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Cinema operators who were forced to close during COVID-19 lockdowns have failed to convince the Court of Appeal that they should be relieved of the obligation to pay rent . In a guideline ruling, the Court found that it was the tenants, not the landlords,...

The outcome of international child abduction disputes very often depends on a single issue – where is the child concerned habitually resident? That was certainly so in the case of a toddler with an English-born mother and an Israeli father . The...

Prolific will writing is very often symptomatic of a complicated life. That was certainly so in the case of a wealthy businessman who wrote four wills, benefiting different members of his family, during the final 40 years of his life. The man had a large...

Judges are well aware that litigation is stressful and that those involved may become angry or frustrated – however, there is a point at which abusive behaviour crosses the line. In a case on point , a man whose foul-mouthed tirade left a family judge...

Should jumbo, American-style marshmallows, usually used for roasting over an open fire, be classified as confectionary? By answering 'no' to that question, a tribunal left HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) with a bitter taste in its mouth . The case concerned...

In order to establish that you have become a non-UK resident for tax purposes, you need to show a change in the pattern of your life amounting to a real loosening of your ties to this country. A wealthy businessman who failed to pass that test had reason to...

The primary duty of directors is to promote the success of the companies they serve for the benefit of their shareholders – but do they also owe a duty to creditors? The Supreme Court's answer to that question is bound to herald a sea change in the...

In many big money divorce cases, disputes concerning the validity and enforceability of pre- and post-nuptial agreements take centre stage. However, as a Family Court ruling showed , such agreements do not displace the judicial obligation to achieve a fair...

Almost all commercial leases are subject to covenants restricting the use to which the premises can be put. However, as an Upper Tribunal (UT) ruling made plain, tenants who are prejudiced by such restrictions can take effective steps to have them modified. ...

When making your will, there are very good reasons why it makes sense to appoint a professional to administer your estate. A High Court ruling showed why the modest cost of doing so is very nearly always well worth it . After some relatively small...