News & Insights

Partner and Head of Family, Emily Brand comments in the Financial Times on UK Supreme Court’s landmark ruling in Standish v Standish.  She describes the decision as a “victory for pragmatism”, while also noting the potential for ambiguity in the application of the decision in more complex future cases.

In eprivateclient, Partner, Nicola Bushby explores the Law Commission’s Modernising Wills report, highlighting key proposals for reforming the law of wills, such as recognising electronic wills and adopting the test for capacity in lieu of the common law test. While progress is clear, concerns remain, especially around the rule revoking wills upon marriage.

This Wednesday at the TrinityBridge Investment Conference at Lord’s Cricket Ground, Partner William Rollin speaks on the topic of divorce risk, the basics of nuptial agreements, and case studies that bring these legal tools to life.

Managed offices are becoming a core part of landlord strategy, especially for spaces under 10,000 sq. ft. In a report recently produced by managed office operator, Kitt, and featured in Estates Gazette, Partner, David Rawlence highlights how legal frameworks are evolving to simplify and streamline leases to balance the interests of landlords, tenants, and operators together under one agreement.

The UK continues to be a key destination for Middle Eastern investors, drawn by its legal certainty, stable economy, and strong education system. In London Arabia Magazine, Partners, Shaima Jillood and Reem Al-Jumaily explore how Middle Eastern investors are moving beyond real estate into technology, hospitality, and F&B – shaping multigenerational legacies.

Delaying the Building Safety Levy by 18 months may offer temporary relief, but it does little to ease the wider pressures already burdening the housing sector. In Construction News, Construction Partner, Sarah Rock, highlights the significant cost and administrative challenges developers are facing – warning that the levy “provides yet another financial and administrative hurdle” and questioning how many will be willing to take on residential schemes in future.

Partner and Head of Family, Emily Brand comments in Money Marketing highlighting the vital role female financial advisers play in supporting women through complex life events as female wealth ownership continues to rise.

Private Wealth Partners, Kyra Motley and Laurence Morgan explain the concept of long-term UK residence and its significance for UK inheritance tax (IHT) following the shift away from the domicile-based system, introducing new considerations for individuals and trustees.

Delays at Gateway Two of the Building Safety Act are creating major roadblocks for developers – with stalled schemes, falling investment, and widespread job losses. In Property Week, Construction Partner, Sarah Rock highlights the serious impact these delays are having on the housing crisis and the construction industry, calling for urgent reform, greater transparency, and more meaningful engagement from the Building Safety Regulator.

Planning for an artist’s legacy involves more than just inheritance – it’s about preserving creative identity while providing for loved ones. In the Christie’s Bulletin, Senior Associate, Alice Julian, explores the complexities of managing an Artistic Estate, from copyright and resale rights to tax strategy and charitable foundations.

The Autumn Budget 2024 may not have changed headline inheritance tax rates, but it has made gifting riskier for families looking to reduce IHT exposure. In JM Finn Prospects Magazine, Partner, William Rollin and Senior Associate, Laura Cullinane explore how nuptial agreements can play a crucial role in safeguarding family wealth from divorce risk – especially in the context of succession planning and lifetime gifts.