Significant changes to identity verification (IDV) requirements at Companies House are on the horizon, introduced under the Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act 2023 (ECCTA).

These reforms are designed to boost corporate transparency, combat economic crime, and maintain the integrity of the public register by verifying the identities of those involved in establishing, managing, owning, or controlling UK companies.

These obligations will become mandatory from 18 November 2025, and we strongly advise directors, shareholders with more than 25% voting rights, and other affected parties to prepare now to avoid delays and potential penalties. Failure to comply could lead to filing restrictions, fines, director disqualification, or even company strike-off. We view these as some of the most substantial shifts in company law since the Companies Act 2006.

In Summary

If you serve as a director or hold more than 25% of a company’s voting rights, prioritize completing the Companies House IDV process immediately. This will help sidestep anticipated bottlenecks when verification becomes compulsory in November 2025. Non-compliance may result in operational disruptions, penalties, and severe consequences for both individuals and companies.

Who Is Affected?

The IDV requirements impact various individuals and entities linked to UK companies, applying to both new and existing roles. Here’s a detailed overview:

• Directors (and Equivalents): All directors of UK companies, including LLP members, general partners, and managing officers, must verify their identity. Corporate directors (e.g., companies or LLPs acting as directors) are currently exempt but will be included in future phases.
• Persons with Significant Control (PSCs): These are individuals or entities with substantial influence over the company, such as those who:
  • Hold more than 25% of shares or voting rights.
  • Can appoint or remove the majority of the board.
  • Exercise significant influence or control through other means.

All PSCs, new or existing, must verify. Corporate PSCs (also known as Relevant Legal Entities or RLEs) and their officers will face IDV requirements later.

• Shareholders: Standard shareholders without PSC status are not required to verify. However, those with over 25% shares or voting rights (or qualifying as PSCs) must comply. We recommend reviewing your share register to spot any who may need to act, especially if holdings change.
• Other Relevant Parties: Future expansions will cover individuals filing company documents (e.g., secretaries or authorised filers), limited partnerships, and corporate entities as directors or PSCs. Companies using third-party filing agents may need them to register as Authorised Corporate Service Providers (ACSPs). Overseas entities with UK establishments could see their directors affected.

Timelines and Transition Periods

Companies House has implemented a phased rollout to facilitate compliance:

• Voluntary Verification (Available Now): Since 8 April 2025, individuals can verify voluntarily. We urge early action to prevent delays.
• Mandatory for New Appointees (From 18 November 2025):
  • New directors must verify before appointment filings or company incorporations.
  • New PSCs have 14 days post-notification to Companies House.
• Transition for Existing Appointees (12-Month Window Starting 18 November 2025):
  • Existing directors must submit verification details (a unique personal code) in the next annual confirmation statement after this date.
  • Existing PSCs get a 14-day window starting from:
    • The company’s next confirmation statement (if also a director).
    • The first day of their birth month (as recorded) if not a director.

This provides up to 12 months for most to comply, based on filing cycles. Missing deadlines could block filings, incur civil penalties (up to £10,000 initially), or lead to criminal charges and director disqualification.

How to Verify Your Identity

IDV is typically a one-time process, yielding a unique “Companies House personal code” for ongoing use. Re-verification may be required in certain cases. Options include:

1. Direct Verification via GOV.UK One Login (Free):
   • Access the online service, which might involve an app, security questions, or a Post Office visit with photo ID (e.g., passport or driving licence).
   • Suitable for global users, though some methods require UK-based documents. For more, visit: GOV.UK One Login Identity Proofing.
2. Through an Authorised Corporate Service Provider (ACSP):
   • ACSPs like accountants, solicitors, or formation agents can manage verification. They must be AML-supervised and Companies House-registered (applications opened 18 March 2025).
   • This may involve fees but is ideal for convenience, especially internationally. As a trusted law firm, we can serve as your ACSP and handle the process efficiently.

Avoid sending originals to Companies House—everything is handled digitally or through approved methods.

Next Steps for Compliance

To stay ahead and reduce risks, consider these steps:

1. Review Your Records: Examine directors, PSCs, and shareholders using your share and PSC registers. Contact us if PSC status is unclear.
2. Plan Early Verification: Prompt affected parties to verify now via GOV.UK or an ACSP to beat the rush.
3. Update Confirmation Statements: Incorporate IDV into post-18 November 2025 filings. We can assist with preparation and submission.
4. Monitor Changes: For new directors or PSCs after the deadline, ensure prior verification.
5. Seek Expert Guidance: Non-compliance risks fines and disruptions. Our team at SJP Law offers:
   • ACSP services for seamless verification.
   • Corporate structure reviews for compliance.
   • Personalized ECCTA advice.

Contact your dedicated advisor at our firm, or reach us at 01482 324591 or info@sjplaw.co.uk to discuss support. We’re dedicated to guiding your business through these reforms smoothly.

The post Companies House Changes appeared first on SJP Law.

We are delighted to have moved to Tier 2 in the Private Client – Agriculture and Estates category as well as maintain our rankings in Clinical Negligence: Claimant – Tier 2 and Personal Injury: Claimant – Tier 3.  We are also newly ranked in Private Client – Personal Tax, Trusts and Probate.

The Legal 500 directory is an independently published guide that ranks law firm practices as well as individual solicitors through comprehensive research analysis including interviews with peers and clients.  We are thrilled to be recognised in the rankings again this year, which is a testament to our hard-working teams and their delivery of excellent client service.

We are proud to not only maintain, but improve our rankings, and we are thrilled with the wonderful feedback from our clients, network of experts and barristers.  Thank you to our clients and referees who took the time to participate in the interview process and provide feedback. We would also like to thank the research teams at The Legal 500 for conducting the process.

Team Feedback:

Agriculture and Estates

“The practice has provided excellent legal services, in a timely, proficient, friendly, and professional manner.” 

“Mark Dixon has provided excellent legal advice, with a high level of dedication and enthusiasm. His professionalism, commitment and knowledge has helped our company grow.”

Clinical Negligence

“SJP law are a proactive and diligent firm, that work closely with both claimants and experts. They communicate efficiently across all members of the team and are responsive and helpful.”

“The clinical negligence and personal injury department have exceptional knowledge of their industry and have built strong working relationships with experts and Counsel. They are well respected and deliver fantastic results for their client.”

Personal Injury

“Very approachable.”

“The team works very professionally and offers a holistic approach.”

Private Client Personal Tax, Trusts and Probate

“SJP Law sorted out my family’s probate perfectly and involved me whenever necessary.”

“Personal approach. Knowledgeable and skilled individuals.”

For more information on how our expert teams can help, please call us on 01482 324591 or email: info@sjplaw.co.uk

The post SJP Law ranks in Legal 500 UK 2026 appeared first on SJP Law.

When someone dies, their estate (property, money and possessions) usually needs to be administered through a legal process known as probate. In England and Wales, probate is the procedure by which the deceased’s will is proven in court and the executors are given authority to distribute the estate. If there is no will, a similar process applies through “letters of administration”.

Although many people instruct solicitors to deal with probate, individuals can apply directly through the courts. This is often referred to as “DIY probate”. While it may seem like a way to save costs, there are several risks that anyone considering this route should be aware of.

What is Probate?

Probate is the official confirmation that a will is valid and that the named executors can deal with the estate. Without a grant of probate (or letters of administration if there is no will), banks, building societies and other institutions will not usually release funds or transfer property.

The law governing probate primarily comes from the Non-Contentious Probate Rules 1987 and the Administration of Estates Act 1925. Applications are made to the HMCTS Probate Service (online in most cases, or by post where required). If the estate is worth over £5,000, the HMCTS application fee is £300; there’s no fee at £5,000 or less.

Why Some People Attempt DIY Probate

There are two main reasons people try to handle probate themselves:

• Cost – those attempting DIY probate seek to avoid paying professional fees.
• Simplicity – In straightforward estates, some executors believe they can manage the process without professional support.

However, even apparently simple estates can have hidden complications.

The Risks of DIY Probate

1. Misunderstanding Inheritance Tax

Executors are personally liable for ensuring inheritance tax (IHT) is calculated and paid correctly. Mistakes can result in penalties and interest being charged by HMRC. Complex rules apply, including allowances, reliefs, and exemptions.

2. Misinterpreting the Will

Legal terminology in wills is not always straightforward. Executors may misunderstand the provisions, leading to incorrect distribution of assets or disputes among beneficiaries.

3. Failing to Identify All Assets and Debts

Executors must ensure that all assets are collected, and all debts are paid before distributing the estate. Overlooking debts or paying beneficiaries too early can make an executor personally liable.

4. Problems with Property

Where the estate includes property, there can be complications such as mortgages, jointly owned property, or an unclear title. These issues often require legal expertise to resolve.

5. Disputes Between Beneficiaries

DIY probate can increase the risk of disputes if beneficiaries feel the estate is being mishandled. Executors can be taken to court for breach of duty.

6. Executor’s Personal Liability

Executors carry significant personal responsibilities. Errors in tax, distribution or administration can result in financial liability, even if the mistakes were unintentional.

When DIY Probate May Be Less Risky

DIY probate might be manageable where:

• The estate is small, and all cash balances are under each institution’s probate threshold (check with each bank/building society)
• There is no property.
• There are a few beneficiaries, all of whom agree on the process.
• There are no tax liabilities or foreign assets.

Even in these cases, care should be taken to follow official guidance.

Balancing Cost and Risk

While solicitors’ fees can seem significant, they can save time, reduce stress and protect executors from costly mistakes. A solicitor can also deal with HMRC and the Probate Registry on your behalf and ensure that the estate is administered in accordance with the law.

Final Thoughts

Probate is a necessary legal process that should not be taken lightly. DIY probate is possible, but the risks can outweigh the savings if the estate is anything other than very simple. Executors should think carefully about whether they have the time, knowledge, and confidence to handle the process themselves.

If you are facing probate, it is always advisable to seek independent legal advice to ensure that the estate is dealt with correctly and to protect yourself from personal liability.

The post DIY Probate in England – Understanding the Risks appeared first on SJP Law.

What is Freehold?

If you purchase a freehold property, you own both the building and the land it stands on outright. Your ownership is not limited by time, and you are responsible for the upkeep of the property and the land.

Freehold is generally considered the most straightforward form of ownership, as there is no landlord or ground rent to pay. Most houses in England are sold as freehold, although there are exceptions.

What is Leasehold?

A leasehold property means you own the right to live in the property for a fixed number of years, decades, or even centuries (leases are commonly granted for 99, 125, or 999 years). The land itself remains owned by the freeholder or landlord.

As a leaseholder, you may be required to pay:

• Ground rent (though reforms are phasing out new ground rents for most residential leases),
• Service charges and maintenance fees for shared spaces such as hallways, gardens, or lifts,
• Contributions to major works like roof repairs or external decoration.

Flats are almost always sold as leasehold because of the shared nature of the building. Some houses were historically sold as leasehold, but this practice has been widely criticised and since 2019 most new-build houses cannot legally be sold on a leasehold basis (with limited exceptions).

Key Differences Between Freehold and Leasehold

The distinction between freehold and leasehold can have long-term implications for property owners.

• Ownership: Freehold gives you permanent ownership of the land and property. Leasehold grants ownership for a fixed term only.
• Costs: Leaseholders may face ongoing costs such as ground rent, service charges, and fees for extending their lease. Freeholders are responsible for the entire cost of maintaining the property.
• Control: Freeholders have complete control over their property (subject to planning laws). Leaseholders may also require permission from the freeholder for alterations.
• Expiry: Leasehold ownership reduces in value as the lease term shortens. Extending a lease can be expensive, particularly if the remaining term is less than 80 years.

Recent Reforms

The law relating to leasehold is evolving. The Leasehold Reform (Ground Rent) Act 2022 abolished ground rent for most new residential long leases. Existing leaseholders may still have to pay ground rent unless they extend or vary their lease. The Leasehold and Freehold Reform Act 2024 (not yet fully in force) is expected to make it easier and cheaper to extend leases (standardising them to 990 years and abolishing marriage value) or buy the freehold, as well as increasing service charge transparency

Which is Better?

Buyers often prefer freehold because it avoids ongoing costs and restrictions. However, leasehold is common with flats and may be the only available option in some areas. The “better” choice depends on your circumstances, and, in the case of a lease, its terms and how long is left on it. Different rules apply in Scotland and Northern Ireland, where leasehold ownership is uncommon or has been abolished.

Final Thoughts

Whether you are considering a freehold or leasehold property, it is essential to understand the implications of each before committing to a purchase. A solicitor at SJP Law can explain your rights and responsibilities, help you review the terms of a lease, and advise on any risks.

The post Freehold vs Leasehold: Understanding the Difference appeared first on SJP Law.

Despite ongoing pressure from legal and policy bodies, meaningful reform still lags behind. In the meantime, the risks for cohabiting couples remain high, particularly with the persistent myth of the ‘common law marriage’.

Explained Monika Bone, at Stamp Jackson & Procter Limited, based in Hull and York: “There is no such thing in England and Wales and couples who live together without marrying or entering a civil partnership need to be aware they do not have the same legal rights or financial claims.

“That means if a cohabiting couple separates, whether they share children or not, there is no automatic right to the protections that marriage brings – such as maintenance, a share of property, pensions or other assets – regardless of how long a couple have been together.”

The number of cohabiting couples has more than doubled over the past 25 years and now exceeds 3.5 million households according to the latest figures from the Office for National Statistics, but the law has not kept pace with societal change.  While the Law Commission has long advocated for reform to introduce basic financial protections for cohabiting couples who have children or have lived together for a significant period, successive governments have failed to legislate.

In 2022, the Women and Equalities Committee called for urgent action to address the lack of legal protection, and the Labour Party has expressed support for cohabitation reform, but no clear timeline has been set beyond saying a formal consultation will be issued this year ‘to build public consensus on what cohabitation reform should look like’.

“It’s a persistent legal blind spot,” added Monika.  “Cohabiting couples often build long, committed lives together – even raising children or buying homes – but have no automatic legal safety net if things go wrong. Until reforms catch up, couples should get advice early to avoid the risk of unfair outcomes if the worst happens and relationships breakdown.

“For now, the safest approach for cohabiting couples is to act as though there will be no legal safety net – and put the necessary agreements in place. That way, if the worst happens, the outcome doesn’t depend on a legal system still catching up with modern family life.”

Until legal reform happens, the best protection is preparation. Legal experts recommend a few key steps:

• Create a cohabitation agreement: This sets out how property, finances and responsibilities will be handled during the relationship and in the event it ends.

• Sign a declaration of trust: Where a property is jointly owned, this clarifies who owns what share.

• Make a will: Cohabiting partners do not automatically inherit under intestacy laws.

• Consider parental rights: Unmarried fathers are only automatically granted parental responsibility if named on the birth certificate. Legal advice can help clarify child arrangements and support.

The post Cohabiting couples face legal blind spots as reform drags on appeared first on SJP Law.

This strategy relates to the Residence Nil Rate Band (RNRB), a valuable relief on inheritance tax that kicks in when individuals pass on the family home to their direct descendants.  It provides an additional threshold of £175,000 per person, or £350,000 for a couple, when combined with the standard nil rate band.

But there’s a catch. For estates worth over £2 million, the RNRB is gradually tapered away at a rate of £1 for every £2 over the threshold.  Once your estate exceeds £2.35 million, or £2.7m where a partner’s allowance has been passed on, the allowance disappears altogether. For high-net worth individuals, this taper can erode a significant benefit intended to protect the family home.

Passing on assets can help reduce the value of an estate, but that’s not an option when you need continued use of them or do not wish to pass them on until death.  But there is a potential workaround, by a legitimate form of last-minute tax planning combined with what’s known as a Potentially Exempt Transfer, or PET.

Under PET rules, a gift made during someone’s lifetime is exempt from inheritance tax if the donor survives for seven years. If they die within that period, the gift is brought back into  account for tax purposes. But, and here’s the crucial detail, PETs are not included when calculating the value of the estate for the RNRB tapering rule.

This means that a gift made shortly before death  will reduce the value of the estate for the purposes of RNRB even if the donor only survives the gift by a very short time.  This can reinstate the full £175,000 tax free allowance – or £350,000 if a partner has passed on their allowance to the survivor – with a potential inheritance tax saving of as much as £140,000 on larger estates over £2.7m.

As ever, expert advice is essential.  Said Monika Bone, tax and estate planning specialist with Hull solicitors SJP Law ltd: “This is one of the few occasions where acting at the last minute can still bring huge benefit to your estate planning. The tax saving can be substantial, but timing, advice and precision are everything and the rules can easily trip up those who aren’t aware of the details.”

For example, a £2.2 million estate would see their Residence Nil Rate Band reduced by £100,000 due to tapering. But a  gift of, say,  £250,000 made shortly before death will bring the estate back under the £2 million threshold so that the full RNRB allowance is available, saving their heirs £40,000 in inheritance tax.

Monika added: “While it may sound surprising, the law allows this route because PETs are deliberately excluded from the RNRB tapering test. In effect, the estate is judged on its value at death, excluding recent gifts, so creating an opportunity for savvy planning at a sensitive moment.”

Some of the other considerations to take into account include:

•             Capital Gains Tax (CGT): Gifting assets such as property or shares may trigger CGT, depending on the circumstances and the asset’s value.

•             Impact on beneficiaries: The recipient of the gift may have tax or financial planning consequences of their own to consider.

•             Record-keeping and disclosure: Accurate records and timely professional advice are essential to ensure the gift is treated correctly by HMRC.

Monika added: “For those with estates near or above the £2 million threshold, understanding how lifetime gifts interact with the RNRB can mean the difference between losing a valuable relief and passing on a larger legacy to the next generation.”

The post How a last-minute gift could save your heirs £140,000 in tax appeared first on SJP Law.

This debate is more than a celebrity soundbite. The Culture, Media and Sport Committee inquiry into large language models and generative AI, echoing many industry voices, has warned that failing to protect UK creatives risked damaging one of the country’s most valuable sectors, worth £124 billion a year.

For businesses working in publishing, design, marketing, fashion, tech or media, AI is already raising difficult questions around copyright, licensing and originality. And while formal reforms are still being shaped, the direction of travel is clear: companies will need to understand how their creative output might be used to train AI  and how they can respond.

While the government has dropped its earlier proposal for a broad copyright exception for AI learning, a move that had alarmed rights holders, it is now leaning towards a voluntary code of practice to govern how AI developers use copyrighted material in training datasets.

The proposed reforms include a new ‘text and data mining’ exception that would allow AI models to use copyrighted materials for training, unless the creator has explicitly opted out. While the government says the aim is to build trust, promote transparency and support innovation, concerns remain that creators could lose control over how their work is used.

This is particularly relevant for businesses creating digital content, images, branding or written materials, where AI tools may learn from publicly available data – including websites, product descriptions or marketing collateral – to generate new content.  

For businesses in the creative sector the implications are serious. While the government is suggesting opt-out mechanisms such as metadata instructions or ‘do-not-train’ lists, these could be difficult to manage in practice, particularly for smaller businesses.

Organisations also need to be aware of the risk of inadvertently using AI-generated content that may be based on copyrighted source material. Without clear licensing frameworks or transparency obligations on AI developers, this raises the risk of legal action down the line and potential reputational damage.

Explained by law expert Phillip Lewis-Ogden of SJP Law LTD, Hull-based solicitors: “Now’s the time for businesses to really take stock. Those creating original content should review how they protect and label their work and stay alert to developments around opt-out systems.

“And those using generative AI in their operations should take extra care to document sources, use only approved tools, and have clear policies in place to guard against infringement.”

Mr Lewis-Ogden added:  “In this rapidly evolving area, businesses should not assume that silence equals safety.  If you’re creating, licensing or using content that might intersect with AI systems, now is the time to get your house in order.”

The post Don’t go breaking my art… appeared first on SJP Law.

What is agricultural and business property relief?

Agricultural and business property relief applies to qualifying assets eligible for 100% agricultural property relief and 100% business property relief. This means these assets are excluded from Inheritance Tax calculations when their owner dies. This relief is available in addition to the existing nil-rate bands and exemptions. However, from 6^th April 2026, this relief will be capped.

What has changed?

From 6^th April 2026, agricultural property relief and business property relief will be capped at £1 million of qualified assets. The value of assets in excess of £1 million will be taxed at 50% of the current Inheritance Tax (IHT) rate. The UK government has also indicated that the £1 million cap is a combined value of agricultural and business property assets. If the IHT rate remains at 40% at that time, the IHT charge for the value of qualified assets in excess of £1 million will be 20%.

What to consider when carrying out succession planning

You must consider the options available to deal with agricultural and business property as part of the succession planning process. This starts with a discussion on the structure of the business and the valuation of the assets. Then you need to consider some options.

Lifetime gifting and taper relief (the 7-year rule)

Gifting ownership of assets during your lifetime is an effective way of reducing your exposure to Inheritance Tax. However, you should avoid gifts with reservations, where you continue to enjoy the benefits but no longer own the asset. If this is an income-generating asset, you should reduce your income accordingly. If you successfully do this and survive for at least seven years, the gifted asset will no longer form part of your estate for Inheritance Tax purposes.

Splitting ownership

If you own assets in your own name, consider transferring a share in the asset to your spouse. If you split the asset with your spouse, you immediately reduce the asset’s value as part of your estate by the amount you have shared. You might also consider splitting the assets with the next generation and their spouses. This further dilutes your estate, but care should be taken about potential future separation or divorce. You might want to combine any asset split with a post-nuptial agreement.

When you split ownership, in addition to each individual’s allowances, they each have £1 million of agricultural and business property relief.

Life Insurance

You might consider taking out life insurance that is paid outwith your estate and designed to cover all or part of the IHT your estate will face or any IHT payable as a result of a lifetime gift made within seven years of death.

Seek professional advice

Trying do-it-yourself fixes to something as complex as succession planning is not sensible. You should seek professional legal and financial advice and develop strategies that meet your needs. It is also essential to review plans regularly, especially when any changes can impact your decisions.

The post Succession planning for agricultural estates appeared first on SJP Law.

List Your Assets

Before creating your will, you must consider what makes up your estate. Whilst you don’t aim to pass away anytime soon, planning for tomorrow by working out what you have today is essential.

List all your assets, property, investments, pensions and personal belongings. Assess their value and total them up. Next, list all your debts and, again, total them. Take your debts from your assets and you will arrive at your net estate. This is the figure on which Inheritance Tax is calculated.

Listing your assets will help you decide who you should allocate those assets to.

Address Digital Assets

Don’t forget to address your digital assets. These include:

• Your email
• Social Media Accounts (Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), LinkedIn, Instagram, Pinterest, etc.)
• Digital music library
• Photo and video collections
• Files on your computer or stored online
• Cryptoassets

You will need to think carefully about these and how you can allow someone to access them after your death so they can, where possible, be distributed according to your directions.

Plan for Inheritance Tax

Once you know the extent of your estate, you will discover whether you have a potential Inheritance Tax problem. Inheritance Tax becomes payable when the net estate is more than £325,000. There are several exemptions and allowances, notably no inheritance tax payable for transfers between spouses or civil partners. However, that might not be the best option.

Seek professional advice to discover options to mitigate against or eliminate Inheritance Tax.

Decide on your Executor(s)

Your executor is key to the proper and efficient administration of your estate. You must make the right choice. Select someone you trust to deal with your estate after your death, as they will be charged with following the instructions in your will.

It is also sensible to appoint a joint or substitute executor. When you do this, should one of them die, the survivor can deal with the administration of your estate.

Identify your beneficiaries

Before putting pen to paper, consider who you wish to share in your estate and how much you want them to share. For example, do you wish to leave specific items to anyone or direct a bequest or legacy to a charity or community organisation? Make a list of your beneficiaries and what items or share in your estate you intend to leave to each.

Decide on Residuary Estate

After deciding on specific bequests and legacies, you must consider who should receive the remainder of your estate. This is called the residue, meaning anything left after individual estate items have been dealt with. You must decide how the residue will be dealt with as failure to do so will mean any residue will fall into intestacy and be dealt with under the law of succession.

Prepare for Unexpected Events

Consider what you would like to happen to bequests or legacies or the residue of your estate if those you’ve directed to receive them should die before you do. Make provision in your will to ensure that if someone you’ve named dies or, in the case of a charity or community organisation, ceases to exist, the share in the estate they were to receive is re-directed elsewhere.

Consider appointing a guardian

If you have young children, you need to think about who you would wish to look after them if you and their other parent were both to pass away. In these circumstances, naming a guardian for any minor children is essential. It is vital to discuss the guardianship with those you wish to appoint to ensure they are prepared to take on the role. You will also need to consider what financial arrangements you need to put in place to provide for your children until they reach the age of majority.

Similarly, if you have a disabled child, you should consider what guardianship provisions are required, especially as that child grows into adulthood, where a court process is necessary to formalise the guardianship.

Sign Your Will Properly

You must sign your will correctly. It must be signed at the end in the presence of two witnesses who must also sign. The witnesses mustn’t also be beneficiaries of the will.

Store Your Will Safely

Once you have drawn up and signed your will, keep it secure and inform your executor(s) of its location. That means it will be easily found following your death.

Review Your Will Regularly

Once you’ve made a will, it is essential to keep it under review. You should revisit and update your will after significant life events such as marriage, divorce or having children. Suppose you increase your wealth significantly or inherit a large sum of money or high value property. In that case, you should consider the impact on your estate and whether you need to review your will and any inheritance tax plans.

It also makes good sense to review your will every three or five years to check that the intentions you set down in your will remain your intentions at that point.

Consider a letter of wishes

You can always write a letter of wishes for your executors to guide them on how you would like your estate dealt with. This letter might include details of how you would like your funeral handled. A letter of wishes is informal and non-binding.

Seek legal advice

Last, but by no means least, when you decide to draw up your will, you should seek legal advice. By seeking legal advice, you will have peace of mind knowing your will has been prepared by a professional who is experienced in the field and that your will is competent. The last thing you would want is a will that is flawed and open to challenge, bringing confusion and upset to your beneficiaries.

The post A ‘To Do’ list for making your will appeared first on SJP Law.

The new identity verification requirements, introduced under the Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act 2023, are being rolled out in stages and will soon become compulsory.  Companies are being advised to check their records are accurate and up to date ahead of the formal rollout, as mismatched information could prevent successful verification, leading to penalties and blocked filings.

Anyone who is a company director, person with significant control (PSC), or who files on behalf of a company will need to go through identity verification, either through the GOV.UK One Login or by using an Authorised Corporate Service Provider – a registered agent that must be supervised for anti-money laundering purposes, such as an accountant or solicitor.

“Companies should check that the personal details listed for each director and PSC are accurate,” said Philip Lewis Ogden, company & commercial solicitor at SJP Law. “If anything doesn’t match the ID document, you won’t be able to complete the verification process when it becomes mandatory.”

As well as providing the necessary ID documentation and answering knowledge-based security questions, personal details will be checked, including full name, any former names, residential address, including previous addresses if less than 12 months, date of birth, and a valid e-mail address not used by anyone else for verification.

The move is part of wider efforts to clamp down on fraud and improve transparency in the UK’s corporate landscape. In future, unverified individuals will not be allowed to make filings, and companies that fail to comply may face financial penalties or further enforcement action.

Philip added: “We don’t yet have a firm timeline for the new rules, but we expect compulsory identity checks will be in place by the autumn. When that happens, directors will have a limited window to comply. 

“For government, this is a proactive step towards tackling economic crime, but for legitimate businesses it’s just good housekeeping. Getting your records in order now and verifying your identity voluntarily will help you stay compliant and avoid disruption ready for when it becomes a legal obligation.”

Company records can be checked and updated via the find and update company information service on the Companies House website. Some changes can be made online, but others — such as correcting incorporation errors — must be made using paper forms.

The post Devil in the detail with new identity checks for directors  appeared first on SJP Law.