A Private Word Newsletter - Winter 2008/2009

Tracing Lost Accounts

It is by no means uncommon for people to have money in accounts which they or their relatives have forgotten about and the scale of the problem is illustrated by the fact that the National Savings and Investment Bank (NSIB) says it has £435 million in...

Divorcee Has Right to Stay in House She Does Not Own

Lenders are taking an increasingly tough approach when mortgages fall into arrears, but their repossession claims can sometimes be resisted when justified by circumstances. Recently, a woman who had contributed to the mortgage on a...

Tax - Negligence and the Burden of Proof

When HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) believe that a taxpayer has understated their income, an assessment is raised to collect the tax which they calculate has been underpaid. Once the tax position is finalised, it is usual for a penalty to be imposed. ...

When Not Having a Will Doesn't Mean Being Intestate

To die intestate means to die without leaving a will and an intestate estate is distributed according to the intestacy rules. These are more complex than many people realise, but they do operate overall to leave the estate to surviving family...

Divorce - New Job Doesn't Affect Settlement

In divorce proceedings, it is usual to make a full disclosure of assets and future financial prospects when agreeing the financial settlement. Failing to do so can cause a legal battle, as a recent case illustrates. It involved a couple...

Trees Do Not a Forest Make

A recent court ruling has confirmed the right of a garden owner to manage his garden without undue interference from the Forestry Commission. The case hinged on the definition of a garden and whether the owner of the property was entitled to treat his garden...