Married couples enjoy greater tax benefits than unmarried couples. If you are cohabiting – meaning you live together but you are not married or in a civil partnership – you might want to explore this in greater detail. There may be ways of limiting your tax liabilities. Or you may even decide that ... Read More >>
Buying a Property and Stamp Duty Land Tax
Stamp Duty Land Tax (SDLT) is the tax payable when you buy a property or piece of land. The amount you pay depends on the value of the property, and whether you are an individual, a company or an investor. Buying a property as an individual Currently in England, if you and any other joint owners ... Read More >>
Brexit Spells Uncertain Times for Divorce
The suspension of Parliament, and the UK’s impending exit from the EU, spell uncertain times for divorcing couples. In particular, the law reforms which would end fault-based divorce have been lost.There is also confusion as to what will happen to European divorce cases following ... Read More >>
Dealing with Digital Assets After Death
What happens to my Facebook account when I die? Thanks to the rise of the digital age, this question is being asked increasingly often. Yet according to a recent YouGov survey, 52% of people said they had not put any arrangements in place.It’s not just Facebook. What about your other social ... Read More >>
Renegotiating a Commercial Lease
If your commercial lease is due to expire, you must decide whether you want to remain in the premises or vacate. If you wish to stay, you are perfectly entitled to renegotiate the terms of your lease. Your landlord may not agree to every request, but if the market conditions are right, you will have ... Read More >>
Should I Buy a Property with a Short Lease?
If you are looking for a property to buy, you may come across a flat with a short lease. Chances are that the asking price is lower than other, similar properties. This makes it a very tempting proposition. Finally, you have found your dream home – and it’s within your budget.But what’s the deal ... Read More >>
Whose Fault is Divorce?
Whose fault is a divorce? This is a loaded question and can heighten feelings of animosity between separating couples. Often, a couple can feel like the divorce is nobody’s fault but, at the moment, in order to get a divorce quickly, one party has to place blame on the other. However, attributing ... Read More >>
SHOULD GEORGE V DECIDE WHO INHERITS YOUR ESTATE?
What happens if you die without a will?If you die without a will then your estate is intestate. This can be disastrous for those you love. It means all of your assets are administered in accordance with the Administration of Estates Act 1925, an Act of Parliament, signed into law by George V. ... Read More >>
Be careful what you promise to your family before you die
82-year-old widow forced to sell her homeThe England and Wales Court of Appeal (“EWCA”) has upheld a decision made in the England and Wales High Court (“EWHC”) that forces 82-year-old Jane Habberfield to sell her home of 40 years.Jane and Frank Habberfield purchased and began working on ... Read More >>
Dying matters Week – Death Cafe in Isleworth
An evening of life, death, cake and contemplation As part of Dying Matters week which runs nationally from the 13th-19th May. Old Isleworth Solicitors Garner & Hancock are hosting a Death Café. Nigel George the partner in charge of the Estates Department ... Read More >>