Blog
Nov 2020
Money talks: have you had a conversation with your other half?
A recent article in the Sunday Times featured a widowed gentleman, who wrote about how, during his 55 year marriage, he really struggled to deal with the financial side of his wife’s death - even though he had always been the one in the partnership who “took care of the money”.
Nov 2020
Coronavirus Update - CJRS Extended
The Chancellor announced over the weekend that the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme (CJRS) that was due to end on 31st October will be extended until 2nd December. The level of support available under the extended scheme will mirror that of what was available under the CJRS in August, with the Government paying 80% of wages up to a cap of £2,500.
Oct 2020
Chancellor announces changes to the Job Support Scheme
The Chancellor announced on Thursday 22 October that the Government contribution to employers’ wage costs under the Job Support Scheme (JSS) will be increased. Employers will be expected to pay 5% of the cost of unworked hours instead of the 33% originally announced.
Oct 2020
Warning for will-holders as expat succession rules could change after Brexit
As talks continue surrounding Brexit and the UK’s formal departure from the EU, expats are being urged to update some of their important legal paperwork before the exit deadline.
Oct 2020
Making the most of property incentives? Don’t wait!
Time is running out for those who are planning to purchase new properties and take advantage of the Stamp Duty Land Tax (SDLT) reductions applicable until the end of March 2021.
Oct 2020
Solicitor’s pet uncovers curious will that dismisses copy-cat claim in court
You couldn’t make it up, but it seems that a mischievous moggy was solely responsible for unravelling a mystery and helped solve a family feud over a £2m will battle.
Oct 2020
Attorneys: are you doing all you can to prevent bank fraud?
Of course, no one plans to intentionally become a victim of fraud but, the fact is, scams are becoming so clever many of us fall for them without realising - and if you are an attorney acting on behalf of someone else, you need to be extra vigilant.
Oct 2020
Coronavirus Update - CJRS Bonus - Are you eligible?
Back in the summer the Chancellor announced that employers could receive a one-off payment of £1,000 for every employee who had previously been furloughed under the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme provided they remained continuously employed to the end of January 2021. Businesses will be able to claim the Job Retention Bonus from 15 February 2021 and the Government has stated that further guidance will be provided by the end of January 2021.
Oct 2020
Lockdown has seen people upgrade to property more suited to work-life balance
According to Rightmove, properties worth £1million are selling more quickly. For once, it is not rising prices that are forcing more properties into this bracket - but instead it is in pursuit of a better lifestyle.
Oct 2020
Family Investment Companies
What is a family investment company (FIC)?
FICs are companies limited by shares (an “Ltd” or “Limited”) often setup by parents or grandparents (“Founders”) to benefit both themselves and their family as shareholders. Their popularity has increased in recent years, being seen as a corporate alternative to the more common discretionary trust.
