Market Intelligence

The 2026 International Family Law Conference in Jersey featured Sir Andrew McFarlane, former President of the Family Division of England and Wales, who examined emerging trends in family law including arbitration in children cases, financial remedies reform, and the treatment of domestic abuse in financial proceedings.

This comprehensive guide outlines the essential duties and legal responsibilities of executors in England and Wales, from registering the death and securing assets to navigating probate requirements and distributing the estate. Whether you're newly appointed or uncertain about the process, understanding these seven key steps will help you fulfill your obligations while protecting both the estate and yourself from potential liability.

A divorce or separation, a new work opportunity, a new relationship or another change in circumstances may mean one parent wants to relocate with their child, either elsewhere in England and Wales or overseas.

The UK government's consultation on family law reform proposes sweeping changes to cohabitation rights and financial remedies on relationship breakdown. While the reforms aim to improve fairness and protect vulnerable individuals, they raise fundamental questions about balancing the legal status of marriage with equitable outcomes for unmarried couples, and whether a needs-based framework adequately addresses relationship-generated disadvantage.

As estate disputes become more common, Independent Administrators face increasingly complex challenges in balancing their duties of neutrality, acting in the estate's best interests, and fulfilling court obligations. When litigation requires document disclosure, these administrators must navigate intricate data protection regulations while managing costs and maintaining their impartial role, raising critical questions about how to properly handle personal data under GDPR when court orders demand transparenc

When a business owner dies without a valid will, their company's future becomes uncertain as statutory intestacy rules determine who inherits, potentially passing control to inexperienced or unsuitable individuals. This can create significant challenges for shareholders, employees, and the business itself, from administrative delays to tax complications. Understanding these risks highlights the critical importance of proper succession planning and estate documentation for business owners.