Woman’s Will upheld in spite of her dementia The High Court has upheld a 91-year-old woman’s Will even though she was suffering from dementia at the time it was made. The law requires that when making a Will, a person must have testamentary capacity – that is, they must fully understand what they are doing and the consequences of their decisions. However, in giving his ruling in this case, the …Read More
Now you can save thousands when building your own home
Now you can save thousands when building your own home People building their own homes could save thousands of pounds following the government’s decision to exempt self-built accommodation from the Community Infrastructure Levy. Developers have to pay the levy to local councils to help with the cost of the infrastructure needed to support new buildings.
Woman injured at work awarded more than £1m compensation
Woman injured at work awarded more than £1m compensation A 42-year-old female carer has been awarded £1.5m compensation after being injured in two separate workplace accidents. The first injury occurred when the carer was helping a patient get out of bed. The patient’s legs buckled and as she fell she dragged the carer with her.
Wife fails to improve divorce settlement despite husband’s perjury
Wife fails to improve divorce settlement despite husband’s perjury A woman has failed to get an improved divorce settlement even though her husband had misled the court about the extent of his wealth. The case involved a couple who separated after 17 years of marriage. The assets were divided with the wife getting around 65% in cash and properties, giving her a total of £10m.
Delay means widow cannot challenge her late husband’s will
Delay means widow cannot challenge her late husband’s will The law allows you to seek a greater share from a deceased person’s will if you feel you haven’t been properly provided for or if some error has occurred. The claim usually has to take place within a six-month time limit; otherwise it may be rejected, as happened in a recent case that went to the Court of Appeal. It involved …Read More
Gender pay gap increases for first time in five years
Gender pay gap increases for first time in five years The pay gap between men and women has widened for the first time since 2008. Figures released by the Office for National Statistics show that women earn £5,000 less on average. The difference is calculated on median hourly earnings for full time workers. The median wage gap increased from 9.5% to 10% in the last year. However, the TUC say …Read More
Surge in number of children abducted by their parents
Surge in number of children abducted by their parents The number of children abducted from the UK by their parents has doubled in the last 10 years, according to official figures from the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO). In 2003-04, the FCO dealt with 272 parental child abduction and international custody cases. This figure had risen to 580 in 2012-13. That is the second highest figure ever recorded and is …Read More
Social tenants to receive more help to buy their homes
Social tenants to receive more help to buy their homes The government wants to make it easier for tenants to purchase their homes by improving the Right to Buy scheme. Currently, council tenants who want to buy their homes can qualify for a discount of up to 60%, depending on how long they have lived in the property. This is to rise to 70%. The maximum sum that can be …Read More
Woman injured at hairdresser’s awarded £17,500 compensation
Woman injured at hairdresser’s awarded £17,500 compensation A woman who sustained a chemical burn to her scalp at a hairdressing hair replacement salon has been awarded £17,500 compensation. The woman had attended the salon to have her hair dyed blond. A bleaching product was applied to her hair and her head was placed under a dryer for about 30 minutes. Her head began to feel very hot and she could …Read More
Motorcyclist receives £1.4m compensation from negligent driver
Motorcyclist receives £1.4m compensation from negligent driver A motorcyclist has received £1.4m compensation after he suffered life changing injuries in a road accident. The 45-year-old man was riding his motorcycle along a main road when a car emerged from a side street directly into his path. His left leg was completely crushed in the collision. He also suffered a fracture to his right collarbone, broken ribs, damage to his knee …Read More