- BLOG & NEWS
Keeping you abreast of important everyday legal issues
This is where you can find some useful background information on a range of legal areas covered by KWW’s specialists. Please remember, the law has a habit of changing, so always check with us for the very latest legal position.
Quick guide to house sales terminology
The world of property sales can often seem like a labyrinth of complex terms and jargon. Navigating through this linguistic maze is crucial for both seasoned homeowners and first-time buyers. Eve Wilson, Head of our Residential Property team, has put together a quick guide that sheds light on the terms commonly encountered during house sales.
Busting some myths about Inheritance Tax
Inheritance tax planning is a crucial aspect of financial management, yet it is often shrouded in misconceptions and myths. As the New Year begins, it’s an opportune time to debunk these common misunderstandings and shed light on the realities of effective inheritance tax planning. In this article, Jack Haskew, Head of our Private Client team,
Mirror wills: When they work best
If you are married, in a civil partnership or cohabiting with a long-term partner, and thinking of making or updating your will, you may have heard the expression ‘mirror wills’ and wonder if this would be suitable for you. Mirror wills are wills made by two or more people in identical or very similar terms
Plea to employers as Divorce Day looms
The family focus of Christmas is often followed in January with news of unhappy couples calling it quits, leading to so-called Divorce Day, as family lawyers receive a surge of enquiries when they re-open after the break. And as the holiday season gets into full swing there are calls from those on the front-line of
The highs and lows of blame-free digital divorce
Divorce applications rose by 20 per cent in the year following the introduction of no-fault divorce, according to figures from the Ministry for Justice. But while the headline process may be easier, couples going through the legal stage of break-up are still experiencing many challenges, writes Georgia White, of the Family Law department at KWW
Selling a property quickly to get rid of a mortgage
Rising interest rates have dominated the headlines recently, with the Bank of England estimating a million households could see their monthly mortgage repayments increase by £500 over the next three years. If you are affected, you may even be thinking about giving up your property so you will no longer have the burden of a
Clear language is critical in will writing
Three children have won a share of their father’s £700,000 estate after a hard-fought case that reached the High Court in London, reports Stephanie Mends (pictured) of our Private Client team. The siblings took action when their father Kenneth Grizzle died and they found they were excluded from his will. They told the court he was
What happens when a parent breaches a family court order?
When a court issues an order, it is legally binding and must be followed by all parties involved. Unfortunately, there are instances where one parent may disregard or breach a family court order, causing frustration and potential harm to the child and the other parent. This article by our Head of Family Law David Anstee
Don’t let your digital assets drop off the radar
Part of the success of TV shows like the BBC Antiques Roadshow is the thrill when a long-cherished family heirloom turns out to be surprisingly valuable, for example a piece of china that has been on display in the home for many years. Occasionally, a rare masterpiece hits the headlines in the art world, such
Essential tips for buying a new-build property
Buying a new-build property in the UK can be an exciting venture, offering modern designs, energy efficiency and the opportunity to be the first owner. However, purchasing a new-build comes with its own set of considerations and unique aspects that buyers should be aware of. From understanding warranties and contracts to navigating snagging issues and
The importance of pensions in divorce
Research released by Aviva has confirmed what we as family law specialists already knew: there is a worrying lack of awareness about the importance of pensions when it comes to agreeing a financial settlement in divorce. Pensions are typically among the largest assets in a divorce, and it’s not uncommon that one spouse has a
Selling up if you are a residential landlord
With the Renters Reform Bill aiming to strengthen the rights of tenants, and interest rates and economic pressures squeezing property investment returns, more and more landlords are leaving the private rental market. There have been claims in the media of a landlord exodus, and if you are a residential landlord perhaps you have been thinking
