In December the Law Commission published its long awaited report into intestacy and family provision claims on death. The repor t contains recommendations for reform of the law in these areas following responses to the consultation paper published in 2009. The largest part of the report focuses on the area which causes the most significant problems under current legislation. Where a couple live together,... 

The Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners (STEP) has published the second edition of their Standard Provisions for Wills. They provide an easy way for will drafting professionals in England and Wales to summarise provisions which are common in almost all wills. Clare Colacicchi, member of STEP’s UK Technical Committee said: “The STEP Standard Provisions are extremely useful when preparing professionally... 

Regardless of the type of claim, liability for costs incurred by the litigants in any proceedings has always been a contentious issue. Save for a few limited situations, claims concerning wills and estate disputes are no different. In probate actions, the courts have long since applied a different rule, displacing the general rule that costs follow the event. The two circumstances where this different...