What is the personal injury discount rate?
The personal injury discount rate is an actuarial tool that is used when helping to calculate future losses in a…
Moore Barlow
Key considerations for couples considering separation
New year, new you. As we enter a new year, many of us take this opportunity to make changes to…
How to navigate a healthy divorce in 2025
New year, fresh start? Each year many look to make new resolutions. Whether it is to take up a hobby…
Building Liability Orders under the Building Safety Act
Building Liability Orders (BLOs) are a critical tool introduced under the Building Safety Act 2022 (BSA). They empower the High…
Short marriages in financial remedy cases
How the court in England and Wales deals with short marriages in financial remedy cases.
When a marriage or civil…
Is surrogacy legal in the UK?
Surrogacy, the process where a woman carries and delivers a child for another person or couple, has become an increasingly…
Top five problems separated parents face at Christmas and how to handle them
Many parents are navigating a separate Christmas for the first time, or are still trying to find a balance and…
Are you ready for VAT on school fees?
A lot of media attention has, quite rightly, been given to the impact on families of the legislation that will…
Teacher banned for deliberately misgendering a transgender pupil
Sutcliffe v Secretary of State for Education – Teaching ban upheld for teacher who deliberately misgendered a transgender pupil and…
What does the Employment Rights Bill mean for schools?
The Labour Party promised to introduce legislation within 100 days of forming a government to implement Labour’s Plan to Make…
Christmas Giving
…I have always thought of Christmas time, when it has come round… as a good time: a kind, forgiving, charitable,…
Prepare your company for sale this festive season
The recent Autumn budget introduced a number of expected and unexpected changes under the new Labour Government, with a particular…
Teacher brought profession into disrepute
A teacher who had not committed unacceptable professional misconduct still brought profession into disrepute.
This case involved Mrs Aquilina, a…
Complex disputes over child arrangements
Our family lawyers have specialist expertise in complex disputes over child arrangements. Our goal is to help you achieve the…
Key legal issues for start-ups and entrepreneurs
Starting and running a business comes with its fair share of challenges and opportunities. As an entrepreneur, your focus is…
Deciphering your residential lease: A guide for leaseholders
Navigating the complexities of a residential lease can often feel overwhelming, especially for first-time leaseholders. In this guide, we break…
New protection for customers to supply contracts
As a result of the Corporate Insolvency Governance Act 2020 (CIGA) coming into force at the end of June, existing…
Drive to arrive
A driver of a motor vehicle has a responsibility to other users of the road to ensure that we all…
The changing landscape of green leases
With an ever-growing population requiring more resources than ever, sustainability issues are no longer a conversation pushed to the back…
Motorcycle collisions – Liability and safety tips
“In 2022, 350 motorcyclists were killed in Great Britain, whilst 5,618 were reported to be seriously injured (adjusted) and 10,975…
Road Safety Week
Each year, BRAKE organises one of the UK’s biggest road safety event – Road Safety Week from 17th to 23rd November 2024. This national…
What is Diabetes?
Diabetes is a serious condition that occurs when the pancreas is no longer able to make insulin or when the…
Roadpeace World Day of Remembrance
On Sunday 17th of November Roadpeace, the national charity for road crash victims, together with their members, their supporters, and…
Navigating the journey of surrogacy
Surrogacy can be a rewarding option for many, especially for those facing infertility issues or for LGBTQ+ couples and single…
Funding a Personal Injury claim
Navigating the aftermath of a personal injury can be overwhelming, both physically and emotionally. One of the critical aspects to…
Buying a property with a flying freehold
Maybe you’ve found your dream home, with all the specs you wanted, in the area you wanted, at the price…
The Autumn Budget 2024
This is a Budget which will likely be remembered for a very long time. The first Budget to ever be…
Autumn Budget 2024: What’s the impact on divorcing couples?
The Autumn Budget often brings policy changes that influence many aspects of financial life. This year’s was pitched to be…
Redundancy during maternity and shared parental leave
Preferential treatment for parents in relation to redundancy during maternity and shared parental leave – What is a “suitable available…
Workers benefit from new tips legislation
Workers set to take home £200 million more through new tips legislation.
Many workers within the hospitality, leisure and services…
Is “detriment” suffered due to the worker’s part-time status
The recent case of Augustine v Data Cars Ltd poses the question a provision applicable to both full and part-time…
Claimant’s belief in English Nationalism not a protected belief
A recent decision in the Employment Appeal Tribunal of Mr S Thomas v 1) Surrey and Borders Partnership NHS Foundation…
The Low Pay Commission publishes policy paper
Low Pay Commission confirms approach to updated remit on recommending increases to National Living Wage and National Minimum Wage and…
Employment Rights Bill update
As you may be aware, on Thursday, 10 October 2024, the Labour Party released their highly anticipated Employment Rights Bill.…
Residential property – key takeaways from the budget
For the first time in over 14 years, Labour has unveiled its much-anticipated budget. There has been key changes concerning…
The estate of Carry Keats – Destroying a will on the deathbed
Revocation of a will by destruction
Wills can be validly revoked if the person who made it decides to destroy…
Child Brain Injury Trust GloWeek 2024 – Road Safety Campaign
It’s that time of year again when the clocks go back, the nights draw in and we all try to…
Divorce financial planning and advice
Divorce or dissolution of a civil partnership is a life-changing event that not only affects your emotional well-being but also…
Do I need a financial order for divorce?
Divorce or dissolution of a civil partnership is a complex process that involves not only the dissolution of a marriage…
What is financial mediation in divorce or dissolution of a civil partnership?
If you’re facing a divorce, dissolution or separation, you may be seeking a way to reach a fair agreement with…
Divorce or dissolution financial disclosure advice
Divorce or dissolution can be a challenging and emotionally taxing process, and one of the most critical aspects is financial…
The Football Governance Bill – major changes proposed by the UK government
An important development in the progress of the Football Governance Bill was announced overnight and this morning with the UK…
Reasonable adjustments – Parnell v Royal Mail Group Ltd
In the case of Parnell v Royal Mail Group Ltd, the Employment Appeal Tribunal (EAT) upheld the decision to dismiss…
Inheritance tax: The Labour Government’s Autumn Budget of 2024
Inheritance tax is a tax that is charged on someone’s assets on their death. The amount of tax payable depends…
Financial settlement after the divorce or dissolution of a civil partnership time limit
Understanding financial settlements
What is a financial settlement?
A financial settlement refers to the financial arrangements made between divorcing spouses…
Are you prepared for Labour’s potential tax raid?
Following the controversial scrapping of winter fuel payments for most pensioners, attention now turns to what might be next on…
Access to a neighbour’s property for works
My neighbouring is refusing me access to their land to carry out work to my property. What can I do?…
Updated guidance on planning appeals
The Planning Inspectorate (PINS) has updated guidance on planning appeals and Section 106 Agreements.
For written representations, the guidance states…
How to protect inheritance from divorce or dissolution of a civil partnership
Divorce or dissolution can be a challenging process, especially when it comes to safeguarding inherited assets. At Moore Barlow, we…
Ring-fencing inheritance in divorce or dissolution
Understanding ring-fencing in divorce or dissolution settlements
Ring-fencing refers to the practice of protecting certain assets from being divided in…
Future inheritance after divorce or dissolution, can it be claimed?
Understanding future inheritance in divorce or dissolution of a civil partnership
Divorce or dissolution settlements can be complex, particularly when…
Can an ex-partner claim inheritance after divorce or dissolution of a civil partnership?
Divorce or dissolution of civil partnership typically involve the division of marital assets, but what happens to an inheritance? Can…
How does a personal injury claim trigger the recovery of NHS charges?
On 1st October 2024 the Personal Injuries (NHS Charges) (Amounts) (Amendment) (No.2) Regulations 2024 came into force, which increased NHS…
Moore Barlow supports World Sight Day
World Sight Day, 10th October 2024 is an annual day used by various charities and organisations to raise awareness of…
An example of a prenup
A prenuptial agreement, commonly known as a prenup, is a legal contract entered into by a couple before marriage, outlining…
Update an address for service at the Land Registry
All owners of registered property will have an address for service on their property’s Register of Title at the Land…
Prenuptial agreements and asset protection
What are prenuptial agreements?
In today’s world, as couples prepare for marriage, more are turning to prenuptial agreements (often referred…
What the autumn budget means for rural landowners
The Autumn Budget – What It may mean for rural landowners and trustees of trusts comprising of rural land.
This…
Telecoms rents and terms in the spotlight
The First-tier and Upper Tribunals have been busy over the last couple of months with a flurry of cases considering…
A guide on Manorial Rights
Manorial Rights – What are they, do they affect my property, and what can I do about them?
What are…
What is a prenuptial agreement and should you get one?
What is a prenuptial agreement?
A prenuptial agreement, commonly known as a prenup, is a legal contract entered into by…
Moore Barlow supports World Cerebral Palsy Day 6 October 2024
Cerebral palsy covers a wide range of disorders that impact a person’s ability to move, maintain balance and posture, often…
Moore Barlow supports Cauda Equina Awareness Day
Cauda Equina Syndrome pathways – Can the NHS deliver given its lack of resources?
The Getting it Right First Time…
AI regulation in the UK
What is the UK’s approach to AI regulation
After years of discussion and debate, significant developments in AI regulation have…
Prevent sexual harassment in the workplace
How to prepare for the new duty to prevent sexual harassment in the workplace.
On 26 October 2024 the long…
Choosing a specialist serious injury solicitor
I was approached by a client who had suffered serious injury as a pedestrian in a road traffic collision to…
The benefits of lifetime gifting
Many people make gifts during their lifetime to provide for their loved ones and to also potentially reduce their Inheritance…
Advice from a divorce lawyer before your wedding day
A version of this originally appeared in Country Wedding magazine.
As a divorce lawyer, one of the things that I…
Navigating the probate maze
Navigating the probate maze: Understanding delays in the UK system
The probate system in The UK has become increasingly complex…
Labour plans to make radical changes to employment rights
With the Labour Party now in power, we take an in-depth look at their proposed key employment reforms. The Labour…
Is a prenup legally binding in the UK? Everything you need to know
If you’re considering a prenup to safeguard your assets, it can usually be enforced. While UK law takes a nuanced…
Can you get a prenup after marriage?
This is a question that many couples ask, particularly when they realise that they might have missed the opportunity to…
What cannot be included in a prenup?
Prenuptial agreements, or prenups, are becoming increasingly popular among couples in the UK. These agreements help outline the division of…
Why do more people divorce in September?
When you are at school, you wait eagerly for the summer holidays – counting down the days until you have…
Mediation can resolve the unresolvable
Some people feel that they are so far apart that mediation cannot possibly work. However, the very fact that they…
When should I start thinking about my exit strategy?
“When should I start thinking about my exit strategy?” is one of the most frequently asked questions by business owners.…
The Air Ambulance – Heroes in the sky need your support
The Air Ambulance has made a real difference for those seriously injured in a road crash and it offers two…
A guide to mergers and acquisitions
Mergers and acquisitions (M&A) are key business strategies for corporate growth, restructuring, and competitive advantage. This guide delves into the…
Simplifying divorce or dissolution of a civil partnership: Share a divorce lawyer
Divorce or dissolution can be one of the most challenging and emotional experiences in life. At Moore Barlow, we understand…
What happens with family loans in a divorce?
It is becoming increasingly common for family members who have loaned money to their children, to seek advice as to…
What happens to property in a divorce?
Navigating and fairly dealing with the division of property during a divorce can be one of the most complex aspects…
Financial disclosure on divorce
When experiencing a divorce or separation, the aspect of financial disclosure is key in achieving a fair settlement. This detailed…
Navigating ultra-high net worth divorce or dissolution of civil partnership
Divorces or dissolution of civil partnerships involving ultra-high net worth individuals are complex and multifaceted, characterised by the division of…
How do I deal with a nil rate band discretionary trust arising in a Will?
Before 9 October 2007, it was not possible for the nil rate band (NRB) from the first deceased spouse (reference…
Trusts in high net worth divorce or dissolution of civil partnership
When navigating high net worth divorces or dissolutions of civil partnerships, trusts require careful consideration due to their complexity and…
RoadPeace Wood – Ceremony of Remembrance on 10 August 2024
Many people are unaware that a routine activity like driving a motor vehicle can lead to more fatalities than both…
How does domicile affect inheritance tax in the UK?
In the UK, it is your domicile, rather than your residence, which is taken into account for Inheritance Tax (IHT)…
Have your say in the Solent Pipeline Project consultation
The Solent Pipeline Project is underway with ExxonMobil (otherwise known as Esso Petroleum Ltd), and this could affect landowners in…
My journey to sponsorship at Moore Barlow
My name is Maham and I am currently a paralegal in the Major trauma department at Moore Barlow. My journey…
National Road Victim Month 2024
Moore Barlow supports National Road Victim Month 2024 to highlight the devastating impact of road crashes
Moore Barlow is proud to…
NHS Resolution Annual Report
Last week NHS Resolution published its annual report and accounts, which sets out figures that are often looked at as…
What happens to assets acquired after separation but before divorce or dissolution?
Navigating the division of assets acquired between the point of separation and the finalisation of a divorce or dissolution can…
What if my co-parent does not agree to a holiday abroad?
The summer holidays are fast approaching, and families are getting ready to find some sun! As family lawyers, we see…
How to sort out your money during a divorce
Navigating through the complexities of a divorce can be daunting, particularly when it comes to disentangling your financial lives. Here,…
Divorce and investment in commercial property
Siân McKernon, a solicitor in our Family team, and Francesca Padilla, a solicitor in our Commercial property team, explore how…
Pool of one redundancy unfair
The Employment Appeal Tribunal (Mr. Valimulla v Al-Khair Foundation (June 2024)) has given HR managers and employment lawyers a further…
Employment status of volunteers
Employment status of volunteers – Groom v Maritime and Coastguard Agency (EAT May 2024)
Mr Groom was a volunteer in…
The correct date for assessing disability
The Employment Appeal Tribunal in Mr Hafeez Ahmed v Department for Work and Pensions (June 2024) serves as an important…
Contract agency workers discrimination claims
Contract agency workers had no claim against end user Principal over pay: Boohene and Ors v Royal Parks Ltd
The recent…
Personal liability of agents
The principle of personal liability applies to agents of suppliers of people or services to end users, as is illustrated…
Personal liability of managers for discrimination
The Employment Appeal Tribunal has made it clear that tribunals have no discretion in finding (or not finding) a contravention…
Delays at the Land Registry – What this means for you
You have completed your property transaction, this may be the purchase of your first home, the transfer of a property…
How can I save on paying Inheritance Tax?
As private client lawyers, the most frequent question we are asked is ‘how can I save on paying Inheritance Tax?’ …
Independent schools’ fees in advance schemes
One of the questions that has rumbled in the background of the debate about VAT and school fees is whether…
Automatism – Time for a new approach?
Imagine if you will a quiet and ordinary suburban street. There are pavements on each side separated from the road…
Radical change to employment rights
With the Labour Party now in power, we take an in-depth look at their proposed key employment reforms. These reforms…
DfE publishes updated version of Keeping Children Safe in Education
The DfE has now released its annual draft update to Keeping Children Safe in Education (KCSIE), with the changes set…
Pride in the workplace: Anti-discrimination rights and legal protections
Nearly 20 years ago, the ECJ decision of P v S and Cornwall County Council marked the first landmark judgment…
Marriage, divorce and separation – why should you update your Will?
You may be surprised to learn that marriage, divorce and separation have different impacts on your Will. Flavia Mongiello from…
What is the Commorientes Rule?
The term ‘Commorientes’ stems from the Latin term meaning ‘those who die together’. The Commorientes Rule is an important legal…
Oxford based teacher is banned from teaching
Dr Esther Garcia Rodriguez, an Oxford based teacher is banned from teaching. She was a science teacher at the Oxford…
Understanding same-sex divorce and civil partnerships in England and Wales
Over the last 20 years, the law in England and Wales has become much more inclusive to those wishing to…
Family friendly employment rights for LGBTQ+ parents
The Equality Act 2010 enshrined discrimination laws in one piece of legislation, including laws preventing employers from discriminating based on…
Beth Hibberd – I always knew I was gay
People always ask me ‘When did you realise that you’re gay?’ and I usually answer ‘I always knew’. Because for…
Do landlords fully understand the impact of a lease with security of tenure?
Should you be fighting to exclude security of tenure from your leases? A recent high court trial, McDonald’s Restaurants Ltd…
Pride and pronouns
I don’t use pronouns in my email signature and when I was asked to write this article as part of…
Equitable employment opportunities for all
At Moore Barlow we are working hard to put socio-economic diversity, equity and inclusion at the heart of our business and…
Financial order: do I need one when divorcing or dissolving a civil partnership?
When navigating the complexities of divorce or dissolving a civil partnership, understanding the importance of a financial order is crucial.…
Divorce or dissolution without financial settlement
Understanding divorce or dissolution without a financial settlement
What is a financial settlement?
A financial settlement refers to the financial…
LGBTQ+ Family Law FAQs
The law within England and Wales has evolved towards gender neutrality, with civil partnerships being possible from 2005 and same…
Why Italians with assets in England and Wales need an English Will
For Italians who own assets in England and Wales, having both an English Will and an Italian Will is crucial…
What happens to children in same-sex separation
Divorce or separation can be a challenging time for any family. Navigating Same-sex separation or divorce in England and Wales…
Self-assessment tax returns
For any person who is required to submit a self-assessment tax return for the 2023-24 tax year (which concluded on…
Considering surrogacy as a route to parenthood
Having a child through surrogacy is a life changing and exciting process, and it is a route to parenthood available…
Isabelle Balch – My personal story
It’s crazy to think that through all the exams I have taken, job interviews I have had and even jumping…
Property ownership guide for same-sex couples
There are two commonly held “myths” regarding the ownership of a residential property with another person, such as your partner…
Same-sex couples and estate planning
According to the Office of National Statistics (ONS), it is estimated that 3.3% of the UK population aged 16 and…
The Leasehold and Freehold Reform Act 2024 – what does it mean for you?
The much-awaited Leasehold and Freehold Reform Act 2024 (the Act) received Royal Assent on Friday 24 May 2024 and was…
Protecting your children’s future through estate and succession planning
As parents, ensuring the well-being and security of our children is paramount. It is essential to consider estate and succession…
Brain injury services in Surrey
As part of this Headway’s Action for Brain Injury Week, Moore Barlow’s serious injury lawyers in the Guildford office wanted…
The Birth Trauma Inquiry Report
The Birth Trauma Inquiry Report is the result of the 6 week All Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) inquiry, led by…
How can I fund my divorce?
With the current economic climate, there is increasing awareness around proportionate costs for clients, and how to fund legal fees…
Understanding the ‘one couple, one lawyer’ approach in divorce
Divorce proceedings often prove to be intricate and costly, frequently accompanied by significant disputes. The importance of choosing the right…
The Judicial College Guidelines and its role in personal injury claims
One of the first questions asked by clients at the start of their personal injury claim is how much compensation…
The impact of traumatic brain injury on familial relationships
What is a traumatic brain injury?
A traumatic brain injury (TBI) occurs when a sudden trauma causes damage to the…
What is Inheritance Tax?
My colleague, Felicity John wrote an article on How can inheritance tax be paid if there is no cash available…
A jury note prompts the coroner to take action to avoid future deaths
Our trainee Olivia Smith attended the criminal trial of R -v- Elizabeth Avorga where Ms Avorga was charged with causing…
Recent employment law cases
Disability discrimination: reasonable adjustments
Our experience of dealing with disability discrimination claims since the advent of the legislation in the…
How can inheritance tax be paid if there is no cash available in the estate?
Personal representatives are liable for the inheritance tax payable on assets passing under a deceased’s will or under the rules…
Increased planning flexibility for agricultural buildings
Amendments to Class Q (agricultural buildings to dwellinghouses) and Class R (agricultural buildings to a flexible commercial use) of Part…
What are the changes to the Planning Enforcement Regime?
With all the planning headlines being taken up on the Biodiversity Net Gain, it can be hard to keep track…
Inevitable move to compulsory NCDR if the new Family Procedure Rules fail to divert cases away from the court
The Family Procedure (Amendment No 2) Rules 2023 are effective from Monday 29th April 2024. Here we cover what the…
Statutory employment law changes
The carer’s leave regulations 2024
From day one of employment an employee who has a dependent with a long-term care…
IR 35 reforms make PSC intermediary contracting more attractive
Two statutory initiatives have been taken by the government in the Spring budget to make contracting through personal service companies…
Family arbitration FAQs
Arbitration has been used in a commercial setting for a long time, now family arbitration is becoming increasingly popular for…
The benefits of mediation in personal injury litigation
What is mediation and how does it differ from a joint settlement meeting?
Mediation and joint settlement meetings are both…
Who remembers the Highway Code?
If you have taken your driving test you may have fond memories of cramming in the Highway Code prior to…
Transfer property from joint names to one person after divorce
A couple will hold multiple assets, and if their relationship breaks down, the financial ties need to be unwoven. This…
Buying a listed building
When buying a listed building, prospective buyers are often confronted with complicated legal jargon. Among these terms for listed properties,…
Agricultural Landlord and Tenant Code of Practice for England – advice for landlords, tenants and professional advisers
The new Agricultural Landlord and Tenant Code of Practice for England was published this month (April 2024), with a keen…
Ramadan reflections – Navigating religious holidays as a young legal professional
As Ramadan draws to a close, Muslims around the world prepare to celebrate Eid ul-Fitr to commemorate the end of…
What is divorce coaching? Your key questions answered
There are many ways we can support you through your divorce or separation.
Having retired as a lawyer I wanted…
An update for landowners on residential tenancies
The legal landscape for residential tenancies has changed significantly in recent years, and navigating the pitfalls and challenges is a…
The importance of a land registry title plan
In the realm of rural property transactions, the significance of meticulous attention to detail cannot be overstated. One critical aspect…
Finding a Notary Public can be like searching for a needle in a haystack
Our landed estates and farming team is very pleased to be able to offer notarial services via Solicitor, Louise Williams,…
Introduction to the Electronic Communications Code for landowners
What is the Electronic Communications Code?
The Electronic Communications Code (Schedule 3A of the Communications Act 2003 as part of…
Lasting Power of Attorney for rural businesses
What is a Lasting Power of Attorney?
A Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA) is a legal document that allows the…
Environmental Permits for Domestic Sewage Discharge
When buying a residential property not connected to mains sewage, care must be taken to check whether a small sewage…
Is Biodiversity Net Gain a viable source of diversification?
The Government has now brought into force (on 12 February 2024) the long-expected measure to ensure that the replacement of…
Amending a governing document
Earlier this month, the latest phase of the Charities Act 2022 was brought into force. This includes further harmonisation of…
Family friendly legislation – Upcoming changes to family leave
As 2024 gets well underway, we take a look at several employment law changes that come into effect this year.…
Heat of the moment resignations
The recent Employment Appeal Tribunal (the “EAT”) decision in the case of Omar v Epping Forest District Citizens Advice has…
Government draft code on ‘fire and re-hire’ updated
The Government published its updated draft Code of Practice on dismissal and re-engagement (colloquially known as ‘fire and re-hire’) on…
NHS Ombudsman says there are still “too many examples of care not being safe”
In an interview with the Guardian, the Chair of the Parliamentary and Health Service Ombudsman, Mr Rob Behrens, discussed some…
Are you ready for the new employment rates and limits?
With April 2024 approaching, it is important that schools ensure they are ready for the annual increases to the employment…
What is the Victims’ Code?
The Victims’ Code is a useful document setting out what victims of crime may expect of those who work within…
Can a neighbour erect scaffolding on your property?
What are your rights when a neighbours scaffolding has been erected on your side of a boundary?
More often than…
How to use restrictive covenants in commercial contracts
What are restrictive covenants?
Restrictive covenants are contractual clauses which protect one party’s (the beneficiary’s) key commercial interests. These covenants…
NSI regime – Understanding the new National Security Framework
The United Kingdom implemented an expansive national security regime on 4 January 2022, marking a significant milestone following the passage…
Wasted management time – What can you claim for?
A great deal time can be taken up dealing with the consequences of a wrongful act. For example, a business…
International Woman’s Day – Inspire Inclusion
International Women’s Day, celebrated globally on March 8th, promotes a gender equal world. A world free of bias, stereotypes, and…
What is a partnership agreement and why do I need one?
If you are entering into a business partnership, it is important that you each agree on how the business will…
What are tag along & drag along rights?
Tag-along and drag-along rights are important clauses commonly found in shareholders’ agreements and / or the articles of association of…
Multiple Dwellings Relief to be abolished from 1 June 2024 – your key questions answered
It has been announced by the government in the 2024 Spring Budget that Stamp Duty Land Tax (‘SDLT’) Multiple Dwellings…
Is divorce declining?
The number of divorces in England and Wales has fallen to its lowest rate since 1971 according to figures released …
What is a settlement meeting?
Although issuing a legal claim may ultimately result in a formal trial, the vast majority of issued claims are resolved…
How can you tell if a “very odd will” is a forged Will or is simply unusual?
In a recent case at Chelmsford Crown Court, Luke D’Wit faced allegations that he poisoned and murdered the Baxter’s (millionaire…
Can you dispose of equipment left behind by an outgoing tenant?
An outgoing tenant left equipment behind – can I sell it? The lease will generally oblige the tenant to remove…
How do you deal with a deceased’s estate?
When a loved one passes away, they leave their estate behind. Every person’s estate is different and therefore it can…
World Encephalitis Day: Championing enhanced training for medical professionals
Recognising and treating encephalitis promptly can be the difference between life and death, or disability. It’s evident there’s an urgent…
Are you prepared for a health emergency?
In recent weeks the Royal Family have shown that they are as susceptible as the rest of us to health-related…
Securing your future: An essential guide to Consent Orders in divorce
Many wonder about the necessity of a Consent Order, especially when it comes to achieving a ‘clean break’ from financial…
Damaged frozen embryos – do you have a compensation claim?
Guy’s Hospital have revealed that faulty freezing fluid has been used on embryos in September and October 2022. The result…
Is it an end of an era for video witnessing wills?
COVID-19, with no doubt, led to some confusion on how Wills were to be signed and witnessed, whilst adhering to…
Can the court force me to mediate?
Mediation is a popular form of alternative dispute resolution (‘ADR’). There are others including arbitration, adjudication and expert determination. Mediation…
Buying a house with room for a home office
Following the Covid-19 pandemic, the desire for a dedicated workspace at home has become increasingly prevalent. As a result, lots…
Buying a property with a swimming pool – everything you need to know
If you are buying a new home, you may be considering buying a property with a swimming pool. Or perhaps…
Why you should instruct a specialist in a fatal collision claim
I have been reflecting on two related cases where we were instructed in a civil insurance claim by the families…
Traumatic strokes and road accidents
My name is Matt Tuff. I am a Senior Associate solicitor in the Major Trauma Department at Moore Barlow. Today…
Mental capacity following a traumatic brain injury
My name is Matt Tuff and I am a Senior Associate solicitor in the Major Trauma Department at Moore Barlow.…
Can a beneficiary challenge a solicitor’s fees incurred through administering an estate?
It appears that a beneficiary can challenge a solicitor’s fees incurred through administering an estate, after the Court of Appeal…
Why reporting medical conditions to the DVLA can save lives on our roads
The DVLA require those with a driving licence to notify them of reportable medical conditions so that they can consider…
Part 36 Offer in settlement of a personal injury claim
What to do when your opponent makes a strategic early Part 36 Offer in settlement of a Personal Injury claim?…
Who can I bring to Family Mediation?
Family mediation is a holistic approach to conflict resolution. Unlike adversarial methods like going to court, it emphasises collaboration and…
Why do I need a Mediation Information and Assessment Meeting (MIAM)?
Embarking on the journey of family mediation marks a pivotal decision in resolving disputes amicably. Family mediation is a voluntary…
Is paternity fraud a crime in the UK?
Paternity fraud is a relatively new area of claim which has a huge impact on all members of the families…
New holiday rules that apply to part-year and irregular hours workers
The Employment Rights (Amendment, Revocation and Transitional Provision) Regulations 2023 (the Regulations), which were published at the end of last…
Where does the Supreme Court’s Judgment leave us in secondary victim claims in the medical negligence setting?
What are secondary victim claims?
Secondary victim claims are brought by individuals who have witnessed death or injury (or threat…
Draft transgender guidance for schools – the key points explained
This long awaited and delayed government draft transgender guidance for schools was finally published on 19 December 2023. It’s called…
Planning permission rules for developments
Achieving planning permission can be an uphill struggle for developers. You have probably visualised the project and built it in…
Should I consider taking venture capital into my business?
It’s worth saying, a business has done well even to merit asking this question. But, once it reaches a certain…
The recognition of international divorce
Current landscape of international divorce
By the year ending June 2021, there were 6 million people living in the UK…
The fundamentals of making a personal injury claim
In any personal injury claim, investigating negligence is a crucial phase for both parties when it comes to determining fault…
Supporting co-parents at Christmas – how we can help
With Christmas fast-approaching, it is a good time to reflect on a difficult issue – how to co-parent through separation.…
How can the court assist unmarried couples and families upon relationship breakdown?
Whilst couples and parents sadly going through relationship breakdown always hope that they will resolve any dispute in an amicable…
Anticipating change: The future of cohabitation law in the UK
Family lawyers were understandably disappointed when, at the end of 2022, the Government rejected calls to reform the law relating…
Christmas means different things for different people
Christmas – it can be the most wonderful day of the year for all ages. During the challenges we have…
What are the property rights for unmarried couples?
Setting up home with a new partner can be and should be a very exciting time. You have your whole…
To stay or leave the Teachers’ Pension Scheme
To stay or leave the Teachers’ Pension Scheme as employer contribution rate rise to 28.6%
Recently, the Government announced a…
Updated guidance on managing sick leave in school
Schools should be aware of the recent guidance issued to help employers in managing sick leave in school, particularly as…
Understanding company dividends: a comprehensive overview
As a shareholder, understanding the details surrounding dividends is not just beneficial but essential for making informed decisions regarding your…
How can I resolve a dispute between myself and my ex-partner?
When cohabiting couples find themselves in the unfortunate situation of their relationship breaking down, an already stressful and turbulent time…
When do couples need a cohabitation agreement?
Moving in together is an exciting time, a new chapter in a relationship. In the UK more modern-day families consist…
What duty does a car driver owe to a pedestrian?
The law places a much heavier obligation on drivers than it does on pedestrians when using the roads. A car…
Locked box transactions: Understanding the locked box mechanism
What is the locked box mechanism?
The locked box mechanism is a pricing approach used in company acquisitions that simplifies…
The Inheritance on Channel 5
A month on since the last episode of Channel 5 The Inheritance aired, which you can still stream on catch…
How do I check who the shareholders of a company are?
How often is shareholder information updated?
Every private company limited by shares is legally required to notify Companies House of…
What are the pros and cons of different corporate structures?
It is important to select the right corporate structure for you and your business. This article outlines the main types…
Bank of Mum & Dad – Helping children onto the property ladder
It can be quite common for people to provide financial assistance to their adult children (or grandchildren); particularly when they…
Changes to the National Minimum Wage exemption for live-in domestic workers
Currently the law states that there is no entitlement to the National Minimum Wage (NMW) in respect of work done…
Post termination restrictions in employment contracts
It is an inevitable part of the working world that employees will leave. This can be for any number of…
Workers have new rights for predictable terms and conditions
A Bill giving workers the right to request more predictable terms and conditions in their working pattern has received royal…
A landlord’s guide to the Building Safety Act 2022
Landlords have a significant responsibility to ensure the safety of their tenants, and the Building Safety Act 2022 introduces important…
Buying a property which has planning permission – everything you need to know
Recently we have seen a rise in enquiries from individuals looking to purchase land or property with the benefit of…
Master the festive season with mindset and work-life balance strategies for success
Sarah Kerr is a Transformational Life and Wellbeing Coach, and Relaxation, Meditation and Mindfulness Instructor. She’s enthusiastic about sharing the…
How do leavers impact earn-out provisions?
Whilst it might not jump out at you as being the trendiest of topics, leavers and earn-out provisions can be…
Investment forecast for 2024 – How will your portfolio grow?
2024 promises to be dynamic for investments, with huge opportunities for growth marked by significant shifts in various industries and…
What would invalidate a Section 21 notice for possession?
If you are a landlord seeking to regain possession of your residential property, you may be familiar with the Section…
Creating a Lasting Power of Attorney – the benefits of using a professional
What is a Lasting Power of Attorney?
Lasting Powers of Attorney (LPAs) are legal documents that allow you to appoint…
Celebrating Black History Month & “Supporting our Sisters”
To coincide with this year’s Black History Month, I reflect on my journey to mother’s childhood home, and how she…
Menopause in the workplace – hot flush about nothing?
You would think that it didn’t need to be spelt out that more than half of the population are going…
Sight loss claims – How has Moore Barlow improved patient safety nationwide?
For World Sight Day, the medical negligence team reflects on the devastating consequences of avoidable sight loss, and how legal…
The challenges of owning a thatched property
When considering buying a new property prospective owners dream of a simple transaction. Thatched properties can now seem to be…
Commercial rent arrears recovery
How might a landlord preserve their right to forfeit a lease when taking commercial rent arrears recovery action? It is…
Buying a property with an electric car charging point – everything you need to know
Some properties benefit from an electric car charging point which reflects the increased use of electric vehicles as modes of…
Can you bury a body on private land? Your key questions answered
We recently had a very interesting case land on our desks! Without going into too much detail (and we assure…
Buying, owning and refinancing land adjoining an unadopted road – everything you need to know
Landowners will be familiar with using existing unadopted roads as they invariably form part of, adjoin or provide a means…
The Crooked House pub: planning laws and consequences of breach for Britain’s wonkiest pub
You may have seen recently seen that The Crooked House, located near Dudley burnt down on 5 August 2023. It…
Wills – Fact or Fiction?
Several surveys carried out in 2023 have shown that at least half of the UK adult population do not have…
Can carbon farming provide a stable source of income?
Increasing understanding of carbon credits and their role is vital to the importance of addressing the global climate crisis. This…
Advising rural family businesses – the importance of empathetic legal advice
Moore Barlow invite our rural family business clients to think about the story of their family business. How it started,…
Sophie Turner and Joe Jonas – Where will the children live?
The current media reporting on the ongoing dispute between Sophie Turner and Joe Jonas is attracting the attention of many.…
Disclosure letters and why they are important
Disclosure letters are an important document in mergers and acquisitions. It is produced by the seller and enables them to…
Company House identity verification
After some delays, the Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Bill (ECCT Bill) is currently expected to receive Royal Assent this…
Martha’s rule – how will this work in practice?
What is Martha’s rule?
Martha’s rule would give patients the right to a second medical opinion or assessment where they…
Statutory advertisements in probate
Executors have many responsibilities – one being to notify potential creditors and beneficiaries of the death. This can be done…
Claiming for care and assistance following an injury
When a person has been involved in an accident which has resulted in personal injury, more likely than not that…
What is an intra-group reorganisation?
An intra-group reorganisation is the transfer of shares in a target company from one member of a group to another,…
Khurram’s reflections on his work placement year
Hi all, it’s me again, the work placement student! Sadly, my time at Moore Barlow has now come to an end,…
Trust documents – Rights of beneficiaries and obligations of trustees
When advising beneficiaries or trustees about their respective positions, the question of who may be entitled to trust documents pertaining…
Fixed recoverable costs regime extended
On 21 July 2023, a new consultation was published by the Ministry of Justice (MoJ), closing on 08 September 2023. …
A shareholders’ agreement is like a company prenup
What is a shareholders’ agreement?
A shareholders’ agreement (“SHA” for short) is like a prenuptial agreement for your company; a…
Let’s talk about sex and the complexities that may arise following a traumatic brain injury
When an individual sustains a traumatic brain injury it can cause a range of cognitive, physical, emotional, and behavioural issues.…
Can I deal with my foreign holiday home in an English Will?
The quick answer, it depends. Unfortunately, leaving foreign property under your English Will is not as straightforward as it seems.…
How do I claim against an uninsured or untraceable driver?
Where a person is involved in a road traffic accident and there is a clear offending party along with associated…
Delay may invalidate a landlord’s Section 20 consultation
An unreasonable delay may amount to a breach in the consultation requirements; resulting in the landlord being limited under the Regulations…
How should schools handle transgender issues in the absence of long-awaited government guidance?
Long-awaited government guidance for single sex schools on transgender issues has been trailed over recent months. This guidance was expected…
The most common consequences of sustaining a brain injury
Sustaining a brain injury or head injury as a result of an accident can have life-changing consequences. The brain is…
The complexities of dealing with a brain injury claim
Dealing with a brain injury compensation claim can be much more complex than a normal personal injury claim. Brain injuries…
The power of giving: Philanthropy that makes a lasting impact on society
Bill Gates is one of the world’s best-known philanthropists. Since 2000, he has given away more than US$53 billion to…
The dos and don’ts of art investment – putting you in the picture
If you’ve ever been stopped in your tracks by a stunning piece of art in a gallery window – or…
How to make a personal injury claim in England and Wales
If you have been involved in an accident that has resulted in personal injury in England, you may be entitled…
How damages are calculated in personal injury claims
If you have been involved in an accident that has resulted in personal injury in England, you may be entitled…
Healing from birth trauma – what support is available?
Welcoming a child into the world is always a time for celebration, but for many mothers it can also, sadly,…
Employer’s guide to right to work checks
All UK employers have a duty to prevent illegal working and therefore the law prescribes that right to work checks…
The increasing cost of dying
As everyone is aware, interest rates are on the way up. However, not everyone realises that rising interest rates are…
What is sexual harassment in the workplace?
Legislation relating to sex discrimination and sexual harassment in the workplace has been a part of UK equality law for…
Exploring the Cauda Equina Syndrome pathway
Get It Right First Time (GIRFT) is a national programme designed to improve patient care in the NHS by reducing…
Settlement agreement guide
It is common to hear about large scale redundancies, or dismissals, in the news. Indeed, it is often the case…
Employment (allocation of tips) Act 2023
What you need to know about the allocation of tips bill
On 2nd May 2023, the Employment (allocation of tips) Act…
What is probate and when is it needed?
When a loved one dies there is a lot to think about and so it can be difficult to know…
Automatism defence in RTA claims
The automatism defence has been a contested issue in personal injury claims for some time and has become a commonly…
Government announced measures to combat the increase in children vaping
Schools have noticed a significant increase in children vaping on school premises.
This has been concern among schools and parents…
Capital Gains Tax UK Property Disposal Returns
It was recently the third anniversary of the Government introducing a new type of tax return: the Capital Gains Tax…
DfE publishes updated guidance on action plans for independent schools
We are aware of a recent increase in the number of independent schools failing ISI inspections, with a growing trend…
Charity Commission updates its guidance on internal financial controls
The Charity Commission’s guidance note on Internal Financial Controls (CC8) is relevant for all schools that are registered charities. The…
New guidance from ACAS on reasonable adjustments for mental health
ACAS has recently published new guidance on making reasonable adjustments for mental health. The link to the ACAS guidance is here.…
School chaplain’s claim for religious discrimination is rejected
In the recent case of Randall v Trent College Ltd and others ET/2600288/2020, an employment tribunal rejected a school chaplain’s claim for belief or religion…
VAT and fees in advance schemes
A look at Labour’s proposals for VAT and fees in advance schemes, on school fees and what schools can do…
Teacher banned from profession after misgendering pupil
A professional misconduct panel of The Teaching Regulation Agency (TRA) has prohibited a maths teacher, Mr Joshua Sutcliffe, from teaching…
Charities Act 2022 – everything you need to know about the changes to charity land disposals
As charity trustees will be aware, charities must comply with certain legal requirements before they sell, lease or mortgage land.…
Personal injury liability waiver
Liability waivers – Are they worth the paper they are printed on? If you have ever joined a gym, taken part…
Are you receiving care or are you a carer?
Last week, 5th to 11th June was Carers Week. Carers Week is an annual campaign to highlight the numerous challenges…
Managing legal affairs for someone with dementia
Dementia UK advises that there are currently 900,000 people living with dementia in the UK, with the numbers set to…
Striking Accord? Divorce using the same lawyer
Family law practitioners continue to make strides to find alternative methods of resolving family law issues and Moore Barlow remain…
Don’t just aspire to climb the ladder – Aspire to be the ladder
At the age of 17, I started work for a law firm as an Outdoor clerk. By the age of…
How does creating a Will relate to a Disney movie?
In the magical world of Disney, tales of adventure, romance, and self-discovery often captivate audiences of all ages. Amidst the…
Senior appointment and office opening set to bolster Moore Barlow Surrey footprint
Southeast-based law firm Moore Barlow has made a key hire for its Surrey commercial property team and and also announced…
The capacity and mental health of farmers
Terry Pratchett, the well known author of fantasy novels once wrote that “those of us with dementia need a little…
Listed Buildings are not always exempt from EPC requirements or MEES
We have seen an increase in enquiries lately from our landowning client base with residential letting property portfolios questioning whether…
Lisa Marie Presley’s Will challenged by her mother
Lisa Marie Presley, Elvis’ only child, died unexpectedly at aged 54 after suffering cardiac arrest at her home in Southern…
Restrictive covenants and employee competition
In the recent case of Boydell v NZP Ltd and others, the Court of Appeal considered the severability (or “blue pencil”)…
Are employees entitled to flexible working?
One of the significant changes that we have seen in recent years is the broad acceptance that office working Monday-to-Friday…
Enhanced protection and benefits for employees on maternity leave
There are various provisions from which employees on maternity leave currently benefit and these protections are set to be increased…
2023/2024 Annual rate increases
The 2023/2024 annual rate increases came into effect on 6 April 2023.
The annual increases to the minimum wage and…
What is an unless order?
In the recent case of Minnoch and Others v Interserve FM Ltd, the Employment Appeal Tribunal (“EAT”) overturned the tribunal’s earlier…
What is the role of Venture Capital and Private Equity Institutions in the UK Financial Market?
Whether your business is a start-up or has been trading for a few years, financial security is imperative to long…
The Coronation Emblem: ‘royalty free’ usage and restrictions
How are you planning on celebrating the King’s coronation on 6th May 2023? Whether you are attending a street party or…
Tech companies preparing for growth
Insight bite: Tech companies preparing for growth
Despite ongoing economic uncertainty, tech firms remain focused on growth, with a large…
Rules of Intestacy: The lion’s share of the estate
We all know and love Walt Disney’s The Lion King, but for those that have been living under (pride) rock,…
Pathological fatigue brought on by traumatic brain injury
This blog is part of a brain injury series and looks at pathological fatigue brought on by traumatic brain injury.…
Post traumatic epilepsy caused by brain injury
This blog is part of a brain injury series and discusses epilepsy caused by brain injury. This is often known…
Protect your property against fraud with Land Registry property alerts
All property owners in England and Wales can set up property alerts with the Land Registry to notify them of…
The protection of trees by Tree Preservation Orders
When owning property of any kind where there are trees, or possibly only one tree, you must take care when…
Mortgages over farm assets – 10 years on
On 20 March 2013, the then Chancellor, George Osborne, announced a significant change on how debts are allowed or relieved…
Mixed-use relief for SDLT: HMRC loses – for once
Charlotte Brackley considers two recent Stamp Duty Land Tax (SDLT) cases brought against HMRC and the potential implications for buyers…
Go your own way: Farmland rights of way
Prepared for South East Farmer and published in their March edition, Sarah Jordan, partner and head of the rural estate…
State of play for businesses
Insight bite: State of play for businesses
Business leaders have weathered storm after storm over the past year. Despite recent…
Is there a link between traumatic brain injury and dementia
This blog is part of a brain injury series and focusses on the question of whether there might be a…
The Charity Commission puts its regulatory powers into practice – a cautionary tale
Inquiry into Rhema Church London
Charity trustees are often worried about what the Charity Commission might do if they get…
Proposed changes to security of tenure for commercial landlords and tenants
The current law
Part II of the Landlord and Tenant Act 1954 (the Act) provides tenants of commercial properties in England…
A welcome change in Capital Gains Tax for divorcing couples
For many couples, the thought of having to pay large tax bills when transferring assets as part of a divorce…
Changes to EPC and MEES regulations
Attention Commercial Landlords – EPC and MEES regulations are tightening from 1 April 2023 – are you prepared?
The Government…
Cognitive effects after a brain injury
This article and podcast looks at the cognitive effects after a brain injury and is part of a brain injury series.…
Wealth planning in an uncertain world
Insight bites: Wealth planning in an uncertain world
Seismic economic shifts in the UK and globally are driving a renewed…
Building back hospitality
Insight bites: Building back hospitality
The pandemic, Brexit and rampant inflation have hit hospitality hard. Staff are harder to come…
How to increase rent for a UK rental property
As a landlord in the UK, increasing the rent of your rental property is a common way to keep up…
Patient backlogs in ophthalmology care – a healthcare emergency?
Given the busy news agenda over the last few days, a significant piece of news about patient backlogs in ophthalmology…
HNW families feeling the pinch
Insight bites: Family matters
A new survey revealed that HNW families are far from immune from the impacts of the…
Bereavement in schools
There is a new petition to add content on death, dying and bereavement to the national curriculum which has now…
Safeguarding and social media in schools
Many parents looked to schools for help when Andrew Tate’s profile blew up on social media which spread dangerous and…
Employment rates and limits
Stay updated with the rising employment rates and limits.
As April 2023 approaches, schools should ensure they are ready for…
Update on the Charities Act 2022
The majority of independent schools in England are registered charities, which means that they need to comply with charity law…
Japanese knotweed – a cautionary tale from a recent case
If you have ever been involved in a property transaction whether buying, selling or even acting for clients, you would…
Community Infrastructure Levy and the self-build exemption – everything you need to know
To self-build or not to self-build, that is the question! For many landowners, obtaining planning consent for development on their…
What are the legal considerations when buying or selling a house with a wood burner?
Given the rise in electricity and gas prices, there has been a recent drive in the installation of wood burners…
Agricultural tenancy considerations: your key legal update
The last year has seen an enormous number of measures putting into effect the Agricultural Transition Plan, many of which…
The due diligence process in mergers and acquisitions
Mergers and acquisitions will almost always involve significant amounts of due diligence. This is because the buyer will want to…
Testicular torsion is a surgical emergency
Testicular torsion is a surgical emergency. It happens when the spermatic cord, which provides blood flow to the testicle, rotates and…
Moore Barlow’s Private wealth team celebrates IWD23
In celebration of International Women’s Day 2023 some of the women in the Private Wealth team have shared their experiences…
Three voices embrace equity on International Women’s Day 2023
International Women’s Day provides an opportunity to celebrate achievements but also to recognise that inequity continues to exist when it…
An evening with the younger generation
I was invited by the Lady Nafisa Secondary School to speak about my career path since leaving school. The event…
What happens to your employees when you sell your business
For every business owner, whether you own a small family run company or a muti-national corporation, there may come a…
Year end tax planning
With the final day of the tax year (5 April 2023) just a few weeks away, it is that time…
The UK demands more information from its corporates
The Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Bill 2022 should receive Royal Assent (that is, become law in the UK) this spring.
The UK was one of…
Licensee successfully argues for an implied term in a Formula One case
In a recent decision, the English High Court has, unusually, agreed with a licensee that it was entitled to an…
Common misconceptions about Wills and Probate
The legalities surrounding inheritance are often complex and naturally there are various misconceptions that people have around wills and probate…
How to train your AI Dragon
The rapid increase in AI tools can create works of art, prose, music and film has raised concern in the…
Help from the courts with ransomware
The valuable intellectual property of businesses in the tech sector, alongside their potential service roles and access to sensitive customer…
Company directors’ duty to creditors
In the UK, directors have a duty to act in the best interests of the company and its creditors. This…
Common mistake and the allocation of risk
One key purpose of a contract is to allow enforcement and performance of what has been agreed between the two…
Seatbelt law and the consequence of not wearing one
It is well established that where seatbelts are fitted in a car they should be worn so it is a…
Guardianship clauses in wills
Update Your Will week 2023 is from 23 to 29 January, and is hosted by Solicitors For the Elderly. If you don’t…
My graduate placement experience with Moore Barlow
Hello – I’m Khurram, a law student at the University of Surrey currently on a placement year with Moore Barlow.…
What is co-mediation and how can it help resolve family disputes?
The co-mediation model is where a lawyer mediator works alongside a mediator from a therapeutic background such as therapist, counsellor…
Do I need a solicitor to apply for a Grant of Probate?
You have discovered you are an Executor but you are not sure what this will involve and whether you will…
Government consultation launched on holiday entitlement for part-year workers
In July 2022, the Supreme Court issued its long-awaited judgment in the case of Harpur Trust v Brazel. Mrs Brazel…
Time is money as demand surges for vintage watch investment
As 007 creator Ian Fleming once remarked: “A gentleman’s choice of timepiece says as much about him as does his…
The rules for private e-scooters
The rules for private e-scooters have not changed. It is against the law to use a privately owned e-scooter on…
Will the UK introduce a four-day working week?
The COVID-19 pandemic has led to increased support among workers for a four-day working week with no loss of pay.…
Understanding employee data and GDPR: A guide to data protection compliance in the UK workplace
Subject to any big Brexit changes in the near future, the UK GDPR and Data Protection Act 2018 (DPA) together…
Upcoming 2023 employment legislation
Following on our recent Looking Back, Going Forward seminar in our Woking office, this article looks at some of the…
Blame over. The future of divorce law
Jo Farrands, partner and head of the family team, reflects on the changing face of divorce law and looks at what’s…
Lifetime residential tenancies
How to make lifetime residential tenancies work for both landlords and tenants.
We are well versed in the Moore Barlow…
Farming and land transactions during a recession
With the phasing out of BPS subsidies and the added pressure of a dip in the economy in 2023, we…
Agricultural tenants in financial difficulty
What can agricultural Landlords do if their tenants run into financial difficulty?
The answer to this question will depend upon…
What Is ESG – Environmental, Social, and Governance – and where did it come from?
The recent COP27 conference has been another reminder of the importance to us all of sustainability and the drive to…
Redundancy pools of one – proceed with caution
What significance do the very recent cases of Mogane v Bradford Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust (EAT) and, as we…
Succession planning – why I do what I do
The author PG Wodehouse once wrote “it was a confusion of ideas between him and one of the lions he…
Harpur Trust and holiday pay for part-year workers – what have we learned so far?
Since the issuing of the Supreme Court’s decision in the Harpur Trust v Brazel case on holiday entitlement and pay…
New guidance on preventing hair discrimination in schools
The Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC) published guidance in October stating that preventing school pupils from wearing their hair…
Behaviour in schools guidance – what should schools be doing now?
The Department for Education has recently issued updated “Behaviour in schools” guidance. Importantly, this updated guidance now explicitly states that…
What does the Independent Inquiry into Child Sexual Abuse report mean for independent schools?
The Independent Inquiry into Child Sexual Abuse (IICSA) released its long-awaited final report on 20 October 2022. It sets out…
Risks to tax reliefs for independent schools: could charitable foundations be the answer?
At the 2022 Labour Party Conference, Shadow Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson repeated Labour’s plans to “end the tax breaks private…
Autumn statement 2022
The Chancellor has given his Autumn Statement. Given the current economic challenges – regarding the pandemic, and the war in Ukraine,…
What happens to a family business in divorce?
You started out on your own but, through hard work and determination, you’ve built your business from a side-project into…
What will happen to my pension if I get divorced?
This year, many people will be concerned about the uncertainty surrounding the value of their pension funds arising from difficult…
The lesser-known nil paid share incentive
For private companies, the most common share incentive route often involves Enterprise Management Incentive (EMI) options or growth shares, both…
The top five most invested industries of 2022
The diverse panorama of investment opportunities can make personal investing a complex arena to navigate.
Whether you’re looking to make…
Benefit of representation at an inquest
The Coronial process is an important one to those families bereaved following an unexpected death such as arising from a…
Inheritance tax update – when to report to HMRC
The Inheritance Tax (Delivery of Accounts) (Excepted Estates) (Amendment) Regulations 2020 came into force in 1 January 2022 and they…
The cost of living crisis and relationship breakdown
All the news at the moment seems to be that energy bills are going up, shopping is getting more expensive,…
What are estate accounts and why are they important?
When someone dies, one of the first steps for the personal representatives is to establish what assets and liabilities are…
How do employers protect their trans and gender-fluid employees?
When Liz Truss was Minister for Women and Equalities, a year before she campaigned to become Prime Minister, one of…
Can my partner and I use the same lawyer to get divorced?
A limited number of family lawyers are now providing a service whereby a couple can use one lawyer to advise…
Moore Barlow Black history month
The Diversity and Inclusion (“D&I”) committee at Moore Barlow LLP, supported by our wonderful marketing, IT and admin teams, wanted…
Lawyer and working mum – Is it possible?
Right from the start, I have always loved being a lawyer. I have always been organised, driven and hard-working, and,…
Words from the wise…10 top tips from business leaders
“Be not afraid of greatness. Some are born great, some achieve greatness, and others have greatness thrust upon them.”
Wise…
Economic Crime (Transparency and Enforcement) Act 2022 – Property and HM land registry
The new Economic Crime (Transparency and Enforcement) Act 2022 came into force on 1 August 2022.
The new Register of…
Inherited properties and stamp duty land tax
Inherited properties and the extra 3% stamp duty land tax (SDLT) charge: When could you be caught by the uplift?…
Rural property notary public services
Our Rural Services team is very pleased to announce that we will soon be offering notarial services. Louise Williams, who…
ID and source of funds checks
As solicitors, we are duty bound to protect your interests as clients and to protect any money that we hold…
Changes in red diesel legislation: how does it affect your farm business and home?
HMRC and the Government have made changes to the rules surrounding usage of rebated fuels, the most common in the…
Negative Glassdoor reviews
Negative Glassdoor reviews can have a serious impact on employers. Such reviews might make it harder for employers to recruit…
World Alzheimer’s month and estate planning
Did you know that globally nearly 50 million people are living with dementia? (alzheimers.org.uk)
We believe it is important to…
Employee’s right to take time off for the queen’s funeral
Many employees are asking whether they can take time off on the additional bank holiday that has been announced on…
Can an executor charge for estate administration?
To charge or not to charge – that is the question. A case summary of Da Silva v Heselton (also known as…
What are contribution agreements?
Definition of a Contribution Agreement?
A contribution agreement is a legally binding document that allows individuals or firms to share…
The Moore Barlow Silicon Cup Regatta continues to raise funds for charity
The IT industry’s biggest sailing event is again creating a fantastic opportunity for networking and team building while fundraising for…
Is it possible to share school fees with your ex-partner?
Is it possible to make your ex-partner contribute to paying school fees?
With the start of the school year upcoming,…
Capital gains tax following a separation
Last month the Government released draft legislation in relation to changing how capital gains tax (CGT) will apply after a…
Virtual reality check –The use of VR in the medical sector
The global augmented reality, virtual reality, and mixed reality VR (collectively referred to here as “VR”) market reached 28 billion…
Unmasking anonymous reviewers
Zuru -v- Glassdoor
What is Glassdoor and how does its business model work?
Glassdoor is a US-based website operating in…
Tailoring your approach to disputes
Disputes over sums of money can be expensive to resolve, so selecting the right approach is really important to achieving…
Understanding Occupiers’ Liability Act 1957 and Occupier Liability Act: A comprehensive review of key cases
In this article, I will be discussing what are, in my opinion, some of the most useful and interesting occupiers…
The rules on defendant admissions
The is article first appeared in PI Focus Magazine – May 2021
The issue of ‘admissions’ has given rise to…
Useful tips on witness statements
The is article first appeared in PI Focus Magazine – November 2020
Matthew Tuff offers some tips on witness statements.
In any personal injury claim,…
Failure to serve a gas safety certificate at the commencement of a tenancy could now prevent the use of the s21 notice
This case law update comes off the back of Byrne v Harwood-Delgado [2022]
Facts of the case
The tenant moved…
The risk of holding a “sham” redundancy procedure
In the recent case of Rentplus UK v Coulson, the Employment Appeal Tribunal (“EAT”) upheld the Tribunal’s earlier decision to award…
Can I take my child on holiday without my ex’s consent?
“We’re all going on a summer holiday, but only if my ex gives consent too”
It’s the time of year…
Planes, trains and postal workers – What to do when they threaten to go on strike?
At the beginning of June, the National Union of Rail, Maritime and Transport Workers (“RMT”) announced that over 50,000 railway…
How to choose the right private school for your children
When it comes to giving your child the best start in life, choosing the best school to suit their individual…
Changes to holiday pay for term time only staff following the Supreme Court’s decision in Harpur Trust v Brazel
Almost three years after the Court of Appeal found in favour of Mrs Brazel in her claim against her employer,…
What is the difference between Power of Attorney and Court of Protection?
Asking the difference between a Power of Attorney and Court of Protection is a common question for people when considering…
Inheritance tax planning – What is normal out of income exemption?
Inheritance tax (IHT) is primarily a tax paid on assets upon a person’s death if their assets are above their…
Consequence of not wearing a seatbelt
In cases involving road traffic collisions, an opposing insurance company will always consider whether those bringing the claim against them…
Will new sentencing powers reduce road crashes?
The Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Act 2022 have introduced a number of changes to road traffic laws that take…
Risk-averse high-earning Brits aren’t buying into NFT hype
Recently Moore Barlow commission a survey on 250 high-net worth individuals and discovered that personal wealth among UK adults that…
The benefits of yoga for brain injury survivors
Rehabilitation following a brain injury is crucial. Yoga can be used as an integral part of this rehabilitation and the benefits…
Witnessing a traumatic event – When can a personal injury claim be made?
Many people have been unfortunate enough to witness a disturbing and traumatic event, like a road traffic accident. However, the…
The law on fatal accident claims
The is article first appeared in PI Focus Magazine – July 2020
Following the Damages for Bereavement (Variation of Sum)…
New tipping legislation put on hold
Workers and trade unions will be disappointed to learn that the plans have been shelved to introduce legislation which would…
What do private wealth lawyers do?
Private wealth lawyers advise individuals on a wide variety of personal matters providing general or specific tax advice in the…
Mental health during separation
Going through a divorce or separation is a stressful and traumatic experience, as anyone who has been through one can…
How to register an enduring power of attorney in the UK
In March we published an article entailed, Should I replace my Enduring Power of Attorney with a Lasting Power of…
Child maintenance service – Hope for the future
The Child Maintenance Service (CMS) was established in 2012 to increase levels of cooperation between separated parents and to encourage…
Child maintenance calculation: What high earners need to know
How does child maintenance work for high earners in the UK?
Both parents are financially responsible for looking after their…
Liabilities of an executor of a will
An executor, also known as a personal representative, is appointed by someone, often a relative, in their will to deal…
Charities, stay compliant with safeguarding responsibilities
At our recent charities seminar we looked at the latest legal issues facing charities. One of the topics that we examined…
Into the woods: Inheritance tax relief on woodlands
It is estimated that 72% of land in the UK is farmed but, in 2017, the AGFORWARD project estimated that…
No fault divorce – your questions answered
On 6 April 2022 the Divorce, Dissolution and Separation Bill was implemented after years of campaigning to create a no…
Stay updated: Agriculture (Lump Sum Payment) Regulations 2022
The Government produced its response in February 2022 to the consultation exercise last year on the Lump Sum Exit Scheme.…
Boundary agreement vs determined boundary – what’s the difference?
Clients often ask why an on the ground boundary differs to the red line on their land registry filed plan.…
The Ockenden report – is the NHS listening?
The final report conducted by senior midwife Donna Ockenden was published this week, with findings from her independent review of maternity services at Shrewsbury…
Thoughts on the 2022 spring statement
On Wednesday 23 March 2022, the Chancellor announced his Spring Statement. Unlike most newspapers, I won’t quite go as far…
Should you replace your Enduring Power of Attorney with a Lasting Power of Attorney?
Enduring Powers of Attorney (EPAs) were replaced by Lasting Powers of Attorney (LPAs) in October 2007. Both an EPA and a…
Arbitration in the UK
England and Wales is unquestionably one of the most popular selected destinations in terms of seats for arbitration. This article examines the domestic foundations which have…
When and how to declare an inheritance to HMRC
Updates to the Inheritance Tax (Delivery of Accounts) (Excepted Estates) (Amendment) Regulations 2020
The Inheritance Tax (Delivery of Accounts) (Excepted…
What is the difference between executors, trustee’s and administrators
Following a death, the world of the administration of an estate can be a confusing time for loved ones. There…
Exploring the proposed changes to Keeping children safe in education (KCSIE)
In January, the Department for Education put forward its proposed amendments for this September’s update to Keeping children safe in…
Teacher loses claim for assault by pupil
The Court of Appeal has recently made its decision in the case of Cunningham v Rochdale Metropolitan Borough Council where…
Can a teacher be dismissed for sending affectionate emails?
The events brought to light in a recent claim for unfair dismissal and sex discrimination from the former Assistant Director…
Estate planning and inheritance tax implications when selling business assets
When considering the sale of your business or business assets, it’s essential to engage in comprehensive estate planning to determine…
Smaller firms facing a ‘low workforce morale epidemic’
Recent research reveals what the impact of Covid-19 has been on mental health issues in some of the UK’s small…
Can I remove personal information from Companies House?
Due to the nature of Companies House being a free public domain it poses a risk of personal information being…
What are pre-emption rights and what do I need to be aware of?
What are pre-emption rights?
Pre-emption rights, also known as “first refusal rights” or “right of first refusal,” are contractual provisions…
Constitutional documents – your easy top follow explanatory guide
Legal jargon surrounding companies and their constitution can be confusing and sometimes frustrating to understand. As lawyers, we use ‘legalese’…
The right to set-off unpaid debts against Inheritance Act 1975 awards
In Johnston v Wackett [2022] EWHC 129 (Ch), the High Court considered the rule in Cherry v Boultbee [1893] 4…
Do I have to give my engagement ring back after separation?
Are diamonds forever? What happens to the engagement ring if you split up before marriage?
“What happens if it all…
Understanding early termination fees in B2B telecoms: Is an early termination fee enforceable?
The pandemic and its impact on B2B telecom contracts
The COVID-19 pandemic continues to rumble on and whilst the Government…
Can an AI system be named the inventor?
The growing developments in the field of artificial intelligence (AI) are having fundamental effects on the worlds of business, technology…
Deputies, Attorneys, and Next of Kin – What is the Difference?
Most people have heard of a Power of Attorney and a ‘Next of Kin’, but perhaps not a Deputyship. The…
Should I be paid to care for a family member?
More and more people are giving up work completely or taking extended time-off to care for an elderly relative, something…
Changes to the highway code and the possible consequences to personal injury claims
Is the Highway Code law?
The Highway Code was first published in 1931 and has been updated regularly to reflect…
A forged will – can you prove it?
Wills are often challenged on the grounds of lack of testamentary capacity, undue influence or lack of knowledge and approval.…
What is the Enterprise Investment Scheme?
The Enterprise Investment Scheme (EIS) is a Government scheme designed to encourage individuals to invest into certain companies, thereby allowing…
5 reasons why you should have a trust
Trusts and their administration are a diverse and often misunderstood area of law, which when used correctly, can provide real…
Safeguarding for faith-based organisations
Safeguarding has never been more high profile and a wave of recent reports and inquiries have led to an intense…
Can a will be changed after death?
A Deed of Variation, which must be signed in the presence of two witnesses, is often used by a beneficiary…
Considering gifts and inheritance tax
Many people want to give gifts to family and friends during their lifetime. Not only does this mean that you…
Flexible working and your rights as an employer
The working landscape has changed dramatically since the beginning of the pandemic. More employees are working from home than ever…
Employers, ensure you meet the legal requirements when hiring
The number of job vacancies available in the UK has hit an all-time high in the past couple of months,…
Can you reduce inheritance tax liability through charitable gifting in Wills?
Last year more than £3 billion was left to charitable causes through Wills alone. Care needs to be taken to…
Are you complying with the latest allergies legislation?
1 October 2021 saw “Natasha’s Law” come into effect. “Natasha’s Law” was passed in 2019 following the tragic death of…
Covid-19 vaccination rollout causes disruption at schools
At the start of this term schools were presented with a fresh challenge arising from the Covid 19 pandemic –…
The power of diversity: Firms that don’t address the divide will get left behind
Reflecting on his experience of developing a career in law, Trevor Sterling, the first black senior partner at a UK…
Chambers and Partners 2022 – top rankings for Moore Barlow
Moore Barlow have been widely recognised in the UK’s leading guide to law firms, Chambers and Partners, achieving recognition for…
Landmark Court of Appeal ruling allows claimant to recover a ‘success fee’ as part of an award from father’s estate
This landmark ruling provides long awaited guidance for private client practitioners on recoverability of success fees and helps to ensure…
When is capital gains tax required during an estate administration?
There are various issues that need to be considered when administering an estate. Whilst many people will be aware that…
For sale: what to consider when selling your farmland
The pandemic restrictions and ongoing Brexit-related issues have had a significant impact on the UK’s farming and agricultural sector. In…
Felling licences and restocking notices – everything you need to know
When many people think of cutting down trees, their first thought can be to look at whether the trees are…
Employees have the pick of the crop
The number of people in paid employment is up. In August 2021, the number of payroll employees in the UK…
Five key considerations to make when buying a farm
The pandemic has seen a shift in people’s habits, from spending more time in the countryside enjoying the outdoors to…
Moore Barlow advises Online Payrolls on its sale to The Payroll Software and Services Group
Moore Barlow has advised Online Payrolls, a specialist provider of outsourced payroll services to customers in the UK, on its…
Residential tenancy notice periods are changing
The UK Government has confirmed that residential tenancy notice periods will return to pre-pandemic timescales from 1 October 2021. The…
Sending unlawful direct marketing messages – is it worth the fine?
The Information Commissioner has recently fined We Buy Any Car, SportsDirect.com and Saga a total of £495,000 for sending over…
Did you know that marriage or the creation of a civil partnership revokes a Will?
With marriages and civil partnerships having to be postponed on more than one occasion for a huge number of people…
Alzheimer’s disease – are you eligible for NHS Continuing Healthcare funding?
Download the podcast: NHS Continuing Healthcare funding
As the nation gets older and the strains on social care become greater…
How long does it take to administer an estate?
One of the first questions I am asked by clients is how long will the administration of the estate take? …
Moore Barlow strengthens Court of Protection Team with partner hire
South East-based law firm, Moore Barlow has announced the appointment of Rebecca Sparrow as a partner in the Court of…
What is the legal status of cryptocurrency in the UK?
What is cryptocurrency?
Cryptocurrency is a virtual currency which is recorded on a digital ‘ledger’. Cryptocurrency relies on distributed ledger…
What are statutory books and records? Everything you need to know
What are statutory books?
A business’s statutory books contain the records of those who are the directors, secretaries and persons…
Understanding harassment in constructive dismissal: key insights from Driscoll (née Cobbing) v & P Global Ltd and another case
The Employment Appeal Tribunal (EAT) has held Driscoll (née Cobbing) v & P Global Ltd and another that a constructive…
Government publishes response to consultation on sexual harassment in the workplace
On 11 July 2019, the Government Equalities Office launched a consultation on how best to tackle sexu-al harassment in the…
Is the next of kin the same as having power of attorney?
The law can be scary and confusing to people who do not have much to do with it and, like…
Can you legally stop grandparents seeing grandchildren in the UK?
What are grandparents rights?
It is important to note that, as a grandparent, there is no automatic “right” to have…
Alta Fixsler: European court of human rights rejects appeal to keep young girl on life support
A UK hospital may withdraw life-saving medical support from a seriously ill child after the European Court of Human Rights…
Moore Barlow commended as a top law firm for HNW individuals
Moore Barlow is proud to announce that we have been ranked in Chambers High Net Worth (HNW) 2021, reflecting the…
Trevor Sterling makes history as first black senior partner at UK Top 100 law firm
Moore Barlow has today announced the election of Trevor Sterling as the firm’s new senior partner, which sees him become…
Webinar: Determining your workers’ employment status and how to manage legal risks
In the on-going Uber drivers’ case, the recent landmark decision of the Supreme Court has changed the approach that Employment…
Belief that biological sex is immutable is protected under the Equality Act
The Employment Appeal Tribunal has held that a belief that biological sex is immutable is protected as a philosophical belief…
Low pay commission publishes non-compliance and enforcement report
The Low Pay Commission (LPC) has published its fourth standalone report: Non-compliance and enforcement of the National Minimum Wage 2021.…
Right to work checks are being extended until 31 August 2021
Employers must ensure that every employee has the right to work in the UK. Right to work checks must be…
Disability discrimination case law – All Answers Ltd v W and Another
In the recent case of All Answers Ltd v W and Another, the Court of Appeal has held that when…
Protection from detriment in health and safety
The draft Employment Rights Act 1996 (Protection from Detriment in Health and Safety Cases) (Amendment) Order 2021 came into force…
Lenders, what’s your liability when an undisclosed commission has been paid?
In April, I wrote an article regarding the Court of Appeal outcome in the cases of Wood v Commercial First…
Webinar: Intellectual property and artificial intelligence
As the worlds of business and technology continue to collide, spurred on by all the developments due to COVID-19, Moore…
Don’t bet on your exclusion clause – lessons learned from Green v Betfred
The recent High Court decision of Andrew Green and Petfre (Gibraltar) Limited t/a Betfred is a useful reminder of the…
Indemnities in Technology Contracts
Most suppliers of software and other forms of technology accept that they must indemnify customers if they breach third parties’…
Moore Barlow advises BANAIR (Holdings) on its acquisition of Bright Structures Limited
BANAIR is a growing UK based engineering group with manufacturing in the UK and Poland, and sales markets mainly in…
Webinar: Business contracts and technology
Moore Barlow’s Commercial & Technology law held a webinar on important recent legal developments affecting the drafting and negotiation of…
Webinar: Managing work from home arrangements: considerations for employers
This webinar will give an overview of the considerations that employers need to give to work from home set-ups on…
What is the Debt Respite Scheme (Breathing Space)?
On 4 May 2021, a Government scheme came into force that aims to offer greater protection to debtors with qualifying…
Top tip for investing in fine wine – everything you need to know
The current market volatility is seeing a of investors diversifying their investment portfolios. One of the alternative asset classes which…
Webinar: Funding and exploiting your company’s innovation and IP rights
It is estimated that for most SME’s more than 50% of their value resides in intellectual property or other intangibles.…
Protecting your assets in a divorce: strategies for financial security
When facing a divorce or civil partnership breakdown and an uncertain future, often the last thing that parties think about…
Paws for thought – where there’s a Will, there’s a way!
There are several considerations to think about when preparing a Will, but pets can often be overlooked. As a Labrador…
What is Commercial Mediation? Commercial Mediation Solicitor Services
What is commercial mediation?
Commercial mediation is a flexible, voluntary and confidential form of alternative dispute resolution in which a…
Right road back to the office
The Government’s roadmap out of the current lockdown has undoubtedly been welcome news for employers, who can now start planning…
Farmers, mind your head
In 1964 Bob Dylan sang ‘The Times They Are A-Changin’ and today this song holds particularly true for rural life…
Home is where the holiday is
The Government’s indicative roadmap out of lockdown has prompted a boom in both UK and foreign holiday bookings, with the…
Farm Business Tenancies: who drafts what for whom?
When drafting a farm business tenancy, it’s easy to get confused as to which documents a solicitor prepares and which…
Moore Barlow advises Brooklyn Vendor Assurance in £1.8m deal
Moore Barlow has advised the fast-growing technology company, Brooklyn Vendor Assurance, in a deal that sees it secure £1.8m seed…
Webinar: Emerging from lockdown and how to manage the return to the workplace
As the UK continues to progress along the government’s roadmap towards the end of restrictions, many employers are turning their…
Webinar: Everyone’s Invited: peer-on-peer abuse
The Everyone’s Invited movement is but the latest spotlight to fall on safeguarding in schools.
The list of allegations seems…
Moore Barlow secures modular home developer BoKlok UK as new client
BoKlok UK, the sustainable, quality affordable home provider, has appointed law firm Moore Barlow as its exclusive conveyancing solicitors for…
Moore Barlow’s corporate team completes deals worth £830M in record-breaking run
Team completes one deal a week in the run up to the 2020/21 tax year end
Moore Barlow’s corporate team…
What to do when a loved one dies
The loss of a loved one, whether it be a friend or a family member, can be an overwhelming time…
Court of appeal judgment clarifies legality of undisclosed broker commissions
The ruling In Wood v Commercial First Business Ltd & Ors [2021] EWCA Civ 471provides ‘much-needed clarity’ to the lending…
What are the benefits of Discretionary Trusts in wills?
Making a Will can be a daunting task, especially when you are trying to plan for a number of different…
Webinar: Looking back going forward: an employment law update
At the beginning of 2020 the focus of Employment Lawyers and HR professionals was on the impact of Brexit on…
A guide to personal injury trusts
Clients who suffer personal injuries and are awarded compensation are often advised to set up what is known as a…
Moore Barlow advises Thirdspace on strategic deal with TIG
Deal creates the UK’s Leading Advanced Digital MSP
Moore Barlow has advised ThirdSpace, the UK’s leading professional services provider of…
Furlough scheme extended until September 2021
The Chancellor of the Exchequer – Rishi Sunak – has announced that the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme (furlough scheme), which…
Are you ready for wage rises?
This is the time of year when employment lawyers and HR professionals prepare for the changes to rates and limits…
Extension to off payroll working rules
Before words like ‘coronavirus’, ‘pandemic’ and ‘social-distancing’ became part of our daily vocabulary, a topic high on the agenda was…
Using the “reasonable steps” defence
Many employers when faced with a discrimination or harassment claim by one employee in relation to conduct by one or…
Charitable gifting in wills – everything you need to know
Whether done during life, or on death, gifting money or other assets to charity is very common and commendable. This…
Supply chain contracts: Are you up to speed with new insolvency rules?
Recent changes to insolvency law have had a major impact on supply chain contracts across the industry. John Warchus, takes…
Where does the end of the Brexit transition period leave IP rights owners in the UK?
It is welcome news that the UK has finally secured a reasonably comprehensive Trade and Cooperation Agreement (TCA) with the…
How to buy your own plot of woodland
Why is the purchase of woodland increasing in popularity?
The coronavirus pandemic has led many to readdress their priorities, particularly…
Moore Barlow managing partner recognised for game-changing merger
Ed Whittington, managing partner of law firm, Moore Barlow, has been recognised as one of the legal industry’s leading figures…
Webinar: Guiding charities through meeting protocols and how to efficiently conduct business
Meetings are a fact of life when it comes to running a charity. The way a charity is structured will…
Webinar: Dealing with Charity Property – an overview of the requirements of the Charities Act and how to comply with them
Many charities have property assets, which are sometimes quite substantial. The Charities Act imposes various requirements in relation to dealings…
Webinar: Duties and responsibilities of charity trustees’ – what does good governance look like?
It has never been more important for charity trustees to understand the nature of their role and what is required…
Webinar: Strategic Planning for 2021 – how should charities approach restructures and redundancies?
Given the unprecedented financial challenges of 2020 and the impending end of the extended furlough scheme, many charities are actively…
Webinar: Independent schools – Strategic planning for the challenges of 2021
After one of the most challenging years in recent memory, strategic planning for the year to come has never been…
Landmark judgement gives children the right to claim for clinical negligence for advice given pre-conception
Historic judgement gives children injured by negligent advice affecting a parent’s ability to have a healthy child the right to…
Are anxious whistleblowers blowing into the wind?
Recent research by the whistleblowing charity Protect found that UK employers disregarded nearly half of all their employees’ coronavirus-related concerns.…
Agricultural tenancy reform update
In an earlier edition of Rural News, we considered the proposals put forward in the Defra Consultation Paper on Agricultural…
What does Brexit mean for your workforce?
The end of the transition period on 31 December 2020 means your business should be taking preparatory steps now to…
OTS Capital Gains Tax report released – What are the recommendations?
Back in July 2020, I wrote about the Chancellor commissioning the Office of Tax Simplification (OTS) to undertake a review…
Notice pay for furloughed employees
As we will all now be aware, the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme (commonly known as the ‘furlough scheme’) has been…
Holiday time for stamp duty
In his Summer Statement the Chancellor announced a temporary reduction in residential stamp duty land tax (SDLT) rates in England…
Extended Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme Guidance released
On 5 November, the Chancellor announced that the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme (commonly known as the ‘furlough scheme’) which was…
Government support for jobs and the self-employed is extended into 2021
The government has just announced further extensions to the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme (CJRS), also known as the furlough scheme,…
World Stroke Day 2020
Strokes can happen to anyone, anywhere, anytime. One in four of us will have a stroke in our lifetime, but most…
Covid-19: Chancellor announces increased support for jobs
The Chancellor has announced plans to increase support through the Job Support Scheme which is due to come into effect…
What are the four stages during the administration of an estate?
This blog explains the stages and timescales involved when you are the executor of someone’s affairs and have a legal…
Lasting Powers of Attorney
A lasting power of attorney (LPA) is a legal document that allows a person to give another person or persons,…
The privacy shield is illegal
On 16 July, the Court of Justice of the European Union (CJEU) ruled that the mechanism that allowed the transfer…
New Corporate Insolvency and Governance Act 2020: an extension of support and relaxing of rules for schools
Schools have not been isolated from the financial and social effect of the pandemic. In many cases, they are seeing…
Centre Assessed Grades: it’s not too soon to start thinking about next summer’s exams
One of the many additional challenges presented to schools as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic was the requirement for…
The Government’s crackdown on furlough fraud
When schools were forced to close in March, due to the Covid-19 pandemic, many schools chose to make use of…
Difficult decisions in difficult times: how should schools approach managing redundancies?
The last seven months have been some of the hardest ever faced by the independent schools sector. Whilst the Government’s Job…
The Job Support Scheme – how does it work and can schools benefit from it?
The Government has been under increasing pressure to extend the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme which will cease providing support to…
Covid-19: Three tier lockdown and extension to the Job Support Scheme
The Prime Minister has formally unveiled plans for a new three tier system for implementing local lockdowns restrictions across England.…
Personality clash dismissal permitted
In most cases, dismissal of an employee without following any sort of formal procedure would lead to the conclusion that…
Dismissal unfair despite no chance of compensation
An employee was entitled to bring a claim for unfair dismissal even where there was no reasonable prospect of recovering…
Are your trade marks ready for Brexit?
Given the recent (and ongoing) business upheaval caused by COVID-19, many businesses can be forgiven for failing to focus on…
Covid-19: New Coronavirus Regulations now in force
The Health Protection (Coronavirus, Restrictions) (Self-Isolation) (England) Regulations 2020 came into force in England at midnight. The Regulations confirm and…
Covid-19: Chancellor announces Job Support Scheme
The government has been under increasing pressure to extend the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme which is going to stop providing…
Is it true that divorces peak in September?
This September poses new challenges for separating couples. We as family lawyers often experience a busy period in September. Sadly,…
Removing a company director from office
When a company’s director is unwilling to resign, and no articles of association or shareholders’ agreement offer provision for their…
How best to manage management buy-outs (MBOs)
What is a management buy-out? Understanding MBO advantages
A management buy-out (MBO) is a transaction in which a target business…
Domicile checklist for expatriate divorcing couples
As a family law team with a wealth of experience in international cases and cross border divorces, we are regularly…
When to apply for decree absolute: timing is everything
Many people are understandably eager to conclude the divorce and move on with their lives. This can lead to the…
Protecting your child from parental child abduction during summer holidays
Summer is the time when children most frequently undertake international travel with a parent to enjoy a holiday abroad or…
Covid-19: Travel abroad and compulsory quarantine – how do employers manage this?
Schools have broken up for summer holidays and more employees are now venturing out and going abroad. Already we are…
New support for directors: Corporate Insolvency and Governance Act 2020
On 26 June 2020 the Government’s new Corporate Insolvency and Governance Act 2020 (CIGA) came into force. CIGA sets out…
Moore Barlow commended once again as a top law firm for HNW individuals
Top 100 UK law firm Moore Barlow is proud to announce rankings in Chambers High Net Worth (HNW) 2020, reflecting…
Chancellor unveils coronavirus recovery plan to save jobs
Chancellor Rishi Sunak has announced a £30bn plan to boost the economy and prevent mass unemployment as the financial effects…
The difficulties of being an executor of a will – to deal or not to deal?
Executors can find themselves in a difficult position when faced with the prospect of purchasing assets from an estate, even…
What is Occupiers’ Liability and how can you protect yourself against it?
If a visitor on your land or premises falls or injures themselves, what occupiers’ liability might you have?
There are…
The Agriculture Bill
At the time of writing this article (the end of February), the Agriculture Bill is wending its way through the…
Lifetime farm valuations; ‘hope’ value and the importance of getting it right
Lifetime valuations can be a useful strategic tool for landowners. A forthcoming succession, pre-death tax planning when creating a Will,…
Can I renovate my tired residential leasehold property?
With
the rising costs of moving, many opt to stay and renovate rather than
sell. There is however, a common…
Seasonal worker scheme multiplies by four
Following concerns over a lack of migrant labour as a consequence of Brexit, the government is significantly expanding its Seasonal…
Using wardship for intractable child arrangement disputes
Understanding wardship: a powerful legal tool
When two parents fall out, and use their child against each other, the court…
Where there is a horse, there is a will
The whole idea of getting up at 6am on a dark winter’s morning to ride out in the pouring rain…
Don’t forget the new 30-day window to report disposals for CGT payment
If you are in the process of considering disposing of residential property on or after 6 April 2020 new rules…
Smartphone contact tracing and data privacy: the Isle of Wight experiment
On Tuesday 5 May, the government made available the trial of the NHS contact tracing app (“test, track and trace”)…
The Impact of the Coronavirus Act 2020 on Social Care
The Coronavirus Act 2020 amends key legislation in light of the current pandemic and aims to alleviate the burden on…
EMI schemes in COVID-19
What is an EMI Option Scheme?
Away from the legal jargon, an option is just an agreement that gives someone…
Top 10 actions to consider during the current pandemic crisis
I recently came across a quote which said “in business, what you don’t get done today can be done tomorrow.…
Protecting those most at risk of domestic violence during Covid-19
Your personal safety is a priority.…
Have you taken the cohabitation plunge due to lockdown?
Many couples have taken the romantic or maybe the practical decision to live together during the lockdown so they can…
What are interim payments and rehabilitation in personal injury claims?
Interim payments and rehabilitation, in personal injury claims, are of great assistance to those who have either suffered serious injury…
Immigration for schools update: sponsored students affected by Coronavirus
The Home Office has released updated guidance to deal with individuals affected by travel restrictions associated with coronavirus (COVID-19).
Tier…
Covid-19 – what happens to my hearing now?
Now that we are in lockdown we have been advised that the courts are no longer proceeding with the traditional face…
Coronavirus: Business Interruption Loan Scheme – Further details on Lending Criteria
The Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan Scheme (CBILS) is now available.…
Covid-19: Finally clarity for separated families
Michael Gove had to apologise this morning on BBC Radio 4 for creating confusion over his comments on Good Morning…
Covid-19: Reality-checking your separation
We are living in unprecedented times. The next 3- 6 months are going to be really challenging for us all.…
The impact of the coronavirus on marriage, divorce and children
The outbreak of COVID-19 (“the Coronavirus”) brings unprecedented times with it, and family law is one of many aspects of…
International Day of Happiness – Happier Together?
On 20th March, the world will celebrate the International Day of Happiness, which is likely not going to be at…
Covid-19: Government support for business
On 17 March 2020, the Chancellor issued an update in respect of a temporary financial package aimed at providing support…
Budget 2020: Key points
On 11 March 2020, the new Chancellor, Rishi Sunak, delivered his first Budget. It was also the first Budget since…
The corporate veil: an overview and update from recent cases
What is the “corporate veil”?
A key feature of a limited company under English law is that it exists as…
Religious Marriages – Where do you stand?
Couples who have a religious marriage in England need to be very aware of their rights otherwise, as history has…
Government sexual harassment survey
In one of the largest ever surveys of its kind to be carried out, the Government EqualitiesOffice is surveying thousands…
Samira Ahmed wins equal pay tribunal
One of the BBC’s most high-profile presenters, Samira Ahmed, has won the equal pay tribunal shebrought against the broadcaster.
Ahmed,…
What’s right for you? Civil partnership or marriage?
In a landmark case in 2018, a heterosexual couple won the right to enter into a civil partnership. This resulted…
The pitfalls of incorporating with model articles
All limited companies must have articles of association. They are a publicly available document setting out the rules that officers…
New year, new you – can you have a ‘healthy’ divorce?
Along with the pledge to get healthier, this time of year sees many couples decide that the New Year is…
Employees living on site
Many roles in the UK require employees to live close to their place of work.
Sometimes, employees are required to…
Top FAQs for divorce
The most frequently asked questions from our clients going through a divorce.…
Making gifts
If you are considering giving a gift to a loved one, you should be aware of the myths that exist…
The Independent Inquiry into Child Sexual Abuse (IICSA) – An update
Conclusion of Phase 1 of the residential schools investigation
The Independent Inquiry into Child Sexual Abuse (IICSA) was set up…
The importance of a company’s statutory registers
If you are planning on selling your company, at some stage in the process you will be asked “Do you…
New NHS Visa
The Conservatives are planning to introduce a “NHS visa” as part of their proposals for an Australian style points based…
Vegetarianism is not a Protected Characteristic
The Employment Tribunal (“the ET”) has recently handed down judgment in the case of Conisbee v Crossley that vegetarianism is not a…
Preventing Charity fraud – new Charity Commission guidance
The Charity Commission has recently issues important new guidance on preventing charity fraud which should be incorporated by all schools…
Teachers’ Pension Scheme (TPS) Update – recent developments
The past few months have seen a number of developments regarding the on-going impact of increases in employer contributions to…
SEN exclusions – the Tribunal’s power to revoke discriminatory exclusions
Last year we reported on the case of C and C –v- Governing Body of a School and Others which changed the…
Don’t drink and drive!
In 2017, there was a total of 8,600 casualties caused by a person drink-driving in the UK. 1,640 of those…
Don’t be haunted by the pitfalls of poor estate planning and will preparation
When it comes to considering the horrors of life and the risk of being haunted by poor decisions, an often…
Can receivers issue possession proceedings against borrowers?
The High Court has recently confirmed that receivers appointed over individual borrowers can issue possession proceedings against those borrowers. Until…
Wrongly calculated holiday pay – a case in focus
It is usual for part-time staff who work a full year to have their holiday pay pro-rated but in a…
Employer claim response too generic
Upton-Hansen Architects v Gyftaki…
World Cerebral Palsy Day – 6 October 2019
As World Cerebral Palsy Day approaches on 6 October 2019, Moore Barlow support all those with cerebral palsy, and call…
The importance of NHS Continuing Healthcare for Financial Advisers
The FTAdviser reports this week on the risk of litigation if a financial adviser has failed to consider all of…
Open Sight Hampshire Petition for Mandatory Eye Tests for Children
You may have seen coverage on BBC South this week regarding Open Sight Hampshire’s petition to make it mandatory for…
What if my partner tries to hide money in our divorce proceedings?
It is not uncommon for spouses to be worried that their ex will try to hide assets, or lie about…
Are you liable for an employee’s Facebook post?
Forbes v LHR Airport Ltd…
Ruling on unreasonable covenants comes as a relief
Tillman v Egon Zehnder Limited.…
What may help you prove fault after a road traffic collision
There is no automatic right to compensation following a road traffic collision. It has to first be established that the…
Family holiday plans gone to Ashes
What you need to know about taking children abroad after separation
The Ashes test series has begun, the sun is…
Impact of Annual Reviews on Care Provision
If you receive a financial contribution towards your care fees, either as a result of NHS Continuing Healthcare funding, or…
Should the salary threshold for Tier 2 workers be reduced?
There are suggestions that the next Prime Minster should lower the salary threshold from £30,000 to £20,000. Industry experts believe…
Office of Tax Simplification review inheritance tax
Earlier this month the Office of Tax Simplification (OTS) published its second and final report in relation to its review…
Is there a time limit for bringing a personal injury claim?
There will almost always be a time limit for you to have either settled a claim for personal injury compensation…
Would an Australian points based system work in the UK?
Boris Johnson has recommended that we move towards an ‘Australian style’ points based system. We already have a points based…
Parental leave – equal pay?
A recent ruling by the Court of Appeal (COA) has clarified the differing purposes of sharedparental leave (ShPL) and maternity…