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.

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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.

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In this episode of the Today’s Wills and Probate Podcast, David Opie welcomes a panel of legal experts to explore the recent Addison and Niaz case and its important implications for Larke v Nugus requests. He is joined by Lucy Scourfield, associate in the contentious trusts and probate team at Forbes Solicitors; Shannon Thompson, a non-contentious Wills, Trusts and Probate solicitor at Forbes, who are representing the firm; and Norman Lamb, a barrister from Nine Chambers, specialising in contentious probate matters.

Together, the panel delves into the facts of the Addison and Niaz case, examining the challenges encountered in securing disclosure from the will draftsman and highlighting the High Court’s decision to order the respondent to pay costs personally.

They unpack the broader tension between legal privilege and the duty to disclose, offering clear guidance on best practices for both contentious and non-contentious practitioners when responding to Larke v Nugus requests.

The discussion also touches on the growing significance of section 122 applications under the Senior Courts Act 1981, underscoring the consequences of delayed or inadequate responses.

With practical insights into the importance of file management, contemporaneous notes, and collaborative working between departments, this episode is essential listening for legal professionals involved in will drafting and dispute resolution.

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 welcomes Anthony Allsopp, Head of Business, and Simon Barber, Technical Manager at Title Research, to explore the nuanced challenges of probate genealogy and the role of missing beneficiary insurance.

The conversation begins with a look at Title Research’s history, from its founding in 1965 to its evolution into a specialist firm focused on genealogy and international asset repatriation. Allsopp outlines the company’s structure, highlighting its two core teams—one dedicated to genealogical research, the other to asset recovery—and its connection to Kings Court Trust.

Barber elaborates on his role overseeing research quality and providing consultancy to legal professionals navigating estate complexities. He describes the persistent growth in modern genealogical challenges, particularly as blended families and digital data reshape how beneficiaries are identified.

The discussion also examines the use—and limitations—of tools like social media, the increasing reliance on digital records, and the emotional dynamics involved in missing beneficiary cases.

On the insurance side, Allsopp and Barber explain the two main types of cover, the importance of working with FCA-registered genealogists, and how insurers assess risk based on available documentation and the genealogy firm’s reputation.

Through practical insights and case examples, the episode emphasizes the need for collaboration between legal professionals, genealogists, and insurers to ensure smooth and secure estate administration. The conversation also anticipates growing complexity in this field, driven by evolving family dynamics and the legal and financial implications that follow.

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.

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The project to modernise wills law book-ends the career of Professor Nick Hopkins in his role as the Commissioner for Property, Family and Trust Law at The Law Commission as he departs in the coming months following the end of his tenure.

Before he departs Nick sits down with Today's Wills and Probate Podcast host David Opie to discuss the culmination of 10 years' effort, resulting in the 500-page Modernising Wills Law report and associated draft bill.

He explains the focus of the report is tackling the major changes in law and society over the last 190 years. It's a challenge he concedes, but says there were three main aims that drove the commission's recommendations

• Ensure testators' testamentary intentions are given effect
• Protect vulnerable testators
• Provide greater clarity and certainty in the law

In a wide-ranging interview Nick explains how and why the Law Commission arrived at the recommendations and tackles some of the concerns raised by practitioners in the weeks after its publication.

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.

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In this episode of the Today’s Wills and Probate Podcast, host David Opie welcomes Sam Grice, founder of Octopus Legacy (formerly Guardian Angel), to discuss the origins, evolution, and future ambitions of one of the fastest-growing companies in the end-of-life planning and bereavement support space.

Sam's journey into the wills and probate sector began with a deeply personal tragedy. In 2017, while working in financial services, Sam lost his mother suddenly in a car accident. At just 27, he found himself navigating the overwhelming emotional and logistical challenges of bereavement. With his father also in shock, Sam took on the responsibility of managing the legal, financial, and practical aftermath.

This experience exposed the fragmented and emotionally taxing nature of the bereavement process. It sparked a desire to create a company that could guide others through what he describes as “the toughest thing anyone’s ever going to go through.” Within days of his mother’s passing, the seed for what would become Guardian Angel was planted

Sam discusses Guardian Angel's journey from launch through to its integration into the energy and venture capital fund Octopus Group; an acquisition borne out of a shared journey of grief with Octopus' founder; and its ultimate ambition to be a national brand known for compassionate, comprehensive end-of-life support.

By combining people and technology, Octopus Legacy has consolidated its service offering, introduced legacy features like voice notes and personal messages alongside legal documentation, and launched its bereavement concierge, a service that allows grieving individuals to call a single number for help with anything from legal paperwork to finding a dog walker.

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.

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In the latest episode of the Today’s Wills and Probate Podcast, host David Opie discusses the intriguing and often surprising world of probate genealogy with Eileen Lavelle, Regional Head at Anglia Research. Eileen offers a behind-the-scenes look at what it means to be a probate genealogist and how their work dovetails with the probate process.

Eileen's day-to-day role involves identifying and locating rightful heirs, constructing family trees, and providing solicitors with the necessary documentation to administer estates. Sometimes, it’s as simple as finding a missing son; other times, it’s a complex web of international research and historical detective work.

“No two days are the same,” she says. “You never know what you’re going to find when you start your day.”

Understandably much of the research work has moved online but it's not that long ago when much of Eileen's time was spent in and around Greater Manchester searching through microfilm and dusty library books. And while online is helpful, the key is to know where to look. “If you don’t know the sites exist, you can’t access the information,” she says.

Eileen shares a couple of anecdotes of cases of disappearing relatives who turn up on the other side of the world, bigamously married; and the case involving finding 72 beneficiaries for a £1.5m estate in Cornwall.

The discussion also touches on Missing Beneficiary Insurance (MBI) and where and when it is most appropriate to protect beneficiaries and professionals.

As society becomes more mobile and family structures more complex, Eileen anticipates that probate genealogy will only become more challenging. Blended families, unmarried parents, and international migration all complicate the process of proving relationships and inheritance rights.

Throughout the discussion Eileen's passion for the work is evident "I can’t believe I get paid for this!"

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