November 2014

PS Nov 14

Features

Mediation

We need to talk

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Mediation can be a powerful tool for practitioners, especially in private client cases where family relationships are at risk. Viv Hulland outlines the case for sitting down and resolving issues by consensus

Simon Taube QC

All that glitters

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Simon Taube QC examines the conflict between the ‘golden rule’ and the solicitor’s duty to execute the will in a reasonable time

Family

Step change

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The increase in divorce and resulting complex family structures is raising a new issue for will- writing and estate planning: providing for step-children. Fay Copeland and Caroline Cook examine the issues and solutions

Stephen Haggett

Bend and flex

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Too many solicitors rely too heavily on the transferrable nil-rate band to protect clients’ estates after death, says Stephen Haggett. Could flexible discretionary trusts be the answer?

Private client seminars

Course of action

The Private Client Section’s new regional seminar series is now under way, and runs until March next year. Book now or miss out!

Esther Rantzen

Lifeline for the lonely: Esther Rantzen talks to us about The Silver Line

Journalist and campaigner Esther Rantzen has launched a nationwide helpline for elderly people who struggle with loneliness. Before speaking at the Elderly Client Care Conference last month, she discussed with PS how private client solicitors can play their part too.

Sarah Young

Left behind

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The Presumption of Death Act came into force on 1 October 2014, allowing the family of a missing person to settle their estate and dissolve a marriage or civil partnership. Sarah Young explains the process

Simon Leney

Take care

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Advising your elderly clients on the range of care options available is a new and untapped way to add value to the services you provide, suggests Simon Leney

Helen Clarke

Mental notes

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Helen Clarke reviews two new books aimed at providing practical support for solicitors on mental capacity and elderly client issues

Mark Brownridge

Trust issues

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Your firm’s referral arrangements with financial advisers could have a very significant effect – for good or bad – on your relationship with clients. Mark Brownridge looks how to find your ideal referral partner, and how due diligence can help

Darkening the door

Darkening the door

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Doorstep crime is an increasing problem, especially for vulnerable adults and the elderly. Ruth Andrews explains what it is, and how practitioners can spot the warning signs and help protect vulnerable clients

Gary Rycroft

New tricks

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Last month, practitioners met at Chancery Lane for the Private Client Section’s first Elderly Client Conference. Gary Rycroft rounds up the event

Julie Butler

Specialist needs

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Julie Butler looks at the impact of Mehjoo v Harben Barker in relation to when it becomes necessary to obtain specialist advice for farming clients

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