The number of family disputes over wills continues to rise according to new research. A report in the Times newspaper says there was an 11% increase last year in the number of people challenging their parents’ wills in the High Court. It’s thought that an increasing number of cases are also being settled out of
The announcement that Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt are to divorce has caused headlines across the world. For many years they seemed the perfect couple but now they’re preparing to do battle over custody of their children and possibly several other matters as they strive to reach a settlement that is fair to both of
Housing association tenants have started buying their homes at discounted prices under the Right to Buy scheme now being piloted in selected areas. The scheme was previously only available to council house tenants but has now been extended to include the 1.3 million housing association tenants across England. Discounts under the Right to Buy scheme
A wife has been granted a divorce settlement that is fair to her husband but reflects her lavish lifestyle during the marriage. The case involved a couple who had been married for 12 years. The husband was from Saudi Arabia and the wife was an American. Their matrimonial home had been in England, and the
In multi-cultural society employers increasingly face problems arising from their employees’ religious beliefs; both relating to the employee’s wish to manifest their belief and arising from conflicts between the employee and others of different beliefs or no belief at all. ACAS publishes guidance for employers suggesting good practice when dealing with such matters as recruitment,
Update: Ely v Robson [2016] EWCA Civ 774 This case involved a property dispute following several years of cohabitation. Mr Ely, the Claimant, solely owed the property in which both parties cohabited. In 2005 the parties separated, but they continued to live in the property together. Ms Robson’s elderly aunt also resided with them, as
Self-help disclosure essentially describes the situation that most family solicitors have faced, where your client helps themselves to potentially confidential documents that belong to their partner. During divorce proceedings this is particularly common. Clients often believe that it is entirely innocent and perhaps even legal to take a peek at the odd email, letter or
As individuals, we are increasingly acquiring digital assets which could form part of our estate following our death; a Paypal balance, an online gaming avatar, music, photos, social media accounts, and copyright in blogs to name but a few examples. Is it necessary to update your will specifically to include these assets and how would
Women dent their promotion chances when they become mothers and that affects their future earning power, according to new research. Time spent on maternity leave and reducing hours once they return to work means they gain less experience, which also holds them back and pushes down their pay rates. The research by the Institute for
A new scheme has been launched to encourage the use of arbitration in family disputes involving the welfare of children. The Family Law Arbitration Children Scheme was set up four years ago to help families resolve financial issues. Now the Institute of Family Law Arbitrators, which runs the scheme, wants to extend it to cover