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The tax tribunals are not generally known for a free and easy approach to issues. They do, however, have a degree of discretion to correct obvious errors and a recent case shows that the tribunal judge may use this discretion when failing to do so would...

A man has recently been removed as the deputy (the person appointed by the Court of Protection (COP) to look after the finances of someone else who lacks the ability to do so) for his long-term partner – for failing to file accounts. He was...

Even relatively small unpaid debts can balloon into a major problem, but taking prompt legal advice can lead to compromise and prevent a misfortune becoming a disaster. The point was illustrated by one case in which a couple were ultimately declared...

The value of a post-nuptial agreement in protecting wealth was illustrated recently when a property developer with assets said to be worth more than £30 million was able to persuade the court that a post-nuptial agreement signed by his ex-wife should...

Businesses that deal with the public are reminded that legislation will come into effect soon to give consumers better protection under the law than they currently have. The Consumer Rights Act 2015 received the Royal Assent on 26 March and becomes law on...

Changes to planning law that came into effect on 15 April 2015 will make it easier for several types of business to change the use of their premises as the rules that apply to the grant of planning permission for change of use between different use classes...

Landlords with tenants who occupy their premises under assured shorthold tenancies will be affected by changes introduced by the Deregulation Act 2015 , which received the Royal Assent in March 2015. The commencement date for the changes has not yet been...

It is often tempting to press on with things and not worry about details, but a recent case shows how much trouble can be caused when i’s are not dotted and t’s not crossed. The High Court was asked to grant a declaration that Fresh Trading...

It is commonly thought that for input VAT to be reclaimed from HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC), a valid VAT invoice is an absolute prerequisite. However, HMRC are permitted to accept other evidence and, although this is discretionary, they are obliged by their...

Clients are warned that the new pension reforms, which now allow pension funds to be treated almost like a personal piggy-bank, are likely to lead to an upswell in attempts by shady financial advisers to help themselves to the nest eggs of the elderly or...