Initial Response to the October 2024 budget As we analyse the implications of the 2024 Autumn Budget, it’s clear that this fiscal strategy introduces both challenges and opportunities for individuals and businesses alike. It will take more than a...
Pickerings Solicitors Blog
Statistics published by the Ministry of Justice in December 2023 showed that the number of contested Wills in England and Wales has risen by 34% in the last five years. In 2021 to 2022, 195 Will disputes were heard in Court, up from 145 in 2017 and a mere 80...
In my role as a family solicitor, I am often consulted by grandparents who, as a result of some sort of dispute or family breakdown, are no longer allowed to see their grandchildren. In England and Wales, unlike parents, grandparents do not have automatic...
Moving in together? How to protect your assets through a Declaration of Trust In today's society, there is an increasing trend for first-time home buyers to rely on the ‘Bank of Mum and Dad’, relatives or friends to help fund their...
Preparing for marriage can be an exciting journey filled with endless decisions and to-do lists. Amidst the flurry of wedding preparations and anticipation of the honeymoon, it's easy to overlook the practical considerations that underpin a lifelong...
If you are going through a divorce or separation, we recommend that you keep a close eye on your finances. You may need to take swift action to ensure that your position is protected, particularly if the breakup is an acrimonious one. When divorcing you...
We all know of someone who has suffered a stroke, heart attack or been in a car accident that changed their life forever. Whilst many people have a Will, not so many have Lasting Powers of Attorney in place. There is a lot to be said for living in the...
This is a question we often get asked. The family home is often the main asset in a marriage and will be a crucial element of any financial settlement. Of course, it may also be of sentimental value to you if it's the place where you were once happy and...
No-fault divorce has made it much easier for you to apply for your own divorce and with the current squeeze on living costs it's very tempting to save money on legal fees by sorting it out yourself. We understand the desire to save cost but would still...
The holiday season is upon us, bringing joy, festivities, and, of course, family gatherings. While many of us look forward to the warmth of Christmas celebrations, amongst the happy chaos, the humble dishwasher can become a potential source of marital...
Co-Parenting During the Festive Season & Putting Your Child First As the holiday season approaches, we are surrounded by images promising festive joy and family gatherings around a roaring fire. For some, as anticipation builds, it creates an...
The importance of having a will in place is more crucial than ever, given the recent government policy change effective from 26th July 2023. This alteration in the 'statutory legacy' raises the default amount from £270,000 to...
eharrison@pickerings-solicitors.com The Office of National Statistics reports that dementia is the leading cause of death in England, followed closely by heart disease and pneumonia. As we get older, all too often we put off thinking about the future and...
Are you getting married this year? What’s on your ‘to do’ list? If you are planning a wedding, you’ll know it can take 12 months or more to organise and involves decisions on everything from outfits and flowers to venues and...
The first working Monday in January is often nick-named ‘Divorce Day’ by the press. This is on the basis that high numbers of couples seek advice about ending their marriage at the start of January, following the Christmas and New Year period. ...
Trustees have been under a duty to register trusts with HMRC where there is a tax liability since 2017 using HMRC’s Trust Registration System (“TRS”). However, the TRS has been extended as a result of the Fifth Anti-Money Laundering...
Research commissioned by Solicitors For the Elderly (SFE) has revealed that over half (51%) of people living in the Midlands who have a will haven't updated it for more than five years, meaning nearly half of wills made in the area are likely to be...
Divorce Day 2022? The first working Monday in January is often nick-named ‘Divorce Day’ by the press. This is on the basis that high numbers of couples seek advice about ending their marriage at the start of January, following the Christmas and...
If you are divorcing or ending a civil partnership, make sure you update your Will. Emma Harrison explains why...
When you make a Will, you nominate an executor. This is the person you appoint to carry out the wishes left in your Will. Your executor could be a friend, family member or a professional – the most important thing is that you trust them and they feel...
