance of collaboration between wealth advisers, solicitors, tax specialists, charities, and other professionals. As estates become more complex and wealth transfer accelerates, clients increasingly benefit from an integrated approach that places them at the centre of a coordinated network of advisers. Frostick adds the evidence shows such collaboration not only improves outcomes for clients but also creates opportunities for professionals to build stronger, longer-lasting relationships.

Despite concerns about declining levels of lifetime charitable giving, legacy giving continues to perform strongly says Frostick. Research shows the proportion of people aged 40 and over who have included a charitable gift in their will has increased from 14% in 2010 to 22% today. She suggests this trend reflects a growing understanding that people can support charitable causes alongside providing for family and loved ones, rather than viewing the two objectives as mutually exclusive.

Although there are tax benefits to legacy gifting, there are "rarely" the primary motivation says Frostick. Instead, most donors are motivated by the desire to create a positive impact and leave a meaningful legacy that reflects their values and life experiences, a key message of Remember of Charity.

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 sponsors LEAP Estates, Estate Research, Property Ladder Group and Finders International.

Given the changing dynamics of estate planning and private client law there is an opportunity for lawyers and law firms to reassert the principle of the 'family lawyer'; someone to whom a family can turn to time and again for legal needs. Not a purely transactional relationship, but one based on trust and mutual respect.

It is one of the topics discussed in a wide-ranging discussion on the latest Today's Wills and Probate Podcast as host David Opie is joined by Lakshmi Turner, Chief Executive of the Association of Lifetime Lawyers, formerly Solicitors for the Elderly (SFE).

There is certainly an opportunity for a more holistic approach to create significant benefits for both clients and firms, helping individuals plan not only for death through wills and estate planning, but also for life, health, finances and future care needs. With the Great Wealth Transfer in full swing, and an increasingly aging population it's a busy time to be a private client lawyer.

Turner discusses the origins of the membership body, first conceived by Gordon Ashton, then Deputy Master of the Court of Protection, and a group of specialist practitioners who sought to create an organisation dedicated to training, best practice and supporting lawyers advising older people.

One of the organisation’s most enduring strengths is it collaborative community says Turner. From its earliest days, members have shared knowledge and expertise through forums and discussion groups, creating a culture where solicitors support one another with complex client matters. She argues that this collective expertise ultimately benefits clients, who indirectly gain access to the insight and experience of thousands of specialist lawyers.

The organisation has focused not just on legal skill, but also soft skills for lawyers advising older and vulnerable clients who must also understand safeguarding, capacity assessment, communication, advocacy, and the identification of abuse. These are skills rarely taught during formal legal education but are increasingly critical in practice. The organisation’s Lifetime Care in Practice Award was developed to address this gap, providing externally accredited training designed to improve the quality of client care.

The Association of Lifetime Lawyers celebrates its 30th anniversary in 2026 with the newly launched Twilight Awards the highlight of a year of celebration.

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 sponsors LEAP Estates, Estate Research, Property Ladder Group and Finders International.