Planning your digital legacy
A survey conducted by PricewaterhouseCoopers found that UK consumers valued their digital assets at £25billion. The average consumer owns 42 e-books, 30 TV shows, 2,678 individual songs and 28 digital...
Warning on Government’s ‘risky’ online legal tool
A recent report published by a coalition of organisations led by Solicitors for the Elderly (SFE) warns that a Government online tool to create Lasting Powers of Attorney (LPA), and other DIY...
Alternative dispute resolution: helping separated couples reach an agreement
For separating couples, it is often hard to reach agreement on how to deal with finances and arrangements for children. At the end of a relationship, communication has often broken...
Debenhams Ottaway helping Hollywood actor and local entrepreneur set up business
The corporate and commercial and employment teams at Debenhams Ottaway are currently advising local entrepreneur Danny Deacon and Hollywood actor and ex-professional footballer Vinnie Jones on a new joint business...
Retirement: Gifting to save inheritance tax
Retirement is an opportune time to take stock of your assets and to think about gifting to save your estate inheritance tax (IHT). Perhaps your children have now flown the...
Residential leasehold property – consultation requirements
Landlords of residential property will already be aware that they are required to consult with tenants before carrying out qualifying works or entering into qualifying long term agreements. In the...
Debenhams Ottaway raises over £3,000 in Charity Week
Last week Debenhams Ottaway held its annual Charity Week fundraising for its nominated charities for this year Mount Vernon Cancer Centre and St Albans Museums and Galleries Trust. The week comprised...
Important ruling on holiday pay and commission
In a decision which may bring severe financial implications for employers, the Court of Appeal has concluded that holiday pay must include compensation for any results-based commission which would usually...
Another great year for Debenhams Ottaway in Legal 500
Whilst maintaining our leading first tier ranking within the private wealth area of personal tax, trusts and probate, Debenhams Ottaway also saw three areas move up the rankings and a first...
Expensive lifestyle, expensive divorce
Media interest has recently reignited in the long, drawn-out divorce proceedings between Ekaterina Fields and her millionaire husband, Richard Fields. In the eyes of most, the lifestyle of Mr and...
Dragons Apprentice Challenge 2017 Launch
Junior Dragons Apprentice Challenge launches for the first time in St Albans This November will also see the launch of the Junior Dragons’ Apprentice Challenge, which will be a 6...
Business succession planning and your Will
With the many pressures facing family and owner managed businesses, planning for the death of a business owner is often neglected. Succession planning should, however, form a key part of...
What options are available to enforce a judgment?
There are various enforcement methods available post judgment to help ensure you actually receive the money owed to you or your business. The most appropriate will often depend on your...
Sponsored St Albans Legal Walk raises over £3,300 for free local legal help
On Monday 12 September, a team from Debenhams Ottaway joined other lawyers, advisers and legal professionals for a sponsored walk around St Albans to raise over £3,300 to support free...
School fees and child maintenance
With the new school year now well under way, separated parents may have concerns about how to stretch a limited income across two households. For families with children attending independent,...
Debenhams Ottaway recruits senior corporate/commercial partner
David Silver, a highly accomplished lawyer with over 30 years experience in corporate finance and commercial work, is joining Debenhams Ottaway to head up their corporate team, recently recognised in...
Finding out what it’s really like to be in an employment tribunal
Debenhams Ottaway hosted a mock employment tribunal this week on the hot topic of inappropriate use of social media in the workplace. A fictitious case was presented by No5 Chambers...
Isle of Man first to allow heterosexual couples to enter into civil partnership
It has been an eventful summer for Britain, from the referendum result and subsequent upheaval in politics to coming second in the global medal table at the Rio Olympics. As...
Debenhams Ottaway welcomes new trainees
Three new trainees joined Debenhams Ottaway this week. Selected from over 100 applications and following a rigorous interview process, the new trainees (Robyn Adams, Laura Coad and Adam Matthews) will...
Brexit impact on employment law – Parliamentary briefing published
The House of Commons has produced a briefing paper entitled “Brexit: Impact Across Policy Areas” which states that David Davis MP is not attracted by the idea of rewarding those...