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Cohabitees are usually unmarried couples that live together, and the number of couples choosing to cohabit either before marriage or as an alternative to marriage in England and Wales has increased considerably over recent years. Despite the increasing popularity, many couples who choose to cohabit are unaware of the possible risks involved and rely on
Bitcoin is a digital currency created in 2009 which can be used to buy or sell items from individuals and companies that accept Bitcoin as payment, but does not exist as a physical currency. Bitcoin does not have a central bank and is not linked or regulated by any state. Despite its erratic nature, the
The Supreme Court has recently made an important ruling clarifying the way in which contracts may be varied. In Rock Advertising Ltd v MWB Business Exchange Centres Ltd [2018] UKSC 24, the Supreme Court considered whether a contract with a ‘No Oral Modification’ clause could be varied other than in accordance with that clause. The
The government is to give local authorities the power to double council tax on homes that are left empty for long periods. It’s hoped the move will bring more properties back into use and ease the pressure on the housing market. The new legislation will allow councils to charge double the rate of Council Tax
A wife has been told that her husband’s earning capacity should not be part of a financial settlement after they divorce. The court held that it was not a matrimonial asset to which the general sharing principle applied. The ruling could mark a significant change in the way courts regard divorce settlements. The case involved
A businessman has failed to overturn his father’s will, so he could inherit farming land and other substantial assets. The High Court heard that the father had built up a farming and haulage business during his working life and acquired several parcels of land. The son worked for the business and lived for free in
The government says it wants estate agents to become “professionalised” as a way of improving the housing market and reducing the number of sales that fall though each year. Ministers say delays and complications during the process of buying or selling a home can cause unnecessary financial and emotional stress to customers. This uncertainty can
Employers must do more to prevent sexual harassment and remove toxic cultures in many workplaces, according to the Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC). The Commission makes several recommendations to improve protection for employees in a new report, Turning the tables: ending sexual harassment at work. The report is based on evidence gathered from 1,000
A beauty spa manager has been granted an injunction against Harrods department store after it decided not to renew her contract. The case involved a woman who ran a hairdressing, beauty treatment and spa business called Urban Retreats from a concession within Harrods. In 2014, she agreed with the store to extend her licence until
A director of a haulage business has been disqualified for seven years after he sold company assets for his own benefit, leaving creditors unpaid. Gilmour James McFarlane was a director of Garden Haulage Ltd. His company went into liquidation in 2015, owing £38,670 to creditors. While the company was insolvent, McFarlane sold off assets including