Blog
Rayner my parade! The importance of specialist advice.
Jemma Brimblecombe
21 January 2014
STEP’s new Code for Will writing protects clients from cowboys
In July last year, we blogged about the Law Society’s new code of practice for Will writing –the Wills and Inheritance Quality Assurance Scheme (WIQS).
We were concerned that WIQS might not be the best solution for clients because it is extremely long and prescriptive and doesn’t necessarily require lawyers drafting Wills to have particular expertise or qualifications in this area.
16 January 2014
New technology means making a Lasting Power of Attorney is easier and more affordable
Everyone, regardless of their age, should consider making a Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA). This is a document which appoints people to make decisions for you if you were to lose mental capacity – for example if you were to suffer brain damage in an accident or develop Alzheimer’s.
13 November 2013
Respecting our elders - Are parents being left out in Inheritance Act claims?
Although the law relating to intestacy and inheritance has been developed to complement societal changes, there still lies areas of potential unfairness, particularly in the case of parents who outlive their children. In this piece, Sarah Playforth discusses the issues.
12 November 2013
Double whammy – when medical negligence compensation awards are squandered
Sadly, the Court of Protection has again recently been in the headlines for the wrong reasons. The much publicised case of Samantha Svendsen highlights the risk of leaving the management of a substantial award of compensation in the hands of an inexperienced family lay Deputy. The recent conviction of her mother Cathy Watson and her ex-husband Robert Hills almost brings to an end a sorry series of events. Sentencing is awaited but lengthy custodial sentences are expected.
15 July 2013
Implications of the new “Wills and Inheritance Quality Scheme” – for clients and private client lawyers
Pity the private client lawyer. Years of law school, years of training, years of hard-earned post-qualification exams – and someone down the pub still thinks he knows how to do your job better than you.