The process of managing a loved one’s affairs using a Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA) is to be made simpler and safer. An LPA is a legal document that allows people to appoint someone else (an attorney) to make decisions about their welfare, money or property. They are often used by older people to choose
The role of a grandparent in a child’s life is unique to every family situation but many grandparents play a significant role in a child’s upbringing. Yet these relationships are often overlooked or marginalised following a breakdown of the relationship between the parents of the child. The parents can be caught in their own conflict
The High Court has outlined some tests for mental capacity and whether a person may have had delusional beliefs when making a will. The issue arose following a family dispute involving a brother and sister. Their parents had divorced in 1980 when their mother discovered letters written by her husband which revealed that he had
Aviva and Persimmon have agreed to end unfair leasehold practices, following an investigation by the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA). It means that Aviva has committed to remove certain terms from its leasehold contracts that cause ground rents to double, and Persimmon will now offer leasehold house owners the opportunity to buy the freehold of
A nurse who was dismissed for refusing to work weekends has won a landmark ruling that could affect thousands of women with children. Gemma Dobson was a community nurse with North Cumbria Integrated Care NHS. She had worked fixed days because she had three children, including two with disabilities. However, she was dismissed after the
A mother who wrongfully removed her two sons from their home after separating from their father has been ordered to return them to Lanzarote. The two boys, referred to only as X and Y, were three years and 18 months old, respectively. The father was Italian but had lived in Lanzarote since he was seven
Two adult brothers have failed in their attempt to be given a share of their deceased father’s estate after being left out of his will. The High Court ruled that it was clear that the father had made provision for them while he was alive and did not want them to receive anything further. The
The introduction of no-fault divorces, which was due to take place this autumn, has been postponed until next year. The courts minister Chris Philp made the announcement in response to a parliamentary question. He said the provisions of the Divorce, Dissolution and Separation Act 2020 must be put back because not enough progress had been
First time buyers are being offered discounted homes as part of a new government housing scheme. The First Homes scheme will help local first-time buyers on to the property ladder by offering homes at a discount of at least 30% compared to the market price. That same percentage will then be passed on with the
The government is to introduce a new watchdog organisation to protect workers’ rights and prevent unfair practices. Responsibility for tackling modern slavery, enforcing the minimum wage and protecting agency workers – currently spread across 3 different bodies – will be brought under one roof, creating a comprehensive new authority, which will ensure businesses that break