The Intestacy Rules

Divorce is a major source of instability for a family wealth-holding structure because it exposes the structure to scrutiny by a powerful and potentially hostile external body – the family court.

New ONS statistics reveal that couples are now staying married for an average of 13 years before divorcing, the longest duration since records began in 1963. With no-fault divorce now the standard process and divorce rates remaining below historical levels, what do these trends mean for families navigating separation, and why do longer marriages often involve more complex financial and practical considerations?

From 6 April 2027, the UK government will introduce one of the most significant shifts in pension and inheritance tax (IHT) policy in recent years. These changes could affect how much tax your loved ones pay...

Gaslighting can undermine your sense of reality and form part of coercive control in relationships. This guide explains how gaslighting works as psychological manipulation, when it may constitute emotional abuse or coercive control under UK law, and what legal protections are available through family courts when dealing with narcissistic behaviour during relationships and separation.

When a marriage ends, one of the most pressing questions is how finances will be divided. The courts in England and Wales have broad discretion to redistribute assets, guided by principles developed over decades of case law. Understanding how computation and distribution work, and the key principles of needs, sharing, and compensation, can help explain why different families receive different financial outcomes.

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.

Divorce in the UK is often described as "no fault" and more straightforward than it used to be, but cost remains a major concern in 2026. This comprehensive guide examines the main elements that influence divorce costs in the UK, from court fees and solicitor charges to property valuations and pension reports. Understanding what drives expenses and how to manage them effectively can help separating couples navigate the financial realities of divorce while minimizing unnecessary costs.

A family solicitor examines the BBC drama War, separating legal fact from fiction as the show depicts the high-stakes divorce between film star Carla Duval and tech tycoon Morgan Henderson. From no-fault divorce reforms to mediation requirements, this analysis reveals what modern divorce law actually requires and where dramatic licence takes over.

The Office for National Statistics has released its latest report on divorce and dissolution of marriages in England and Wales, revealing significant shifts in how modern relationships are evolving.

The UK Government has consulted on reforms that could make prenuptial agreements legally binding in England and Wales for the first time. These proposed 'qualifying nuptial agreements' would allow couples to make binding arrangements about asset division upon divorce, subject to important safeguards including independent legal advice and financial disclosure requirements.

The measurement of a building is central to its valuation and for multi-let buildings the rent and service charge calculations.

British retailer Thomas Pink has emerged victorious in its most recent trade mark dispute with American lingerie giant Victoria's Secret in the High Court case of Thomas Pink Ltd v Victoria's Secret UK Ltd.

Barely a week goes by these days without headlines reporting the latest breach of data security by one organisation or another.

October 2026 brings significant employment law reforms under the Employment Rights Act 2025, including extended tribunal time limits, enhanced trade union rights, and strengthened sexual harassment protections. Employers must prepare for new obligations around third-party harassment liability and workplace access for union representatives. Understanding these changes is crucial for updating policies and managing compliance risks.

In England there is no overriding law or principal of law that we must act in good faith to one another.

The Government have said that later this summer it will become lawful for a business to negotiate with an employee regarding the termination of that person's employment without the employee being able to use those negotiations in a claim in the Employment Tribunal.

With significant inheritance tax changes for pensions taking effect in April 2027, this comprehensive guide examines five essential areas of estate planning that families should review this autumn. From pension arrangements and regular gifting strategies to education funding, lasting powers of attorney, and digital asset management, discover practical steps to ensure your financial affairs remain aligned with your objectives and compliant with evolving tax legislation.

The High Court has held that Rule 12.2 of the Insolvency Rules 1986, which provides that costs incurred in bankruptcy proceedings are to be regarded as expenses of the bankruptcy, is not intended to apply to appeals against...

A recent High Court judgment examines whether liquidators can pursue director loan account debts through section 212 of the Insolvency Act 1986, or whether such claims must be brought separately under CPR Part 7. The case explores the scope of "misfeasance" and "breach of duty" within insolvency proceedings, with significant implications for procedural strategy in director liability claims.

From October 2026, UK businesses must expand their right to work verification beyond traditional employees to include contractors, subcontractors, and platform workers. With civil penalties reaching £60,000 per worker for non-compliance, organisations need to understand which working arrangements now require checks, who bears responsibility for verification, and how to demonstrate proper processes have been followed.