When independence is in issue: Lessons from Rawbank S.A. v Banfield & Ors
The High Court’s decision in Rawbank S.A. v Banfield & Ors [2025] EWHC 3054 (Ch) provides important guidance on the court’s approach to perceived conflicts, creditor opposition and the appointment of additional liquidators under section 108 of the Insolvency Act 1986. Focusing on the court’s discussion and conclusions, the case reinforces that insolvency proceedings are […]
Second marriages in the UK: A Family Law solicitor’s perspective
Second marriages are becoming increasingly common in the UK. With people living longer, divorcing later in life, and forming new relationships after separation, many individuals find love again and choose to remarry. While second marriages can be deeply rewarding, they often bring legal and financial complexities that are very different from those faced with first-time […]
Statutory rates are increasing from April 2026
The Government has accepted the Low Pay Commission’s recommendations, confirming that National Minimum Wage and National Living Wage rates will increase from 1 April 2026. These changes to rates and thresholds will affect payroll costs across most sectors, particularly those with younger workforces, apprenticeship pipelines, or large numbers of lower-paid employees. National Minimum Wage increases […]
Divorce and planning for the school holidays
The school holiday season can be stressful enough for separated parents. In this article, we will discuss how to best plan for the holiday. Every year our family law solicitors advise parents who are facing difficult questions around the holiday periods following separation. For a lot of families, issues centre around deciding with whom the […]
The removal of the presumption of parental involvement
Recent changes announced by the Government mean that the “presumption of parental involvement” will be removed from the Children Act 1989. Understandably, many parents are concerned about what this means for their families. Below, we explain the change in straightforward terms and outline how it may affect your case. What has actually changed? Under the […]
Declaration of Trust vs Cohabitation Agreement explained
In a time when couples living together are the fastest-growing family type in the UK, it is important to have the right documents. This helps protect your property and relationship interests in the future. It is common for couples to formalise their relationship by buying their first property together. Experts often advise them to protect […]
Tees the Season: A Festive Guide to Inheritance Tax Free Gifting
Christmas is known as the season of giving. What better way to spread joy this festive season than by giving gifts? These gifts can help reduce your estate’s future inheritance tax bill, especially when planned with inheritance tax gifting rules. With each successive budget, the rules around inheritance tax and gifting can seem as tangled […]
Supporting families and promoting safer maternity care
Every year, Baby Week in November offers families a chance to come together, learn and share experiences. It celebrates babies, parents and the organisations that work every day to support early childhood. For many families, it is a moment to connect with their community and take part in practical, supportive activities. For our Medical Negligence […]
Men’s mental health and the importance of timely care
As November draws to a close, it is important to reflect upon the Movember campaign, which highlights much-needed attention to men’s mental health and the silent struggles many continue to endure. Despite growing awareness, men remain significantly less likely than women to seek help for psychological distress. As a result, they often present later, when […]
Understanding the new Renter’s Rights Act 2025
On 27 October 2025, the Renters’ Rights Act 2025 received royal assent, marking the biggest reform to the private rented sector in decades. Following on from my previous article, which outlined the Government’s proposed changes under the Renters Rights Bill, we now know the exact changes the Government have made, aiming to strengthen tenants’ security […]
Planning Enforcement and the Proceeds of Crime Act 2002
The recent headline “Court tells restaurant owners to pay out £2.5m confiscation order and seizes their passports over unlawful extractor fan”, is a timely reminder that a failure to comply with a planning enforcement notice can seriously damage your financial health. What counts as “development” under planning law? Most development of land in England requires […]
When high street staples fall: lessons from Bodycare’s collapse
Who remembers Bodycare? The health and beauty chain that was a staple of every high street and shopping centre. It had humble beginnings, setting up as a market stall in Lancashire back in the 1970s and grew to the point that it had nearly 150 shops across the United Kingdom. By the Autumn of 2025, […]
