Family Archives - Bowling & Co Solicitors

How to avoid making mincemeat of estate planning

January 23, 2025
Manal Fouad
Family, Private, Residential

A will that was hand-written on the back of two cardboard food packages has been confirmed as legally binding by the High Court. Manal Fouad, Partner and Head of our Private Client team, takes a closer look.

Are we heading for an Incapacity Crisis?

The UK is ‘sleepwalking’ towards a dementia crisis with millions of people failing to take steps to prepare for losing mental capacity, a solicitors organisation has warned.

Inheritance Tax: Strategies to Secure Your Family’s Financial Future

November 8, 2023
Manal Fouad
Family, Private Client

There has been speculation in the media for the past few years about Inheritance tax (IHT) as a potential target for tax reform, but so far this has not come to fruition. People are fearful of the bills they will leave for their families, but the reality is that many who worry fall well below the threshold at which IHT is payable. But with IHT charged at 40 per cent it’s certainly worth doing a regular check on where you stand, as those who could be liable can minimise their liability by taking advice and planning ahead.

Halloween trick or treating – dos and don’ts

October 31, 2023
Sebastian Jakubowski and Habibur Choudhury
Family, Litigation

Pumpkins, trick or treating, getting dressed up - there is plenty to celebrate when it comes to Halloween. However, even though you might be in disguise, it is no excuse for failing to observe the law. Here are some of the dos and don’ts for Halloween.

Understanding your legal obligations to send your child to school

September 8, 2023
Justin Tufuor
General News, Family

Understanding the requirements, you, as a parent, have to ensure your child attends school is crucial for a successful educational journey. This article aims to provide parents with valuable insights into various aspects of their child's attendance, helping them navigate the requirements, including the legal rules around school attendance.

Permission to travel abroad with children

September 8, 2023
Zafrin Haque
Family

When it comes to travelling abroad with a child, parents often have questions about the legal implications, especially if the child has a different surname. In England and Wales, parental rights and responsibilities are primarily governed by the Children Act 1989, which outlines the rules regarding parental responsibility, including decisions related to a child's upbringing.

No-fault divorce – is it working?

August 16, 2023
Habibur Choudhury
Family

According to figures from the Ministry for Justice, divorce applications rose by 20 per cent in the year following the introduction of no-fault divorce. Read more here.

What happens when a parent breaches a court order?

July 31, 2023
Habibur Choudhury
Family

What happens if a parent breaches a court order in the context of family law? What are the consequences and what legal recourse is available?

Widow wins Inheritance Act claim: Kaur vs Singh

Widow Mrs Kaur wins an Inheritance Act claim against deceased husband Mr Singh to show a balance between law and personal morals in estate planning.

Divorce and your Will

In a 2021 survey, over two-thirds of happily married couples were uncertain about their estate's fate in a divorce. Additionally, 37% believed their former spouse would lose any claim to their estate post-divorce. Read more.

Family