Latest news
Shared Client Money Accounts: A Compliance Risk for Firms
- Article
- 28 Jan 2026
We have identified instances where associated or commonly controlled firms are using shared client money accounts, contrary to the Clients’ Money Regulations. This article explains the requirements and what firms need to do to ensure compliance.
LSB consults on new policy to strengthen diversity across the legal profession
- Article
- 26 Jan 2026
The Legal Services Board (LSB) is seeking views on its draft statement of policy, “Encouraging a diverse legal profession”. The proposals outline clear expectations for regulators to improve equality, fairness and access across legal services. ICAEW will be submitting a response and encourages firms and individuals to share their views ahead of the 2 March deadline.
Have your say on the Government’s proposals to raise funds through interest accrued on clients’ accounts
- Article
- 23 Jan 2026
The Ministry of Justice (MOJ) is consulting on proposals to introduce an Interest on Lawyers’ Client Account Scheme (ILCA) which would divert a portion of interest on client money held by law firms to the MOJ to fund and strengthen the justice system. Deadline to respond is 9 February 2026.
Spotlight on: Probate - How to be Reasonable
- Article
- 09 Jan 2026
On our web page “Legal Ombudsman guidance on handling complaints”, we signpost resources from LeO to help legal services firms with their practice. Read the latest LeO Spotlight article “Probate – How to be reasonable” for guidance on clear, timely communication with executors and beneficiaries to prevent complaints.
Tackling digital exclusion: embedding choice in probate services
- Article
- 09 Dec 2025
New research suggests that embedding inclusion and choice into the delivery of legal services can help to mitigate the risks of digital exclusion. We look at the key findings and discuss how ICAEW-accredited legal services professionals can design their services so that digital efficiency doesn’t lead to inequality.
HMCTS update for probate firms: December 2025
- Article
- 09 Dec 2025
ICAEW attended the Probate Professional User Group with HMCTS in December to hear the latest updates on service performance and ongoing improvement. Read the key updates HMCTS would like us to share with our firms.
ICAEW position statement on the recent Mazur Judgment
- Article
- 07 Nov 2025
The Mazur v Charles Russell Speechlys LLP judgment has prompted wider discussion about delegation and supervision within authorised legal services firms. ICAEW-accredited legal services firms can be reassured that the decision does not change the statutory requirements set out in the Legal Services Act 2007 (the Act). Note this statement was expanded on 5 December to provide additional clarity.
Upcoming events for probate professionals
- Event
- 28 Oct 2025
Join one of HM Courts & Tribunals Service's lunch and learn sessions throughout November and December:
- Thursday 13 November: Lost wills
- Thursday 27 November: Foreign domicile cases
- Tuesday 9 December: National probate user group meeting
To register, please email NSfamilybmt@justice.gov.uk.
All available issues of Probate News e-newsletters
Probate News, Issue 27
- Newsletter
- 31 Jul 2025
Explore resources for firms and information to share with clients including a new article on inheritance tax. Read about updates to the engagement letter template, annual return FAQs for probate firms, the 2026 fees consultation, and webinar to go through the 2025 Probate Diversity Survey results.
Probate News, Issue 26
- Newsletter
- 08 Apr 2025
Register for our June Legal Services Update webinar, find out how we performed in the Legal Services Board’s annual assessment, read the latest information from HMCTS and join our Legal services reference group to share your views with our Policy Team.
Probate News, Issue 25
- Newsletter
- 27 Jan 2025
Give your view on proposed changes which, among other amendments, will introduce the service of the administration of oaths, sign up to the Probate Diversity Survey webinar to learn what’s new for 2025 and access resources and an update from HMCTS.
Probate News, Issue 24
- Professional standards
- 07 Aug 2024
Sign up to our Legal Services Update webinar, give your view on ICAEW’s proposed fee scales for 2025 and use our consumer guides as a resource for your clients. We also share upcoming changes to professional indemnity insurance requirements and the ICAEW Code of Ethics.
Probate News, Issue 23
- Newsletter
- 05 Feb 2024
In this issue, alongside our headline stories, you can also find out about our recent meeting with HMCTS, check the complaints information you are publishing is correct and find reminders of key updates for probate firms via our refreshed news webpage.
Probate News, Issue 22
- Newsletter
- 28 Jun 2023
In this issue, access our updated engagement letter helpsheet, see what's changed in the Legal Services Regulations, respond to our consultation on proposed probate fees for 2024 and read our review of the Mercia training course.
Probate News, Issue 21
- Newsletter
- 08 Mar 2023
Highlights in this issue include valuable resources and key dates for this year’s Probate Diversity Survey, best practice when notifying potential creditors about deaths and updates to the CPD framework guidance. There is also an opportunity to apply for remunerated positions on our regulatory committees.
Probate News, Issue 20
- Newsletter
- 22 Nov 2022
In Issue 20 of Probate News, we highlight a compliance issue our Quality Assurance Department is finding during monitoring reviews and provide information about the next probate diversity survey. We also highlight resources for probate firms.
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