News & Media

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.

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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.

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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].

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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

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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. ✨

 

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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

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by Admin

Probate Funding Solutions That Ease the Pressure on Executors and Families

Families shouldn’t be required to shoulder estate-related costs while grieving. Executors shouldn’t be placed in that position either. Nevertheless, when estates lack the funds to pay inheritance tax, cover solicitor fees, or handle estate property costs, executors often face this financial burden without the ability to access estate funds. This all-too-common challenge in UK estate administration can lead to avoidable delays and increased administrative complexity for legal teams. While some delays and stresses cannot be controlled, specialised probate-funding solutions are available to solve those estate-related challenges.

InheritNOW provides executors the liquidity needed to progress the estate through Inheritance Tax (IHT) Loans and Estate Expense Funds. These solutions are designed to ease financial pressure throughout the estate administration without compromising standards of care or compliance. IHT Loans and Estate Expense Funds help to remove bottlenecks and enable a smoother progression in estate administration.

For executors responsible for settling inheritance tax, IHT Loans provide a means for immediate funding to meet HMRC obligations, thereby unlocking the estate. In situations where an estate lacks accessible cash before probate is granted, this solution removes a barrier to liquidity and avoids unnecessary delays in estate administration. After probate is granted, and before distributions are made to beneficiaries, IHT Loans are settled directly from the proceeds of the estate, with no early repayment penalties. With this solution, executors do not assume any personal liability for repayment of the loan. With IHT Loans, executors avoid personal financial burdens and can progress the estate efficiently.

Estate Expense Funds provide executors with quick access to money needed for essential estate administration costs. These funds can be used to cover necessary expenditures throughout estate administration, such as solicitor or legal fees, probate fees, property insurance and maintenance, valuations, and clearance services. A flexible draw-down facility allows executors to access approved funds on an as-needed basis to meet estate-related expenses, ensuring liquidity without requiring a full advance prior to sale of estate assets and repayment. Since repayment is made directly from the estate once probate is granted and cash is available, executors are not personally liable for the loan. Through an Estate Expense Fund, executors can carry out their responsibilities without putting a strain on their personal finances and credit rating.

Probate is inherently complex and prone to delay and difficulties. Financial strain placed on grieving families and executors does not have to be part of the process. By introducing liquidity at the moments it is needed most, IHT Loans and Estate Expense Funds remove the weight that slows estate administration and creates unnecessary financial stress. These funding solutions give executors the means to fulfil their responsibilities without personal risk, delivering timely and compliant estate administration.

InheritNOW exists to lift that burden, ensuring that the costs of estate administration never fall on the shoulders of those already carrying enough.

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by Admin

Property Solutions Group Announced as Headline Sponsor for the 2026 Probate Industry Awards

We are thrilled to announce that ‘Property Solutions Group’ is the Headline Sponsor for the 2026 Probate Industry Awards, taking place on 23rd April 2026 at the prestigious Pan Pacific London.

As a trusted name in estate property services, Property Solutions Group is synonymous with innovation, reliability, and excellence. Their support signals a strong alignment with the values and ambition of the Probies: to celebrate outstanding work, drive industry standards forward, and shine a light on the often-unsung heroes of the probate world.

From estate clearance to property sales and management, Property Solutions Group is the engine behind many of the industry’s most seamless transitions. Their dedication to delivering tailored solutions across the probate lifecycle makes them the perfect partner for this year’s glittering event.

With a record number of entries expected this year and a stunning new venue, the 2026 Probate Industry Awards are set to be the most spectacular yet.

We look forward to working with Property Solutions Group to deliver a night of recognition, celebration and connection for the probate sector.

For more on Property Solutions Group, visit: www.propertysolutionsgroup.co.uk

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by Admin

Meet the Experts Behind the Probies 2026 Judging Panel

Because behind every great awards night are the people who know greatness when they see it.

As the countdown begins to the 2026 edition of the Probate Industry Awards - happening at Pan Pacific London on 23 April 2026, we’re thrilled to introduce you to the outstanding individuals who will be guiding our judging panel. They’re leaders, innovators and advocates in the probate and private‑client world, and they bring the expertise, integrity and passion we believe the Probies deserve.

Amy Lane

Amy is a Partner in the Private Client team at gunnercooke. After training and qualifying at a regional firm in Kent and spending six years at another regional firm, she now handles a full spectrum of private client work. She is a full STEP member, contracted examiner for STEP exams, full member of ALL, and a Dementia Friend. Amy has also served on the Kent Law Society and Tunbridge Wells & Tonbridge District Law Society councils. She’s published in the STEP journal on redefining social norms and family definitions with particular focus on assisted conception—an area she is passionate about.

Amy brings a rare combination of commercial smarts, technical pedigree and social awareness. That means entries to The Probies which reflect diversity, new family models or evolving practice will get her full attention.

Chris Reynolds

Chris has worked at Ramsdens since 1997 and has over 40 years’ experience in Private Wealth and Succession work. He focuses on high value probate matters, estates often exceeding £1 million, and helps clients and families manage long term estate stability. Chris and his team have won multiple industry awards (including Best Probate Law Firm, North at the UK Probate Research Awards four years in a row 2019–2022) and were highly commended at The Probies 2025 for ‘Probate Law Firm of the Year – National’.

Chris brings heavyweight technical chops and results driven experience — particularly for high value, complex matters.

David Masterton

David is Chief Revenue Officer at Premier Solicitors, leading national partnerships, acquisitions and strategic development. Known for his commercial acumen, collaborative leadership and commitment to uplift industry standards, David champions quality legal services and ethical business practices. As a seasoned judge, he brings insight, integrity and real world business perspective to the awards.

This means that for nominations which reflect scalable growth, client engagement excellence or strategic innovation in probate practice - David will be looking very closely.

David Opie

David is Managing Editor of Today’s Media, the publishing business serving the legal services sector. Under his leadership, Today’s Conveyancer, Today’s Wills and Probate and Today’s Family Lawyer have become essential reads for practitioners. As podcast host, David explores key topics with individuals and organisations that power this sector.

His inclusion ensures The Probies don’t just stay inward looking: we will recognise cultural leadership, media impact and communications excellence as part of what makes a standout nomination.

Gary Shaw

Gary is Managing Director of Property Solutions Group, a UK property firm specialising in probate property management, estate funding and value preserving solutions. He has helped save estates around £4 million in selling fees, built sustained relationships with solicitors and will writing professionals, and innovated in deprived payment funding to help estates cover costs efficiently. Gary also serves as a judge for The Probies.

His expertise brings to light the critical role of estates’ property management, compliance, innovation and client service in the probate ecosystem — areas we’ll be honouring at the 2026 awards.

Heledd Wyn

Based in Bristol, Heledd is a Partner specialising in private client services and long term care. With extensive experience in future planning, private wealth, Wills, Powers of Attorney, trusts and Court of Protection matters, she is especially recognised for her expertise in long term and elderly care issues – from navigating local authority assessments to tackling contested proceedings.

Heledd’s combination of technical strength and empathy for vulnerable clients makes her insight invaluable when we assess nominations that sit at the intersection of legal excellence and client care excellence.

Ian Bond

Ian is a solicitor specialising in Wills, Trusts and Probate, a long standing member of the Law Society’s Wills & Equity committee and a new member of STEP’s UK Technical Committee. A strong advocate for industry reform, Ian brings both depth of technical expertise and a progressive mindset.

His role on the judging panel helps ensure The Probies rewards not only excellence as it is today, but also forward thinking practice that helps shape the future of the probate profession.

Jade Gani

Jade is the Founder & CEO of Circe Law. She is deeply committed to supporting older and vulnerable clients in the community and dedicates considerable time to local charities and initiatives. Jade is a fully accredited member of Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners (STEP), a fully accredited member and Chair of Association of Lifetime Lawyers (ALL), and is on the Law Society’s Wills & Equity Committee. She was named both “Wills & Probate Lawyer of the Year” and overall “Private Client Lawyer of the Year” at the Modern Law Private Client Awards 2024.

Jade brings a sharp eye for excellence and a genuine heart for service—exactly the kind of judge calibre we’re proud to welcome at The Probies.

Lakshmi Turner

Lakshmi is a marketing specialist with over 30 years’ experience in business strategy, branding, proposition development, product service delivery, marketing communications and PR. A graduate of King’s College London and holder of a full time MBA (1990–91), she has consulted to the legal profession, and in 2004 joined the ALL as Development Officer, becoming Chief Operating Officer in 2010 and CEO in January 2014.

Lakshmi’s inclusion reminds us that The Probies are not only about technical legal excellence: they’re also about how you present your service, your brand, your values and your impact. She will champion submissions that reflect excellent stakeholder engagement, communicative clarity and professional identity.

Nimesh Ganatra

As Head of Risk & Compliance at Legal Eye, Nimesh is at the cutting edge of regulatory, risk and product innovation in legal services. He leads on regulatory knowledge management, product development and mentoring of young legal associates.

For us, his presence means a careful and informed evaluation of any award entries touching on compliance, innovation and practice standards. It’s an increasingly important angle in the probate sector and The Probies will reflect that.

Paige Gouldthorpe

Paige spearheads the Court of Protection and Vulnerable Persons Team at Fosters Solicitors, supporting some of the most vulnerable individuals in society. She holds three national awards for her legal work, serves as Chair and Sector Lead for the national group Women in Wills, and was named among the “Top 100 Inspiring Women of Norfolk”. Beyond her professional practice, Paige sits on the boards of several regional charities.

Her focus on combining advocacy with empathy means she’s ideally placed to recognise nominees who go the extra mile… not just technically, but humanely.

Trusha Velji

Trusha is Director of Touch Solicitors Limited, a niche award winning law firm devoted to vulnerable clients. Despite being a sole practitioner, she is highly respected, appears regularly on television, radio and in publications, and commits significant time to charitable and pro bono work.

Her presence on the panel sends a clear message: size is not everything. Impact, dedication and commitment to underserved communities matter equally at The Probies.

Trevor Worth

With over 35 years’ experience in legal services, Trevor founded his business at age 22, specialises now in Inheritance & Succession Planning, and holds an MBA from University of Exeter. Trevor is a guest lecturer on innovation and entrepreneurship at several universities, sits on advisory boards of business schools, has served on the advisory panel of the Legal Services Board, and in 2022 was elected President and first Fellow of The B.E.S.T. Foundation. He is fully STEP qualified and is recognised as a legal innovator.

Outside of law, he built a soccer coaching academy (1995–2008), worked as a talent scout for professional football clubs, and in January 2019 introduced a 4 day week at his firm while increasing salaries, drawing the moniker “The Best Boss in the World!”.

Trevor brings decades of experience plus bold, entrepreneurial thinking to our panel.

What this means for you…

With such a high‑calibre judging panel in place, the message is clear: The Probate Industry Awards 2026 will reward substance + style, technical excellence + client focus, and innovation + impact. Whether you are a solicitor, barrister, probate researcher, estate administration provider, technology partner or specialist service firm - there is a place for you at this celebration of the very best in probate and private‑client practice.

How you can get involved

• Nominate: The nomination process is open at https://www.probateindustryawards.com — don’t wait, submissions will close soon.
• Sponsor: If you want to amplify your brand, engage with the community and align yourself with excellence in the probate sector, explore our sponsorship packages early.
• Attend: Join us on 23 April 2026 at Pan Pacific London. Mix and mingle, celebrate with your peers, and witness first‑hand the glitz and glamour of The Probies.

Let’s make 2026 the biggest event yet – one where innovation, compassion and excellence in the probate industry shine through. See you on the red carpet.

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by Admin

Why Entering Industry Awards Matters

And why now is the time to get involved!

In a sector like probate, it’s easy to focus all energy on meeting deadlines, supporting clients, and navigating complex cases. But there’s something to be said for pausing, just for a moment, to reflect on what’s been achieved.

Industry awards offer exactly that opportunity: a moment of recognition, a chance to showcase hard work, and a platform to raise the profile of individuals, teams, and firms who go above and beyond.

Here’s why entering industry awards truly matters:

1. Recognition for Real Impact

Award entries aren’t just about accolades - they’re about celebrating the difference you’ve made. Whether it's guiding grieving families through complex estate processes, innovating behind the scenes, or contributing to policy improvements, your work deserves recognition. Awards highlight the people and practices that are driving the sector forward.

2. Boosting Reputation & Trust

Being shortlisted, highly commended, or winning an award sends a clear message: you’re a trusted leader in your field. This not only strengthens credibility with clients but also enhances your standing with peers, potential referrers, and talent looking to join a reputable team.

3. Team Motivation & Morale

Awards give teams a chance to reflect on what they’ve achieved - especially valuable in sectors where much of the work is behind the scenes. From paralegals and administrators to senior partners, entering awards can boost morale, spark pride, and reinforce a shared sense of purpose.

4. Marketing & PR Opportunities

Industry recognition creates a springboard for wider publicity. An award-winning firm or individual is more likely to feature in trade press, client communications, and on social media. It offers a fresh reason to reach out to clients and contacts - not with a sales pitch, but with a story worth celebrating.

5. Benchmarking & Reflection

Writing an award entry forces you to stop and assess what’s working. It’s a powerful exercise in self-assessment - allowing teams to see their growth, identify standout moments, and benchmark themselves against the wider industry.

6. Networking & New Business

Attending awards ceremonies and being visible in industry conversations brings new connections. The awards circuit isn’t just about celebration - it’s about visibility, thought leadership, and joining a community of professionals shaping the future of probate.

Make This Your Year

The Probate Industry Awards exist to shine a light on the exceptional work happening across the sector. Whether you’re a small team making a big impact, a rising star just starting out, or a well-established organisation driving innovation - now’s the time to tell your story.

Nominations for The Probate Industry Awards 2026 are now open! 🌐 www.probateindustryawards.com

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by Admin

THE RESULTS 2024

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by Admin