Private Client Issues – December 2019
Welcome to this month’s edition of Private Client Issues, Blake Morgan’s monthly round-up of the topics you may find of interest. It features insight and advice on developments affecting private individuals.
Common misconceptions of cohabitation
Resolution Accredited Cohabitation specialist James Davies looks at the common misconceptions associated with this niche area, just part of the firm’s contribution to Cohabitation Awareness Week.
The future of electronic signatures
As technology speeds up transactions there is still one part of a transaction that it has not changed, the signing of deeds via electronic signatures. Pressure is growing for change and here we consider some recent developments in this area.
When is a long lease not actually a long lease?
“When it’s an Assured Tenancy”. It sounds like the punchline to a bad joke at a dinner party full of property lawyers, but sadly this is the sad consequence of the increasing prevalence ground rents. We look at the consequences and possible work-arounds for those purchasing property where the lease they are taking on is determined to be an Assured Tenancy.
SDLT tax receipts
We take a look at the latest statistics on the tax receipts generated from Stamp Duty Land Tax and consider what they tell us about First Time Buyers’ Relief and the higher rates of SDLT for additional properties.
Marriage and gender change
As part of Transgender Awareness Week, we consider the further steps that need to be taken if both parties in a marriage or civil partnership wish to remain married, if one or both of them wishes to acquire a Gender Recognition Certificate (GRC) to legally recognise a new gender.
Transgender and your Will
Nationally recognised expert in transgender law in relation to the drafting of Wills, Alison Craggs, answers important questions that often arise when preparing Wills for transgender clients and examines the issues to be aware of when dealing with estates with transgender beneficiaries.
If you are impacted by any of the above private client topics or you would like further information on how we can help you, please contact your usual Blake Morgan adviser.
We would like to send you our warmest wishes for the festive season along with a happy and prosperous New Year from all at Blake Morgan. Being the season of giving, throughout 2019 each of our offices supported the following charities:
- Cardiff: Guide Dogs for the Blind/Guide Dogs Cymru
- London: Dementia UK
- Oxford: Homeless Oxfordshire
- Portsmouth: Solent Mind
- Reading: Faith (ReadiStreet)
- Southampton: Countess Mountbatten Hospice Charity
Share:
Enjoy That? You Might Like These:
articles
