Disputing Inheritance - What Is Contentious Probate? (Podcast)

Irish executors managing estates with overseas assets face complex legal requirements across multiple jurisdictions. Our International Private Client team provides specialized support for cross-border probate matters, including UK property, Channel Islands assets, North American investments, and US estate tax clearance, helping personal representatives navigate unfamiliar procedures with confidence.

When going through a divorce, understanding how income disclosure works is crucial, especially for business owners and professionals with complex financial structures. Full and frank disclosure is legally required, but questions often arise about how different types of income will be treated in financial settlements and what protections may be available for post-separation earnings.

Recognising patterns of control, blame and isolation in relationships can be difficult, particularly when the behaviour is subtle or the relationship appears successful from the outside. Understanding how covert narcissistic traits may manifest in partnerships, and knowing when to seek confidential legal advice, can be an important first step toward clarity and protection.

New research reveals that 79% of divorcees experience emotional relief after ending their marriage, with nearly half reporting improved mental health and greater personal freedom. Despite these positive outcomes, many couples delay divorce for months or years, often to protect their children, though this hesitation frequently leads to increased stress and negative impacts on family wellbeing.

Most people assume their Will stays in force until they sit down and write a new one. Many also believe that changing their mind, scoring a few lines through the page or telling the family their wishes have changed will be enough to set the old one aside. Both beliefs are common, and both are wrong.

Separating parents usually start with good intentions. You want to put your children first, maintain a positive relationship with your ex-partner as co-parents, and avoid the conflict and expense of court proceedings. Those intentions are admirable, and for plenty of families, they’re enough to navigate the challenges ahead.

If you are separating and do not control the family finances, it can feel as though your former partner has an immediate advantage — particularly if you are worried about how you will pay for legal advice. In many cases, however, a lack of direct access to income, savings or liquid funds does not mean that you are unable to obtain proper representation or pursue a fair financial settlement. There may be a number of funding options available, including agreement with the financially stronger party, family or commercial borrowing, specialist litigation funding or, in appropriate cases, an application to the court.

A letter of wishes is a flexible companion document to your Will that allows you to record personal preferences, explain decisions, and provide guidance to executors or trustees. While not legally binding, it offers valuable insight into your intentions regarding personal belongings, funeral preferences, and trust management, and can be updated at any time without changing your Will.

Stepparents in England and Wales often play a central role in raising children, yet many families are unaware that marriage or civil partnership alone does not grant parental responsibility. This article examines the legal distinction between day-to-day care and formal parental responsibility, exploring when stepparents may need legal status and the routes available to obtain it. Drawing on recent case law and statutory provisions, it clarifies the practical implications for blended families navigating educ

The BBC drama I, Jack Wright explores what happens when a wealthy patriarch's final will doesn't match his family's expectations, leaving some relatives excluded and others surprisingly benefiting. While the series heightens the drama for entertainment, it raises genuine questions about inheritance disputes: Can disappointed family members challenge a will simply because it feels unfair? What legal grounds exist for contesting testamentary decisions, and could careful lifetime planning have prevented the fa

According to the latest figures from the Insolvency Service published this week, construction firms accounted for 17% of all insolvencies in England...

The construction industry is uniquely susceptible to market fluctuations, project delays, and changes in client demand.

In Ayad v WL Retail Ltd, the Claimant, a cheesecake café worker, successfully brought claims against her former employer after she was dismissed following complaints...

Section 172 (1) Companies Act (CA) is one of the key provisions under UK Corporate Governance.

In this episode Alex and Alice are discussing the Employment Rights Bill and its impact on the Leisure and Hospitality sector.

When a relationship breaks down, one of the first practical questions many people ask is whether they can leave the family home (or whether they can require their spouse to leave).

A human tragedy that caught my eye in the press was the death of Mike Lynch last year aboard his yacht.

A recent decision of the Employment Tribunal highlights that employers must understand and consider whether an employee's conduct may be a manifestation of their disability before acting.

Embarking on a legal career is an exciting journey, but the path to qualification can feel overwhelming and complex—especially when it comes to securing a training contract.

The end of summer often brings reflection. For some couples, the holidays have highlighted long-standing issues, and the decision to separate has become clear.