An inquest must be held as part of an investigation into any death in which there is a suspicion it was either not from natural causes or it happened in prison or another state institution. Four questions are answered in an inquest: It is also important to note that an inquest is not a trial […]
If you or the previous owner of your property made major changes to the property without getting the required planning permission, your local authority could issue you with an enforcement if they learn of the changes. This is where the 4 year rule in planning may come to your aid. What is the 4 year […]
Traditionally January sees a spike in divorces. The first working Monday of January is even dubbed ‘Divorce Day’ because law firms receive more new divorce enquiries than at any other time of year. However, new research from Interactive Investor yet again underlines why couples must not forget to include pensions during divorce negotiations. The research […]
The answer to the question “what am I entitled to in a divorce settlement?” will vary depending on the exact nature of your case and the assets and circumstances involved. The starting point will normally be a 50/50 split. However, it is important to understand that this is very much only a starting point. From […]
One of the most common myths about common law marriage is it exists! It did once but the concept was abolished in 1753 so it is incredible that it lives on in so many people’s mind. A recent study carried out by The National Centre for Social Research discovered 46% of us still believe that a cohabiting […]
If it comes into force, Gloria’s Law will ensure that no elderly or vulnerable person ever dies alone while staying in a care home. During the recent pandemic hundreds died isolated and alone in care homes. This is heart wrenching enough. The fact their families and friends were unable comfort let alone say goodbye to their […]
Since its introduction the Housing Act 1988 has enabled private landlords to use ‘no fault evictions’ to repossess their properties, even when the tenants have not given them any cause for an eviction. The government is now committed to a Bill that will end no fault evictions but what will the changes to ‘no fault eviction’ […]
Following the Court of Appeal’s recent decision to uphold Knowles J’s ruling in A v B and another [2023] EWCA Civ 360, our Head of Chambers – Richard Barton – sat down with our Head of Family – Maria Hancock – to discuss the key facts and the impact the outcome could have on both Family and […]
You must have been married for at least one year before you can get divorced. If your marriage breaks down before you have been married for a year, you have the option to separate until the end of the first calendar year. However, you would need to come to an arrangement over how you will […]
With 800 Met Police officers being investigated, facing sexual and domestic abuse claims and other accusations of potential Met Police misconduct, the question many are asking is what next for the Metropolitan Police? The announcement of the arrest of PC David Carrick who subsequently pleaded guilty to 49 offences including dozens of rapes, has forced […]