Two fifths believe they will avoid probate if assets pass to spouse
New research from Canada Life has revealed that a significant proportion of UK adults hold mistaken beliefs about probate, wills, and estate succession. Nearly four in ten people surveyed believed that probate could be avoided if a deceased person's assets passed directly to their spouse. Unfortunately, this is often not the case.
The research also showed that many individuals assume that everything automatically transfers to a loved one if no will is in place. Others view the process of making a will as a one-off task that doesn’t need revisiting, even after major life changes like marriage or divorce.
Perhaps most concerning, a considerable number of respondents incorrectly believed that a cohabiting partner would have the same legal rights as a spouse.
• 38% wrongly believe probate isn't required if assets pass to a spouse.
• 33% think everything goes to a loved one automatically if there’s no will.
• 25% believe making a will is a one-time task.
• 16% incorrectly assume cohabiting partners inherit an estate without a will.
Box Legal’s Perspective:
These misconceptions can lead to costly delays and disputes. It highlights the need for clearer public education on wills and probate law, an area where legal professionals can really make a difference.
For more insight on the changes within will drafting, take look at our recent blog here.
Campaigners claim tenants ‘struggle to get deposits back’ off agents
A recent survey conducted by campaign group Generation Rent has shown that a quarter of tenants in the UK are still facing difficulty reclaiming their full tenancy deposit at the end of their rental agreements. Despite protections intended to safeguard renters, many face delays, deductions they believe are unfair, or landlords who fail to comply with deposit protection regulations altogether.
The report highlights that tenants often feel powerless to challenge deductions, citing a lack of knowledge about their rights, the complexity of the dispute resolution process, or insufficient evidence to mount a successful claim. This gap in access to justice continues to grow, particularly for those without the financial means or confidence to pursue formal resolution routes.
Box Legal’s Perspective:
Our ATE policies for tenancy deposit claims were developed to help tenants overcome these exact barriers. Legal representation shouldn’t be a luxury and our cover ensures that solicitors working on these cases can do so without putting their clients at financial risk.
Exhausted hospital staff putting patients at risk, says watchdog
The Health Services Safety Investigations Body (HSSIB) has raised a red flag about the effects of staff fatigue in NHS hospitals and its impact on patient safety. The watchdog’s findings highlight how tiredness and overwork are contributing to critical errors, including misinterpreted pregnancy scans and incorrect chemotherapy dosing.
In one case, both a mother and her baby were harmed due to an inaccurate scan attributed to overworked staff. In another, oncology staff working long shifts with insufficient rest made medication mistakes that could have had serious consequences.
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