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Probate News, Issue 27

July 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.
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Headlines

Autumn 2025 changes to Legal Services Regulations
  • 06 Jun 2025
Following a consultation process, new Legal Services Regulations are planned for autumn 2025 which will implement two key changes regarding the administration of oaths and complaints handling. These new regulations are subject to approval by the Legal Services Board.
Annual return FAQs for firms accredited for legal services
  • 26 Jun 2025
We have prepared these responses to frequently asked questions to assist firms with understanding recent changes to the annual return. These changes have been made in anticipation of new regulations that will come into effect later in 2025.
Code of Ethics update: professional behaviour in practice
  • 14 May 2025
ICAEW’s updated Code of Ethics comes into effect on 1 July. One of the key revisions is a rewording of the provisions on professional behaviour to recognise the changing world of work and how members’ professional lives are evolving.
PII requirements: What changed on 1 September 2024?
  • 05 Apr 2024
Last year, the ICAEW Regulatory Board, working collaboratively with the Professional Indemnity Insurance Committee (PIIC), launched a review of ICAEW’s insurance requirements. A consultation relating to proposed changes ran between 18 October and 14 December 2023. Following careful consideration of the feedback we received, some of the proposals were taken forward and came into effect on 1 September.
HMCTS updates for probate practitioners: June 2025
  • 02 Jul 2025
We update you on the outcome of our latest meeting with HM Courts and Tribunals Service (HMCTS). These meetings provide a platform for us to raise your feedback and help us to understand any operational issues affecting probate practitioners. Find out the latest information on operational performance, service updates and technical developments. We also provide an update on the feedback and questions that were raised during the meeting.
ICAEW response to LSB Consultation on Upholding Professional Ethical Duties
  • 04 Jun 2025
  • PDF (229kb)
ICAEW has responded to the Legal Services Board's (LSB) consultation on its proposed statement of policy on upholding professional ethical duties. ICAEW Chartered Accountants are expected to demonstrate the highest standards of professional conduct, and we welcome the LSB’s proposed statement of policy on upholding professional ethical duties. This response, dated 28 May 2025, represents ICAEW's views as an Approved Regulator and Licensing Authority under the Legal Services Act 2007.
2026 Probate fees consultation
  • 11 Jul 2025
Recognising inflationary pressures and to continue delivering our programme of activity to fulfil our objectives under the Legal Services Act, we propose a small increase to the 2026 probate registration fees. Please review the information below, including our budget, medium-term business plan and the proposed new fee scale, and respond to our suggested fee levels for 2026.

Update: 2025 Probate Diversity Survey

2025 Probate Diversity Survey results
  • 28 Jul 2025

The amalgamated and anonymised results from the 2025 Probate Diversity Survey that all probate firms conducted earlier this year will be reported in September. It incorporates the responses of more than 10,000 people. Look for the publication in September’s Regulation and Conduct News.

Reminder: firms needed to publish their results by 31 May along with a summary paragraph.

Webinar: 2025 Probate Diversity Survey Results
  • 29 Jul 2025

Register now for the 2025 Probate Diversity Survey Results webinar. It’s a unique opportunity to gain valuable insights from our presenters on what the breakdown of the data reveals for firms—plus ask questions and engage with our speakers. It’s free and provides an opportunity of 1 hour towards CPD.

Resources for firms

Legal Ombudsman guidance on handling complaints
  • 05 Oct 2020
Find out what resources and guidance are available from the Legal Ombudsman (LeO) and ICAEW when making a complaint on probate services.
Updated engagement letters for accredited legal services firms
  • 28 Jul 2025

ICAEW has a number of resources to support our accredited legal services firms. Amongst these are engagement letter templates with sample wordings to help you draft your own engagement letters. Read what changes have been made to Schedule Q, the template for legal services firms.

2025 Legal Services Regulatory Update webinar recording – now available
  • 11 Jun 2025
Tune in to the recording of the 2025 Legal Services Regulatory Update and access the resources from the webinar to stay up to date on regulatory matters for probate practitioners.
Probate - Common pitfalls
  • 28 Jul 2025

To avoid inadvertent breaches of the Legal Services Regulations, review our “common pitfalls” web page. We have highlighted some of the common issues we see.

Resources to share with your clients

Inheritance Tax: what do you need to know?
  • 30 Jul 2025
Inheritance Tax (IHT) is one of the most complex and frequently misunderstood parts of administering an estate. We talk to some experienced ICAEW-accredited probate professionals, who explain the process and highlight some common misconceptions.
Supporting our survey for clients of legal services
  • 07 May 2025
Help us understand how empowered probate clients are in choosing a provider. Our survey aims to gauge consumers’ experiences with accessing legal services.
Applying for probate and what to expect
  • 28 Jul 2025

In the HMCTS podcast from May 2025, they speak to two applicants about applying for probate – a process many face during difficult times. This practical conversation covers both online and paper applications, offering clear guidance to help people navigating a challenging period to do so with confidence.

Probate consumer hub
  • 30 Jul 2024
Whether you need guidance about choosing an accountant for probate services (including the administration of oaths), the probate process, or want to understand more about our role as a regulator, our resources are here to support you.

Regulation and Conduct News

Be the first to know when regulatory newsletters are released by following us on LinkedIn and subscribing to our monthly newsletter, Regulatory & Conduct News.
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Further resources

Probate news

Keep updated with the latest Probate news

Latest probate news Previous issues
ICAEW as a probate and oaths regulator

Find out more about our responsibilities as a probate and oaths regulator and the future of the legal services regulated area.

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Reshaping Legal Services

A sector-wide strategy from the Legal Services Board (LSB)

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Support for probate accredited firms

Practical guidance for probate practitioners, including the latest regulatory updates, helpsheets, and compliance information.

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Events & webinars

Access all ICAEW webinars and events listings

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