Read our latest articles, news briefs and legal updates across all our different services.
We’re thrilled to announce the promotion of Radha Chauhan, Victoria Grant, and Caroline Jeavons to Associates at Machins Solicitors LLP. Additionally, we congratulate Nigel Gibson-Birch, Maxine Braham, Jackie Hand, and Holly Baker on their advancement to Senior Associate roles.
Machins Solicitors has demonstrated once again its ability to deliver to its clients, maintaining its position as a top-tier firm for family law for the sixth consecutive year. We are also proud to announce that our multi-faceted practice has been recommended in a further seven practice areas in The Legal 500 2025 edition.
The 2024 Budget introduces proposed changes to the Inheritance Tax (IHT) treatment of unused pension funds. Starting in April 2027, these funds will be included in the deceased’s estate for IHT calculations. This could significantly impact estate planning strategies, especially for those who have been using pensions to pass wealth tax-free.
With nearly a quarter of couples in the UK now choosing to live together unmarried, the need for cohabitation agreements for couples in the UK has become increasingly relevant. In 2022, according to the Office of National Statistics 22.7% of people aged 16 or older were cohabiting, a rate that reflects the trend toward committed
Starting your first seat at Machins offers a supportive environment with real responsibility, hands-on legal tasks, and client interaction in the Private Client department. Gain confidence, learn from mentors, and build essential skills as you embark on your legal journey
The new Employment Bill brings significant reforms to strengthen protections for workers. From day-one dismissal rights to enhanced sick pay and flexible working, these changes aim to improve workplace standards and security for employees across various industries. Discover how these updates could impact your rights and responsibilities as both employers and worker
Two Black employees received £95,000 in compensation after a tribunal found that London and Quadrant Housing Trust (L&Q) discriminated against them during a promotion process. The Equality and Human Rights Commission supported the case, which highlights the importance of fair hiring practices.
The ongoing war in Ukraine has had profound consequences for families, as illustrated by the case of Re Z and X (Visit to Ukraine) [2024] EWHC 314. In this emotional case, a father applied for his children to visit him in Ukraine, despite the ongoing conflict. The Family Court ultimately ruled against the visit, prioritizing the children’s safety and emotional wellbeing. This case sheds light on how the English courts navigate the challenges of family contact in the face of extreme circumstances, like war, and the lasting effects on separated families.
A judgment has been made public in a case involving a celebrity influencer, Lauryn Goodman, who brought a financial claim under Schedule 1 of the Children Act 1989 against her former partner and England footballer, Kyle Walker. The pair, who have two children together, were in Court for a two-day final hearing on 16th and
While the country and our politicians have been focussing on the General Election, a few employment updates managed to get over the line in the scramble following the dissolution of Parliament. Here are the key developments. Please bear in mind, however, that they all still need some work and fine tuning, so are likely to