Family and Matrimonial

The high-profile case of Sir Ranulph Fiennes has sparked debate about the legal boundaries of Lasting Powers of Attorney and deprivation of liberty safeguards. When does an attorney's authority end, and what role does the Court of Protection play in resolving disputes over care arrangements for vulnerable individuals? This case highlights critical questions that affect anyone involved in making or acting under health and welfare decisions for incapacitated relatives.

The Office of National Statistics has released new data on divorce and civil partnership dissolution in England and Wales through 2025, revealing that the average relationship ends after approximately 13 years. With over 105,000 couples legally ending their relationships in 2025 and cohabitation rates rising to 24.3% of coupled households, these statistics highlight the urgent need for comprehensive legal frameworks that address both married and unmarried partnerships.

Deciding to end a marriage is rarely sudden, often following months or years of careful consideration. When you've reached the point where divorce feels like the right path forward, the next crucial step is having that conversation with your spouse—but how do you approach one of life's most difficult discussions?

The Office of National Statistics has released new data on divorce and civil partnership dissolution in England and Wales through 2025, revealing that the average relationship ends after approximately 13 years. With over 105,000 couples legally ending their relationships in 2025 and cohabitation rates rising to 24.3% of coupled households, these statistics highlight the urgent need for comprehensive legal frameworks that address both married and unmarried partnerships.

Deciding to end a marriage is rarely sudden, often following months or years of careful consideration. When you've reached the point where divorce feels like the right path forward, the next crucial step is having that conversation with your spouse—but how do you approach one of life's most difficult discussions?

A recent court case under the Inheritance (Provision for Family and Dependants) Act 1975 has established a significant precedent in how courts assess spousal claims against estates. The judgment introduces a stricter approach by distinguishing between matrimonial and non-matrimonial assets, and emphasizes financial independence over lifetime dependency. This case demonstrates how documentary evidence of testamentary wishes can carry substantial weight even when balanced against a surviving spouse's financia

The UK’s new Trust Registration Service regulations require certain non-UK express trusts holding UK land acquired before 6 October 2020 to register by 1 September 2027. They also introduce a de minimis exemption for qualifying low-value trusts and extend the registration grace period for certain trusts.

As digital assets become integral to modern trust structures and estates, fiduciaries face unprecedented challenges in managing cryptocurrencies, NFTs, and other digital holdings. From securing private keys to navigating valuation complexities and regulatory obligations, trustees and executors must now combine legal authority with technological expertise to fulfill their duties effectively.

Making a Will is something many of us know we should do, but once it’s signed, it’s easy to put it away and forget about it. The reality is that your Will should evolve as your life does.