All Private Client Solicitors articles – Page 44
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Feature
Tied up in knots
Mark Harper provides an update on pre- and post-nuptial agreements, including recent case law, the Law Commission’s proposals, and issues relating to international couples or those with assets abroad
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Update
SRA issues guidance on will-writing
The Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) has issued guidance for solicitors preparing wills, to remind solicitors of their responsibilities and the outcomes that should be achieved in chapter 1 of the SRA Code of Conduct 2011.
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Feature
Forward planning
A recent case has highlighted the effectiveness of advance decisions and statements in ensuring an individual’s wishes for their care and welfare are respected if they lose capacity. Ann Stanyer explains how they work, and the implications of the case
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Feature
An expensive lesson
Recent years have seen private school and university fees rocket, and private client practitioners are more likely than ever to be asked by clients, whether parents or grandparents, for advice on tax-efficient fees planning. Mark Brownridge offers some tips
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Feature
Enrol with the punches
Clients who employ care or support staff directly will have pension obligations under the new auto-enrolment scheme, and professional deputies have a key role in advising them on compliance. Jane Bennett and Sean McSweeney explain
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News
New consumer contracts regulations
New consumer protection regulations which came into force on 13 June will apply to solicitors’ retainers entered into on or after that date. Solicitors will need to review their standard retainers, client care letters and model agreements.
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Feature
Conspicuous consumption
New consumer contracts legislation introduced in June needs to be addressed in all solicitors firms’ terms of business and client care letters. Ian Bond and Helen Clarke outline the implications for private client practitioners
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Feature
Handle with care
The Care Act 2014 has received royal assent and will come into force in October. Philip Evans explains some of the key provisions on care funding and local authorities’ duties, and their impact on private clients and their advisers
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Feature
Back to Basics: FATCA and UK trusts
Jo Summers explains what FATCA is and its application to UK trusts
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News
Right to die appeal dismissed by Supreme Court
A majority in the Supreme Court has dismissed two appeals seeking a ruling that current English law is incompatible with the right to dignity and a private life.
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Feature
Pullan apart
The recent case of Pullan v Wilson reiterates the importance of ensuring that professional trustees’ fees are reasonable. Adam Draper examines the case, and the lessons to learn for solicitor trustees
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Opinion
All is forfeit
Simon Leney looks at the implications of the Forfeiture Act for mercy killings
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Analysis
Frustrated wills: it's all about interpretation
Lesley King examines two recent cases in which the High Court considered errors made in the drafting of wills. In the light of the House of Lords’ decision on interpretation in Marley v Rawlings, will the courts now take a more relaxed view?
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Feature
Swiss watch
The trend towards tax transparency continues, with a new global standard for the exchange of information between tax authorities, just a year after the end of Swiss banking secrecy. David Searle explains what it means for clients with assets abroad
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Feature
Right of reply
Rachel Rothwell reports on a recent Justice Committee evidence session on the work of the Court of Protection, in which Sir James Munby answered questions on court transparency, moves towards regionalism in the court, and the role of the Official Solicitor
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Feature
Trust no one
Filippo Noseda presents a personal perspective on why the EU’s plans on the registration of trusts take the wrong approach, and the significant impact they could have on privacy for EU citizens