News & Media

Celebrations continue as industry media shines a spotlight on this year’s standout winners

Fresh from a spectacular night at the Probate Industry Awards 2026, the celebrations continue as industry media shines a spotlight on this year’s standout winners. Coverage from across the sector highlights not only the glamour of the evening, hosted by Omid Djalili, but also the exceptional achievements shaping the future of probate.

Leading the headlines, Finders International and Premier Solicitors secured top honours, reflecting the strength, innovation and consistency driving today’s probate landscape. Their recognition underscores the vital role both legal specialists and research firms play in delivering excellence for clients and the wider profession.

The coverage also celebrates the individuals and stories making a real impact. From Natalie Payne of Morr & Co taking home Lawyer of the Year, to Ben Radstone of YouSpotProperty earning recognition for raising awareness around empty probate properties, this year’s winners truly reflect the breadth and depth of talent across the sector.

As the probate industry continues to evolve, stories like these highlight why the Probies remain a key date in the legal calendar - celebrating not just success, but progress, innovation and the people driving it forward.

 

Source: https://bdaily.co.uk/articles/2026/04/28/finders-international-premier-solicitors-scoop-top-prizes-at-2026-probate-industry-awards

---

by Admin

Property Solutions Group – Taking the “Bumps in the Road” Out of Probate Property Matters

At the Probate Industry Awards, we’re proud to partner with organisations that genuinely support the probate community. That’s why we’re delighted to introduce our Headline Sponsor, Property Solutions Group - a specialist property partner helping law firms across the UK navigate one of the most time-consuming aspects of estate administration.

Since 2015, Property Solutions Group has worked alongside legal professionals to protect, maintain and market property efficiently and sensitively - ensuring better outcomes for clients, beneficiaries and fee earners alike.

Supporting Law Firms When It Matters Most

Anyone working in probate knows that property can quickly become one of the most complex parts of an estate.

• Maintenance issues
• Insurance complications
• Security concerns
• Off-market sales decisions
• Or simply the challenge of coordinating multiple moving parts while managing client expectations

Property Solutions Group exists to take these pressures off your desk.

Their service is designed to maximise property value, reduce administrative burden and free up valuable fee-earning time - all while ensuring beneficiaries receive the best possible outcome.

A Single Point of Contact. A Complete Property Solution.

One of the biggest advantages of working with Property Solutions Group is simplicity.

With just one call or email, your instruction moves from your workload to theirs, supported by:

• A dedicated single point of contact
• Regular progress updates (so there’s no chasing required)
• A full documented audit trail
• Practical solutions to both expected and unexpected property challenges

Whether the task is protecting a vacant property, resolving maintenance concerns, arranging insurance or securing best value through strategic marketing, their team manages the process from start to finish.

Quite simply, they become an extension of your team.

Protecting Value. Saving Time. Supporting Clients.

For probate practitioners, property matters can easily slow down estate progress and absorb hours of valuable time.

Property Solutions Group helps firms:

✔ Protect estate assets
✔ Maintain property condition
✔ Maximise sale value
✔ Reduce risk exposure
✔ Improve client and beneficiary experience
✔ Release fee-earning time back into your day

It’s a smarter, safer and more efficient way to manage estate property.

Proud Headline Sponsor of the Probate Industry Awards 2026

We’re thrilled to have Property Solutions Group supporting this year’s Probate Industry Awards, taking place on 23rd April 2026 at the Pan Pacific London - an evening dedicated to celebrating excellence across the probate profession 🏆

Their commitment to supporting legal professionals across the UK makes them a perfect partner for the Probies.

Find Out More

To learn how Property Solutions Group can support your firm:

📞 0808 164 6390
📧 [email protected]

Because when it comes to probate property matters - they really do take care of the bumps in the road. ✨

---

by Admin

Why Blended Families Need Specialist Estate Planning

With more families than ever bringing together children from previous relationships, estate planning has become increasingly complex. Without the right legal structures in place, blended families can face unintended consequences that leave loved ones without the protection you intended.

Understanding the Risks

When you marry or enter into a civil partnership, your existing Will is automatically revoked. This means that, without a new Will, the law—rather than your wishes—will determine who inherits your estate. For blended families, this can have significant and unintended consequences, potentially leaving a partner without adequate provision or children from a previous relationship missing out on their inheritance entirely. With careful planning, these risks can be managed.

How Taylor Rose Can Help:

Wills

A well-drafted Will is the cornerstone of protecting your family. We can help you create a Will that balances the needs of your current partner with the interests of children from earlier relationships, ensuring everyone is provided for in a way that reflects your true wishes.

We can also incorporate a Life Interest Trust within your Will, which allows your partner to benefit from your estate during their lifetime, with the remaining assets then passing to your children. This provides security for your partner without inadvertently disinheriting the next generation.

Property and Declarations of Trust

If you own a property with a new partner, it is essential to understand how to legally structure your ownership. There are two ways in which a property can be owned:

• Joint Tenants: if you own your property as joint tenants, upon death the asset automatically passes to the surviving joint owner, outside of your estate.
• Tenants in Common: each owner holds a specific share of the property, and upon your death your share is dealt with by your estate.

If you own property with a partner, a Declaration of Trust clearly sets out each person's share and how it should be dealt with in the future, providing invaluable protection for both parties and any children involved.

Lasting Powers of Attorney (LPA)

An LPA ensures that if you can no longer make your own decisions, someone you trust has the legal authority to step in and act on your behalf.

For blended families, this is a vital safeguard. Without a clear plan and documented wishes, family dynamics may lead to conflict. Taking the time to carefully choose your attorneys now can prevent unnecessary stress, ambiguity and family disputes during an already emotional time.

Getting the Right Support

 

Our Private Client team understands that these conversations aren't always easy. We take the time to understand your individual circumstances and provide clear, practical advice tailored to your family, whether in our offices or in the comfort of your own home.

If you're part of a blended family and want to make sure your loved ones are protected, we're here to help.

Meet Our Team:

Krystal Ramsammy - Partner and Commercial Head of Private Client, specialising in wills, probate, estate planning, trusts and LPAs. Nominated for Probate Lawyer of the Year 2026.

Jacob Robinson - Partner and Technical Head of Private Client, advising on wills, probate, estate planning, trusts and power of attorney with a focus on clear and practical legal advice.

Danielle McMahon - Solicitor in our Private Client team, advising on wills, estate administration and LPAs. Nominated for Rising Star Award 2026.

Contact our Private Client team today

T: 020 3540 4444 | E: [email protected] | W: taylor-rose.co.uk

About Taylor Rose

Taylor Rose is a top 60 independent law firm with over 1,700 experts operating from offices nationwide. We build trusted relationships with people and organisations to successfully overcome hurdles and challenges in life and in business. Whether you are a commercial or individual client, our professionals will put you at the heart of our business. From the everyday to the most complex issues, our experts will provide you with clear, concise advice.

---

by Admin

Raising Standards in Probate: How Just Clear Became the UK’s Most Trusted Clearance Partner

Since 2012, Just Clear Limited has built a strong and trusted reputation in probate clearances, becoming a reassuring and dependable presence for executors, grieving families and professional referrers across the UK. Probate can often feel like a daunting journey, landing on people at the most difficult of times. From the very beginning, our mission has been to provide a calm, compassionate and practical guiding hand, delivering proudly what we believe to be the most environmentally responsible clearance service in the country.

Over the years, we have refined our approach into something that feels both human‑centred and highly professional. We prepare properties with probate requirements firmly in mind, ensuring executors and solicitors have exactly what they need, from clear documentation and audit trails to detailed chattel reports and valuations. Every estate is different, and every family situation is deeply personal, so our work begins with listening. Only then do we start shaping a plan that respects the circumstances, protects estate value and supports those involved. 

One of the areas in which we have become particularly well‑known is our commitment to identifying and recovering estate assets with absolute transparency. Time and again, we’ve seen how easily valuables, collectables or items of family significance can be overlooked during an emotionally overwhelming process. By taking a systematic, respectful approach to clearance and asset recovery, we ensure estates are fully realised. In 2025 alone, this approach resulted in over £3.2 million being recovered for UK estates; this is value that directly benefits beneficiaries and strengthens executor accountability.

Alongside the financial importance of our work sits something equally meaningful: our environmental and social responsibility. We operate with zero to landfill, meaning nothing we clear is wasted. Instead, items are recycled, repurposed or reused wherever possible. We work closely with charities, social housing organisations and community groups to redistribute useful goods, ensuring that what once belonged to a loved one can go on to support others. It is an approach rooted in respect, for people, for the environment and for the communities we serve.

As a specialist non‑legal provider, Just Clear occupies a unique position within the probate ecosystem. We bridge the gap between executors and regulated professionals, offering a structured, compliant and empathetic service that complements legal expertise rather than competes with it. We recognise that probate is rarely a solo endeavour; instead, it works best when reliable partners collaborate with clarity and purpose. Solicitors and probate practitioners tell us repeatedly that our involvement brings efficiency, transparency and reassurance to their clients, reducing administrative pressure so they can focus on legal requirements with confidence.

One of the things that sets us apart is that probate is not an additional service for us; it is most certainly a core specialism. Our national franchise network allows us to offer consistent, high‑quality support across the UK, while still retaining the local knowledge that helps families feel understood and cared for. Every team is trained to the same high standards, and accountability runs through our entire organisation. Whether we are clearing a small flat or a large family home, we bring the same diligence, respect and professionalism.

This people‑centred focus is reflected in our more than 4,500 five‑star Trustpilot reviews. They are not simply numbers to us; it is humbling that they represent thousands of families who trusted us at some of the hardest moments of their lives. Repeatedly we see reviewers highlight our sensitivity, our calm presence, our attention to detail and the way we make an emotionally heavy process feel more manageable. It is something we are incredibly proud of.

Our work has also earned the attention of respected voices and national media. Outlets such as Forbes, The Sunday Times and The Guardian have featured our approach, recognising both the scale of our impact and our commitment to responsible, ethical clearance. Perhaps most humbling of all has been the personal commendation from Sir David Attenborough, whose acknowledgement of our environmentally driven values is something our team continues to cherish.

As we have grown, so too has our responsibility to the sector. Probate is a unique corner of the professional world, demanding honesty, care and consistency. We are committed to strengthening this ecosystem by working collaboratively with solicitors, estate administrators, charity partners and members of the public. Our role is not simply to clear a property; it is to protect value, offer reassurance and ensure estates are handled with dignity from start to finish.

We do of course use structured processes where they add clarity, particularly around asset recovery, reporting and documentation, but we deliver them in a way that feels supportive rather than clinical. Our teams are trained to approach every property with patience and empathy. They understand that items hold memories, that families may feel overwhelmed, and that discretion is essential. There is no rush, no pressure, no judgement; simply a commitment to doing the job properly, with compassion at the core.

At Just Clear, we see ourselves as more than a clearance company. We are a probate partner, a trusted support resource and a dependable custodian of estate value. Our dedication to professionalism, care and specialist expertise continues to raise standards across the industry and we remain committed to ensuring every family, executor and professional we support feels respected, reassured and confident throughout the process.

---

by Admin

Missing beneficiaries in estate administration: The role of research, insurance, and fair fees

Estate administration can often present unexpected challenges. One of the most common is the presence of missing or unknown beneficiaries. Whether due to outdated contact information, family estrangement, or complex family structures, locating all those entitled to inherit is not always straightforward.

For probate practitioners and Personal Representatives (PRs), ensuring the estate is distributed correctly is a legal responsibility. If an unknown heir later comes forward after the estate has been distributed, the PR could face financial and legal consequences. This is why professional genealogical research and Missing Beneficiary Insurance play such an important role in managing risk during estate administration.

The importance of genealogical research

Probate genealogists specialise in tracing heirs and reconstructing family trees using historical records, databases, and investigative research techniques. This work is particularly important in intestacy cases, where the distribution of the estate depends entirely on identifying surviving relatives under the statutory order of entitlement.

Even when a valid Will exists, Executors may need assistance locating named beneficiaries who cannot easily be traced.

Professional research helps ensure that estates are distributed accurately and that reasonable steps have been taken to identify all entitled beneficiaries.

However, despite thorough research, it is not always possible to locate every potential heir.

The role of Missing Beneficiary Insurance

When beneficiaries remain untraced, Missing Beneficiary Insurance provides an additional layer of protection.

This type of insurance protects Personal Representatives and known beneficiaries if an unknown or missing heir later makes a claim against the estate. The policy covers the financial liability that could arise if the estate has already been distributed.

Importantly, insurers usually require evidence that appropriate genealogical research has been undertaken before providing cover. Research reports demonstrate that reasonable efforts were made to locate all beneficiaries, helping insurers assess the level of risk.

In this way, genealogical research and insurance work together. Research aims to locate beneficiaries wherever possible, while insurance protects the estate where uncertainty remains.

Understanding charging structures

Another key consideration for probate practitioners is how genealogical research services are charged.

Several charging models exist across the probate research industry, including contingency fees, fixed fees, and time and expense arrangements.

Contingency fee agreements typically involve a percentage of a beneficiary’s inheritance. While these arrangements can appear attractive because they involve no upfront cost, they may sometimes lead to higher overall fees depending on the value of the estate.

Fixed fee arrangements provide certainty from the outset. The cost is agreed before research begins, allowing the fee to be treated as an estate administration expense.

Time and expense models charge based in the hours worked and research costs incurred. This can be helpful in complex cases where the scope of work may evolve as new information is discovered.

Transparency and protecting estates

For probate practitioners, transparency in both research and pricing is essential. Clear charging structures allow PRs to demonstrate they have acted responsibly when managing estate funds.

When combined with professional genealogical research and appropriate insurance, this transparency helps reduce risk, protect beneficiaries, and ensure estates are administered with confidence.

By working with experienced probate researchers and understanding the available risk-management tools, practitioners can navigate complex estates while safeguarding both the estate and the PRs responsible for this administration.

About Title Research

Title Research is the only major UK genealogy firm that specialises in solely working with private client practitioners, and one of four firms to be regulated by the FCA for insurance mediation purposes.

As an established business with trusted contacts and specialist partners both at home and abroad, Title Research knows where to look to find the information and the people you need. Theirs is the last word in locating heirs, with no costly comebacks or complications, guaranteed. In fact, their thorough approach to every task ensures that you’re always compliant and covered. 

Title Research provides a range of genealogical research and asset repatriation services for legal professionals. Their services are designed to streamline the estate administration process, take the effort out of locating the correct people or assets, and mitigate the risk of future disputes or complications.

If you have any questions about genealogical research, asset repatriation, or how you can work with Title Research, call them on +44 (0) 345 87 27 600 or email [email protected].

---

by Admin

The 2026 Probies Shortlists Are Here!

The moment we’ve all been waiting for has arrived…

Our independent judging panel has now selected the official shortlists for the 2026 Probate Industry Awards – and what a phenomenal showcase of talent, innovation and dedication across the UK probate sector.

On 23rd April 2026, the industry will gather in true glitz and glamour style at the prestigious Pan Pacific London to celebrate the very best our profession has to offer.

From boutique law firms to national powerhouses, rising stars to unsung heroes, tech pioneers to research specialists – this year’s shortlist represents the strength, compassion and innovation that define our industry.

Probate Law Firm of the Year: Boutique

• Circe Law Ltd
• Fidelis Legal Services Limited
• Milford & Dormor Solicitors LLP
• Tassells LLP
• Spall Clark Solicitors

Probate Law Firm of the Year: Regional

• Brachers LLP
• Ellisons
• Morr & Co
• Thackray Williams Solicitors

Probate Law Firm of the Year: National

• Octopus Legal Services
• Premier Solicitors
• Taylor Rose

Rising Star of the Year

• Conor Barnard – Zedra Legal Services (UK) Limited
• Danielle McMahon – Taylor Rose
• Jessica Randall – Circe Law
• Lucy Cresswell – Vault Private Client
• Rayssa Whitlock – Anthony Gold Solicitors LLP
• Tamsin Walker – Shakespeare Martineau

Probate Lawyer of the Year

• Helen Claydon – HAIG Legal Group
• June Yap – Octopus Legacy
• Krystal Ramsammy – Taylor Rose
• Lee-Ann Diaz – Thackray Williams Solicitors
• Melissa Howman – Spall Clark Solicitors
• Natalie Payne – Morr & Co

Contentious Probate Provider of the Year

• Coodes Solicitors
• Freeths LLP
• Irwin Mitchell
• Morr & Co
• Redkite Solicitors
• Shakespeare Martineau

Estate Planning Team of the Year

• Brachers LLP
• Ellisons
• Irwin Mitchell
• Squiggle Consult Ltd
• Tassells LLP
• Vault Private Client

Specialist Probate Provider of the Year

• The Surrey Probate Practice Limited
• Zedra Legal Services (UK) Limited

Will Writing Firm of the Year

• Brachers LLP
• Octopus Legacy
• Simpler Law Ltd. – HAIG Legal Group
• Switalskis
• Wills & Legal Services Ltd

Wills and Probate Paralegal of the Year

• Brandy Arnold – Squiggle Consult Ltd
• Elizabeth Freeman – Circe Law Ltd
• Jo Masson – Tassells LLP

Probate Research Firm of the Year

• Finders International
• H&H Intel-Genealogy
• Pro-Gen Research Limited

Court of Protection Team of the Year

• Anthony Gold Solicitors LLP
• Birketts LLP
• Morr & Co
• Osborne Morris & Morgan Solicitors
• Switalskis

Service Provider of the Year

• Currencies Direct
• Estatesearch Ltd
• Finders International
• Property Solutions Group
• Share Data LTD

Technology Provider of the Year

• Estatesearch Ltd
• LEAP Estates

Innovation of the Year

• Probate and Wills Online LTD t/a Online Probate
• Property Solutions Group

Property Services Provider of the Year

• Just Clear
• Move With Us
• Property Solutions Group

Charity Partnership of the Year

• Freeths LLP
• Heritage Wills
• Octopus Legacy
• Probate.Auction
• Squiggle Consult Ltd

The Unsung Hero Award

• Becky Spall – Spall Clark Solicitors
• Brandy Arnold – Squiggle Consult Ltd
• Lorraine Marsh – Shakespeare Martineau
• Marc Goddard – Tassells LLP
• Roz Bradley – Zedra Legal Services (UK) Limited

Outstanding Achievement in the Industry

• Holly Chantler – Morr & Co
• Jade Gani – Circe Law Ltd
• Russell Kaminski – Vault Private Client

-----------

Celebrating Excellence Across the Industry

The 2026 shortlists reflect a sector that continues to evolve – embracing technology, strengthening client care, building meaningful charity partnerships, and championing the next generation of probate professionals.

To everyone shortlisted: congratulations. Being recognised at this level is a remarkable achievement in itself.

Now the countdown truly begins… 🥂

Join us on 23rd April 2026 at the Pan Pacific London for an unforgettable evening of celebration, networking and industry recognition.

🎟 Secure your table. https://www.tickettailor.com/events/probies/1773312
🤝 Explore sponsorship opportunities. https://139705211.fs1.hubspotusercontent-eu1.net/hubfs/139705211/Probies%202026/Sponsorship%20Pack%202026.pdf

Because excellence deserves the spotlight… and the #Probies stage awaits. ✨

 

---

by Admin

The Probies Judging Process

With so many incredible professionals and pioneering organisations in the probate space, judging the #Probies is no easy task – but it’s one we take seriously.

As we gear up for our glittering event on 23rd April 2026 at the stunning Pan Pacific London, here’s a look at how our judging process works, what goes into each decision, and the all-important dates to note.

How Judging Works

This year, we’re proud to have 13 esteemed judges on our panel, each bringing their unique expertise from across the legal, tech, and research sectors.

To ensure every category is assessed as fairly and thoroughly as possible:

• Each judge is assigned specific categories to review.
• At least two judges are allocated to every category.
• In the event of a tie or split decision, our Head Judge, David Stoch, steps in to make the final call.

The Scoring Model

Judges are asked to select one Winner and one Highly Commended entry per category. Points are awarded as follows:

• 2 points for the Winner
• 1 point for the Highly Commended
• All other nominees receive no points.

This system ensures clarity, fairness, and a structured way to recognise excellence across our industry.

Judge Commentary

Constructive feedback is key. Each judge is required to leave a brief comment for both their chosen Winner and Highly Commended entries. These remarks not only help validate the results but are also shared (privately) with nominees where appropriate.

We're so grateful to our incredible judging panel who give their time and insight to honour those pushing the probate profession forward. Let the countdown begin!

Want to learn more about our categories, judges or book your tickets for the big night? Head over to www.probateindustryawards.com

---

by Admin