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The principle of caveat emptor or ‘buyer beware’ is a principle that is familiar to many, although sometimes misunderstood. A recent appeal case has provided a reminder of how the Court will apply this principle. Within the context of property...
As a member of Resolution and the Family Mediation Counsel, Jennifer Allen is committed to keeping issues that arise between couples after the breakdown of their relationship, out-of-court, so far as possible. One way in which this can be achieved is through mediation or more specifically hybrid mediation. Hybrid mediation brings together the best of both family and civil mediation models and is a time-tested option when considering your mediation options.
We are very fortunate that our office is based in the spa town of Cheltenham, a town filled with beautiful historic buildings. Just counting properties within the borders of Cheltenham Borough Council there are over 2602 listed buildings...
What to do if you cannot agree with the child's other parent
Directors of companies in England and Wales owe a number of duties to their company under the Companies Act 2006, such as to promote the success of the company, to act within their powers and to avoid conflicts of interest.
With our lives getting increasingly entwined with digital technologies and the online world, digital assets are fast becoming impossible to ignore.
From social media and email accounts to cryptocurrency and photographs, digital assets are now an important part of people’s lives.
When someone dies without making provision for access to their digital assets after death, it can pose a difficult challenge to loved ones and your Executors.
Therefore, the need for people to manage their online life so that it can be administered after their death is becoming increasingly important.
So, how can you make this easier in your lifetime at an already distressing time for those that you leave behind?
Every year Mediation Week 17-21 January 2022, lead by the Family Mediation Council (FMC) helps raise awareness of Family Mediation for those seeking a divorce.
Our aim is to let more people know about the benefits of family mediation and to encourage separating couples to think about family mediation as a way of helping them take control, make decisions together and build a positive future for them and their family.
In recent years there has been a dramatic increase in people making Lasting Powers of Attorney (LPAs) to give decision making powers to trusted individuals (“attorneys”) in the event of loss of mental capacity. The government is now considering updating the paper-based process introduced in 2007, to a more modern, digital method whilst ensuring that appropriate safeguards are in place. A consultation process has taken place to examine the LPA making process.
When a donor creates Lasting Powers of Attorney for property and financial affairs, they appoint attorneys who are given authority under the Mental Capacity Act 2005 to make best interest decisions on behalf of the donor if the donor loses mental capacity to make decisions about their own money or property.
Many attorneys, often acting on behalf of a family member, will be unaware of the rules regarding making gifts on behalf of the donor generally but especially at Christmas. The Office of the Public Guardian has recently released new guidance on this topic which is summarised below.
Many of our clients are understandably apprehensive about their first meeting with a family solicitor to discuss a divorce, relationship breakdown or issues about children.
We know that talking about your private life, finances and children can be difficult, and we aim to deal with all your concerns and fears sensitively and empathetically. What you discuss with your solicitor is confidential. Rest assured, you will never be judged, whatever your circumstance. I do not think it is possible to shock a family solicitor!
