Category Archives: Litigation & Family Law

Grandparent Rights

Posted on October 28, 2022 by Sam Hutchinson

It is widely recognised that grandparents play important roles in their grandchildren’s lives, often helping out with childcare. It may be surprising to learn that grandparents do not have an automatic right to see their grandchildren. Unlike parents, they do …

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Divorce – There Can Be a High Price for Failing to Negotiate Responsibly

Posted on September 1, 2022 by Sam Hutchinson

Divorcees who are unwilling to give ground and negotiate responsibly with a view to achieving a financial settlement with their ex-spouses are highly likely to pay a stiff price for their lack of flexibility. The High Court emphasised the point …

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Make a Will and Appoint a Professional Executor – Two Ways to Avoid Conflict

Posted on March 31, 2022 by Sam Hutchinson

There is ultimately only so much that you can do to prevent your loved ones falling out over inheritance issues after you are gone. However, as a High Court decision showed, the threat of bad blood developing can be greatly …

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Get your legal affairs in order

Posted on February 11, 2022 by Sam Hutchinson

More and more people are living longer in today’s society. Unfortunately a longer life does not always mean a long healthy life. How can you safeguard your affairs in the event of receiving a diagnosis like dementia or if you …

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Deeds of Variation – can a will be changed after death?

Posted on January 20, 2022 by Sam Hutchinson

Under current rules in England and Wales, you can redirect your inheritance to another person in certain circumstances. A Deed of Variation is a formal document in which you can state that your inheritance should not come to you but …

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Is commonhold going to become commonplace?

Posted on November 18, 2021 by Sam Hutchinson

In 2002 the Government introduced Commonhold, nearly 20 years later, and with only a handful of blocks of flats owned and managed in this way, the plan is to replace the much vilified leasehold ownership with … Commonhold.  Yes that …

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No Fault Divorce – allowing couples to divorce without assigning blame

Posted on June 9, 2021 by Sam Hutchinson

A date is finally set for the implementation of the Divorce, Dissolution and Separation Act.  The Government commits to 6 April 2022. This Act will allow couples to divorce without assigning blame.  The date is later than anticipated, this is …

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Gifting property and assets in your lifetime

Posted on May 13, 2021 by Sam Hutchinson

Older clients often seek our advice as to the advantages and disadvantages of transferring their home or other property to relatives, even though in some cases they still intend to live in the home.  Our advice will of course vary, …

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Case Study – Contested Probate Dispute

Posted on March 24, 2021 by Sam Hutchinson

Storrar Cowdry Solicitor who dealt with the case: Kate Naylor; Litigation Partner What Happened? Our clients were the Executors of their late Uncles’ will (the Will). The Defendant was the daughter of a friend of the Deceased and she claimed that …

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The dangers of homemade wills

Posted on March 8, 2021 by Sam Hutchinson

If your Will is challenged after you die the cost can run to thousands and sometimes hundreds of thousands of pounds in Court proceedings and legal fees. Often these fees are paid out of the estate leaving very little to …

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