News & Insights - Boodle Hatfield

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News & Insights

Our team of experts shine a spotlight on new legal developments, share their views on the impact of current affairs, and offer insights on issues that could impact you and your business.

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03 Mar 2025 HMRC makes VAT a snag for cladding remediation

In December 2024, the Government clarified HMRC’s VAT policy on cladding remediation works for residential buildings. Head of Construction, Sarah Rock and Tax Partner, Andrew Loan outline when remediation qualifies for reduced or zero-rated VAT as ‘snagging’ and when the standard 20% rate applies, as well as examining challenges in reclaiming VAT, particularly for older buildings, and the impact of the Government’s Remediation Action Plan on expediting safety improvements.

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28 Feb 2025 Split decisions – William Rollin comments in the Law Society Gazette

Historically, the business of the family courts has been conducted behind closed doors, however, journalists can now report from family courts in England and Wales in what the UK's most senior family judge has called

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28 Feb 2025 Further details published on Inheritance Tax reform for farms & businesses

A consultation document published on 27 February now confirms how HMRC propose the Inheritance Tax allowance is to apply, particularly in relation to trusts. Hayden Bailey, Natasha Hassall and Emma Haley detail the key features impacting farms and businesses.

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26 Feb 2025 The EPC Squeeze: Why Landlords Might Need to Shape Up or Ship Out

With the clock ticking towards the anticipated EPC (Energy Performance Certificate) changes, Senior Associate, Sophie Henwood details why the UK’s commercial property landscape could face a seismic shift.

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26 Feb 2025 Transparency reporting pilot: crystal clear?

In the Law Society Gazette, Family Senior Associate, Alexandra Hirst details the drive for transparency in the family court, along with the unintended consequences of having qualifying legal reporters and press in attendance.

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25 Feb 2025 Right to manage reforms come into force March 2025

The Right to Manage (RTM) provisions set out in the Commonhold and Leasehold Reform Act 2002 set out the terms on which leaseholders of a building containing flats may form an RTM company and take over the management

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24 Feb 2025 Is fire safety regulation a balancing act?

In Property Wire, Partner and Head of Construction, Sarah Rock outlines the legislative landscape of fire safety regulations

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17 Feb 2025 Immigration Law – A Notoriously Complex Field

As immigration lawyers, we often find our area of expertise dominating the headlines. Given the complex and ever-changing nature of immigration law, news reports can on occasion

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14 Feb 2025 The last straw: VAT on school fees piles pressure on stretched family finances

In Professional Adviser, Partner, William Rollin and Senior Associate, Alexandra Hirst look detail the implications and financial negotiations which may be triggered by the VAT hike on school fees for separated couples.

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14 Feb 2025 Child maintenance is calculated by the Child Support Agency (CSA)

Navigating the intricacies of the law when dealing with emotional family and children related matters can often feel overwhelming, with many myths and misconceptions clouding the process. At Boodle Hatfield, our team of experts understand the importance of clarity and accurate information during life’s most personal and challenging times. That’s why we’ve created our Family Law Mythbusters series—to address common misunderstandings. Senior Associate, Katie Male outlines the answer to the below myth.

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17 Feb 2025 How to become a first-time investor in UK Real Estate?

Becoming a first-time investor in UK real estate is a multi-step process that requires a solid understanding of the legal, financial, and strategic considerations involved. To help navigate the process Charlie Hewlett, Sophie Henwood and Will Timbrell outline the key stages involved in acquiring your first investment property – from choosing the right investment vehicle to securing finance, understanding the legal timeline, and managing your property effectively.

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17 Feb 2025 The Evolving Dynamics of Family Law: Challenging Traditional Stereotypes & Adapting to Modern Relationships

Family law has long been shaped by societal norms and traditions. However, as societal norms evolve, so too does the landscape of marriage, divorce, and parenting. In the TL4 HNW Divorce Magazine, Partner and Mediator, Katie O’Callaghan looks at how, in today’s world, we are witnessing a fundamental shift in these dynamics, one that calls into question the legal frameworks that govern family life.

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12 Feb 2025 Post 2024 Budget: International View Of The IHT Impact On Family Businesses

In Family Business United, Senior Associate, Laura Cullinane looks at the impending overhaul to BPR/APR, along with the impact on family business (and farming) operations, highlighting how now is a good time for business owners to be looking succession plans.

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11 Feb 2025 Nicola Bushby speaks at the ThoughtLeaders4 Trusts in Divorce conference

Nicola’s panel will look at ‘Insights into Wealth and Trust Protection’, where she will be joined by Joanna Grandfield from Mills & Reeve, Richard Kershaw from Hunters Law and Nicholas Yates KC from 1 Hare Court. Together, they will look at what to consider when drafting pre- and post-nuptial agreements, what constitutes undue pressure and family charters.

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05 Feb 2025 Pre-nups are for Billionaires – not for ‘normal’ people

Pre-nuptial agreements (AKA pre-nups) only developed traction in the courts in 2010, but who are they for? Partner, William Rollin debunks a common misunderstandings when it comes to family and divorce law.

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04 Feb 2025 Family Disputes & the Shift to Mediation: What You Need to Know

Family Partner and Mediator, Katie O’Callaghan details why it has never been a more prevalent time for mediators, with Courts not only actively encouraging parties to find ways to resolve disputes out of Court, but now expecting them to meaningfully engage in it.

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31 Jan 2025 Testing the limits of liability

As reported by Property Week, a contractor has been found liable for

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31 Jan 2025 What options are available to help mitigate BPR rule changes?

As reported in the FT Adviser, when farmers protested in Westminster at

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29 Jan 2025 First Time Investor in Real Estate: Top Five Property Law Considerations

It can feel like quite an uphill learning curve, being a first-time investor in commercial property. Here are a few of the issues that will be considered by your property lawyers as part of the due

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29 Jan 2025 Preparing To Sell A Family Business: Key Practical Considerations

For many family businesses, the ultimate goal is to preserve the legacy and pass the business down through generations. However, there may come a time when selling the business is the right decision for the family, as difficult as that often is. Partner, Charlie Hewlett details all in Family Business United.