Private Client Issues – December 2020

Welcome to this month’s edition of Private Client Issues, Blake Morgan’s monthly round-up of the topics you may find of interest. It features insight and advice on developments affecting private individuals.

As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to impact the way we work and live, we wanted to take this opportunity to remind you about some of the things we’re doing to help. As always, our focus is on providing you with a high-quality service, while working to keep our staff, clients and contacts safe. Our employees continue to work from home where possible, and are happy to meet with you virtually, or in person where this is necessary and can be done in accordance with Government guidelines. We are really proud of the way that our staff have risen to the challenge to do this without impacting the service we provide.

The situation continues to be fast moving, with new measures being announced as the Government addresses the key issues facing both individuals and businesses. Our teams are here to help you, with the advice and support you need at this difficult time. Please access our COVID-19 hub for up to date information on key issues and please look after yourselves and those close to you.

The perils of dying without a Will

The Law Society and the consumer expert, Which? have recently reported a record increase in will-making during the current global crisis. However, an estimated 40% of the UK public still do not have a Will in place.

Read more about the importance of Wills.

Family lawyers pay for themselves in wealth management

Taking legal advice from a family lawyer, potentially combined with advice from an IFA or financial planner, enables people to take control of situations and to make better informed, life-changing decisions.

Read why it is important to seek advice from family lawyers.

Why obtaining consent orders is important

What are the risks of an informal agreement upon divorce, and how can you protect yourself? We take a look at the importance of consent orders.

Read more about consent orders.

How does family mediation work?

Family mediation can be a very effective method of resolving difficult family circumstances. Couples do separate, or get divorced, but this doesn’t necessarily have to be through the courts, family mediation is an alternative.

Watch as we explain where mediation fits in.

Survive and thrive

Watch again the thought-provoking discussion with Viv Groskop, an award-winning comedian and author, and Harriet Hastings, founder of the luxury biscuit company Biscuiteers. It was an engaging and lively webinar that tackled the challenges that business owners and employers now face and how to survive and thrive in our new reality

Download the recording of the webinar here.

Looking past the transition period

During our Brexit Conference, we hosted a number of live webinars that were of benefit to entrepreneurs and small business owners. You can watch the opening session again where our Chairman Bruce Potter and the CBI’s Senior Brexit Policy Advisor, James Sloan, discussed what to expect from 1 January 2021.

Download the recording here.

If you are impacted by any of the above topics or you would like further information on how we can help you, please contact your usual Blake Morgan adviser.

Season’s greetings

We would like to send you our warmest wishes for the festive season along with a happy New Year from all at Blake Morgan. Being the season of giving, throughout 2020 each of our offices supported the following charities:

• Cardiff: Guide Dogs for the Blind/Guide Dogs Cymru
• London: Dementia UK
• Oxford: Homeless Oxfordshire
• Reading: Faith (ReadiStreet)
• South Coast: Countess Mountbatten Hospice Charity & Solent Mind