The Debate over Police Body-cam evidence in Domestic Violence Cases
I read with interest an article published in The Times recently which was in relation to the debate over a bid to use police body-worn video camera evidence in domestic violence cases, even when witnesses have withdrawn their allegations. Including such evidence is a significant step in this area and a huge step for victims in terms […]
Can ‘the bank of Mum and Dad’ recover ‘gifts’ to buy a home if it all goes wrong?
Evidence from the Institute for Fiscal Studies suggests that parents fund almost half of first-time home purchases by buyers in their 20s with the average sum given standing at £25,000. It is not hard to see why: property prices have accelerated well ahead of wages over recent decades, and it now takes many more years for an […]
“Outstaying your welcome” – can a beneficiary remain in the deceased’s house after death?
Agatha, a widow, dies, leaving her estate – whether under a will or an intestacy – equally to her three children: Beryl, Christopher, and David. The main asset of her estate is the former family home, occupied before her death by Agatha, together with Beryl, who had been living there rent-free for years looking after […]
‘Snouts in the Trough’ – Trustees, Executors and the Self-Dealing Rule
In a not unusual scenario, the deceased – say the mother of three adult children, equal 1/3 residuary beneficiaries under her will – dies having appointed one of them, a son, as the executor. He was already living with his mother and wants to retain the house, so he sells it (as executor) to himself […]
Tax update: Inheritance Tax (“IHT”) reforms to be introduced from 6 April 2025
On 29 July 2024 the Government released further information regarding its proposals for reform to the IHT regime, specifically the regime that applies to the taxation of non-UK domiciled individuals. Whilst we wait for further details of the proposed reforms in the Autumn Budget (set for 30 October 2024) the Government has now issued draft […]
The Rise of Divorce Parties – Is This a Celebration Too Far?
There was a time – even as recently as thirty years ago – when divorce in this country was considered a taboo. Couples would be tight lipped behind closed doors about the ending of their relationship. Some would even remain in the unhappy and unhealthy relationship, rather than be ostracised by society. Changing societal attitudes […]
Navigating the Legal Maze for Relocation as a Separating Parent
Relocating with children following a separation or divorce can be highly complex as well as an emotional process. When parents are seeking to relocate within the UK or abroad with their child(ren), an application seeking the court’s permission to do so is referred to as ‘’leave to remove.’’ In this piece, I look at applications […]