News - Sills & Betteridge Solicitors

Divorce Specialist Joins Family Law Team

Claire Smith
11 Jul 2025
Firm News
Divorce & Separation News and Legal Updates

With over 20 years’ experience, Chartered Legal Executive Claire Smith has joined our family law team as an Associate.

Standish v Standish [2025] UKSC 26: The family law judgment of the year?

Yasmine Roff
11 Jul 2025
Law Blog
Divorce & Separation News and Legal Updates

On 2nd July 2025, the Supreme Court published its highly anticipated judgment in the case of Standish v Standish. The appeal was brought by Mrs Standish against a Court of Appeal ruling which reduced her financial award on divorce from £45m to £25m – the largest ever reduction to a divorce award.

Non-Disclosure Agreements (NDAs): A New Era of Transparency for Employers

In the employment landscape, Non-Disclosure Agreements (NDAs) are undergoing a fundamental re-assessment. Once viewed as standard elements of settlement agreements, NDAs — particularly those tied to allegations of sexual misconduct or discrimination — are now under intense scrutiny.

The Importance of having a Will | Don't leave it to chance

At Sills & Betteridge, our Wills, Trusts and Probate team consistently emphasise the importance of having a valid Will in place. A professionally and independently drafted Will ensures that your estate is managed according to your wishes after your death, providing clarity and peace of mind for your loved ones. The critical need for this is currently being highlighted by a Radio 4 series, Shadow World: The Grave Robbers, which shows the serious complications that can arise when someone passes away without a Will. Award-winning investigative reporter Sue Mitchell reveals how gangs operating in the UK are illegally taking assets from people who die without a recent will.

Plans to widen Bereavement Leave to Include Miscarriage Before 24 Weeks

In times of grief, taking time off work to mourn the loss of a loved one is not only a matter of compassion—it is essential for emotional recovery and overall wellbeing. Recent updates to bereavement leave policies reflect a growing recognition of this need. In this blog post, we’ll explore the further proposed changes to extend bereavement leave to cover miscarriage before 24 weeks.

The Final Act of Ken Dodd: What It Teaches Us About Inheritance Tax and Estate Planning

Estate planning is a vital component of financial management, especially for individuals with substantial assets. One of the most significant considerations in this process is Inheritance Tax (IHT), which can substantially reduce the value of an estate passed on to beneficiaries. The story of Sir Ken Dodd, the famous British comedian, provides a compelling example of how timely legal decisions can dramatically influence the tax implications of an estate.