MSHB

Following the breakdown of a marriage or civil partnership in Scotland, spouses have an obligation to support each other financially, based on what is reasonable in the circumstances. This form of financial support is known as aliment. Aliment is only payable whilst parties are still married or in a civil partnership. Once decree of divorce, or dissolution of a civil partnership has been granted, financial support in the form of aliment would stop. When determining whether aliment should be paid, or when trying to calculate the level of aliment that is reasonable, the following matters must be considered:

Following the tragedy at Grenfell Tower in London, the UK government have made it a priority to address the issue of unsafe cladding on residential units. In response, the government have announced that it would introduce a new tax levy in 2022 on the profits which large residential property developers make from UK residential development.

On 24 September 2021 the Government announced that there would be changes to the current laws on staff tips based on its findings from the Consultation on Tipping, Gratuities, Cover and Service Charges in 2016 (All tips to go to staff under government plans to enhance rights of 2 million workers - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk). When the legislation comes into force businesses will no longer be able to take any part of the tips (or service charges) given to staff. A change in the rules has become more urgent after the pandemic spurred a switch to cashless payment with 80% of all UK tipping now happening by card, making it easier for businesses to keep funds.

We are pleased to announce the appointment of Siobhan Kelly as a consultant and head of our Family Law department.