solicitors

Helen Morrissey looks at why many people don't consider estate planning and asks what advisers can do to tackle this lack of awareness

The Legal Ombudsman said it is unable to help thousands of people in disputes over unregulated services such as will writing and family law.

A firm of solicitors which claimed people who need their homes converted to live independently must use a law firm for advice has been slapped on the wrist by the Advertising Standards Authority (ASA).

Relationships between IFAs and solicitors could be damaged by a lack of knowledge of unregulated collective investment schemes (UCIS).

Poor knowledge of the system of lasting powers of attorney (LPA) has left many pensioners seeking long-term care facing delays and other problems, solicitors say.

Some IFAs are recommending will writers to clients in exchange for secret clauses in wills leaving legacies to the advisers, the Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners (STEP) claims.

Advisers are being urged to make the most of upheaval within the legal industry over the next year to forge links with solicitors.

There has never been a better time to improve relationships with accountants and solicitors

IFAs may have to pass a legal industry 'checklist' on issues such as charging and independence before SIFA members recommend them to clients.

Solicitors will have to battle it out with banks, supermarkets and insurance companies for legal business from Q4 next year, leading some to suggest they will be more eager to link up with financial advice firms.