Latest News December 2009

Cohabiting couples could be granted improved inheritance rights
Cohabiting couples who have lived together for five years could be given the same rights as married couples to inherit their partner’s estate if he or she had failed to make a will. More>>>

Distributor must pay £125,000 damages for breach of contract
A distributor has been ordered to pay a manufacturing company £125,000 compensation after failing to promote its products in the way that had been agreed by contract. More>>>
Grandmother wins legal battle over the care of her grandson
A grandmother has won a legal battle to ensure that her four-year-old grandson lives with her rather than with his father. More>>>
Tenant wins professional negligence claim against surveyor
A tenant has succeeded in a professional negligence claim against a surveyor even though the surveyor had told her he would no longer be able to act for her unless she paid his fee. More>>>
New Act will modernise rules relating to trusts
A new Act to update the law relating to trusts has received the Royal Assent and is expected to come into effect during 2010. More>>>
Banks off the hook – but some customers win too 
The banking industry breathed a sigh of relief this week when the tide finally turned for them and the Supreme Court ruled in their favour in a test case on overdraft charges. More>>>
Separated couples urged not to spoil Christmas for their children
Christmas is supposed to be a magical time for children but sadly it can sometimes be spoilt by divorced and separated parents arguing over contact rights. More>>>
Late payments still a major headache despite slight improvement
Late payments are still causing a major headache for many businesses despite new research showing there’s been a slight improvement in the time firms take to settle invoices. More>>>
Director personally responsible for paying a company debt
The director of a company in liquidation has been held to be personally responsible for some of its debts. More>>>
Consultation begins on amendments to Companies Act measures
The latest raft of Companies Act measures only came into effect on 1st October but already there are moves to make some amendments. More>>>