Government ‘will strengthen rights for unmarried couples’ as cohabitation consultation launches
The government has launched its long-awaited consultation on reforms that would give cohabiting couples greater financial protections when relationships end, and automatic inheritance rights when a partner dies without a will. The proposals would also strengthen safeguards for domestic abuse survivors and explore making pre- and post-nuptial agreements legally binding, with minsters arguing the changes […]
Compliance roles to be separated from senior leadership, as SRA clamps down on client money protection
The Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) has confirmed the first intended actions to come out of recent client money consultations. “Higher risk” firms with a turnover of more than £600,000, or holding more than £2 million of client money, must make sure no single individual can both run a firm and oversee its compliance, including with […]
‘Regressive’ Supreme Court ruling overturns Cheshire West consent precedent with immediate effect
A landmark judgment in Northern Ireland will have implications for the whole of the UK, after the Supreme Court overruled consent precedent set in Cheshire West. In a decision which has left many charities reeling, the Supreme Court has approved a revision to the Northern Irish Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards Code of Practice so that […]
Six years in prison for couple who abused elderly parents’ PoA
A couple who abused their positions as power of attorney for the husband’s elderly parents have been forced to return the money and sentenced to six years in prison. Gary and Diane Mansell were convicted of fraud and money laundering after abusing their power of attorney, selling the home of Gary’s parents, and keeping the […]
Last chance to book for day of private client insight
The closing date to book tickets the upcoming TWP Festival ‘unconference’ in Birmingham is imminent, with tickets available until Wednesday 10th June priced at £149 +VAT per person. The event will be hosted at two neighbouring Digbeth venues on Tuesday 23rd June: redeveloped warehouse The Bond, and Fazeley Studios, which are housed in a converted […]
Late estate planning could cost affluent UK families £12.3bn in preventable IHT, research finds
Delays in estate planning could cost families in the top decile of UK wealth an estimated £12.3 billion in preventable inheritance tax (IHT) when unused pensions enter the regime next year, according to a new report. The research, commissioned by Octopus Investments, reveals the scale of the inheritance tax challenge facing UK families as frozen […]
A highly unusual way to scatter loves ones’ ashes
When we think about scattering a loved ones’ ashes we might picture a favourite spot or peaceful place that holds an important part in our lives. Not many of us would think about releasing them from a drone; but that’s exactly what Matt Young thought about with Aerial Ashes; a service which scatter ashes using […]