Author: Rose Kinrade

In the unfortunate event of a marriage breaking down, the majority of people have little knowledge of the divorce procedure and how to go about resolving any associated issues such as contact with children and the division of the matrimonial assets.

In the unfortunate event of a marriage breaking down, the majority of people have little knowledge of the divorce procedure and how to go about resolving any associated issues such as contact with children and the division of the matrimonial assets. It is possible for parties to represent themselves in proceedings and, if they are happy to do so, they should ensure that they are aware of the procedure to prevent any errors or delays in completing the necessary paperwork.

Author: Simon Stokes

Background to the case

Successful visual artists often operate through limited companies. This can have tax advantages. One such example was the leading British sculptor Lynn Chadwick, who died in 2003. From July 1973 he changed his status from a sole trader to becoming a director and employee of a company he and his wife owned and transferred his stock and trading business to the company at that time. However no written agreement dealing with the transfer of the (physical) property and copyright in his art works was executed. On the artist’s death a dispute arose as to where title to the property and copyright lay in his works of art created both pre and post 1973 – with the artist’s estate or with the company? His Will made no mention of the artist’s artworks or copyright in them. It should be noted that selling or transferring physical title to a work of art does not by itself transfer the copyright in it – so often physical title in a work and the copyright in it are in separate ownership.

On June 22, 2018, in a 5-4 decision, the Supreme Court of Texas settled a conflict in appellate court rulings by holding there is no cause of action in Texas for intentional interference with inheritance. Chief Justice Nathan Hecht, writing for the majority, reasoned that existing remedies in probate law, such as claims of undue influence, duress, restitution through the imposition of a constructive trust, and evidentiary rules and procedures were adequate to protect the interests of a prospective beneficiary.

Author: Rose Kinrade

The long anticipated engagement of HRH Prince Harry and Rachel Meghan Markle was announced by Clarence House via Twitter on Monday morning with the couple being at the centre of a media frenzy ever since.

With the wedding date set for May 2018 there will be a long list of arrangements to be made and organising to be done. One of the most important questions to be asked will be whether Harry and Meghan enter into a pre-nuptial agreement or not.