No Fault Divorce  To get divorced, couples are legally required to assign blame for the relationship breakdown, unless they have lived apart for two years. This makes an amicable agreement between the couple more difficult and can have a negative impact on any children involved. Resolution, a community of family justice professionals who work with…

Inheritance Tax; should it be scrapped?

Is it time for an overhaul of the inheritance tax system? Inheritance tax should be scrapped and replaced by a fairer tax said the think tank Resolution Foundation. In its latest report into how to tackle unfairness between the generations, the think tank, chaired by former Conservative minister David Willetts, says inheritance tax is by…

Separation agreements- what are they?

A Separation Agreement is a document drawn up when you want to stop living together as a couple, setting out the arrangements you wish to make regarding finances, property and /or any children. Some couples may not be legally able to get divorced if they have not been married the required 12 months or, alternatively,…

The Law Relating to Cohabitees

Unmarried couples do not have the same rights as those couples who are married. Therefore their rights in relation to the property they share are guided by general principles of property law. When considering whether, for example, a former partner has an interest in a property bought in the sole name of the other partner…

Registration of death

Losing a loved one can be a particularly difficult time for those left behind. Knowing the practical steps to take can help ease the burden. Registering the death is usually undertaken by a member of the deceased’s immediate family. A medical certificate stating the cause of death will be issued by either the doctor looking…

CICA

If you, a friend or relative have suffered the trauma of being a blameless victim of violent crime in England, Scotland or Wales, you could be entitled to compensation from the Government’s Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority (CICA.) Compensation ranges from £1000 to £500,000 depending on the severity of the injuries. The rules of the Scheme…