If progress is not being made, or if mediation breaks down or perhaps mediation was not deemed suitable for the parties at the initial intake session, then the parties should speak to their solicitors about the other options available to them.

Mediation is a process in which an independent mediator works with a couple to help them reach a mutual agreement. It is a voluntary process, meaning that both parties need to commit to engaging in the process. It is open to either party to leave mediation at any stage.

Last year, a new private members’ bill was introduced to Parliament, calling for there to be a ban on Inheritance Tax being paid by siblings who live together.

On Friday 8 January 2021 the Government published new regulations further extending the ban on evictions.  The regulations (The Public Health (Coronavirus) (Protection from Eviction) England 2021) which we shall refer to as “the Regulations", came into effect yesterday and apply to England until 31 May 2021.

We see many situations where the family home is owned by only one individual in a relationship. Whilst not anticipated, separation causes significant problems for the individual who has lived in the family home but has no formal legal ownership of it.

Speculation is increasing that the Chancellor’s next Budget will see a rise in Capital Gains Tax rates. According to a recent Canada Life poll of 2,000 adults across the UK, 83% of advisors expect some form of change to Capital Gains Tax, with 38% anticipating a rise to the same levels as income tax.

The Welsh Government finalised their policy and strategy for flood and coastal erosion risk management on 5th November 2020, replacing the previous 2011 strategy.

Under the Mental Capacity Act 2005 the COP may direct that an LPA should not be registered if one of the grounds for objecting to registration applies.

The value of our online lives is becoming immeasurable, yet not many people are recording or protecting their digital assets just like their physical ones.

With the pandemic putting relationships under pressure and divorce rates recording their biggest percentage rise since 1972, couples are being encouraged to focus on their wellbeing and that of their families over the festive season. 

Making sure that your intended beneficiaries are accurately described in your Will is an important part of ensuring that your Executors are able to administer the estate correctly. However, what happens if you are required to act in an estate where the intended beneficiary is a charity which does not exist?

It is safe to say that the current tax regime in this country is far from straightforward. We have Income Tax, to raise funds from employment earnings and savings income, Capital Gains Tax, to tax the increase in value of certain assets and Inheritance Tax, for transfers of wealth after death. And this is without the other numerous taxes involved in our lives.