Arbitration in family law – could this help us?

When trying to resolve matters relating to matrimonial finances, or deciding on certain child arrangements after a relationship breakdown, one alternative to court, for a privately funded family law case is arbitration. ‘Arbitration involves the appointment of an independent arbitrator who will be presented with the facts of the case from each side. After evaluating all the information, they make a decision which is akin to having a court judgment without the protracted process of litigation,’ explains, Samantha Sinclair, Head of Family with Ware & Kay incorporating Peasons & Ward Solicitors. ‘Arbitration can remove delay and bring swift closure, as long as you are willing to accept the arbitrator’s decision as it is difficult to challenge.’ Below, Samantha explores some of the things to consider when deciding to opt for arbitration. The benefits of arbitration…

A time of change: the Employment Rights Bill and the Autumn Budget

By the end of 2026, employment rights are expected to be considerably different to those in force today. Although much of the detail will be the subject of consultation which then needs to be pinned down in regulations or codes of practice, the publication of the Employment Rights Bill in October 2024 indicates the big changes that are on the horizon. Protection from unfair dismissal, family-friendly rights, guaranteed hours for vulnerable workers, and protection from harassment, are all areas that will see new rights or an expansion of existing rights. The Government policy paper ‘Next steps to making work pay,’ mentions further future reforms and areas for consultation. The main points in the Bill, and the changes to employer’s national insurance contributions which were announced at the autumn budget are below. The Bill also includes provisions…

Budget 2024, your residential property questions answered

The first Labour budget for 14 years was the subject of much speculation in the press. But what has changed for homeowners, buyers and sellers? And is there anything property owners should do as a result? ‘There was a lot of hype surrounding the budget,’ agrees Holly Stevens, Director, Residential Property with Ware & Kay. ‘While the impact on residential property may have been less than predicted, there are still some important changes property owners need to be aware of.’ Here she answers some common questions. I want to sell my property, what has changed? The budget made no significant changes which are likely to affect your sale. The rate of capital gains tax (the tax on any profit you make) remains the same. Moreover, if you are selling your main home, it is unlikely you…

How to prevent a right of way being acquired

A case before the Upper Tribunal earlier this year, Nicholson v Hale [2024], gave us some useful guidance on the requirements for signs that are intended to prevent rights of way being acquired by long user or ‘prescription.’ The case concerned two properties in Derby Terrace in Nottingham. Party A owned 4 Darby Terrance (Number 4) and Party B owned 6 Darby Terrace (Number 6). The front doors of both properties were on a raised walkway with steps at the eastern end with access to the public highway. Number 6 could also be accessed across Number 4’s forecourt and staircase. Party A purchased Number 4 in 2020 and then began work to demolish their staircase and enclose their forecourt to create a walled garden. The owners of Number 6 claimed that they had a prescriptive…