News and Knowledge

Probate Fees set to increase by 75%: What does this mean for Executors and Beneficiaries?

The Government has announced a significant increase to Probate application fees in England and Wales, with the cost of obtaining a Grant of Probate or Letters of Administration set to rise from £300 to £526 from the 13th of July 2026, subject to parliamentary approval.   The proposed increase, reported by the Law Society Gazette,…

Your Guide to Lasting Power of Attorney Access Codes

Understand how to manage your Lasting Power of Attorney Online through updated digital access codes.     What is a Lasting Power of Attorney?  Managing a Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA) in England and Wales has become significantly more efficient thanks to digital services. An LPA allows a trusted person, known as an Attorney, to…

Protect Your Loved Ones for Less: 50% Off LPA Event

Secure your family’s future for less this summer with Oakwood Solicitors’ limited-time 50% discount on professional Lasting Power of Attorney services     Oakwood Solicitors’ Exclusive June LPA Event Planning for the future is one of the most vital steps you can take to ensure peace of mind for yourself and protection for your family.…

Staff Spotlight – Charlotte Bandawe

In our Staff Spotlight series, we highlight key members of our team and learn more about them and their contributions.   Today, we meet Charlotte Bandawe, a Solicitor and Head of the Wills and Probate Department. We are thrilled to announce that Charlotte has been appointed to the GOV.UK Court of Protection Panel of Deputies…

Charlotte Bandawe Appointed to GOV.UK Court of Protection Panel for the North of England

Oakwood Solicitors is delighted to announce that Charlotte Bandawe has been appointed to the prestigious GOV.UK Court of Protection Panel of Deputies for the North of England.   This appointment is a significant milestone, recognising Charlotte’s extensive expertise and her unwavering dedication to supporting vulnerable individuals in complex legal matters.   A Position of Trust…

The Growing Cost of a Lasting Power of Attorney

The Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA) is a crucial legal document that ensures trust in managing finances, property, and health decisions. However, the government is raising the registration fee for an LPA by 12%, from £82 to £92, starting 17 November.     What is a Lasting Power of Attorney? A Lasting Power of Attorney…

Applications Close in Record Time for Oakwood Solicitors FWM

Oakwood Solicitors has broken previous records by filling its allocated appointment slots for the Free Wills Month (FWM) campaign in 2 days.   The overwhelming demand saw the initial 20 available spaces booked in just two days, leading to a swift extension.     Free wills month Applications close Oakwood Solicitors has closed its Free…

Over-50s Lead the Way in Organ Donation Week 2025

The NHS is launching its annual Organ Donation Week from September 22 to 28, 2025, aiming to increase awareness about organ donation and encourage more people to join the NHS Organ Donor Register.   New figures from NHS Blood and Transplant (NHSBT) show a significant and historic shift in organ donation. As people over the…

Inheritance Fraud: Fraudulent Wills Are Stealing Your Inheritance

Organised fraudsters in the UK are forging Wills to wrongfully obtain estates, highlighting the crucial need for effective Wills and estate planning.   What is Inheritance fraud? Probate fraud – also known as inheritance fraud- has emerged as a disturbing trend in recent years. Criminals are taking advantage of weaknesses in the system to create…

Unwritten Wills Fuel Family Feuds: Intestacy Hits Five-Year High

The Ministry of Justice reports a 17% increase in probate disputes, with over 51,140 estates in the last year, reaching a five-year high. Indicating a growing risk of potential feuds over inheritances.   In cases where a person dies without a will and owns valuable assets, the court typically issues a ‘grant of letters of…