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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.

The BBC has exposed a decade-long failure in breast cancer care at County Durham and Darlington NHS Foundation Trust, where hundreds of patients suffered harm and at least 20 women underwent unnecessary mastectomies. An ongoing review now extends back to 2015, examining up to 4,500 additional patient cases amid revelations of rushed consultations, ignored warnings, and systemic clinical governance failures that prioritized financial incentives over patient safety.

Separating couples are often told mediation is the next step, but is it always the right choice? While mediation can be constructive and cost-effective for resolving child arrangements or finances, it may not suit families facing safety concerns, disclosure issues, or power imbalances. Understanding when mediation helps and when early legal advice is essential can make all the difference in achieving the right outcome for your family.

A recent court case under the Inheritance (Provision for Family and Dependants) Act 1975 has established a significant precedent in how courts assess spousal claims against estates. The judgment introduces a stricter approach by distinguishing between matrimonial and non-matrimonial assets, and emphasizes financial independence over lifetime dependency. This case demonstrates how documentary evidence of testamentary wishes can carry substantial weight even when balanced against a surviving spouse's financia

When divorcing couples divide their finances, both parties must provide complete and accurate financial disclosure. Understanding what information you must share, the potential consequences of withholding assets, and how courts respond to incomplete disclosure can help you navigate this process effectively and avoid serious legal repercussions.

A recent investigation has uncovered serious allegations of patient safety failures at the Northern Care Alliance NHS Foundation Trust, including claims of inadequate incident reporting, suppressed whistleblowing, and systemic governance problems. Staff describe patients allegedly dying in overcrowded emergency departments, delayed diagnoses, and concerns that serious incidents are being downgraded or closed without proper investigation.

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.

Family trusts designed to protect wealth can face significant challenges during divorce proceedings. Courts possess broad powers to treat trust assets as available resources, declare trusts as shams, or vary them as nuptial settlements—potentially affecting beneficiaries, trustees, and family wealth structures. Understanding when a trust may be considered a nuptial settlement and implementing protective measures can help mitigate exposure in divorce cases.

The Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) launched a consultation earlier in the year prior to the publication of the 8th Edition of Party Wall Legislation and Procedure. Essentially, this is the guidance that party wall surveyors generally follow when dealing with party wall matters governed by the Party Wall etc Act 1996 (PWA).

The Upper Tribunal (“UT”) clarifies the meaning of “rack-rent” and offers clarity for Rent-to-Rent superior landlords in Khiljee v Waltham Forest LBC [2026] UKUT 171 (LC)

Since October 2025, social landlords have been required to respond to damp and mould within strict statutory timescales. Phase 2 of Awaab’s Law, however, represents a significant extension of the existing remediation timescales alongside other changes.

If you are getting married and own a business, have inherited wealth, expect to receive family assets, or are being asked to sign a pre-nuptial agreement by your partner, it is natural to feel protective, cautious or unsure. A pre-nup is not about planning for failure. Used properly, it is a way of having clear, honest conversations about money before marriage and reducing the risk of uncertainty later.

The Supreme Court has ruled that an unrecognised Russian judgment debt can form the basis of a bankruptcy petition under section 267 of the Insolvency Act 1986, establishing that foreign judgment debts need not be registered or recognised domestically to constitute valid debts. This landmark decision clarifies the legal treatment of foreign judgments at common law and has significant implications for both personal and potentially corporate insolvency proceedings.

A recent judgment handed down by the Court of Appeal in Caterpillar Property Limited and Anor v Park Cakes Limited should serve as a cautionary tale for commercial landlords hoping to rely on favourable renewal rents in cases where tenants have an option to renew their lease.

Recent data reveals that maternal deaths in the UK have reached their highest level in 15 years, with six in ten deaths potentially preventable through better care. The findings expose critical failures in maternity services, including missed warning signs, treatment delays, and inadequate responses to deteriorating conditions.

As the 10th anniversary of Spinal Cord Injury Awareness Day approaches, new research reveals a dramatic shift in who is affected by spinal cord injuries and how they occur. With cases now occurring every two hours in the UK and the average age rising from 28 to 60-69, the landscape of prevention has fundamentally changed, particularly regarding cauda equina syndrome cases that may be preventable through better medical diagnosis and treatment.

Pregnancy brings joy but also legitimate concerns about your baby's wellbeing. Understanding critical warning signs - from changes in fetal movement patterns to vaginal bleeding and growth restrictions - empowers expectant parents to seek timely medical intervention. When healthcare providers fail to recognize or act upon these indicators, the consequences can be devastating.

JMW Solicitors' clinical negligence team shares insights from the Spinal Injuries Association's Rebuilding Lives Conference 2026, examining the ongoing challenges faced by individuals living with spinal cord injuries after hospital discharge. The discussion highlights how cauda equina syndrome patients often fall into a support gap, struggling to access essential equipment and services despite significant disabilities, and explores the critical need for improved post-discharge care and advocacy.