Matrimonial Causes Act 1973: ‘Hopelessly out of date’ law set for review
The asset-splitting provisions within the Matrimonial Causes Act 1973 are set to be reviewed by the Law Commission having been described as “hopelessly out of date” by one peer and former family lawyer. The timing of the review has also been described as “opportune” by justice minister Lord Bellamy with the Matrimonial Causes Act 1973 […]
LSB parks review of reserved legal activities
The Legal Services Board (LSB) has announced it will not be conducting a review of the list of reserved legal activities in the imminent future. Certain legal activities are restricted – or reserved – by section 12 of the Legal Services Act 2007. This includes certain probate activities, the preparation of certain reserved instruments, the […]
Domestic abusers who kill their partners set for tougher sentences
Domestic abusers who kill their partners or ex-partners will receive tougher sentences under government plans published on 17th March 2023. The law will be changed so a history of coercive or controlling behaviour against the victim or the use of excessive or gratuitous violence are made aggravating factors in sentencing decisions for murder. This means […]
Cost of living crisis causing couples to delay divorce, data suggests
Couples are “forced to live together for an average of 1.3 years after they split”, with “one in eight continuing to share a bedroom” due to the impact of the current cost-of-living crisis. Layla Babadi, senior associate in the family team at law firm Roythornes Solicitors, considers the impact of the economic crisis on divorce […]
Future of eSignatures unclear as Industry Working Group fails to agree way forward
The Industry Working Group’s final report on the electronic execution of documents has failed to agree on a way forward for eSignatures following “mixed views both internally and externally” regarding the certification and accreditation of providers. The Group set out to “promote and facilitate the electronic execution of documents by matching appropriate solutions to the […]
AML strain likely to increase, SRA boss tells conference
According to The Law Society Gazette, the chief executive of the Solicitors Regulation (SRA) has stated that the demands placed on the law firms to stop money laundering will not ease up. To avoid money laundering, businesses are already required to conduct risk assessments, with a significant number of firms having received fines in the […]
Setting up Hall Brown Family Law
The latest episode of the Today’s Family Lawyer podcast welcomes James Brown, one half of Manchester headquartered Hall Brown Family Law. In this edition James discusses the launch of Hall Brown, and how they have developed the strategy and business to become “simply the best in the North West” as a Legal 500 Tier One […]
The new CGT rules for separating couples
At present, no capital gains tax (CGT) is charged on a transfer of assets between a married couple or civil partners who live together. However, if the couple separate or divorce, this tax relief does not necessarily apply. The Office of Tax Simplification reviewed the rules relating to separating couples in 2021 and proposed a […]
Work life matters: Workload challenges
I went to a Micky Flanagan comedy gig last night. His opener was “thanks for coming ‘out-out’ on a Tuesday. I guess you lot are all working from home tomorrow then”. Big laughs but it may have touched a nerve or two for some people. People are sensitive when it comes to being questioned about […]
