Articles & Insights

When one partner lives in the UK and the other in Australia, separation can raise complex legal issues. Different family law systems treat marriage, finances and unmarried couples in very different ways. This guide explains the key differences, practical challenges and why early cross-border advice matters.

Succession planning can look perfect on paper yet unravel in reality. Family dynamics, timing and behaviour often matter more than drafting alone. This article explains why succession plans so often break down in practice and what families and business owners can do to reduce that risk.

Text messages, emails and WhatsApp chats are commonly relied on in UK legal disputes. This article explains how courts in England and Wales assess digital communications as evidence and the practical issues involved.

For startups and small businesses, legal issues are rarely front-of-mind. Many founders assume that professional legal advice is either unnecessary or unaffordable, relying instead on online templates, DIY contracts, or informal agreements. While this may seem like a cost- saving measure, the reality is that these shortcuts can create significant financial and operational risks.

When someone dies without a will in England or Wales, their estate is divided according to "the rules of intestacy". These rules are rigid and often do not reflect the way people actually live their lives. For instance, if you live with a long-term partner but are not married or in a civil partnership, that partner has no automatic entitlement to your estate. Stepchildren also inherit nothing unless you specifically include them in your will.

Between 2025 and 2027, sweeping inheritance tax reforms will affect UK families, farmers, and business owners. From the move to residence-based taxation, to caps on agricultural and business relief, and the inclusion of pension funds in estates, more families risk unexpected tax bills. Now is the time to update wills, trusts, and estate planning to protect your legacy.