Recent Family and Relationships
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NewsMelinda Giles, PCS committee member, featured on BBC Breakfast to discuss LPAs
Following a report about lasting powers of attorney and dementia, Melinda Giles pressed the importance of sorting an LPA early, picking the right attorney and getting advice from a specialised solicitor.
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FeatureNo-fault lines
Joe Ferguson reviews the impact of the Divorce, Dissolution and Separation Act 2020 that came into effect on 6 April 2022
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FeatureGoing soft
Samantha Lowe discusses the use of soft skills while factoring in the commercial reality of litigation when dealing with grieving clients who face an inheritance dispute
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FeatureVersus predator
The risk of vulnerable parties entering into a predatory marriage is gaining increasing attention, both in the press and in the legal profession. Bethan Byrne and Sheena Cassidy Hope explore how new protections can be achieved through changes in the law
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FeatureBack to Basics: Health and welfare LPAs vs advance decisions
Paula Shea looks at advance care planning, the various options and how to prepare clients for life-threatening or life-sustaining situations.
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FeatureBack to Basics: Estate planning for blended families
Charlotte Coyle and Lilly Whale look at what to consider when advising blended families
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FeatureSecond time around
Using case studies, Charlotte Pollard and Sofia Thomas consider the range of tax and estate planning issues for clients remarrying or divorcing later in life, and flag the common pitfalls to avoid
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FeatureSafety first
Melinda Giles provides a comprehensive guide to the safeguarding process for adults and what you can do if you have a concern about a vulnerable client
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FeatureEmotional rescue
Private client practice can take its toll. Warring families, watching clients succumb to ill health and, of course, death are all parts of the job. Julian Hall explains how you can build your emotional resilience to better manage times of stress
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FeatureProbate fees and civil partnerships
In something of a mixed bag this month, Lesley King comments on the introduction of civil partnerships for opposite-sex couples and the latest news on probate fees.
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FeatureSo you claim
Tom Dumont rounds up the latest claims brought under the Inheritance (Provision for Family and Dependants) Act 1975, including by cohabitees, spouses and young children
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FeatureArtistic legacy
The estates of artists, writers and other creative people throw up many issues, from the division of rights to preserving their reputation after death. Helen Citron and Robert Craig describe how the will-drafter can play a crucial role in ensuring things go smoothly
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FeatureBanking on it
The so-called Bank of Mum and Dad plays a vital role in helping young people to take their first steps on to the housing ladder, but the legal issues for a solicitor to deal with are manifold. Sally Pike advises on how to ensure things go as smoothly as possible
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AnalysisThe right to buy? Maintenance and the 1975 act
Lesley King discusses two new important pieces of OPG guidance, and an interesting – and somewhat surprising – case on maintenance under the Inheritance Act 1975
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FeatureUsing mediation to resolve private client disputes
Leading commercial mediator Andrew Hildebrand explains how mediation can be used effectively to manage private client disputes
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FeatureKeep it in the family
Miranda Allardice and Alexander Drapkin discuss the provision for adult children post-Ilott v Mitson and offer some practical ways to reduce the prospects of a successful claim for provision for family and dependants.
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FeatureImmovable object
Dealing with the estates of UK-domiciled deceased persons with immovable property in Ireland can be complex and problematic. Maria Lakes offers guidance on the process, and explains why it is vital not to overlook Irish succession laws.
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AnalysisMissing, presumed dead
Lesley King rounds up the latest private client developments, including a proprietary estoppel case and Lord Lucan’s son’s move to have his father declared officially dead under the Presumption of Death Act
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FeatureThe family way
In recent years, a number of financial business structures have challenged trusts to become the vehicle of choice for managing family wealth. Jonathan Turner looks at the rise of the family investment company, and the tax opportunities it can offer for clients