Cohabitation Agreement: The responsible way to protect your rights
According to the Office for National Statistics (ONS), in 2012, there were 5.9 million people cohabiting in the UK making it the fastest growing family type in the UK. There are many reasons why couples choose to move away from the idealistic notion of …
Funding care and supporting people to live independently
There has been much discussion over recent years over the funding of care in the future, and the much anticipated Care Act 2014 came into force on the 1st April 2015, although the cap on care costs will not be implemented until April 2016. Whilst much …
[Series] Employer-Friendly Policies – Time-Off for Pregnant Mothers’ Partners for Ante-Natal Appointments
[This is part two of a three part series on the “employer-friendly” policies which the Coalition Government have implemented during their tenure.] The employer-friendly policies have the aim of reducing potential liabilities on employers in order to en …
Dispute over a Deceased’s estate – Williams’ family agonise over possessions
It was so sad to hear recently that Robin Williams’ widow and children have gone to court in a dispute over the distribution of his estate. Following his death in August 2014 Susan (Robin William’s widow) has accused his children of taking items withou …
Changes to the rules of debt relief
Business minister, Jo Swinton has announced that there will be changes to the rules of debt relief. It is believed that the changes are due to take effect from October 2015.The changes are intended to help financially vulnerable people access more appr …
Recast Brussels Regulation – Enhancing Jurisdiction Agreements Between Commercial Parties in EU
The time has come for commercial parties to review their contracts in light of new Brussels I Regulation. This new update enhances jurisdiction agreements between commercial parties in the European Union. Parties entering into a contract often agree a …
The Impact of Disowning a Family Member Before Their Death
The case of Wright v Waters [2014] EWHC 3614 has highlighted the effect that disowning family members can have on claims for financial provision from their estate on death. The Facts Mrs Waters died in 2010, she had a son and a daughter. In her Will s …
[Series] Employer-Friendly Policies – Flexing Working Requests for All
[This is part one of a three part series on the “employer-friendly” policies which the Coalition Government have implemented during their tenure.] The employer-friendly policies have the aim of reducing potential liabilities on employers in order to en …
Beware of Gifting Your Property Into A Trust
Recently, I have seen a number of cases where people have used non-qualified organisations or companies to gift their homes into Trust on the pretence that this will provide protection from probate fees; divorce claims; estate claims; and care fees – j …
The Chancellor’s Autumn Statement: U-Turn on Settlement Nil Rate Band
Following yesterday’s Autumn Statement, the government has dropped plans to introduce a single settlement nil rate band to be shared between all Trusts set up by a settlor in lifetime or on death. Under current rules, an individual can establish severa …
