LAW2025 Online: Wills and Probate (Autumn)

Topics covered include:

Implications of the change to the rules on Pensions and IHT

Presented by Professor Lesley King

Implications of the changes to the rules on Pensions and IHT

HMRC issued the Summary of Responses to its Consultation Paper IHT on Pensions: The liability, reporting and payment on 21 July 2025 together with draft legislation. There are significant changes to the way the process will work. Sadly, the changes are uniformly bad news for PRs and those advising them.

This session will look at how the process is now going to work (or not work!) and at some of the question marks that remain about the practicalities.

Assisting in Suicide and the Forfeiture Rule

Presented by Professor Lesley King

The law on assisted suicide is increasingly important. Assisting in suicide remains a criminal offence.

This session will look at:

• How would you advise a couple where one of them had decided to go to Dignitas to end their life but needed the assistance of the other?
• Could you advise them without running a personal risk?

The forfeiture rule applies to assisting in suicide in the same way that it applies to other forms of unlawful killing.

• Can the effects be minimised?
• Can a post-death variation help?

Modernising Wills: What the Law Commission’s Proposals Could Mean for You

Presented by Parisa Jones

The Law Commission’s report on modernising Wills marks one of the most significant potential reforms to testamentary law in over a century. This webinar will explore some of the key proposals – from changes to assessing testamentary capacity to execution. Whether you’re a private client practitioner or deal with contested Wills, this session will equip you with the knowledge to understand the potential impact of the reform – for your clients and your practice.

Estate Planning for Business Owners

Presented by Parisa Jones

Business owners are often faced with estate planning challenges – succession planning, balancing the needs of family members and co-owners and now IHT. As private client practitioners, it is important that we understand these challenges and are equipped to be able to offer our clients practical advice and solutions.

This webinar will provide a practical guide for private client practitioners advising clients with business assets. The webinar will cover the proposed changes to BPR following the 2024 budget, considerations in Will drafting, lifetime planning and business LPAs.