January 2014

PS January 2014 Cover

Features

Simon Leney

New year, old values

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In an increasingly commercialised world, the traditional values of professionalism seem less and less appreciated. Which makes them all the more important for solicitors in a liberalised market, says Simon Leney, Private Client Section chair

Influencing Factors

Influencing factors

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Rosanna Foskett examines the recent judgment in Hart and Samways v Burbidge, which illustrates how the courts will apply the principle of presumed undue influence, even where such influence was not intentional

Rob Cope

Asking the question

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By making clients aware of the option of leaving a small charitable gift from their estate once friends and family have been looked after, solicitors can make a huge difference to many good causes, writes Rob Cope

Fertility Tests

Fertility tests

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Patricia Wass looks at how the Court of Protection cases approaches sterilisation and abortion

David Bennett

Statement of intent

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The 2013 autumn statement was quickly followed by the draft 2014 Finance Bill, containing 673 pages of tax changes. David Bennett summarises those most relevant to you and your clients

Irish Origin

Irish origin

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For solicitors acting on a UK-based estate which includes Irish assets, Maria Lakes explains what is needed to complete the detailed and sometimes lengthy process of obtaining an Irish grant to deal with these assets

Bryn Hughes

Standard questions

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Bryn Hughes explains how setting a quality standard can help consumers – who already rate specialism and experience over cost when purchasing legal services – to make a more informed choice of provider

Clara Staunton

A farewell cure

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A recent case has shed light on the law relating to gifts of land made in contemplation of death, under the principle of donatio mortis causa. Clara Staunton examines the issues

Philip Jenkins

Staking a claim

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With claims under the Inheritance (Provision for Family and Dependants) Act 1975 currently on the rise, Philip Jenkins examines some issues of practice and procedure, and looks at how the Inheritance and Trustees’ Powers Bill will potentially remove some obstacles to bringing claims

David Anderson

French resistance

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A change in the law presents a potential issue for English clients relying on a popular French savings product to avoid forced heirship rules, warns David Anderson

Julie Butler

A developing trend

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As farmers are increasingly looking to sell development land, solicitors seeking the most tax-efficient way of structuring the transfer must examine a number of complex factors. Julie Butler outlines the key issues

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