Test – Page 165
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FeatureStep change
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
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FeatureCourse 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!
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FeatureBend and flex
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?
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NewsLifeline 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.
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FeatureLeft behind
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
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FeatureMental notes
Helen Clarke reviews two new books aimed at providing practical support for solicitors on mental capacity and elderly client issues
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FeatureTrust issues
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
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FeatureDarkening the door
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
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FeatureBack to basics 34: Nil-rate band trusts
Simon Leney and Pippa Ward outline what NRB trusts are, how they are currently used, what the proposed changes to the regime are, and what this means for private client practitioners
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FeatureNew tricks
Last month, practitioners met at Chancery Lane for the Private Client Section’s first Elderly Client Conference. Gary Rycroft rounds up the event
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FeatureSpecialist needs
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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AnalysisNil-rate band legacies: Woodland Trust loses claim
Lesley King looks at the cases of Loring v Woodland Trust (on the meaning of ’unused nil rate’ in a will) and Cooper v Earl of Cardigan (guidance on circumstances in which the court will assist trustees in making ‘momentous’ decisions).
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FeatureJoining forces
Mark Jones provides his 10 top tips for successful mergers, from planning through to integration, to ensure your mergers go smoothly so you can reap the benefits
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FeatureTaking stock
When Tony Stockdale began working with Linder Myers, the firm was on the brink of collapse. In conversation with Caroline Roddis, he explains how he turned the firm around, and what he thinks the future holds
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FeatureSeven-year itch
Seven years after the Legal Services Act, alternative business structures are now a common feature of the market, but the application process can be a daunting prospect. Howard Sears gives us the lowdown on how and why and how to make the change
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FeatureLeading light
In a fast-changing market, leadership is becoming ever more important for law firms. Diana Bentley looks at the qualities and responsibilities expected of a good leader in today’s firm, and what the future might bring
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FeatureLive and learn
The shift from hours-based CPD to competence to practice, announced in May this year, presents an important opportunity for firms to reassess their learning strategy and ensure it contributes to their business needs. Nicola Jones explains
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OpinionNew agenda
Section chair Robert Banner outlines the work of the Section this summer and autumn