Gemma Whitchurch, Senior Associate in our Family team recently met with Dave Robertson, Lichfield Labour MP to discuss the pressing issue of the need for changes in cohabitation laws within England and Wales. In this article, Gemma explains why there is a need for reform and what the issues are. According to the Office of […]
Collaborative Law is a non-confrontational alternative to court proceedings that can be used by couples when seeking to go their separate ways. Teresa Mannion, a collaborative lawyer in our Family Law team explains the process. What is the process? The collaborative process is an ideal route for couples seeking to resolve their issues amicably without […]
Tracy Creed, partner and head of our Private Client team explains the different types of trusts and their tax liabilities. Note: all tax rates quoted and referenced are effective as of December 2024, and are based on trusts created after 2014. What is a trust and what types of trust are there? There are different […]
Private Financial Dispute Resolution (pFDR) hearings have gained traction in recent years, largely due to the mounting pressure on court resources and the desire for a more efficient resolution process. Gemma Whitchurch, Partner in our Family team explains. What is the difference between an FDR and a pFDR? Financial Dispute Resolution (FDR) A Financial Dispute […]
Effective from 11 January 2025, the personal injury discount rate (PIDR) in England and Wales will be increased from -0.25% to +0.5%. Kiran Athwal, head of our Personal Injury team explains the changes. What is the Personal Injury Discount rate (PIDR)? PIDR is a percentage applied to calculate future financial losses. The legal term is […]
If you and your ex-partner are joint owners, or if one of you owns a property that you both shared, a TOLATA claim can help determine your respective rights and interests in the property. This can include establishing your share in the property, enforcing a sale, or seeking compensation. Claire Sargant, Senior Solicitor in Sydney […]
Writing a Will is an essential step in ensuring that your assets are distributed according to your wishes after your death. Do-it-yourself (DIY) Wills have become increasingly popular due to their affordability and convenience however they can carry risks that can lead to unintended consequences. Shelley Collingbourne and Lorna Payne, Partners in our Private Client […]
Many shaky relationships buckle under the financial and emotional strains of the Christmas and New Year holiday season, and couples move towards separation and divorce in January, which is frequently dubbed ‘Divorce Month’. For couples reaching this difficult point in their relationship, family law experts at local firm Sydney Mitchell say seeking specialist advice early […]
Prior to the introduction of Lasting Powers of Attorney in October 2007, it was possible to prepare an Enduring Power of Attorney. An Enduring Power of Attorney allowed you to appoint attorneys to make decisions and deal with your property and financial affairs only. An Enduring Power of Attorney does not allow your attorneys to […]
With the holidays approaching, a trip abroad with the children could well be on the cards, but for divorced or separated parents, there is a number of important things to consider before booking and heading off to the airport. If you are thinking about taking your child abroad: You must get permission for the trip […]