There can be few things more wounding or worrying than to be on the receiving end of a poison-pen letter campaign. However, as a High Court ruling showed, the law provides an effective means by which victims of such behaviour can achieve both public vindication and appropriate compensation. In the background to the case was […]
It is quite common for divorcees to claim that they have been placed under undue pressure to strike an unfavourable financial deal. In a big money case, however, a judge ruled that a wife was no lamb to the slaughter but voluntarily signed up to a compromise with her ex-husband which was toasted with champagne. […]
Those dissatisfied with HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) decisions must exercise any right of appeal within tight legal time limits and should consult a solicitor as a matter of urgency. The point was powerfully made by the case of a businessman who failed to act promptly and was left nursing a six-figure bill. Following an […]
Engaging a professional to draft your will and give advice has many advantages that may not be apparent at the time. In a case on point, a lawyer’s prudence in arranging a medical assessment of an elderly client proved decisive in the Court of Appeal’s decision to uphold the validity of his final will. Following […]
Adults who lack the capacity to make important decisions for themselves are entitled to their autonomy and should never be equated to children. The Court of Appeal trenchantly made that point in directing that a man with a severe learning disability should be vaccinated against COVID-19. The man, aged in his 20s, also suffered from […]
During the last year many of us have spent more time at home than ever before due to Covid-19 restrictions. Some of us have used this time as an opportunity to carry out home improvements and minor building works. Between the aftermath of Brexit and the pandemic, we have seen the inflation rise significantly and […]
Since being introduced in 2007 it has become apparent that the Lasting Power of Attorney (Successor to the Enduring Power of Attorney) is an important document to assist in the management of an individual’s financial affairs and medical needs. However, a part of the Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA) that is often overlooked is Section […]
It is a well-established principle of English law that, where one party is in breach of contract, the aim of damages is to compensate the innocent party for the loss it has suffered as a result of the breach. Unlike in other jurisdictions, particularly the US, English common law does not recognise the concept of […]
In the UK, there are quite generous exemptions from Inheritance Tax (IHT) which apply to business assets. One problem with making use of such exemptions is the effect this may have on the subsequent value of the relevant assets for Capital Gains Tax (CGT) purposes. Under S274 of the Taxation of Chargeable Gains Act 1992, […]
Approximately one in six marriages in the European Union is between persons of different nationalities. Not surprisingly, approximately one in six divorces also involves spouses of different nationalities. This can make for some complexity on divorce as to which country’s law should apply to the divorce proceedings. This is eased to some extent by the […]
