DTM Legal LLP

The UK Supreme Court’s recent decision in Standish v Standish ([2025] UKSC 26) may not have involved a nuptial agreement, but it offers a powerful lesson on the risks of pursuing tax-driven wealth transfers without aligning them with robust family law protections.   In Standish, a retired financier transferred £78 million of funds, accrued pre-marriage, to his wife as part of an inheritance tax (IHT) mitigation strategy. When the couple later divorced, the wife sought to claim the full amount as matrimonial property. The Supreme Court ultimately ruled that the assets were not automatically matrimonial emphasising that tax planning alone does not establish shared ownership or intent.   Despite the outcome, legal professionals across disciplines agree: this case might have been clearer (or avoided altogether) had the couple executed a nuptial agreement clarifying ownership and purpose at the time of the transfer.   Such agreements may later influence whether the transferred assets are treated as matrimonial or non-matrimonial on divorce. Whilst this might affect the effectiveness of the tax planning, a well-drafted post-nuptial agreement could address potential tax risks and ensure the parties have weighed the legal and financial consequences.   It’s important to highlight that the court is not bound to enforce a nuptial agreement but it must still give it appropriate weight when making financial decisions. If the agreement was entered into freely, with proper safeguards, and is not unfair or leaving either party (or their children) in need, it is likely to be upheld. Even where a party succeeds in challenging an agreement, the mere existence of the agreement is still relevant, and their divorce settlement will likely still be lower than it would have been with no agreement at all.   Helen Davies, Senior Associate in the Family Law team at DTM Legal, said:   “This recent case highlights the growing need for collaboration between estate planners and family lawyers. Had a properly drafted post-nuptial agreement accompanied the £78 million transfer, explicitly stating that it was for tax efficiency and not intended to be shared in the event of divorce, the dispute might have been prevented.  Tax planning shouldn’t occur in a vacuum.  Family dynamics and legal protections such as nuptial agreements should ideally be considered at the outset, even if they are ultimately decided against.”   Final Thoughts Standish v Standish reinforces that wealth protection strategies should not stop at tax advice. Without a supporting legal framework, particularly in marriages, even the best-structured tax plans can face costly challenges. For high-net-worth individuals, combining nuptial agreements, accurate documentation, and cross-disciplinary advice remains the most reliable way to ensure asset protection and avoid litigation risk.   For advice on nuptial agreements or any other Family Law matters, please contact DTM Legal's Family Law team through their website: www.dtmlegal.com.

DTM Legal is pleased to announce the appointment of Kevin Manley as a Partner in the firm’s growing Commercial Property team. With over 20 years of experience in the legal sector, Kevin brings a wealth of expertise across the full range of commercial property matters, including property transactions, development and planning, and property management. Kevin has joined DTM Legal following more than 18 years at a prominent regional law firm. Throughout his career, he has advised a wide spectrum of clients—from institutional pension funds and major retailers to individual investors and occupiers—providing strategic, pragmatic advice tailored to their commercial objectives. Commenting on his appointment, Kevin said: “DTM Legal has built a strong reputation for delivering commercially focused legal advice with a personal touch. I’m excited to join the team and contribute to the firm’s continued success in the commercial property sector. I look forward to supporting our clients across their property portfolios and helping them to navigate opportunities and challenges with confidence.” Kevin’s notable experience includes acting for the vendor on the sale of the iconic Cunard Building in Liverpool to Liverpool City Council, advising on a high-value letting to Marks & Spencer completed in just two weeks, and supporting the establishment of a national AI innovation lab in Liverpool—a project expected to bring over 1,000 jobs to the city. Anna Duffy, Head of Property at DTM Legal, said: “Kevin’s appointment strengthens our already exceptional Commercial Property offering. His depth of knowledge, track record of successful transactions, and client-first approach make him a fantastic addition to the team. We’re delighted to welcome him on board.” Based in DTM Legal’s Liverpool office, Kevin will work closely with clients across the region, providing guidance on investment acquisitions and disposals, lease negotiations, development projects, and ongoing asset management. His addition comes just months after DTM Legal also appointed a new Senior Associate in Family Law to their Liverpool office, reflecting growth across this service area. For more information about our Commercial Property services, visit our Commercial Property page or contact Kevin Manley for support with your commercial property needs.

DTM Legal’s Guy Thomas recently collaborated with the Liverpool Architecture Foundation CIC for the inaugural CPD Club of 2025. Guy delivered an insightful presentation on the key amendments introduced in the JCT 2024 suite, exploring how the updates reflect the latest advancements in modernisation, collaborative working, sustainability and environment, the notification and negotiation of disputes. The event, attended by construction sector professionals from the Liverpool City Region and beyond, provided a valuable platform to discuss the practical implications of these changes. Guy’s expertise was on full display as he unpacked the nuances of the updates, employer obligations, provisions and Building Safety regulations offering attendees a clearer understanding of how these amendments will shape the construction industry moving forward. Guy’s background as a dual-qualified Chartered Civil Engineer and Solicitor gives him unparalleled insight into the construction and engineering sector. Having worked on major civil engineering projects in the United Kingdom and Hong Kong, he brings a unique perspective to both contentious and non-contentious matters. His practical experience, combined with his legal acumen, equips him to deliver actionable advice and support to clients navigating complex construction challenges. For further insights into Guy Thomas’s expertise and how he supports clients within the construction sector, visit: Guy Thomas – DTM Legal. To learn more about the range of services offered by DTM Legal’s Construction and Engineering team, visit: Construction and Engineering Legal Services – DTM Legal.  

DTM Legal’s Corporate & Commercial team has played a pivotal role in the successful acquisition of Applewood Independent by AFH Financial Group Limited, a transaction that further strengthens AFH’s presence within the financial planning sector. This strategic deal highlights DTM Legal’s expertise in providing tailored legal support for corporate acquisitions and mergers. Applewood Independent, a well-established independent financial advisory firm based in Nantwich, Cheshire, has built a strong reputation for delivering bespoke financial planning services to individuals, families, and businesses. The acquisition by AFH Financial Group Limited provides Applewood with an opportunity to leverage the scale, resources, and enhanced service offerings of a larger financial services group. The experienced Corporate & Commercial team at DTM Legal advised Applewood Independent on every stage of the acquisition process. From negotiating terms to drafting key legal documentation, DTM Legal’s in-depth knowledge of mergers and acquisitions ensured the transaction was completed smoothly and efficiently. The deal was led by Ed Barnes, Head of Corporate & Commercial at DTM Legal, who was supported by Fredrica Reid, Corporate & Commercial Solicitor, and Melissa Scott, Employment Law Solicitor. Drawing on years of experience in corporate transactions, Ed and the wider DTM Legal team provided strategic advice and commercial insight to protect Applewood’s interests throughout the process. DTM Legal’s Corporate & Commercial department is known for its tailored approach to supporting businesses at every stage of their growth journey, acting as their trusted legal partners. With a dedicated team of experienced solicitors, DTM Legal advises on a wide range of matters, including mergers and acquisitions, joint ventures, corporate governance, shareholder agreements, and restructuring. Whether supporting businesses on significant corporate transactions or providing day-to-day commercial advice, DTM Legal’s client-centric approach ensures practical and commercially driven guidance. This acquisition underscores the firm’s capability to handle high-value, complex deals while offering pragmatic support to clients from a variety of sectors. DTM Legal is a regional law firm with national expertise, with offices in Liverpool and Chester, providing expert legal support to businesses and individuals. DTM Legal builds strong, lasting partnerships with clients to achieve their objectives. With a client base spanning a range of sectors including financial services, manufacturing, real estate, and innovation and tech, DTM Legal’s dynamic team of legal experts are committed to providing clear, solutions-driven advice.