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Probate News

Probate News is a regulatory communication produced by ICAEW's Professional Standards Team. On this page, find all available issues of Probate News e-newsletters, plus recent articles and latest probate technical guidance and best practice information, communicated in monthly issues of Regulatory and Conduct News and other ICAEW communications. We email our relevant regulatory contacts when a new issue is released.

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Latest news

ICAEW response to MoJ’s proposed Interest on Lawyers’ Client Accounts scheme
  • ICAEW consultation and response
  • 19 Mar 2026

ICAEW acknowledges the importance of the Ministry of Justice's objective of securing sustainable funding to support the justice system in England and Wales. As an approved legal services regulator, ICAEW shares and supports the aim of promoting access to justice. However, we do not consider that diverting interest belonging to bereaved and often vulnerable consumers is a proportionate or appropriate mechanism to achieve this and ICAEW does not support the proposal. Read our consultation response to further understand the reasons for our position

HMCTS update for probate firms: Q1 2026
  • Article
  • 12 Mar 2026

Read the latest updates from HMCTS - topics include operational performance and management updates, upcoming changes to intestacy applications, new PA1A and PA1P digital forms and details of how to register for the next online information session for probate practitioners.

2025 monitoring results infographics
  • Helpsheets and support
  • 06 Mar 2026

Learn what our top findings were from monitoring reviews in 2025 by accessing our latest infographics for Probate and Oaths, DPB (Investment Business) and Insolvency. 

Respond to HM Treasury’s survey on proliferation financing
  • Article
  • 13 Feb 2026
HM Treasury is gathering evidence from UK-regulated firms ahead of the UK’s upcoming Financial Action Task Force Mutual Evaluation and the update of the Proliferation Financing National Risk Assessment. We are encouraging our firms to take part and help demonstrate the strength of the UK’s sanctions and risk management frameworks. The survey closes on 31 March 2026.
New banking protocol for probate
  • Article
  • 09 Feb 2026
A new unified banking protocol for probate has been put in place by UK Finance, ICAEW and other legal services regulators. The protocol streamlines estate administration for authorised probate practitioners, making it easier for them to work with financial institutions during the probate process.
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 March 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.

More news

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.

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