A recent report published in BMJ Medicine and covered by The Guardian has revealed that a third of women who died during or shortly after pregnancy in the UK had prior involvement with children’s social care services.

What the Study Found

Between 2014 and 2022:

• 1,451 women died during pregnancy or within a year of giving birth.
• 33% of those women were known to social care.
• Many had prior experiences of domestic abuse, childhood trauma, or were already involved in care proceedings.

The report warns of a lack of coordination between maternity care, social workers, and local authorities—leading to missed opportunities to provide support, protection, and early intervention.

What This Means for Families

While this data is heartbreaking, it also reinforces what many in the legal sector already know: that women facing safeguarding concerns often slip through the cracks when systems don’t communicate effectively.

At Burd Ward Solicitors, our Family Law Team supports parents and carers navigating:

• Public Law Proceedings (Care Proceedings and Pre Proceedings)
• Private Law Matters (including Child Arrangements Orders)
• Domestic Abuse Cases (Non Molestation and Occupation Orders)
• Relationship Breakdown & Separation
• Legal Aid for eligible clients, especially where social services are involved

Our Role in Supporting Parents Through Social Services Involvement

It’s vital that any parent involved with children’s services receives clear, supportive legal advice. These cases often move quickly, and without legal representation, parents can find themselves overwhelmed and unheard.

We offer:

• Advice and representation at PLO meetings (Pre-Proceedings process)
• Support during court proceedings where care orders or supervision orders are being considered
• Applications for urgent protective orders if domestic abuse is present
• Tailored legal support during separation, especially where children are at risk or vulnerable

A Call for Better Joined-Up Support

This report should be a wake-up call for professionals working with pregnant women and new mothers. Timely referrals to legal advice—particularly in cases involving domestic abuse or social services concerns—could help prevent harm and improve outcomes for families.

If You Need Support, We’re Here to Help

Whether you’ve been contacted by children’s services, are worried about your safety at home, or are going through a difficult separation, we’re here to provide calm, clear and experienced legal advice.

The BBC recently uncovered a shocking rise in fake-will fraud across the UK, with criminal gangs exploiting weaknesses in the probate system to steal entire estates. Families of the deceased are being left devastated, often learning months later that their loved one’s property has been transferred or sold — all based on forged documents.

At Burd Ward Solicitors, we understand how important it is to protect your estate and ensure your wishes are respected. In this article, we explore how these scams are being carried out, why the current system is vulnerable, and what you can do to safeguard your legacy.

What Is Fake-Will Fraud?

Fake-will fraud involves criminals submitting forged or counterfeit wills during the probate process in order to gain control of a deceased person’s estate. In many cases, the fraudsters pose as executors or claim to be beneficiaries under the forged will.

The rise in online probate applications — intended to simplify the process — has unfortunately created new opportunities for abuse. In some instances, these criminals have managed to sell homes and access bank accounts without any of the legitimate heirs being aware until it’s too late.

Real-Life Cases That Highlight the Problem

Real-Life Cases That Highlight the Problem:

• Nicole and Lisa, two sisters from London, were shocked to discover that their late aunt, Christine, had supposedly made a new will — one they had never seen. The forged document named an unknown individual as the sole beneficiary, and probate had already been granted without the family’s knowledge.
• In another case, Michael, who passed away in 2020, had his home transferred based on a counterfeit will. HMRC became suspicious after probate was granted and froze the property, preventing a sale.

In both cases, probate was granted with minimal scrutiny, and the rightful heirs were left battling to prove the fraud and reclaim the estate.

How the Scam Works

Fake-will fraud typically follows a pattern:

1. Identifying a Target: Fraudsters find recently deceased individuals — often those who lived alone or had no immediate family.
2. Forging Documents: They create a counterfeit will, often witnessed by fake or untraceable individuals.
3. Submitting Probate Applications Online: The application is made with minimal identity verification.
4. Gaining Control: Once granted, the fraudster can sell property, withdraw funds, and disappear — all before the rightful heirs know what’s happening.

This is not just identity theft — it’s the theft of someone’s entire legacy.

Why the System Is Vulnerable

• Online Probate Loopholes: The 2017 introduction of digital probate forms made it easier for fraudsters to apply without stringent checks.
• Weak Identity Verification: There’s currently no mandatory face-to-face or biometric verification for applicants.
• Lack of Cross-Checking: In some cases, banks, HMRC, and the probate registry aren’t cross-checking declarations in real-time.
• Overstretched Resources: Probate offices and courts have seen cuts in staff and funding, slowing the investigation and reversal of fraud.

What Can You Do to Protect Your Estate?

1. Use a Regulated Solicitor: Ensure wills are drawn up and stored by a reputable law firm.
2. Register Your Will: Services like the National Will Register help prove a will’s authenticity and existence.
3. Name Trusted Executors: Choose executors you trust and discuss their role in advance.
4. Let Loved Ones Know Where Your Will Is Kept: Reduces the chance of confusion or exploitation.
5. Be Cautious with Online Templates: DIY wills can be risky and easier to forge or contest.
6. Consider Adding Safeguards: Talk to your solicitor about extra ID checks for your executors or using a trust structure.

Final Thoughts

Fake-will fraud is a distressing but growing problem in the UK. While the legal system is catching up — with HMRC and the probate registry now launching reviews — prevention is the best defence.

If you’re concerned about the security of your estate or need help drafting a will, speak to our Wills & Probate team today. We’re here to ensure your wishes are honoured and your loved ones protected.

Call us today on 0151 639 8273 or email info@burdward.co.uk for a confidential conversation.
Don’t leave your estate vulnerable — put the right protections in place now.