Grandparents seeking contact
Acting for grandparents in a case where they had been denied any contact with their grandchildren for three years. An application was made to the family court which ultimately led to a child arrangements order being made.
Obtaining contact for a father
Representing a father who, following the end of a relationship, had been denied any meaningful contact with his three sons. Through a series of round table meetings we were able to reach an agreement which rein stated the contact and ultimately led to a shared care arrangement being agreed.
Parental Alienation
Acting for a mother in very contested court proceedings where the father was alleging serious welfare issues. At the final hearing we were successful in proving to the court that the father’s allegations were malicious and he had been deliberately alienating the mother. We were successful in obtaining a s91(14) order prohibiting the father from making further applications to the court for a period of 3 years.
Protecting assets on cohabitation
The preparation of a cohabitation agreement for a young female who had purchased a property using inheritance monies she had received from her late mother. Our client wished to live with her boyfriend but wanted to ensure that her inherited wealth was protected.
Long term cohabitation and protecting an unmarried partner
Acting for a lady who had been in a relationship with her partner for over 20 years but had not married. All of the family assets were in the partners name and it was necessary to make an application under the Trusts of Land and Appointment of Trustees Act. Without making such application the division of assets would have been entirely unfair and our client would not have been able to rehouse herself.
Urgent action in a serious domestic abuse case
Acting for a wife who had suffered years of domestic abuse and serious violence at the hands of her husband. Meeting with the client for the first time and on the same day attending court and applying for ex parte Family Law Act orders. We were successful in obtaining both a non molestation and occupation order and immediately arranged for the husband to be personally served with the orders by a professional process server. During the case we worked closely with the domestic abuse outreach service and the local authority.
A controlling same sex relationship
Advising a male who felt locked in a very controlling same sex relationship where the behaviour of the partner becoming more extreme. A very stern warning was issued to the partner and we were then able to reach an agreement with him as to the division of assets enabling our client to end the relationship and move out of the jointly owned property.
Creation of a trust for a vulnerable person
Advising in connection with the prospect of a disabled person’s trust for the benefit of a vulnerable beneficiary. Providing advice on the inheritance tax, capital gains tax and income tax implications for the trust, dealing with transfer of the assets into trust and the registration of the trust with HMRC.
Life interest trust and mutli-million pound assets
Advising trustees in connection with the administration of a life interest trust with multi-million pounds assets, including property, qualifying for agricultural property relief. Dealing with the preparation of annual Trust Tax Returns and Accounts and advising the trustees on all matters pertaining to the proper administration of the Trust including specific tax advice and advice on the powers and fiduciary duties of the trustees.
Tax planning to protect a family business
Advising a husband and wife who each owned substantial shareholdings in a family business, in connection with structuring their wills so as to maximise the benefit that might be achieved from business property relieve (BPR). Any business asset which qualifies for BPR will attract inheritance tax relief at 50% or 100% and is therefore a valuable relief for business owners, potentially enabling business assets to pass tax free to the next generation.
