Company News Archive
Right to Buy Extends to Buildings Not Used as a Home
14th October 2010
A recent case confirms that for the purposes of the
'Willmakers of Distinction' Directors Jailed
13th October 2010
The directors of the Midlands will-writing firm Willmakers of Distinction have been jailed for the theft of more than £400,000 from the estates of clients. Nicholas Butcher was jailed for three and a half...
Council Not Liable for Student's Injuries
11th October 2010
The Court of Appeal has overturned the lower court's decision that Plymouth City Council was partly liable for injuries sustained by a man who fell five metres into a car park after darting through a gap in some bushes late at night.
Changes to EPA Regulations
8th October 2010
Changes have recently been made to the regulations governing Lasting Powers of Attorney and Enduring Powers of Attorney. The...
No Appeal for Unsupported Claim by Cohabitee
6th October 2010
A man’s attempt to obtain a half-share of his ex-partner’s property after they split up failed recently when he could not persuade the Court of...
Will Forgery Case Shows Need for Caution
1st October 2010
Yet another recent case illustrates that the elderly and the bereaved are a target for those who seek to manipulate others for their own benefit. An NHS bereavement services adviser from Leicestershire was jailed...
Make Sure Your Builder is Insured
30th September 2010
The importance of making sure that anyone who does work for you has appropriate insurance has been highlighted by a recent case.
Care Home Residence Does Not Terminate Occupation
28th September 2010
HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) are well known for applying the letter of the law when it suits them and, with the Government seeking to reduce the massive fiscal deficit, are pursuing some cases that seem to stretch the limits of reason.
Wedding Video Stops Divorce
27th September 2010
For an application to be made for ancillary relief (a financial settlement on divorce), there has to have been a valid marriage in the first place. On that simple point a woman’s application to file for divorce and claim ancillary relief...
Law of Covenants Set to Change
24th September 2010
If you are thinking of buying a property, it is important to be aware of any covenants or easements relating to it. Almost two thirds of freehold properties are subject to an easement (which gives someone other than the owner a right over the...
Insurance - Age to Remain a Factor
22nd September 2010
The hope that inequality of treatment on the part of insurers, based on the age of the insured, would be prohibited by the Equality Act 2010, which brings...
Ex-Wife Benefits from Family Trust
21st September 2010
When a couple divorce and financial arrangements have to be sorted out, there are occasions when the court may decide that assets not owned by the divorcing couple should be taken into account. In a
Statute Overrides Fairness and Common Sense
16th September 2010
A taxpayer who submitted his tax return well before the deadline had cause to regret doing so recently when the Tribunal supported the rejection by HM Revenue...
House Buyer Almost Escapes Mortgage Liability
15th September 2010
A Sheffield house buyer has failed in his recent attempt to have a £48,000 debt wiped out. He was hoping that the 12-year limitation rule on recovery of...
Farming Family in Intestacy Challenge
14th September 2010
The problems which can arise when there is an intestate estate that involves business assets were made clear recently when the High Court had to rule on a complex claim relating back to a death that occurred many years ago.
Pre-Nups: Not Just for the Rich
14th September 2010
With bitter weather, grey skies and credit card bills tumbling in, it is no real wonder that the New Year sees an upsurge in enquiries about obtaining a divorce. Unfortunately for those seeking divorces, agreeing the financial...
HIPs Changes - Today's the Day
14th September 2010
From today, buyers and sellers of homes in England and Wales must deal with the following changes to the Home Information Pack (HIP) regime. 1. The temporary first day marketing exemption is removed. All...
Should You Give Your House to Your Children
14th September 2010
If you gift your house to your children but continue to live in it, then the gift will normally be a ‘gift with reservation’, which means that the property will be treated for IHT purposes as having never left your estate. If,...
Codicil Leads to Court Appearance
13th September 2010
A recent case illustrates the dangers of making even small changes to your will without taking professional advice. A woman and...
Business Losses Mean Divorce Settlement to be Reconsidered
10th September 2010
A property tycoon whose fortunes have plummeted since he and his wife divorced has been granted permission by the court to have the amount of the lump sum ordered to be paid to his ex-wife reconsidered. John...
