News Archive - Private Client Library News

HMRC Crack Down on Foreign Property Tax Avoidance
Intention Sufficient Basis for Rectification of Will
Conduct Determines Legal Ownership
Six-Figure Settlement for Botched Heart Surgery
If You do Not Understand it, Take Advice
Government to Outlaw Squatting in Residential Premises
Father's Gifts to Daughter Challenged by Sister
Tribunal Confirms No Compensation for Rock Shareholders
HMRC Tighten Property Ownership Disclosure
Will Stands Against Challenge
House Sales - Replying to Enquiries
Solid Obstruction in Road Is Authority's Responsibility
Dealing With an Insolvent Estate
IHT Planning Exercise Fails Due to Covenants
Wind Turbines - New Planning Regulations on the Way
Further Court Battles Likely for Forgers
The Winner Takes It All (or Not)
Equitable Compensation to be Tax Free
Court Reversal for Vendor Who Didn't Know What He Had Sold
Widow Challenges Will After Brain Tumour Death
Reasonably Safe Does Not Mean Free from Risk
HMRC to Name and Shame 'Dodgy' Tax Advisers
Trust Must Provide for Children from Bigamous Marriage
Long-Term Gym Membership Contracts Unfair
Businessman UK Resident Despite HMRC Guidance
Family Feud Breaks Out Over Deathbed Marriage and Will
Have You Made a Will?
I Hear You Knocking (and Drilling and Sawing...)
NS&I Withdraws Savings Certificates
Government Announces Ban on Referral Fees
Will Signed by Beneficiary Valid
Working Abroad and Tax Residence
Nuisance Claim Against Landfill Company Fails
Wills Still a Potential Minefield for Many
Animal Owners and the Law
Changes to US Estate Tax
Past Behaviour Indicates Intent
Radical changes to taxation system proposed by IFS
Claim Procedure Reforms Will Affect Smaller Claims
Buyer Loses Flat Because of Vendor's Error
Transferable Nil-Rate Bands - New Code of Practice
Will Conditions Lead to Court Appearance
Helping Out in Court - The McKenzie Friend
Landlords Face Costs in Disputes
Dispute Prevents Distribution of Estate
Pension Scheme Not Obliged to Award Discretionary Increases
Unfair Trading Legislation Stops Bogus Prize Draws
Misplaced Fence Leads to £20,000 Bill
Who Determines Who Inherits Your Estate?
'Set Up' Accident Claimant Ordered to Pay Court Costs
HMRC Checks on IHT Valuations
The Conveyancing Quality Scheme - What it Means for You
An End for the Hired Gun?
Taxing Times for Trusts
Lost Will Confirmed by the Court
Councils Urged to Allow Residential Use of Farm Buildings
Credit Card Agreement Enforceable
Discretionary Trusts - Possible Ways Forward
Statutory Will Ordered When Existing Will in Doubt
Inaccuracy, Not Haste, Defeats Planning Decision
Crime No Reason for Human Rights Law Not to Apply
IFAs Face Twin Negligence Claims
Daughter Wins Share of £480,000 Inheritance Left to Charity
Covenant Does Not Pass on with Title to Property
IHT Changes of Importance to Executors
Gagging Orders - A Matter of Balance
Attorney Faces Prison for Theft
HMRC Wins Dividend Tax Case
Banks Lose Loan Insurance Challenge
House Builder Not Liable for £35,000 Defects
Charity Trustees - Balancing Financial Return and Social Return on Investment
Court Will Not Rectify Will Executed in Error
Landmark Decision Ends Expert Witness Immunity
Rights Created by Easement Limited to Actual Use
Bankruptcy Annulled When HMRC Ignore Disability Discrimination Obligations
Will Validity Doesn't Depend on Speaking the Language
Landlords Win Deposit Case
Your Right to E-Privacy
Changes to Tax Credits
Man Who Disguised House as Barn Loses Court Battle
Law Society Campaign for Formal Qualifications for Will Writers
Victory for Taxpayer in IHT Claim
OFT Crackdown on Cold-Calling by Debt Management Firms
Where There Are Assets, There Can Be Trouble
Two Tenants, One Notice
No Win, No Fee Shake Up Announced
Ombudsman or Court, Not Both
Court Rejects Challenge to Foreign Will
Private Residence Must Be Genuine, Rules Court
Failure to Warn Not Cause for Action
Making a Statutory Will
Principal Private Residence Relief - Prove it or Lose it
Threat of Prison Can't be Used to Speed Up Debt Collection
Building Owner Must Indemnify Neighbour Against Damage
'Valuation of the Whole' Approach to IHT Upheld by Tribunal
Carer Jailed for £10,000 Theft
Council Insists Pensioner's House Must Be Yellow
Family Pay Price for Executor Appointment
Brook Case to Go to Supreme Court
Former Partner Not Entitled to Share of Property
When is a Boat not a Boat?
Victory for RSPCA in Will Case
Income Tax Relief Denied on Donation from Inheritance
Undervalue Leaves Valuers in Firing Line
Mistakes in Probate Applications
Working Abroad Full-Time and Tax Residence
Joint Account Does Not Mean Joint Ownership
Beneficiary Fails in Bid to Bring Action on Behalf of Estate
IHT Nil Rate Band Transfers
Who Bears the Loss?
Why You Should Make a Will
Mesothelioma Settlement Includes Cost of Hospice Care
Mistakes, Mistakes
Varying a Will After the Testator's Death
'Read and Understood' Not Enough, Says FSA
Poor Plan on Conveyance - Court of Appeal Rules
Mental Capacity - What it is and What it Means
HMRC Tax Attack on Property Undervaluation Successful
Warning to Holidaymakers and Non-Residents
Court Rejects Undue Influence Claim
Broker Fee Inclusion Does Not Make Debt Unenforceable
New Guidance on Heritage Property
Nightmare Cruise Award Cut by Court of Appeal
Brother Succeeds to Tolerated Trespass Property Right
Acceptance Can Follow Rejection of Counter-Offer
New Hearing Needed to Resolve Boundary Dispute
Court Rejects Privilege Claim
Court of Appeal Rejects Challenge to Will
Removal From School Not a Breach of Human Rights
Credit Card Debt Stands Despite Missing Agreement
Right to Buy Extends to Buildings Not Used as a Home
'Willmakers of Distinction' Directors Jailed
Council Not Liable for Student's Injuries
Changes to EPA Regulations
Will Forgery Case Shows Need for Caution
Make Sure Your Builder is Insured
Care Home Residence Does Not Terminate Occupation
Law of Covenants Set to Change
Insurance - Age to Remain a Factor
Statute Overrides Fairness and Common Sense
House Buyer Almost Escapes Mortgage Liability
Codicil Leads to Court Appearance
Failure to Create Documents Leads to Court Case
An Arrangement Among Friends or a Business?
Should You Give Your House to Your Children?
French Law - No Trust Means No Benefits
No Penalty for Driving While Using Mobile as a Dictaphone
Boundary Dispute Over Strip of Driveway Ends Up in Court
Farming Family in Intestacy Challenge
Council That Refused Meeting With Homeless Man Failed to Meet Obligations
Ash Cloud Relief for Non-Residents
Court Rules that Widow Can Evict Daughter
HMRC to Name and Shame Tax Dodgers
Compensation for 'Toxic Sofa' Victims
Information on Household Gas Safety
Emigrating and Tax
Executor Who Stole From Estate Faces Prison
Clarification on the Interpretation of the FSM Act 2000
Rights Lost if Easement Not Enforced
IHT Determined by Open Market Value
OFT Will Writers' Code of Practice: A Welcome First Step
Canoe Fraudsters Must Repay Nearly £600,000
New Rights for House Buyers
Charities Act 2006 - Implications for Trustees
Estate Valuation Dispute Leads to Court Case
New Scheme for Road Traffic Accident Claims
30-Year-Old Objection Prevents Public Right of Way
Informal Arrangement Argument Rejected by Court
Smoker Receives Reduced Settlement for Asbestos Injury
Five Jailed for Investment Fraud Targeting Expats
Unclear Drafting Blamed for Dispute Over Right of Way
User Responsible for iPod Hearing Loss
Court Agrees to Reverse Settlement Error
Private Investments and Tax Losses: Caution Advised
Use of Land to Turn Cars Creates Easement
Civil Litigation Overhaul Proposed
HIPs to be Abolished
Donating Your Body to Medical Science
Privacy Cases Will Be Dealt With On Their Facts
Charity Fails to Increase Share of Estate
Investigations of Wealthy Lead to Tax Take Increase
Registrars Can Be Required to Perform Civil Partnerships
General Boundaries Rule Foils Ransom Strip Registration
Changes to Trust Law
Late Night Drinking Bans Proposed
Insurers Refuse to Splash Cash After Ash
Court of Appeal Denies Thames River Claim
Creditor Must Show Undervalue to Prove Claim
Sons Overturn Father's Will Where Mental State in Doubt
Man Wins Planning Battle Over House Disguised as a Barn
European Inheritance Law Overhaul Proposal Opt-Out
You Need Protection (But Don't Ask the Council)
Will Valid if Testator Had Capacity When it Was Drafted
Nuisance Covenant Stops Extension
Event Does Not Have to be Likely to Justify Claim
Budget Action Points for Private Clients
Verbal Will Directs £500,000 to Aunt
Year End IHT Planning
Homeless Hostel Room Has Privacy Rights
You're an Heir - Now Sign This!
When is an Agreement Not an Agreement? - When it is With The Tax Man
IHT Nil Rate Band - Don't Discard the Old Will
Decision to Expel Pupil Upheld by Courts
Furnished Holiday Lettings - Time is Running Out
Crime is With You for Life
Will Writer in the Dock
'Doorstep Selling' Regulations
Property - Slow Improvement in Market Conditions
Better LPA Forms
HMRC Can See Accountants' Tax Advice to Clients
Woman Let Off Credit Card Debt
Charity Fails to Win Farm in Court - But Seeks Appeal
Funding the First Step On the Ladder
Insurance and Loan Fraud Rising as Credit Crunch Bites
ASBI Permitted As Behaviour Was 'Housing-Related'
Pre-Nups: Not Just for the Rich
Couple Sell Farm to Pay for Chancel Repairs
Time to Brush Up on Consumer Rights
'Senior Moment' Delays Will Distribution
Saving IHT the Easy Way
Failed Property 'Try On' May Be a Crime
Use of Bank Account Amounts to Criminal Conversion
ISA Limits Increased for Over 50s
IHT Nil Rate Band - Keep Your Hands On the Old Will
Court Finds Hole in Polo Argument
Family Overturns Will That Benefits Carer
IHT and the Recession
Trial by Judge
Meeting the Cost of Long-Term Care
Don't Get Angry With the Council!
Taking Pension Early Can Mean Reduction
Court Rescinds Agreement Resulting From Misrepresentation
Supervision Failure Costs Council
Too Good to be True is Too Good to be True
Incarceration Does Not Bring Compensation
Dealing With Your Affairs If You Are No Longer Able
New Guidance on Residence
Executor With Hand in Till Jailed
You Can't Make Me!
Website Disclaimers - Beware the Small Print
Be Careful What Claims You Make
Inconsistency Defeats Right to Rescind
Asset Transfers Between Spouses - Pitfalls
Keep Your Will Up to Date
Pay Attention or Pay Up!
DPP Guidance on Assisted Suicide - Motivation is the Key
Watch Out for Share Option Trap
Which Rules Apply on Immigration?
Mental Capacity is Assumed
House of Lords Ups the Ante on Asset Confiscation
Varying Wills - The Wrong Way!
EIS Tax Relief - Check the Rules Carefully
Exaggerated Claim Leads to Criminal Conviction
Does Right of Access Mean Right to Park?
Law Lords Issue Landmark Right-to-Die Ruling
Doing Business With Friends - Formal Agreements Advisable
HMRC Issues Guidance on Residence and Domicile
Relatives' Challenge to Will Fails
Change of Use Depends on Continuous Occupation
Foreign Homes - Can You Claim a Tax Refund?
Provision for Dependant Claim Fails
Insurers Likely to Change Tack Following Court Reverse
Tenancy Deposit Protection Schemes - Landlords Beware
What Happens if I Don't Make a Will?
Bank Compensates Elderly Couple for Unnecessary IHT Plan
Texting Driver's Jail Sentence Based on Facts
IHT 'Bargain' Ineffective
New Leases for Tolerated Trespassers
Serial Litigators - What Can Be Done?
Collector's Piece Need Not be High Value
Courts Sound Warning for Risk-Takers
Trustees' Responsibilities - Be Careful
Foreign Property - Hard Times Can Bring Hard Luck
Planning Permission is Only Part of the Story
Tax Man First, Family Second
Unclear Ownership Causes Will Confusion
Accessing Common Land
HMRC Make Tax Returns Easier for Partnerships
Fees for Powers of Attorney Cut
The Safety of Gas Appliances - Landlady Prosecuted
Start of Year Tax Planning
A Tree is a Tree
Help, the Market's Falling
Who Can Go Where?
Charity Donations Through the Tax Return
Duty of Health Authorities to Protect Suicidal Patients
Easements - What They Mean at the Time
Helmet is Reasonable Precaution for Cyclists
OFT to Act on Sale and Rent Schemes
Budget 2009 Personal Tax changes
Thousands Face Driving Bans Under New Totting-Up Proposals
Housing - Allocation by Time on Waiting List Not Unfair
Misled Customer Cannot Make Client Account Claim
Charity Deductions - Tax Law Change Ahead?
Great News for Land Owners After Tax Appeal
When Covenants Do Not Apply
HIPs Changes - Today's the Day
Reasonable Expectation Critical - Lords
Northern Rock - Tax Guidance
Helping You Make Savings
Fairness Demands Couple Gain House
Boosting Your State Pension
HIPs Changes Reminder
Wills - Mutual Promises
Holiday Home? Are You Due a Tax Refund?
Thousands Face Driving Bans Under New Totting-up Proposals
Removing or Modifying Restrictive Covenants
Managing Your Mortgage - Tips
Advice for Charity Trustees
Adopting Abroad - Recent Cases
Dependency Claims - Court Takes Tough Stance
Loss Calculation Date Must be Reasonable
IHT Nil Band Transfers Documents Required
Credit Crunch - Tips for Clients
Expat Pension Freeze Fair
Negligent Trustees Replaced by Court
Faster Driving Bans for Speeders
Intestacy Limits - Reminder
High Court Upholds School Admission Policy
New Criminal Injuries Compensation Scheme
Tax and Domicile
New Repossession Protocol Promises Relief for Borrowers
Bank Must Honour Agreement
No Winners in Assisted Suicide Test Case
Inequality Does Not Mean Undue Influence
Tax - Negligence and the Burden of Proof
No Claim for Normal Risk
Is a Caravan a Home?
Right of Silence is a Personal Right
Motorway Neighbours Lose Council Tax Claim
Bankruptcy and Your Home
Trees Do Not a Forest Make
Business Assets and IHT
When Not Having a Will Doesn't Mean Being Intestate
New Criminal Injuries Compensation Scheme
Covenant Prohibits Lawful Use
Home Information Packs - New Changes
New Tax Penalty Regime - Reminder
Lenders get Tough as Negative Equity Rises
Clarity Lacking - Common Sense Prevails
Is There a Human Right to Smoke?
Public Guardian Reports Boom in Powers of Attorney
No Set-off in Fatal Injury Compensation
Alzheimer's Victim Not Incompetent
Holiday Bungalow is not a Dwelling
Right of Way - Intention Doesn't Count
Your Home Abroad - Is a Company Best?
HMRC Win Tax Residence Case
HMRC Issues Guidance on Nil-rate Band Transfers
Killer Drivers Face Greater Penalties
Club Membership a Risky Business?
Estate Agents - Compulsory Redress Scheme Registration
Animal Injury - Expectation Matters
Tracing Lost Accounts
Executor Removed by Beneficiaries - Lessons to be Learned
Advocate General Supports Individual Retirement at 65
Right to Buy Not Overriding Factor
Trusts - Time's Almost Up!
In Case They Don't Live Happily Ever After
Noise - Damages, not Prevention
HIPs latest
Testamentary Intentions Must be Clear
The New ISA Rules
Alliance and Leicester Customers - Check your Interest Certificates
What is Self-Defence?
HMRC Targets Tax Haven Accounts
Government Promises Human Rights for Elderly
Easements and Covenants - Changes to the Law Proposed
New Driving Offences Cover Mobile Phones
Cohabitation and Death
Look! Up in the Air! It's a Bird! It's a Plane! No, it's a Balloon! (and that is an Aircraft)
Tax Consequences of Keeping Your Home When You Move
Immigration - Sponsorship Under the Points Based System
CGT and Non-Business Assets
Debt Collectors - Better Protection for Consumers
Criminals Face Confiscation Double Blow
The New CGT Regime - Winners and Losers
Taxman Targets Renters
HIP Temporary Provisions Extended
Credit Card Protection Extends Abroad
Should I Have a SIPP?
Problems With Trees - Preservation Orders
Estate Agent Not Responsible for Inaccuracy
Promises Promises
Sick Holiday Makers Awarded £2.5m
Tax Man Getting Tougher
Contested Will - Who Pays?
New Homes for Low - Income Families Announced
Undue Influence Claim Fails
Foreign Injury - New Rights of Redress
Property Loss Cases - Courts Back Homeowners
Mental Illness and Wills
Private Copying - Copyright Relaxation on the Way?
HMRC After Foreign Income
Bereavement Damages Increase
Mortgage Exit Charges - Obtaining Redress
You Can be an Association
Debt Still Valid After Bankruptcy
HMRC in Buy to Let Probe
Do You Need a HIP?
Court Protects Home Owner by Applying Consumer Law
IHT Compliance Burden Reduced
Trustees - Court Refuses To Correct Tax Error
Care Costs and Claims - Who Pays ?
IVAs Set to Soar
What to do if your Holiday is Ruined
Squatter Claim Defeated
Budget 2008 - Thoughts for Private Clients
Pensions Offer Flexibility
IHT Nil Rate Bands
Hasty Action Hands Victory to Builder
Watch Out for Dodgy HIPs
IHT Reporting Requirements Reduced
HMRC Win Residence Decision
Northern Rock - Good News for ISA Holders
Court of Appeal Rules on Bankrupt Ex-Spouse
Interest Rates - What's in Store?
Live-in Lover Gains £1m
Duties of Mortgage Lenders
Immigration - New Rules for Students
New Title Does Not Extinguish Old Rights
Planning - Enhancement not Necessary
Right to Buy Lost if Tenancy Broken
Change in Title Must Have a Point
Will Cannot Alter Ownership
Lasting Powers of Attorney
HMRC Warns Buy-to-Let Landlords
Jan 31 Deadline Looms for Private Residence Claim
Unclear Intention Causes Problems for Estate
Taxman Targets More Offshore Account Holders
Preservation or Enhancement?
Mental Capacity Code of Practice
Intentional Homelessness - Behaviour Matters
Police Target Criminal Cash
Dependency Claim Permits Legal Challenge to Will
Insurance Law Reform
Home Information Pack (HIP) Required for all Properties
Revenue Data Loss - Points to Note
House Sale Unfair if End Result the Same
Massive Claim Leads to Insurance Disclosure Ruling
Smoker Finds Litter Fine a Fag
Revenue Get Tough on Investigations
Speeders - No 'Right of Silence' and Heavier Penalties
EPCs and HCRs now available online
Dodgy Will - Who Has to Prove Validity?
Clinical Negligence - Liability Tests
Bankrupcty Makes Home a Target
Economic Woes to Force Tax-Raising Budget?
HMRC Seek Proceeds of Crime
Right of Access Not Automatic
Squatters' Rights Not a Breach Of Human Rights
Lasting Powers of Attorney
The End for Wigs in Court
Case Sounds Foreign Will Warning
Late Evidence Accepted in Breath-Test Case
Oral Agreement Creates Property Rights
Valuing Annuity Payments for IHT
Government Proposes Changes to Law on Damages
Consumer Law Gives Protection in Standard Form Contracts
Enduring Powers of Attorney - Act Now
Special Needs Duty not Unlimited
IHT Planning - Case Illustrates Need to Take Care
Failure to Act Causes Loss of Claim
HIPs Scope Extended as Home Offices Proliferate
Property Transfer - Lack of Legal Advice Critical
Protection of Cohabitees - Proposals
Human Rights and Care Home Residents
Beware Holiday Club Rip-Offs!
HIP HIP Hooray!
Important Tenancy Ruling
Planning - Inspector Must Consider Prior Reasoning
One Letter Makes All the Difference
Offshore Bank Accounts - Revenue Ready to Pounce
Irrelevant Data Not Privileged
Holiday Cash Warning
Statutory Wills
Argument Over Wall Costs £1/4m
Claim From Estate Fails for Estranged Daughter
Neighbour From Hell Sentence Reduced
Tax Mistakes - Revenue Not Liable
Dog Attacks Lead to Damages
Cohabiting Couples - Agreements Make Sense
£3m for Woman Hit by Police Car
Varying Wills After Death
Unaffordable Mortgage Means Homelessness Intentional
Taxman Looks for "Cash" Builders
Home Information Packs Delayed
Mental Capacity - The Law
Sentencing Guidelines for Drink-Driving Deaths
What Happens When You Can't Complete?
Case Has Lessons for School Sports
Animal Welfare - Government Gets Tough
Overseas Property Danger
Regular Booze and Baccy Runs Spell Danger
Imprecise Will Survives Scrutiny
Bankruptcy not Soft Option
Maypole Accident Claim Dismissed
Home Information Packs Latest
Da Vinci Code Claimants Fail in Court of Appeal
Lasting Powers of Attorney Update
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