Government increases “statutory legacy” to £270,000

The government has increased the “statutory legacy” for partners of people who die intestate, from £250,000 to £270,000. Ministers said they would raise the amount partners can inherit, in line with the consumer price index, every five years. The amount was set at £250,000 in October 2014 and will be increased to £270,000 from 6 February this year; slightly beyond the initial deadline. Commenting on the imminent rise, Law Society President Simon Davies took the opportunity to stress the importance of an up-to-date will. “This increase is very welcome,” he said, “But many people are unaware that unmarried partners and close friends cannot inherit. Writing a legally valid will with the help of an expert solicitor ensures people’s estate is inherited exactly as they would choose.” For more information on Wills, Power of Attorney, Estates and…

Finding a fair divide in farming

The end of a year and the beginning of a new one is often a time for reflection and resolutions for change. For many couples, this can include deciding that their marriage has come to an end and it is time to separate and get a divorce.  Indeed, the first working Monday of the new year is widely known in legal circles as ‘Divorce Day’, with lawyers seeing a large spike in divorce enquiries on this day as couples finally concede that their marriage has irretrievably broken down. Divorce is always unsettling as couples decide how to divide their property, sort their financial affairs and make arrangements for their children, but can be particularly complex where agricultural assets are concerned. So, what are the key things you need to know about a farming divorce?  ‘If you are…

The Benefits of Civil Partnerships Extended to All Couples

On 31 December 2019, new legislation made it legal for mixed-sex couples to enter into Civil Partnerships, an option that was previously only available to same-sex couples Civil partnerships afford couples the same financial and legal protections as marriage, but offer an alternative for those who feel ‘traditional’ marriage isn’t quite right for them. Among the couples celebrating were Rebecca Steinfeld and Charles Keidan, whose public battle for a civil partnership made it to the Supreme Court. The couple said that for them, a civil partnership felt more equal than a traditional marriage. They successfully argued that denying a straight couple the right to a civil partnership was discrimination and therefore “incompatible with their human rights.” Ahead of 31 December, hundreds of mixed-sex couples gave notice to enter civil partnerships but not without critics describing…

Green leases and moves to improve energy efficiency

Concerns about the impact of climate change are beginning to affect all areas of business including business premises, which are responsible for a significant proportion of the UK’s overall energy use.  The government has announced that it plans to tighten regulations on energy efficiency in rented property, requiring significant improvements by 2030.  Commercial landlords and business tenants will need to make sure their leases give energy efficiency a higher priority and set out who is responsible for energy efficiency measures and who will foot the bill. “Green leases are being gradually introduced in response to new legislation and a desire both by landlords and tenants to make energy savings,” says Andrew Little commercial property solicitor at our Malton office, “although it isn’t always clear exactly what a green lease is.  In simple terms, a green…