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


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


If You Lost Capacity Tomorrow: Who Could Actually Help You?
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


Leaving the UK but keeping your property: legal risks people often overlook
Leaving the UK while keeping property can create ongoing legal ties you may not expect. This article explores how retained UK property can affect family arrangements, commercial exposure and long-term legal planning under the law of England and Wales.

Eddison Cogan Legal Team
Feb 96 min read


Thinking of separating? What to consider before you make any decisions
Thinking about separation can be complex and emotionally demanding. This article explains the psychological and legal factors to consider before making decisions, including children, finances, housing and timing, under the law of England and Wales.

Eddison Cogan Legal Team
Jan 198 min read


Wills and Powers of Attorney for people without children: Common risks and how to avoid them
People without children face unique legal and emotional considerations when planning wills and powers of attorney. English law still assumes traditional family structures, which can leave childless individuals and couples exposed. This article explains the common risks - and how thoughtful, compassionate planning can protect your wishes, dignity, and independence.

Eddison Cogan Legal Team
Jan 188 min read


Divorce in the UK and Australia: What happens when you live in different countries
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.

Eddison Cogan Legal Team
Jan 118 min read


When Succession Planning works on paper but not in reality
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.

Eddison Cogan Legal Team
Jan 55 min read


Text messages, emails and WhatsApp chats as evidence in UK courts
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.

Eddison Cogan Legal Team
Oct 17, 20256 min read


Why Writing a Will Matters More Than You Think
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.

Eddison Cogan Legal Team
Sep 23, 20254 min read


UK Inheritance Tax Changes 2025–2027
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.

Eddison Cogan Legal Team
Sep 8, 20255 min read


Divorce in England and Wales: Key Legal Issues and Practical Consideration
Divorce can feel overwhelming, even when separation is amicable. This guide explains how divorce works in England and Wales, including the legal process, finances, arrangements for children and what to expect at each stage, in clear and supportive terms.

Eddison Cogan Legal Team
Mar 17, 20257 min read


Family Mediation in Divorce proceedings: How Mediation can offer Less Stressful, Less Expensive Solutions
Family Mediation: An alternative Path to contentious Courtroom battles In the complex landscape of family disputes, mediation offers a...

Eddison Cogan Legal Team
Aug 11, 20248 min read


The Crucial Role of Social Media in Legal Cases: A Digital Evidence Revolution
Social Media in being used more frequently in legal cases. Here are some points you need to be aware of when presenting as evidence.

Eddison Cogan Legal Team
Feb 19, 20243 min read


Preparing digital and social media content as evidence in a legal case
Digital messages and social media content are increasingly relied upon in UK legal disputes. This article explains how such material should be collected, preserved and presented as evidence, including admissibility requirements, authenticity, data protection considerations and common practical pitfalls.

Eddison Cogan Legal Team
Feb 19, 20245 min read


Property division in the divorce of married couples and the separation of cohabitants
Property division is an important issue in the divorce of married couples and the separation of unmarried couples, and it can be...

Eddison Cogan Legal Team
Feb 12, 20244 min read


Navigating Financial Agreements Pre- and Post-Divorce
Divorce can be a very challenging process, often said to be one of life’s most stressful events. Beyond the emotional turmoil, there are significant financial implications that need to be addressed. Financial agreements are central to ensuring a fair and equitable division of assets and financial responsibilities and are therefore a determining factor in the future quality of life of separating partners and their dependants. In this article, we identify key aspects of fin

Eddison Cogan Legal Team
Dec 4, 20233 min read
Collaborative Law: What it is and when it's appropriate
When it comes to resolving legal disputes, there are various options available, including litigation and mediation. However, a less...

Eddison Cogan Legal Team
Jul 19, 20232 min read
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