In recent years, the probate process in England and Wales has undergone a digital transformation. With the introduction of online services by HMCTS (Her Majesty’s Courts and Tribunals Service) and HMRC’s efforts to streamline Inheritance Tax reporting, Executors and legal professionals have seen significant changes to the way estates are administered.

On 13 February 2025, His Majesty's Courts and Tribunals Service (HMCTS) published its latest probate submission report. While the data suggests significant progress in handling probate caseloads, the reality highlights areas that still require improvement. For our partners, this update provides essential insights into the probate process and how these changes affect estate administration for the clients they refer to us.

Throughout 2024, there were a number of legal industry updates and news stories that affected the Wills and probate sector. We’ve summarised some of the key changes and ongoing discussions that could affect professionals and their clients in 2025.

Throughout 2023, there were a number of legal industry updates and news stories that affected the Wills and probate sector. We’ve summarised some of the key changes and the ongoing discussions that could affect professionals and their clients in 2024.

As Inheritance Tax (IHT) interest rates continue to increase, Personal Representatives face additional financial burden when settling a deceased person’s estate. The increased interest rates have been described as a stealth tax, substituting a rise in IHT rates.

A customer-first strategy is crucial in most businesses. Not only does it help nurture clients in a way that meets their needs and exceeds expectations, but it is also the result of a corporate culture that fosters loyalty, value, and win-win relationships between a business and its customers. In the bereavement sector, this approach is arguably even more important. Whether you’re providing funeral services, drafting Wills, or offering an estate administration service, client relationships need to be handled sensitively and with the utmost respect.

A year ago, we reflected on one of the most unpredictable and uncertain years in our lifetimes due to the onset of the global COVID-19 pandemic. Looking back, most industry news and headlines directly, or indirectly, mentioned the pandemic and the impact it had on our professional and personal lives.

Looking back to our first blog of 2020 where we predicted what could make headlines throughout the year, there was definitely a prediction that did not make the list – a global pandemic that would affect our personal and professional lives in unprecedented ways. Aside from the pandemic, we saw some other news that impacted the estate administration industry, as well as accomplishments from Kings Court Trust that have affected how we work with each of you.

Traditionally, cash, properties, high value possessions, investments, etc. all formed part of a person’s estate when they passed away. However, in the 21st century, digital assets are becoming more and more common when administering an estate.