Families are funny things, and sometimes not “ha ha” funny either. In today’s society, with divorce and remarriage a common prospect for many, the state of being a second family, step-family or other familial configuration is commonplace. And while it’s certainly a good thing that these family forms are no longer vilified and stigmatised as much or as often they used to be, relationships that have ended can often cause lifelong issues and disputes. In fact, such disputes can emanate after death and a recent Will dispute heard in the High Court is evidence of this.Father leaves birth children out…

It has become something of a phenomenon in recent times; the prevalence of the inheritance dispute.During times of economic difficulty, every penny does count and it seems that the act of inheritance is now, more than ever, a source of funds that is expected, coveted, and depended upon. But when even modest estates are wrangled over as if the parties are fighting for billions, is there an increasing duty upon the Will writer to ensure that the wishes of the testator are not going to cause a dispute? Is this possible or even ethical? Yes, a testator can be warned…

There are a number of things to consider when beginning your financial settlement on divorce; one main issue will be to understand whether a clean break settlement is appropriate or whether spousal maintenance is required.Ideally, you and your former partner should attempt to come to an agreement in respect of the finances. If you can’t agree, you will need to ask the family court to make a financial order on your behalf. If you seek a court order you will be required to undertake a Mediation Information and Assessment Meeting (MIAM) to see whether mediation could help you reach an…

New research* from the University of Manchester’s Institute for Collaborative Research on Aging (MICRA) supported by the Pensions Policy Institute, has shown that there is still significant disparity between male and female pension wealth and concludes that there is “considerable potential for pension sharing” on divorce which could substantially affect the later-life finances of many women. The report looked at data from almost 30,000 people aged over 30 and found there was a significant imbalance in pension savings amongst men and women, and husbands and wives. In terms of private pension wealth, men aged 65-69 have a median of approximately…

A recent case in the High Court has provided insight into the opinion of the court in relation to professional executors who refuse to renounce their executorship.The case led to the law firm, WAG Davidson and Co., being refused permission to make further appeal against an unfavourable first-instance ruling and being ordered to pay £25,000 in legal fees. The probate dispute backgroundThe deceased’s estate was valued at around £832,000 and was to be divided between her daughter and her grandson. In the Will, WAG Davidson was named as executor. The firm’s relationship with the deceased had consisted of executing the…

To understand the new smart watched and other pro devices of recent focus, we should look to Silicon Valley and the quantified movement. Apple’s Watch records exercise, tracks our moves throughout the day, checks the amount of time we are stood up and reminds us to get up and move around if we have been sat for too long – let’s not forget Tim Cooks “sitting is the new coolness” line. To its detractors, love at first sight must be an illusion – the wrong term for what is simply infatuation, or a way to sugarcoat lust. Best Chromebook: Google…

Jungfrau-Aletsch-Bietschhorn The Jungfrau-Aletsch-Bietschhorn region is a magnificent area with high mountain ranges, glaciers and is actually the most glaciated part of the European Alps. Visiting this area can be done relatively easy by car and if you want to go up, by train up to 3,400 metres above sea level, the highest train ride in Europe, the Jungfrau Railway is very impressive (and expensive!). The area is on the UNESCO World Heritage list because of its unique and wide range of flora and fauna and geological importance regarding the creating of the High Alps.

To understand the new smart watched and other pro devices of recent focus, we should look to Silicon Valley and the quantified movement. Apple’s Watch records exercise, tracks our moves throughout the day, checks the amount of time we are stood up and reminds us to get up and move around if we have been sat for too long – let’s not forget Tim Cooks “sitting is the new coolness” line. To its detractors, love at first sight must be an illusion – the wrong term for what is simply infatuation, or a way to sugarcoat lust. Best Chromebook: Google…

To understand the new smart watched and other pro devices of recent focus, we should look to Silicon Valley and the quantified movement. Apple’s Watch records exercise, tracks our moves throughout the day, checks the amount of time we are stood up and reminds us to get up and move around if we have been sat for too long – let’s not forget Tim Cooks “sitting is the new coolness” line. To its detractors, love at first sight must be an illusion – the wrong term for what is simply infatuation, or a way to sugarcoat lust. Best Chromebook: Google…

To understand the new smart watched and other pro devices of recent focus, we should look to Silicon Valley and the quantified movement. Apple’s Watch records exercise, tracks our moves throughout the day, checks the amount of time we are stood up and reminds us to get up and move around if we have been sat for too long – let’s not forget Tim Cooks “sitting is the new coolness” line. To its detractors, love at first sight must be an illusion – the wrong term for what is simply infatuation, or a way to sugarcoat lust. Best Chromebook: Google…