A number of UK start-ups have said they were forced to raise emergency funds in 2019 after sudden and unexpected delays to their tax credits. The long delays caused serious concerns in the start-up community, which is already upset at plans by the government, which has promised to be “pro-enterprise”, to curb entrepreneurs’ tax relief in the upcoming Budget. The delayed tax credits were part of a scheme to encourage more research and allowed small and medium-sized businesses to deduct 130 per cent of their research and development costs from their annual profit. In previous years, these credits were paid […]

Attorneys often seek litigation financing before they are really ready for funding, and this premature quest can often result in a denial. However, with further preparation, attorneys can turn a “no” into a “yes.” This preparation can get the case to the stage where the in-house team of experts can adequately assess the associated risks. Below are three scenarios that commonly result in litigation funding firms turning down an opportunity to invest in a matter. This Insight will also offer guidance on how to work with such firms to get a positive response. Provide as Much Information as Possible Litigation […]

The second Earl of Snowdon is set to split from his wife, the second royal divorce announcement in less than a week. David Armstrong-Jones, son of the late Princess Margaret, is to separate from Serena Armstrong-Jones. A spokesman for the couple said: “The Earl and Countess of Snowdon have amicably agreed that their marriage has come to an end and that they shall be divorced. “They ask that the press respect their privacy and that of their family.” The Earl is the son of Princess Margaret and Antony Armstrong-Jones, the first Earl of Snowdon. The Armstrong-Jones parents with Margarita and Charles Read […]

Lawyers, campaigners and politicians are calling for wider action to be taken after a judge was condemned for employing ‘obsolescent concepts’ on consent in a family case.   Last month the High Court said His Honour Judge Tolson’s judgment following a fact-finding trial in proceedings for child arrangement orders was ‘so flawed as to require a retrial’. The judgment attracted national media coverage.  Family law specialists have penned an open letter to the lord chancellor, Robert Buckland, and president of the family division, Sir Andrew McFarlane, calling for immediate action to address issues raised in the judgment. The letter is […]

Mel B‘s ex-husband Stephen Belafonte is now seeking full custody of their daughter Madison as their brutal legal battle turns uglier. The ‘Scary Spice’ and Stephen currently have joint custody of the eight-year-old. However in court documents filed this week, Stephen has asked for full legal and physical custody of the child.  And reports by TMZ allege that Stephen claims Mel has “all but abandoned” her youngest child since moving to the UK after the couple split. Stephen, 44, claims he’s been the sole caregiver of Madison for the vast majority of 2018 and much of last year. Stephen now […]

 Lisa Armstrong is reportedly set to host a divorce party worth £40,000 following her ‘£31 million’ settlement from ex Ant McPartlin. The make-up artist, 43, is said to be in the process of organising a meeting with top party planners in a bid ‘to focus on the positives in her life’ after her high-profile split from the TV veteran, 44.  According to The Sun, the former Deuce singer is keen on pulling out all the stops for the bash, which will feature a Frank Sinatra tribute act, fireworks and goodie bags filled with keyrings from Tiffany and Louis Vuitton card holders. Moving […]

A BUSINESSMAN who burned $1million in cash to stop his ex-wife from getting her hands on it has been jailed for 30 days, according to reports. Bruce McConville, 55, said he burned $743,000 on September 23 and $296,000 on December 15 in two separate bonfires, as well as selling his assets. 3 McConville claimed he burned $1 million in cashCredit: Facebook 3 A judge didn’t believe his story and sentenced him to 30 days in jailCredit: Facebook The Canadian man reportedly refused to adhere to an affidavit to say where the money went – preventing the court from establishing what […]

FERN Britton has thanked her fans for the support she’s received since announcing her separation from husband Phil Vickery. The former presenter tweeted: “Hello. Thank you so much for all your kind messages. They are so appreciated. More than you know. The kindness of strangers is overwhelming.” 4 Fern Britton and Phil Vickery have split after 20 years of marriageCredit: Rex Features Fern, 62, and TV chef Phil Vickery 58, shocked fans last week after revealing they had called it quits after 20 years of marriage. The author broke the news to her 66,500 Twitter followers on 29th January: “After […]