We are often asked about whether the distress caused by negligent professionals can be compensated in damages. The answer is almost always ‘no’ and the basis for this has again been set out in a recent case. The judgment also provides some interesting points on case management and when it is too late to amend your claim.

It is widely reported that in recent years the number of people contesting a will has increased dramatically. It is a favourite topic attracting national media interest with many high profile cases dividing public opinion on the merits of being allowed to challenge someone’s final wishes.

There is a common misconception that Lasting Powers of Attorney (LPA) can only be used for personal use. This is certainly not the case.

Medical negligence solicitor Jeanette Whyman guides you through how to make a medical negligence claim.

Our Court of Protection team has been busier than ever over the past 12 months with increasing numbers of applications to the Court. The cases listed below are some of our most notable – and complex:

Some of us may have particular wishes about our personal health and welfare which we would like to record. A health and welfare lasting power of attorney (LPA) or an advanced decision (also known as living will), can be used to ensure your wishes are followed in relation to your health, welfare and medical treatment should you lose capacity to make the decisions yourself in the future.

In August 2016 Colin Seviour died leaving his estate to his wife, Maria Seviour. His estate was valued at approximately £268,000. Maria suffered with motor neurone disease.

Understandably, when going through a divorce or separation, one of the main concerns for parents is to ensure that the divorce has as little impact on their children as possible.

In Thaler v Comptroller-General of Patents, Designs and Trade Marks [2023] UKSC 49, following a series of appeals by Dr Thaler, on 20 December 2023 the UK Supreme Court (Court) unanimously ruled that a machine acting autonomously and powered by artificial intelligence (AI) cannot be an “inventor” under the Patents Act of 1997 (UK) (Act), as an “inventor” must be a natural person. This decision is consistent with decisions in other jurisdictions on the same application, namely Germany, Australia and the U.S.

This article outlines the legal steps available to beneficiaries in the UK when confronted with an executor's failure of duties in estate management.