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Judges are well aware that litigation is stressful and that those involved may become angry or frustrated – however, there is a point at which abusive behaviour crosses the line. In a case on point, a man whose foul-mouthed tirade left a family judge deeply shaken came within a whisker of being sent to prison. During a telephone hearing, the man swore repeatedly at the judge and referred to her as 'mate'. Despite several warnings, his angry interventions continued and he refused to listen to her. He said he was...

In order to establish that you have become a non-UK resident for tax purposes, you need to show a change in the pattern of your life amounting to a real loosening of your ties to this country. A wealthy businessman who failed to pass that test had reason to regret his continued attendance at football matches in England. There was no dispute that the property entrepreneur was resident in Belgium during two tax years. However, HM Revenue and Customs took the view that he was also a UK resident during...

In many big money divorce cases, disputes concerning the validity and enforceability of pre- and post-nuptial agreements take centre stage. However, as a Family Court ruling showed, such agreements do not displace the judicial obligation to achieve a fair division of assets that meets the reasonable needs of both spouses. The case concerned a middle-aged couple who, throughout their 15-year marriage, based their affluent lifestyle on the largesse of the husband's immensely wealthy father. By the time of their separation, the husband had only a modest earned income and the...

When making your will, there are very good reasons why it makes sense to appoint a professional to administer your estate. A High Court ruling showed why the modest cost of doing so is very nearly always well worth it. After some relatively small legacies, a woman bequeathed half of her estate to her grandchildren and the other half to their uncle. After obtaining a grant of probate, it was the uncle's responsibility to administer the estate – which was valued at over £550,000 – in accordance with her will....