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Eddison Cogan Lawyers
Family & Commercial Law Specialists
+44 (0)117 389 0523
Articles & Insights


When Love Becomes Control
Domestic abuse is not always visible. This article explores how coercive control develops, why it can be difficult to recognise, how it may be demonstrated through evidence, and the legal protections available in England and Wales.

Jennifer Hogan Brown
7 days ago13 min read


Why it is important to document loans to friends, family and business associates
Lending money to someone you trust can feel very different from an ordinary commercial transaction. Eddison Cogan Lawyers explain why a clear loan agreement can protect the lender, the borrower and the relationship between them.

Abir Divanizadeh
Jul 314 min read


Could your pension push your estate into inheritance tax? What families should review before April 2027
From 6 April 2027, most unused pension funds and pension death benefits will be brought within a person’s estate for inheritance tax purposes. This article considers why the change may affect existing wills, pension beneficiary nominations, executor appointments and the eventual division of family wealth.

Christopher Eddison-Cogan
Jun 2513 min read


International child relocation between the UK and Australia: what happens when parents disagree?
When separated parents have connections to both Australia and the UK, a proposed move can create an exceptionally difficult conflict. Christopher Eddison-Cogan explains the legal framework, the child-focused questions courts may consider, and the practical realities of maintaining family relationships across two countries.

Christopher Eddison-Cogan
Jun 1715 min read


What happens when your phone becomes evidence in a legal dispute?
Most people think of their phone as a private possession. In reality, it may contain a detailed record of conversations, movements, relationships and decisions. Christopher Eddison-Cogan explores how smartphones increasingly feature in family disputes, employment matters, commercial litigation and criminal investigations, and why many people underestimate their significance until it is too late.

Christopher Eddison-Cogan
Jun 912 min read


Helping your solicitor help you: Why good communication can change the course of a family dispute
Family-related legal disputes often arise during periods of grief, stress, uncertainty and emotional overload. This article explores how thoughtful, organised and constructive communication with your solicitor can improve clarity, reduce unnecessary conflict and help legal advice become more effective during difficult family situations.

Jennifer Hogan Brown
Jun 19 min read


The psychology of high-conflict divorce & how cases can unintentionally escalate
High-conflict divorce rarely escalates because of legal issues alone. Emotional pressure, perceived unfairness, fear and adversarial momentum can gradually transform separation into prolonged and exhausting conflict.

Jennifer Hogan Brown
May 159 min read


Collaborative law and amicable divorce: understanding your options
Divorce does not always need to become a prolonged legal battle. This article explores collaborative law, mediation and other approaches to separation in England and Wales, examining how different legal processes may help reduce unnecessary conflict, cost and emotional strain while still protecting important legal and financial interests.

Christopher Eddison-Cogan
May 1410 min read


UK beneficiary of an Australian estate? What to do next and how to access assets
If a parent or relative has died in Australia and you are dealing with their estate from the UK, the legal and practical steps can feel unclear. This guide explains how cross-border inheritance works, what to expect, and how to begin accessing assets.

Christopher Eddison-Cogan
May 56 min read


Is it a gift or a loan? Why it matters more than you think
When money passes between family members, intentions are often assumed rather than defined. This article explains the legal difference between a gift and a loan, why that distinction matters, and how to avoid disputes that can arise years later.

Abir Divanizadeh
Apr 146 min read


What financial disclosure really looks like in practice - and where problems arise
Financial disclosure in divorce is rarely straightforward. This article explains how delays, international relocation and post-separation spending can complicate financial settlements.

Abir Divanizadeh
Apr 77 min read


Why legal strategy matters just as much as legal process - and often determines the outcome
Legal matters are not just about following process. This article explores how strategy, judgement and timing often shape the outcome in redundancy, wills, divorce and child arrangements.

Christopher Eddison-Cogan
Mar 315 min read


Understanding Relationship Deception: Legal Insights for Families and Businesses
What happens when an online relationship turns out not to be what it seemed? This article explores the legal options available where trust leads to financial loss, including misrepresentation, recovery of funds, and the added complexities of international and later-life relationships.

Christopher Eddison-Cogan
Mar 266 min read


When you’ve reached your limit: Thinking clearly about divorce and separation
Reaching your limit in a relationship rarely happens all at once. This guide explains how to approach divorce and separation with clarity, avoid common mistakes, and take steady, informed steps forward.

Jennifer Hogan Brown
Mar 227 min read


Stewardship and Succession: Planning for the next generation
Succession planning for family enterprises requires more than legal documentation. This article explores governance structures, intergenerational stewardship and coordinated advisory approaches for high-wealth families.

Christopher Eddison-Cogan & Faezeh Beheshti
Mar 137 min read


How stress impacts legal decision-making: Why client care makes the difference
Stress can narrow attention, distort risk perception and increase decision fatigue. This article explores how stress affects legal decision-making and why structured client care supports clearer, more deliberate outcomes.

Jennifer Hogan Brown
Mar 25 min read


Married, successful… and still exposed: What happens if you die without a Will in 2026
Many married professionals assume their spouse would inherit everything. In England and Wales, intestacy rules can produce a very different outcome, especially where there are children or business assets.

Eddison Cogan Legal Team
Feb 278 min read


Separated but not divorced: when you still live together after separation
When one person has decided the marriage is over but both still live under the same roof, indecision can have legal and financial consequences. This guide explains the position in England and Wales, including the family home, ongoing financial claims, privacy concerns and the different rules for unmarried couples.

Eddison Cogan Legal Team
Feb 196 min read


Business valuation in divorce: a practical guide for business owners and their spouses
When a marriage includes a business, financial settlement requires more than dividing property and savings. This guide explains how businesses are valued in divorce, how non-financial contribution is recognised, and how courts balance fairness with commercial stability.

Christopher Eddison-Cogan
Feb 168 min read


Understanding Powers of Attorney in England and Wales: Why They Matter Sooner Than You Think
Many people assume that if they lose mental capacity, a partner or close family member can automatically step in to help. In England and Wales, that is often not the case. This article explains how powers of attorney work, what happens without one, and why careful planning matters.

Eddison Cogan Legal Team
Feb 115 min read
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