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Month: November 2025

Budget 2025: How the new measures may affect individuals and businesses

Posted on by Britt Thompson

The Chancellor has announced the 2025 Budget, which introduces a range of tax and policy changes that will affect individuals, families and businesses. Many of the measures focus on property, investment income and long-term financial planning.

Tax and property

  • Income tax and National Insurance thresholds will remain frozen until at least 2031, which means more people may gradually move into higher tax bands.
  • A new charge will apply to residential properties valued above two million pounds, with higher rates for more expensive homes.
  • There will also be increases to tax on dividends, rental income and other investment returns.

For many people, this may be a sensible moment to take stock of how property and investments are held, and whether their current arrangements still meet their long-term goals.

Pensions and savings

  • ISA allowances will reduce, and new limits will apply to salary-sacrifice pension contributions from 2029.

These changes may affect how people save for retirement and how they pass on wealth to future generations. A review of pension planning or estate arrangements may help ensure that existing plans continue to work as intended.

Business considerations

  • New investment allowances and lower business rates for some sectors aim to support growth, while changes to capital gains tax relief may have an impact on future business sales or succession plans.
  • Owners and shareholders may find it helpful to revisit their business structure and long-term plans in light of the updated rules.

Families and households

  • The removal of the two-child benefit cap and changes to energy bill levies will provide some support for many households.

Families whose circumstances are shifting, or who are planning for the future, may wish to look again at their wills, family arrangements or financial plans to ensure they remain up to date.

Compliance and regulatory points

  • A mileage-based road duty will apply to electric and hybrid vehicles from 2028 to 2029.
  • The soft drinks levy will expand to cover sugary milk-based and milk-substitute drinks.

These updates may affect individuals with company vehicles and businesses in the food and drink sector, so it may be helpful to check that existing policies, contracts or operational plans remain appropriate.

Supporting our clients through the changes

The Budget brings together several measures that will have different effects depending on personal and business circumstances.

If you would like to talk through how any of the changes may affect you or your organisation, we are here to help you review your position and plan with confidence.

For further information or advice please call 0203 814 2020 or email enquiries@blasermills.co.uk.

Marlow Rugby Club announces Blaser Mills as main club sponsor

Posted on by dominika.piechota@blasermills.co.uk

We are delighted to announce that we have been named as the main club sponsor for Marlow Rugby Club for the 2025/26 season.

Following our move of our headquarters to Marlow, we have been actively seeking to partner with local organisations that form a key part of the Marlow community – the Partnership with the rugby club has provided the ideal fit to do this.

Marlow Rugby Club, formed in 1947, has become one of the pillars of the local community, and is now home to 24 teams including men’s, women’s and youth, with players mainly from the local area.

Hiren Gandhi, Partner at Blaser Mills, commented: ‘We are delighted to have partnered with Marlow Rugby Club. Grassroots rugby is so important because it nurtures community spirit, gives individuals a sense of belonging, develops strong social bonds, and serves as the foundation for the entire sport. As our firm continues to grow in the town, the partnership is a great way for us to integrate with the Marlow community and we’re looking forward to cheering the teams on this season.’

Jeremy Povey, Commercial Director at Marlow Rugby Club added: ‘We are absolutely thrilled to be partnering with Blaser Mills. The Club has always had strong links with local business, given our proximity to Globe Park, with many members business owners and managers. We plan to further develop those relationships through the medium of Sport and Rugby in the coming seasons. A firm of Blaser Mills standing is the perfect partner for us; we warmly welcome them to the local business community and the Marlow Rugby family’.

Child Care team achieves success in recent court cases

Posted on by Britt Thompson

Blaser Mills Law’s Child Care team has recently represented children in several published Family Court cases dealing with complex and sensitive issues.

In Re X (A Child) (Fact-Finding & Welfare) [2025] EWFC 87, Adam acted as litigator and instructed Matthew Stott of Counsel in proceedings involving allegations of domestic abuse and sexual risk. After successfully obtaining an unusual extension to legal aid, Adam continued to act in Re X (A Child) (Disclosure to the NMC) [2025] EWFC 332, supporting the Local Authority’s application for findings to be disclosed to the Nursing and Midwifery Council.

In Buckinghamshire Council v U & Anor [2025] EWFC 365 (B), Adam appeared as advocate and achieved a direction for post-placement contact between a child and their half-sibling, reflecting the importance of sibling bonds in adoption cases which is being increasingly recognised in Family Court decisions.

These outcomes reflect Adam’s dedication to securing the right outcomes for children and helping the courts address developing and sensitive areas of family law.

How to have a good divorce

Posted on by Britt Thompson

Divorce is never easy. It’s a deeply emotional and often painful process but it doesn’t have to be hostile. Each year, Good Divorce Week reminds us that separation can be handled in a way that is fair, constructive, and allows everyone involved to move forward with dignity. A ‘good divorce’ is built on respect, open communication, and a willingness to find common ground.

Start with the right mindset

The way you approach your divorce can significantly influence the outcome. Try to look ahead and concentrate on what will work best now, instead of revisiting what went wrong before. If direct conversations feel too difficult, mediation or letting your solicitor handle the communication can help keep matters on track. Setting a respectful tone early on can prevent minor disagreements from escalating into major disputes later.

Think about the bigger picture

Divorce often brings feelings of grief, confusion, and loss, making it hard to see beyond the immediate pain. Acknowledging those emotions is essential, they are a natural and valid part of the process. At the same time, gently turning your focus toward the future can help you regain balance.

Ask yourself where you hope to be in six months or a year, and what arrangements will best support healing and stability for you and your family. Keeping that broader perspective allows you to make decisions that honour both your emotions and your long-term wellbeing.

Prioritise the children

For parents, the most important goal is to protect children from conflict. They need reassurance, stability, and the continued love of both parents. Try to agree on what you will tell them about the separation and how you will handle joint decisions in the future. Children cope far better when their parents communicate respectfully and present a united front.

Get early professional advice

Seeking legal advice early on can make a real difference. A good family lawyer will not heighten conflict but will instead help you understand your rights, explore your options, and guide you toward a fair and sustainable outcome.

Explore alternatives to court

Not every divorce needs to go through the courts. Mediation can offer a calmer, more cost-effective way to agree on finances or child arrangements. At Blaser Mills, we have two trained mediators who help couples work through difficult issues and reach practical, balanced agreements. Even if some matters ultimately require a court decision, mediation can reduce conflict, time, and expense.

Be open, honest and realistic

A fair settlement depends on transparency. Hiding assets or delaying disclosure only prolongs the process and increases costs. Focus instead on what each of you needs to move forward and begin the next chapter of your lives with fairness and integrity.

Look after yourself

Divorce can be emotionally exhausting. Make space for rest, connection, and self-care, whether through friends, family, or professional support. Taking care of your wellbeing helps you think clearly and make thoughtful decisions for yourself and those who depend on you.

A good divorce is about how you handle it

A ‘good divorce’ doesn’t mean it’s painless, or that you stop caring. It means you’ve chosen to navigate a difficult transition with maturity, empathy, and respect. With the right mindset, advice, and support, it’s possible to separate well and to move forward toward the next stage of life on steadier ground.

For further information or advice please get in touch Maryam Abbasi on 01628 962238 or email maryam.abbasi@blasermills.co.uk.

Blaser Mills expands in Buckinghamshire with new Marlow headquarters

Posted on by Britt Thompson

We have significantly increased our presence in Marlow, tripling the size of our office space in the town. The office at Liston Exchange in central Marlow will now be our headquarters and will be home to 80 of Blaser Mills’ 140 personnel. At the same time, we are also upgrading our established presences in High Wycombe and Amersham.

The Marlow office is in a prime location to serve our ever-growing local client base. It has a dedicated suite of meeting spaces for clients and has been designed to fully accommodate modern, flexible working practices for staff. We followed our approach of using local providers wherever possible, employing the services of Buckinghamshire-based Miles Shepherd to help us with the fit out.

The move forms part of our overall vision, encompassing multi-million pound investment into premises and IT projects over the next 24 months; enhancing the experience of our clients and employees.

“Four years ago we viewed the large premises at Liston Exchange and felt that it was the perfect location for us but was too early to move such a large part of the firm’s operation. Thanks to the exceptional performance and growth of the firm over the last few years we now find ourselves moving into these new modern offices.

Marlow has become a key location for us, both in terms of the work we do and the clients we support. Expanding here allows us to continue growing, based in a space that better supports our people and the high standards of service we aim to deliver.“

The Marlow headquarters offers our full range of legal services, including:

  • Residential property
  • Wills, trusts and probate
  • Family & divorce
  • Child care 
  • Crime
  • PI & medical negligence
  • Private litigation
  • Corporate & commercial
  • Dispute resolution
  • Employment
  • Litigation
  • Property development
  • Real estate
  • Sport

We are now firmly established as Marlow’s law firm and look forward to welcoming both existing and new clients to our office.

Making Christmas work for everyone after separation

Posted on by Britt Thompson

For many families, Christmas is a time of excitement and tradition. But for separated parents, it can also be emotional and sometimes difficult, especially when deciding where the children will spend the holidays. The best way to avoid conflict is to plan early, keep communication calm, and focus on what really matters which is making Christmas happy for the children.

Start the conversation early

The best way to prevent a last-minute argument is to talk about arrangements well before December. This gives everyone time to think things through and avoids rushed decisions when emotions are high. Many families choose to alternate Christmas each year or divide the time, such as one parent having Christmas Eve and Christmas morning, and the other having Boxing Day. Every family is different. What matters most is finding an arrangement that feels right for the children and manageable for both parents.

Keep the focus on the children

Children notice when things feel tense, even during happy times. They do best when parents work together and make plans that let them enjoy Christmas with both families. It helps to think about where they will feel relaxed, secure and able to have fun. Even small compromises, like sharing a few hours on Christmas morning or arranging a video call, can make a big difference.

Use mediation if needed

If discussions become difficult, mediation can help. At Blaser Mills we have two trained mediators who can provide a neutral space to talk things through and reach an agreement that works for everyone. Mediation is often faster, less stressful and far cheaper than going to court. Solicitors can also help parents negotiate calmly and record what’s been agreed in writing, giving clarity for the future.

Avoid leaving it too late

If you do need a court order to settle arrangements, it’s important to act early. The family courts see a surge in applications leading up to Christmas, and deadlines for festive hearings are usually set in the autumn. Leaving things until December often means there’s no time for a decision before the holidays. Taking early advice can help you understand your options and reduce uncertainty.

Keep communication kind

When emotions are high, it’s easy to let frustration spill into messages or handovers. Keeping communication polite and focused on practical details helps avoid unnecessary tension. Using apps or written calendars can also make planning simpler and reduce misunderstandings.

Christmas doesn’t have to be a battleground. With early planning, open communication and a willingness to compromise, most parents can find arrangements that work.

At Blaser Mills, our Family Law team supports parents in finding calm, practical solutions to child arrangements. To speak to our team, get in touch with Sadie Glover on 01628 962239 or email sadie.glover@blasermills.co.uk.