Stay Informed
December 2019
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23
Gift Giving And Lasting Powers Of Attorney
If you are acting as an attorney under a Property and Financial Affairs Lasting Power of Attorney, there are strict rules in which you must consider before making a gift. In looking at ‘making a gift’, the rules are a lot wider than you may originally think, but in this article, we shall only be looking at it in terms of Christmas/occasional giving. -
18
Contract Or Deed - Execution Formalities
Increasingly contracts are being signed electronically. A recent case held that even an automatically generated email signature constituted a “signature” and therefore meant the email exchange was contractually binding. -
18
To Be Adopted By Councils Roads Need To Be Useful.
A district judge has ruled that two roads are of so little use to the public that the London Borough of Barnet need not adopt them. -
18
Should I Give My Business Or Farm Assets To My Children During My Lifetime?
Business or farm assets often (but not always) qualify for 50% or 100% relief from Inheritance Tax under current rules. Even some publicly traded investments will qualify. -
17
Claims By Spouses And Former Spouses Under The Inheritance (provision For Family And Dependants) Act 1975
It is reasonable to expect that your spouse will make provision for you from their estate. However, under English law the principle of testamentary freedom allows a testator to distribute their estate in any way they wish and there is no legal requirement to leave assets to your spouse. -
16
Knowledge And Approval Explained
One of the grounds upon which a Will may be challenged, is where the testator did not know or approve of its contents. Those seeking to attack the Will may seek to bring such a challenge, if they are concerned that the the deceased did not know what they were signing or did not understand the full legal implications of the Will. -
13
Christmas Gifts And Inheritance Tax
As a Private Wealth solicitor, I often get asked about gift giving and inheritance tax. With Christmas coming up, this may or may not be on your mind! -
12
The Gig Economy: Is There Really An Unfettered Right To Appoint A Substitute?
The so-called “gig economy” has rarely been out of the news over the past few years as a result of various high profile cases involving, for example, Uber and Deliveroo. -
10
Can I Leave My Estate To My Non-british Spouse Tax-free When I Die?
..and would it make a difference if my spouse becomes a UK citizen?
In the UK, the key test determining Inheritance Tax treatment is known as domicile. This is not the same as citizenship, nationality or residence, and unfortunately the domicile test is typically the hardest of those to judge with confidence. Your domicile is often described as your “permanent home country”.
November 2019
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29
How To Pay For Government Spending
Radio 4’s “the Briefing Room” had an interesting discussion yesterday about how the increased government spending the Conservative and Labour parties are proposing, might be funded. The debate was amongst tax professionals not politicians. -
25
Trade Secrets: Prized Possessions Worthy Of Protection
How does a company protect its trade secrets - a company’s most prized and valuable assets? They are considered valuable because they give the company a competitive advantage and need to be protected from competitors. -
20
Hewitsons' Renewables Expertise Highlighted In Times Best Law Firms 2020
Hewitsons has been listed in the Times Best Law Firms 2020, in which it received commendation for inheritance and succession and the firm’s expertise in renewable energy was highlighted. -
19
Tools Of The Trade: Rent Deposits
Rent deposits for commercial leases are a useful tool for a landlord. Usually a cash sum deposited with the landlord for a minimum period and sometimes for the entire term of the lease, they provide a safety net against breaches by tenants. -
19
Domestic Septic Tanks – More Time To Comply
Whilst new domestic septic tanks (installed since 1 January 2015) cannot discharge to surface water, older tanks have enjoyed an exemption as long as they didn’t cause pollution.
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18
Certain Death - Uncertain Taxes
The BBC recently reported that Chancellor Sajid Javid had hinted that the next Budget, expected before the end of this year, may include changes to – or even abolish – inheritance tax (IHT). -
18
Upper Tribunal Decision On Interaction Between Electronic Communications Code And Lta 1954
The Upper Tribunal has handed down a decision in the first case to consider the relationship between the new Electronic Communications Code and the Landlord and Tenant Act 1954. -
15
Confidentiality Agreements In Contracts
It is essential that sports organisations are aware of the importance of maintaining confidentiality, particularly as leaks can have a detrimental impact on the cohesion and performance of a team. -
11
The Inheritance Tax Advantages Of Writing Life Insurance Policies Into Trust
When a life insurance policy pays out, the proceeds are treated as part of the deceased’s estate for inheritance tax (IHT) purposes. If the estate exceeds any available nil rate bands and is therefore subject to IHT, almost half of the life insurance proceeds goes to HMRC. -
07
The Rise Of E-sports – Is Governance Keeping Pace?
The last decade has seen the swift (and some would say surprising) rise of the E-Sports industry with global revenue increasing to 1 billion dollars in 2019. -
07
Mediator Of The Year Speaks At College's First Reception
William Wood QC, chairman of the Civil Justice Council’s working group on alternative dispute resolution (ADR), voted Mediator of the Year in 2018, addressed guests of The Hewitsons College of Dispute Resolution & Litigation lawyers (The College) at their recent reception at Law Society Hall.
October 2019
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31
Overage Payments May Be Triggered Even When Developments Are Not Viable
A recent Court of Appeal decision centred upon an overage agreement made between two experienced developers. -
30
20/20 For 2020 - Some Governance Checks For Governing Bodies Before Tokyo
Where has all the time gone? The Tokyo Olympics will soon be upon us. The main focus, of course, is on training and performance in the quest for medals. Governing Bodies would be prudent, however, to review their governance at this stage, so that this does not come back to haunt them at the crucial moment. -
29
Changes To The Taxation Of Residential Property
Over recent times the government has introduced several changes to the tax treatment of UK residential property. Some of these are already in place and some are to have effect from April 2020. -
25
Cautionary Tale Of Unfair Dismissal For Charities
The recent case of Gifford v Shetland Care Attendant Scheme is a useful reminder of the potential pitfalls faced by charities and all employers if they do not properly plan, prepare or consult with employees when they want to change their job roles. -
25
Are You Ready For Ir35 In 2020?
IR35 was introduced by HMRC in 2000 to crack down tax avoidance whereby individuals would seek to avoid paying employee income tax and national insurance contributions by working through an intermediary, usually a professional services company . -
17
What You See Is What You Get – Buying A Commercial Property At Auction
Buying a commercial property at auction could be the answer to your space problems, but get it wrong and it could be a complete nightmare. -
10
Hewitsons Performs Consistently In Uk Rankings
Following a period of investment to consolidate its position in core markets, the publication of both this year’s Legal 500 and Chambers and Partners rankings sees Hewitsons in a solid position and well placed to face the challenges of the next 12 months -
04
Can I Contest A Will After The Estate Has Been Distributed?
Yes, it is possible to contest the validity of a Will at any time, provided that you have an interest in the deceased’s estate, either as an executor or beneficiary under a previous Will or under the laws of intestacy. -
01
Amendments To Community Infrastructure Levy Regulations Come Into Force
Amendments[1] to the Community Infrastructure Levy (“CIL”) and section 106 agreement requirements came into force on 1st September 2019 that change how local authorities will charge, collect and report on developer contributions.
September 2019
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24
Supreme Court Judgement
Contrary to expectation in legal circles, the English courts have ruled against the Government after a three day hearing, saying that the suspension of Parliament by Prime Minister Boris Johnson for a five week period was unlawful. -
19
Adverse Possession Issues Still Alive And Kicking
The recent case of King and Anor v The Benefice of Newburn in the Diocese of Newcastle (2019)[1] confirmed a couple of key points that residential property lawyers have long been aware of. -
16
Pre-wedding Checklist
As we enter the autumn wedding season it seems a good opportunity to revisit the question of what marriage means for your succession planning and your Will. -
16
“unsustainable” Funding System For Pupils With Special Educational Needs
The National Audit Office (NAO) has concluded that the system for supporting pupils with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) is not, on current trends, sustainable. -
12
When Does It All End?
When is a building project completed?
It sounds like a relatively simple question to answer. However, from a legal perspective, while in other industries working out when something has been finished is much more black and white, when it comes to building works, the construction industry has long allowed a more subjective and therefore variable interpretation.
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10
When You Can’t Sell Your Home Because Your Partner Has Dementia
“My husband has severe dementia and I would like to sell our house so we can move closer to our children.” This enquiry is increasingly common. -
06
Remember A Charity In Your Will Week 2019
Following last year’s disappointing news that the UK was no longer amongst the Top 10 of the world’s most generous countries, the CAF World Giving Index 2018 found a reversal of this trend amongst most of the top- scoring Western countries (including the UK, now in 6th place).
August 2019
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30
Testamentary Capacity Explained
Testamentary capacity is one of a few limited grounds upon which a Will can be challenged. Testamentary capacity is the legal term used to describe a person’s legal and mental ability to make or alter a valid Will. -
29
High Court Determines That Local Authority Could Not Agree Extension Of Time For Prior Approval Application
In the recent case of R. (on the application of Warren Farm (Wokingham) Ltd) v Wokingham Borough Council [2019], the High Court determined that the local authority did not have jurisdiction to agree an extension of time for the determination of a prior approval application. -
21
Charities And Risk – Good Preparation Is Crucial In Responding To Safeguarding And Harassment Cases
Charities face continual risks in safeguarding children and vulnerable adults and the prevention of harassment of staff and volunteers. What’s the best approach to such challenging issues? -
16
Give Tenants A Break: Tenant’s Break Rights In Commercial Property Leases
I want to start by posing a question: “For which lease would you except a higher rent to be payable, a lease for 10 years or a lease for 10 years with a right for the tenant to break it and walk away after 5 years?” -
15
Rare Rule Invoked Where It Was Impossible To Determine Which Spouse Died First
The High Court in the case of Estate of James Scarle v Estate of Marjorie Scarle [2019] EWHC 2224 (Ch), has this month ruled that there was simply not enough evidence to determine who died first, invoking what is known as the Commorientes Rule. -
13
Brexit – A Matter Of Confidence… Or Not, As The Case May Be
As the 31 October 2019 accelerates toward us, the media is full of frenzied speculation about the existence of a constitutional mechanism that could impede the UK’s path out of the EU. And what of a General Election? -
08
Court Of Appeal Allows Late 1975 Act Claim
The Court of Appeal has overturned the High Court decision in the case of Cowan v Foreman, handed down in February this year, where a widow’s application to bring her claim for reasonable financial provision against her late husband’s estate 17 months out of time was refused by the Judge. -
02
Cva Proposals: Monsoon Accessorize
We have seen over the last few years a number of high street retailers face numerous financial struggles as they compete with more shoppers switching to buying online and spending less. -
01
Defamation: A Serious Consideration Of “serious Harm”
The Supreme Court hands down a seriously remarkable ruling whilst considering for the first time the meaning of section 1 of the Defamation Act 2013.
July 2019
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26
Rnrb - What The Papers Say
Beware the “man at a dinner party” who passes on tax advice – or the daily papers. -
25
Ema And Canary Wharf Settle Case Relating To Brexit Frustration.
Although you may continue to be frustrated about the lack of clarity in the Brexit negotiations, the European Medicines Agency (EMA) has withdrawn its appeal against the High Court ruling that Brexit did not frustrate (in the legal sense) it’s lease of property. -
24
The Common Misconception That A Listed Building Is Exempt From The Requirement To Obtain An Energy Performance Certificate
Since the enactment of the The Energy Performance of Buildings (Certificates and Inspections) (England and Wales) Regulations 2007 which introduced the requirement for landlords of commercial buildings to obtain an Energy Performance Certificate (‘EPC’) before selling or letting a property, there has been a widespread misconception that an EPC is not required for a listed building. -
22
Beecham House - His Family Is Expanding So What Type Of Will Does John Need?
A finale of neat, happy endings until the last loose end is replaced by a violent upset. Real life can also include the unexpected, though rarely so dramatically. John was naive and failed to plan, just assuming everything would be fine while he was gone. -
15
Beecham: Who Gives The Orders Now?
John is betrayed and in trouble; unable to run his business, or home, who will do it for him? Would it have helped to have a Lasting Power of Attorney? -
14
Hewitsons Further Strengthens Its Corporate Practice With Partner Appointment
Law firm Hewitsons is pleased to have strengthened its highly respected corporate team with the recent appointment of Partner Nick Fothergill who will be based at its expanding London office. -
12
Tfs Stores Ltd V Bmg (ashford) Limited Et Al [2019] Ewhc
There is more to the recent high court case of TFS Stores Ltd v BMG (Ashford) Limited et al [2019] EWHC, than immediately meets the eye. -
12
Iht Exemptions – It Pays To Take Advice Early
Hauke Harrack, a Senior Solicitor in Hewitsons’ Private Wealth team, was recently instructed on an estate where the deceased made numerous lifetime gifts in the seven years before her death, totaling around £1.3m. -
12
Hewitsons Makes Multimillion-pound Merger Possible
Two prestigious footwear companies have completed a multi-million pound merger thanks to assistance from law firm Hewitsons. -
11
Hewitsons Sponsors Midnight Boogie In Milton Keynes
This Saturday the MK Midnight Moo’s 6th mile will get into the “disco” spirit with the inclusion of a silent disco. -
09
John Beecham – Who Would Argue Over His Estate If He Is Killed?
John Beecham has had a number of dangerous encounters and injuries already in his life. If he dies, will there be an argument over his estate? -
08
How Easy Is It To Contest A Will?
Hewitsons are regularly consulted by individuals who wish to contest the validity of someone’s Will after their death. Disputing the validity of a Will successfully is not straightforward and can be especially challenging. The ground upon which you seek to rely in order to set the Deceased’s Will aside and the evidence you amass in support of proving that ground, will influence the strength of any claim that is ultimately made. -
08
Digital Assets Part 3: After Your Death
Digital assets form part of your estate on death which passes in accordance with the provisions of your Will or the intestacy rules. However, accessing these assets can be difficult, as can finding out they exist in the first place. Valuation can also be tricky if the assets comprise domain names or website content and specialists would need to be instructed to provide a valuation for probate purposes. -
03
Digital Assets Part 2: During Your Lifetime
Lasting Powers of Attorney (LPAs)* are often seen as documents which only the elderly or infirm should be thinking about. In reality, everyone should be considering appointing trusted individuals to manage their affairs if they are unable to do so themselves – not least so that digital assets** may be dealt with. -
02
What Is An Inheritance Act Claim?
The Inheritance (Provision for Family and Dependants) Act 1975 (“the 1975 Act”), enables financial provision to be made for those who:
• have not inherited as a result of intestacy (where there is no Will);
• have been left out of a Will entirely or;
• have not been left as much as they need (under a Will or intestacy). -
01
John Beecham – Is He Really Providing For The Baby?
John Beecham has a lot on his mind: impressing an Empress, a possible war; family wrangling. So is he really doing all he can to protect baby August?
June 2019
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28
Reflecting On The Gdpr’s First Year
It is now just over a year since the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) was born. -
26
Off-payroll Working Rules To Be Extended To Private Sector From 6 April 2020
Following consultation, the government announced at Budget 2018 that the reform to the off-payroll working rules (commonly known as “IR35”), which had been introduced in the public sector in April 2017, will be extended to the private sector from 6 April 2020. -
25
Beecham House – Who Should Be John’s Executor?
John’s narrow escape in episode 2 should make him consider his Will – if his complex family situation hasn’t already prompted that thought! -
24
Beecham House – Why Did John Leave The East India Company? And What Would Happen This Century?
After the first episode, I’m wondering who John Beecham really is – and what has he done? Why has he left his employer? Probably the largest in India at that time, so difficult to leave and compete against. -
24
Hewitsons In Conversation With Silverstone Technology Cluster To Promote Regional Investment
Hewitsons disputes and litigation Head, Dominic Hopkins, has been interviewed by Longhurst CEO and Silverstone Technology Cluster member Chris Broome for a podcast series as part of a programme that promotes the Cluster and regional investment. -
21
Leave Thousands Extra To Charity At No Extra Cost To Your Heirs
A change to the law in 2012 has largely passed unnoticed despite, in certain circumstances, being unusually generous to charity supporters. -
17
Grounds To Contest A Will: Undue Influence Explained
Undue influence is one the grounds available to contest a Will. Due to the fact that undue influence often takes place behind closed doors, it can be very difficult to prove. -
05
The Digital Domain: How To Manage Your Online Life In The Event Of Incapacity Or Death
The issue of how to deal with digital assets has been raising its head with increasing frequency in recent years. There are many articles out there, many of which provide conflicting or confusing advice. So what should you do about your online accounts and records?
May 2019
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29
Caster Semenya Ruling - A New Age For Gender Categorisation In Sports?
Last month, the Court of Arbitration for Sport (“CAS”) ruled against Caster Semenya in her long-standing dispute with the International Association of Athletics Federation (“IAAF”). The decision means Semenya has no choice but to lower her testosterone level in order to compete in international mid-distance events. -
21
Issues That Arise When Dealing With Leasehold Property
Many people are aware that properties in England and Wales will fall into one of two categories – they will either be freehold or leasehold. -
16
Dangers Of A Wrongly Executed Lasting Power Of Attorney
Lasting Powers of Attorney (LPAs) give legal authority to attorneys to act on your behalf in a situation where you are unable (or unwilling) to deal with matters yourself. There are two different types – one deals with finance and the other deals with health and care. -
09
Lawexchange International Marks 25 Years
LawExchange International (LEI), a global network of independent law firms founded by Hewitsons, marked its 25th anniversary at a conference in Prague. -
03
Brexit And Construction
The news that the contractors building Crossrail have claimed £900m in additional costs having issued more than 21,000 compensation claims highlights the importance of following the procedure under construction contracts when delays and cost overruns occur, or when they are threatening to arise.
April 2019
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30
Natural England Withdraws Licences Permitting Landowners And Farmers To Kill Wild Birds
Natural England announced on 23 April 2019 that they were withdrawing three of the general licences permitting farmers and landowners to control wild birds from midnight on 25 April. -
29
Brexit – Achieving Free Trade With Europe In A ‘no Deal’ Scenario
What do the international trade rules offer the UK as a route to ‘free trade’ with Europe outside the Union, if the withdrawal terms cannot be agreed? -
23
Charities And Trading Companies: The Essentials
Contrary to some views, charities may conduct trading but only on certain terms. Otherwise, a trading company should be used. -
12
Will Formalities Explained
Of the various grounds to contest the validity of a Will, the one that is perhaps the most straightforward to establish evidentially, is whether or not the Will itself has been validly executed.
March 2019
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29
Brexit – A Significant Vote, But Not So Meaningful
We are told that today, a motion is to be moved for the House of Commons to approve the negotiated Withdrawal Agreement between the UK and the EU. This will be for the third time of asking that the Agreement has been brought before the House of Commons. -
29
Lawexchange International: Helping Clients Worldwide For 25 Years
In 1994, I was asked by my partners at Hewitsons LLP to form a law group to look after the needs of clients doing business internationally. -
20
New Property Rules For International Couples
One of the problems most frequently encountered when dealing with international couples is identifying the laws which apply to their property in the event of divorce or death. -
18
Fairness And Consistency In Disciplinary Proceedings Brought By Sports Governing Bodies
The Football Association v José Mourinho (case no. FT/TA/18/0404) -
14
Driverless Cars – Steering Towards An Automated Future
Driverless cars – or ‘automated vehicles’ (AVs), as I was quickly reprimanded by an automotive engineer – are rapidly accelerating into becoming a real commercial proposition. Or are they? -
11
What To Look Out For In Event Sponsorship Agreements
Large sporting events need funding and an efficient and commercial way to secure this is through sponsors. -
06
Hewitsons Launches Innovative Dispute Resolution And Litigation Group ‘the College’
In a move that emphasises its credentials as a leading specialist litigation practice, Hewitsons has established ‘The Hewitsons College of Dispute Resolution and Litigation Lawyers’. -
01
Oxbridge Corridor Plans Gather Momentum
With Brexit uncertainty dominating the news right now, some businesses are understandably concerned about future unknowns. Whatever happens, though, we can at least be sure that Cambridge and the surrounding regions have plenty else to look forward to.
February 2019
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27
Was The Seller Ready, Able And Willing?
In Oakley v Harper McKay Developments the High Court held that a Seller of an office block, to be converted into flats, was entitled to rescind the contract for the sale after the Buyer failed to respond to a notice to complete.
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27
Challenges For Independent Schools Seeking To Leave The Teachers’ Pension Scheme
Employer contributions in the Teachers’ Pension Scheme (“TPS”) will be rising by over 7% from September, which will have a significant effect on overall pension costs. We consider why this is happening and what approaches independent schools could take if they are considering ending access to the TPS. -
26
Solicitors For The Elderly (sfe) Member Urges People To Check Eligibility For Lpa Refund
Hewitsons' Senior Solicitor Rachel Hawkins is urging people to check their eligibility for a lasting power of attorney (LPA) fee refund, after almost two million people were overcharged by the Office of the Public Guardian (OPG) between 2013 and 2017. Claimants can expect to receive a refund of up to £54, with any accrued interested since the registration was made. -
22
A Good Rise: Hewitsons Advises The Good Loaf On Town Centre Business Purchase
A client of Hewitsons’ Charities and Social Enterprise Team, The Good Loaf, is taking ownership of the All Saints Bistro from Mayor of Northampton, Tony Ansell. -
19
Artificial Intelligence (ai) – How Law Firms Are Adapting For The Future
It has taken me several hours to research and write this article. It’s not beyond the realms of possibility that the use of artificial intelligence techniques could have helped me to do it in far less time. All I would need to have done is to have given a theme, provided some parameters and……hey presto, an article that would have been maybe 90 or 95 per cent complete. But is this close to becoming a reality, or am I dreaming? -
15
Brexit – The Clock Is Counting Down Towards A New Framework Of Law
By virtue of The European Union (Withdrawal) Act 2018, from 29 March 2019 the UK will enter a new legal world; a world in which English law will be a mix of the before and the after – those parts of European Law that are retained and a newly created body of law to fill many of the gaps that are left. With just days to go and without a transition period agreed, the rush is now on to establish the framework for that new body of law in a ‘no-deal’ context. -
15
Hewitsons Advises On The Sale Of Significant Medical Diagnostic Business
Hewitsons recently acted for the owners of United Open MRI Limited (“United Open”) on the sale of the shares in the company to InHealth Limited, the UK’s largest specialist provider of diagnostic solutions to the NHS and independent sector. -
11
The Dangers Of Using An Unregulated Will Writer
A recent study undertaken by IRN Research revealed that 19% of people who made a Will in 2018 used Will Writers, rather than a solicitor. However, the report also reveals that the majority of those people were not aware that Will Writers are unregulated. -
05
First Step Towards Diploma For Hewitsons Solicitors
Two more solicitors from Hewitsons’ Private Wealth team are on their way to receiving a globally recognised diploma that will position them as leading experts in their field. -
01
What Does ‘contesting A Will’ Mean?
Disputes over the terms of a Deceased individuals Will, occur more frequently than you might think. Hewitsons Will & Estate Disputes Team specialise in disputes of this nature. We are regularly contacted and instructed to advise individuals on what is required to contest a Will, where somebody is dissatisfied with the terms of the Deceased’s Will.
January 2019
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30
Self-employed? Some Thoughts Following The Jess Varnish Case Against British Cycling And Uk Sport
Elephants are hard to define, but (in a phrase often cited by lawyers) you know one when you see one. So it is with employment status, which is, ultimately, determined by an Employment Judge’s reading of the tea leaves. -
29
Brexit - Some Eu Decisions Are Easier Than Others
As we approach the expiry of the two year notice period for the UK’s withdrawal from the European Union, we are learning a lot about decision making under the UK constitution with the present ‘tug of war’ between the Executive and the Legislature; but what of EU decision making on Brexit? -
25
The Growth Corridor – Vision And Realities
The “Oxford Cambridge Growth Corridor” is now becoming highly topical amongst the professional, political and business communities within its region. -
25
Corporate Transparency: Under Control?
Since 2016, many businesses have been obligated to publicise information about who exercises significant control or influence over them, under what has become known as the Persons with Significant Control (PSC) regime. -
22
Death Of The Withdrawal Agreement
With the Withdrawal Agreement lying in tatters, May’s options have narrowed down further. Does she contemplate a no-deal Brexit or does she break her oft-repeated promise and call a second referendum? -
16
Brexit – ‘frustration’ Under The Microscope
Whilst the populace of the UK can be heard loudly voicing its frustration at the drama playing out in Westminster, ‘Frustration’ of a very different sort – of a legal character - is being examined in the calm and order of a London court room of the High Court.
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16
Landmark Decision Makes It Harder For Landlords To Use Reconstruction As A Way To Kick Out Protected Tenants
The Landlord and Tenant Act 1954 provides business tenants with protection in that it permits them to stay in the premises they occupy following the contractual expiry date of their tenancy and/or request a new tenancy on the expiry of the current tenancy.
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11
New Year – New Will?
For many people this time of year is an opportunity both to reflect on the year just gone and make plans for the one ahead. Life is busy for all of us and making sure personal affairs are in order can slip down the list of priorities.
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11
Landlords, Lettings And Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards
If you own a residential property that is let to tenants on an Assured Shorthold Tenancy (AST) you should already be aware of the requirement to provide a copy of the Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) to your tenants.
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10
The Dangers Of Diy And Last Minute Lasting Powers Of Attorney
A son stole £700,000 from his frail mother using a Power of Attorney. Sadly, early legal precautions which could have been taken were not used and it is a warning to make a Power of Attorney, through a solicitor, while we are mentally strong enough to resist influence and recognize risks, rather than “wait until it is needed”.
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06
How To Contest A Will
Contesting a Will can be a complicated legal challenge to bring successfully. It is strongly recommended that specialist legal advice is obtained from the outset.
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03
Brexit – Choosing A Court And Enforcing A Judgment In A Post-brexit World
Whilst the current arrangements for cooperation on civil juridical matters will continue during the transition (implementation) period if the Government’s deal is agreed, the jurisdictional landscape of a post-Brexit world in a ‘no deal’ scenario remains opaque.
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02
The Costs Of Contesting A Will
It is difficult to estimate in advance the likely overall legal costs of contesting a Will because it is still not always possible, to predict the work that will be involved.