All Feature articles – Page 117
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FeatureSeparate but equal
In the second of our series of articles in association with Land Registry, Richard Heaney looks at the use of notices and restrictions to protect third party interests in land and property when a marriage or civil partnership ends
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FeatureTime is of the essence
In the recent case of Berger v Berger, the Court of Appeal examined afresh the issue of family provision claims brought out of time, in a judgment that also contains lessons for those advising elderly clients with life interests under a will. Nichola Phillipson reports
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FeatureFirst place
The old, much criticised leasehold tribunal system was replaced last summer by the new Property Chamber of the First-Tier Tribunal. Michael Donnellan explains the key differences and practical points for landlord and tenant solicitors
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FeatureSecuring the future
For clients who have disabled children, one of their main priorities will be supporting their children financially after their death. Daniel Sheridan outlines the options, including wills and trusts, and their implications for tax and benefits
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FeatureGiving pause
Simon Edwards and Fenella Morris examine some recent cases around gifts made from the estate of a person without mental capacity, and consider the thorny question of gifts where ‘P’ has and had no comprehension of giving
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FeatureGoing under
Iain Miller looks at the risks of giving or relying on undertakings, outlines enforcement options, and considers the impact of outcomes-focused regulation
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FeatureA helping hand
The Help to Buy scheme launched almost one year ago, but many solicitors have still not had to deal with it in practice. Kathryn Taylor explains what it is, how it works, and the solicitor’s role within it
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FeatureLease is the word
Residential leasehold law can sometimes be a complex area of the law to navigate. Anthony Essien explains how the Leasehold Advisory Service can help guide leaseholders, landlords and lawyers alike
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FeatureStuck in the middle
Christine Green and Fiona Lawrence provide a first-hand account of how challenging the role of independent administrator can be, describing a recent case in which Christine was the court-appointed administrator led to make an application for directions due to one beneficiary’s conduct
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FeatureTrading places
A number of recent cases point to a worrying new trend by HM Revenue & Customs, whereby it assesses farms as investment rather than trading businesses – which do not therefore qualify for business property relief. Julie Butler explains what action farmers need to take
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FeatureStatement of play
Hannah Collins provides an update on some of the property-related measures announced in the Autumn Statement 2013, and how they will affect clients – and their advisers – including charities, foreign investors and residential and commercial landlords
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FeatureWorking together
Nichola Sims explains the extensive information that charities need from solicitors when a legacy is bequested to them, and provides a template letter drawn up by the Institute of Legacy Managememt to show solicitors what to expect from a charity’s first contact
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FeatureIt all adds up
Despite the sombre headlines of financial woe we were faced with last year, 2013 saw the UK economy grow and the professional services sector perform strongly. Can they both be right? Barry Wilkinson looks at what exactly is going on
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FeatureBack to Basics: Exit strategies
Mergers, acquisitions and law firm closures are at unprecedented levels, given the strategic changes that have taken and continue to take place in the legal industry. So, what steps should you take if you’re considering winding up your law firm?
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FeatureBetter safe…
The Solicitors Regulation Authority’s focus on financial stability is part of a wider change to the regulatory environment, and what compliance means in practice. George Bull explains how to assess your firm against the regulator’s risk indicators
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FeatureCareless talk
Social media is now a key communications and marketing channel for most law firms, but not all of them anticipate or seek to mitigate the major risks it could pose to their business. Ray O’Connor explains
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FeatureCash in hand
Cashflow is the lifeblood of any business, and a lack thereof can be a key reason for financial instability. Behind good cashflow are effective cash management policies and a culture set up to deliver them. Barry Wilkinson and Robert Banner explain how to show your firm the money
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FeatureCrossing the void
Your law firm could reap rewards in everything from staff motivation to client satisfaction by implementing cross-selling initiatives. Sue Bramall outlines the five key building blocks to get started