Calling all probate supervisors, LawSkills has the ultimate course for Introduction to Probate – help is at hand! Find out how you can receive 10% off the course within the article!
With many staff working from home and the increasing use of technology, it is more and more challenging for supervisors to properly educate new staff in the law relating to estate administration or even to provide enough practical support. Why not let LawSkills help you?
The Problem
The last two years have been so busy, most private client practitioners have not had time to breathe. The pandemic increased the number of people seeking your help with Wills and LPAs, as they scrambled to get their affairs in order in case the worst happened. Sadly, for far too many people the worst did happen, which resulted in the past twelve months of tens and thousands of extra probate cases.
Recruiting fully trained people to undertake estate administration has been difficult for years. The result probably of probate not being anything more than an elective under the old solicitors’ exams; and newly qualified staff seeking something ‘more exciting’.
Some firms started cutting back in taking on trainee solicitors following the recession of 2008 and have not invested in replacements. At the same time, many forward-thinking firms have been investing in upskilling administrative staff, to provide a different career pathway and supported them by using case management software.
Whether your firm has paralegals using case management software, who are ignorant of the law relating to estate administration and tax during the administration; or whether you are seeking to take on new paralegals or legal apprentices to help you with your workload. You probably are too pushed to be able to devise and provide the training necessary yourself.
The Solution
Fear not, LawSkills has just what you need – their Introduction to Probate course, it’s all ready and available for you from their website. This course is aimed at people new to estate administration or who are changing or adding to their knowledge or discipline and anyone who is looking for a basic refresher.
Each module consists of a set of notes, a list of suggested further reading, resources such as checklists and precedents and a set of multiple-choice questions (with answers) to test the learner’s knowledge.
It costs £995 + VAT per person for a ten-module self-study course covering:
1. Overview of the complete process.
A helicopter view of the whole process including the importance of locating the last valid Will.
2. Professional rules and file management
Compliance with different regulator’s respective codes of conduct, risk assessment, anti-money laundering requirements and what constitutes good file management will set the process off on a firm footing.
3. Information gathering following death
Starting with the initial contact and interview with the PRs. Ascertaining the deceased’s assets and liabilities to include assets passing outside the Will, problematic assets and problematic beneficiaries. This module will also look at the powers, duties and liabilities of PRs.
4. Intestate succession
This overlooks what happens when there is no valid Will and an examination of the current intestacy rules.
5. Law & procedure relating to Grants of Representation
A look at the different forms of grant and court procedures available, including preparing the probate application. This module considers the online probate process and the completion of the PA1P and PA1A forms.
6. Tax during the administration of the estate
To include an overview of Inheritance Tax on death and the IHT 205 form and the principles of income tax and capital gains tax.
7. The effect of post death variations and disclaimers to the distribution of an estate.
8. Settling debts and distributing the estate
After the grant is obtained, what happens next? Legal principles relating to legacies and devises; an examination of the law and practice relating to administration and distribution.
9. Claims which can alter the destination of assets in the estate under the Inheritance (Provision for Family & Dependents) Act 1975
10. Estate accounts & file closure
What should be included in estate accounts, obtaining approval and receipts, concluding the estate and checking the file before closure.
Throughout use, modules are made of case studies and examples to enable participants to administer estates whether testate or intestate.
Sign up today and LawSkills can start your paralegals, trainee solicitors and even your legal apprentices on a wonderful career in estate administration.
By using the code “PLG2022” at the checkout when purchasing the Introduction to Probate course, you will receive 10% off!
If you would like to find out more information, get in touch with LawSkills on 01962 776442; or email them lawskillsoffice@lawskills.co.uk
You can also watch the full PLG Digital interview with LawSkills by visiting our YouTube Channel.
