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So-called 'big money' divorces may grab the headlines, but lower-value disputes can often be the hardest to resolve. In a case on point, a family judge laboured to meet the reasonable needs of a divorcing couple whose debts far exceeded their modest savings. The couple's marriage lasted almost 30 years, yielding three children who had grown to adulthood. Whilst the wife worked full time, the father's primary role was that of a stay-at-home parent, looking after the home and children. They lived in a housing association property and, although they...

There is ultimately only so much that you can do to prevent your loved ones falling out over inheritance issues after you are gone. However, as a High Court decision showed, the threat of bad blood developing can be greatly reduced by making an expertly drafted will and engaging a professional as your executor. The case concerned a woman whose principal asset, a house, was said to be worth up to £400,000 but who died without making a will. Under the rules of intestacy, her estate was to be divided...

When buying land it is vital to have a full understanding of any restrictions on the use to which it can be put. In a striking case on point, a couple were caught unawares by one such restriction and had their hopes of constructing an equestrian training facility on a field that they had recently purchased thwarted. Less than a year after purchasing the field, the couple obtained planning permission to construct on it an unroofed manège that would enable the training of horses in a safe, all-weather environment. The...

No matter how much you respect and trust your friends, lending them money can be fraught with risk and should never be done without first taking professional advice. A case on point concerned a couple who lent £210,000 to a neighbour to help him fund an overseas business venture. The loan was advanced to the neighbour and his business partner and was secured by way of mortgage against the latter's home. The money was intended to provide short-term bridging finance and was repayable after 120 days, together with 20 per...