Comment from the chair
Double standard
Stephen Lawson and Ellie Gibbison, co-chairs of the Law Society’s Private Client and Estates Advisory Committee, explain the change in committee structure, and what they have been working on
Not a question of fairness
Felicity Miles looks at what McDaniel v Talbot tells us about the moral dimension in 1975 Act claims
AI balancing act
Diana Bentley takes a look at how certain law firms currently use artificial intelligence (AI) in their work, and how to best balance the risk of using AI with its rewards
Charitable departures
Demi Marie looks at the considerations when leaving part of an estate to a charity
A verdict on consent
Zena Bolwig, on behalf of the Professional Deputies Forum, examines the implications of the AGNI Supreme Court decision for deputies
Mirror wills and conflict
Stephen Lawson and Katie Latham consider whether it is appropriate for solicitors to accept instructions to prepare mirror wills
Trusts v forced heirship
When a UK discretionary trust holds assets for a beneficiary whose domicile is in a forced heirship jurisdiction, which country’s rules prevail? Lawyers from different jurisdictions advise on how to navigate forced heirship conflicts in cross-border estates
Avoiding funeral feud
Dealing with the aftermath of a death is always a sensitive time. Sarah Murphy sets out the legal position regarding a deceased’s body and the law relating to funerals, as well as advising on how to best avoid potential disputes
Contact with care
Holly Miéville-Hawkins and Sophia Withers consider the law relating to contact, capacity and deprivation of liberty
Fairer end to relationships?
A current government consultation is proposing the reform of cohabitation law, extending rights on both separation and death for cohabiting partners. William Gatting takes a closer look
Law Society power hour
Simeon Hance summarises the latest policy developments for private client solicitors
On reflection
Kerry Lawlor explores the concept of reflective practice, and how to implement it in your firm