Claims by dependants who are excluded from estates from which they might reasonably expect to benefit can, in appropriate circumstances, be made under the Inheritance (Provision for Family and Dependants) Act 1975. However, divorce settlements normally contain a clause which…
Merely making contributions to the family finances has, yet again, been ruled by the Court of Appeal to be insufficient ground to make a declaration that a long-term cohabitee is entitled to a share in the family house. The case…
Few disputes are as bitter as family disputes and the court is not normally the best place to settle them. A recent case shows how easy it can be for relations between family members to break down. A young couple's…
Golfers will be pleased to note a recent decision of the Outer House of the Scottish Court of Session in a case in which a 70-year-old ball spotter at a golf club tournament sued a golfer whose ball hit him…
In an important decision for corporate sponsors and those who benefit from their financial help, a fishing company which stumped up £1.2 million in support of its cash-strapped local rugby club has suffered defeat in its legal campaign to deduct…
Within a few days after a death, someone needs to: Make sure that the home and possessions of the person who has died are secure. Register the death. Start arranging the funeral. This article also answers questions that many people…
The door appears to have finally slammed shut on a family’s attempt to obtain Business Property Relief (BPR) from Inheritance Tax (IHT) in respect of a property which had been operated as a furnished holiday letting by their late mother.…
A widely reported recent case has potential implications for those entrusted with the care or safety of others who delegate that responsibility – for example by the use of subcontractors. The tragic case concerned a boy who suffered brain injuries…
If you are concerned about the future mental capacity of a relative or any other person with whom you have a joint bank account, it makes sense to consider setting up the appropriate power(s) of attorney. The British Bankers’ Association’s…
The widely reported case concerning an elderly couple who signed each other’s wills by mistake has reached the Supreme Court. The case sparked outrage because the incorrect signing of the wills was an obvious error but the ruling of the…