Latest news with #legalIssues
Daily Mail
2 days ago
- Business
- Daily Mail
Why getting married abroad could land you with a HUGE bill from the taxman
Couples marrying abroad could be landed with a huge inheritance tax bill if their foreign wedding is not legally binding, a couple has warned. Antonia Medlicott, 49, and Tim Pindar, 44, tied the knot in 2009 in the wedding of their dreams in Spain. The couples families flew out for a 'big Catholic wedding' on the continent, but were unaware that they had 14 days to register their marriage at the town hall, they told The Telegraph. The priest who officiated the wedding had tried to warn the couple that their marriage would be null and void, but the couple did not understand Spanish and the priest did not speak any English. The couple found out their marriage was not legally binding some months later, but decided to ignore it for the next 13 years. However in 2023 the couple were forced to remarry, after discovering they could be set to lose a huge amount of money if one of them passed away. The spousal exemption allows married couples to avoid paying inheritance tax when passing assets to their wife or husband when they die. Unmarried couples however, do not have the same privilege and those who leave assets worth over £325,000 have to pay 40 per cent inheritance tax on the amount over the allowance. Unmarried couples may soon lose out on pension savings too if their partner dies, under new plans by Rachel Reeves. Pension savings can currently be left to an unmarried partner without any inheritance tax being paid, but this is set to end in 2027. Ms Medlicott and her husband discovered that they could be set to lose thousands after speaking to a lawyer about their wills. She said: 'He pointed out that if something happens to either one of us, there's a massive inheritance tax bill coming our way. So we decided we would have to just get on with it.' The couple estimated they would have had an £80,000 inheritance tax bill on their house alone. With potentially more coming from pensions, savings and a business owned by Ms Medlicott. If the worst had happened, the surviving spouse would have been forced to sell their family home to cover the bill. Far from their extravagant Spanish wedding in 2009, the couple opted for a quieter affair in 2023. They described their second wedding as 'bare bones' costing around £1,000 all in - including a bottomless bunch with six friends. Ms Medlicott wore a brown dress and borrowed boots from a friend as the couple finally officially tied the knot at a civil wedding in their local registry office. Claire Trott, head of advice at St James's Place, said: 'Getting married for tax purposes isn't a new concept, particularly in the world of pensions. Many defined benefit schemes have restrictions on who death benefits can be paid to, sometimes depending on when a couple marries. 'My own father married my stepmother just before his defined benefit pension came into payment, because under the scheme rules, death benefits were only payable to the spouse at the date of retirement. Had they married after that point, even after 30 years together, she wouldn't have been entitled to anything.' She said that marriage could soon become an even more valuable planning tool to deal with inheritance tax, particularly with pensions being brought into the scope for the levy. Ms Medlicott said she felt 'resentful' about having to remarry just to save thousands of pounds. She said that marriage 'isn't for everyone' and felt it was 'ridiculous' that a piece of paper could be the difference between huge sums of money for couples.
Wall Street Journal
5 days ago
- Business
- Wall Street Journal
China Trade Talks Are 'a Bit Stalled,' Says Scott Bessent
Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent in Washington on Thursday. He said the legal tumult around tariffs isn't affecting trade talks. ()
The Sun
26-05-2025
- The Sun
Dark side of ‘Are We Dating the Same Guy' Facebook groups where ‘cheaters' are unmasked – but who are the REAL victims?
DOZENS of groups using a variation of the name 'Are We Dating the Same Guy' have been popping up on social media in recent years. Initially a US invention starting on Facebook, private and public versions have been emerging across the world, including in the UK since 2022 - but they could pose major legal issues, experts warn. 9 9 9 They say some of the content has led to a surge in legal claims, with 'victims' seeking compensation. The initial purpose was for women to post photos of men they're currently dating or talking to, and allow for others in their local area to raise any potential red flags. Perhaps the man is already seeing someone else, has lied about being married - or worse, has a criminal record for domestic abuse. While many of the groups still serve an important purpose - a barrier to protect women - the posting of unproven allegations is continuing to cause issues. The Sun has seen posts showing men's photos, names and rough location, alongside unverified claims they've previously been in trouble with police, have cheated or are generally of bad character - but there is not accountability. One man - who did not wish to be named - told us his life has been turned upside down with vicious trolls targeting him on X (formally Twitter) after he was posted about on his local Are We Dating page. Seen by The Sun, his face and name were posted in a private group with over 56,000 members, with the anonymous poster asking if they were any red flags she should be aware of. They claimed to have been dating him for a few weeks - though he says he's actually been single for months. An anonymous responder told them he was "abusive", while another advised they apply for Clare's Law. Clare's Law, also known as the Domestic Violence Disclosure Scheme, is a policy which affords people the right to know if their current partner or ex has any previous history of violence or abuse. A string of anonymous comments - possibly all made by one person - then made further damaging allegations, none of which included any proof. Some included how they'd met him on a dating app, and he'd stopped messaging them, with the implication he must be steered clear of because of it. The next day the original poster then claimed she'd "done a Clare's law", adding: "Turns out he's very dangerous, abusive, harassing and threatening." She added he also said he had a current wife and kids. He told the Sun: "It's impossible to get a Clare's Law done in 24 hours for a start, so I know it's a lie." He said he also does not have a criminal record - which the scheme would flag up rather than simply claims of him being "dangerous" or his marital status. He does, however, have an ex-wife and kids from a previous relationship. He said: "It's causing me massive amounts of anxiety at the moment, I can't get the post taken down, I've been to the police and told them who I think it might be. I think it's one of two ex-girlfriends over the last few months. "Because it's posted anonymously they can't do anything about it. It's caused me huge stress, people are out there spreading lies about me." 9 9 Referring to the breakdown of relationships, he said: "There's a very good chance that both of you have been hurt by each other as well." He added: "Those groups are designed to protect women and keep women safe. But at the moment, I fear it's at the detriment of the safety of men. We have got emotions as well, and feelings, and it does impact us." He said he's had multiple video calls with police who are taking no further action. "The police officer told me the force is having hundreds of calls about this from men having this sort of information shared about them online, often it's either misinformation or completely false," he said. "It's just a hate crime, it's done out of malice." The Sun contacted the police force, asking whether it had received a surge in reports but has not had a response. 'This group is dangerous' In a comment on one of the groups, which is public and has over 600,000 members, a female user posted: "How do I block this group? "I didn't join it but it shows up constantly. The way yall violate the privacy of total strangers is so completely creepy." Another woman said: "This group is DANGEROUS. The fact people can post in this group anonymously and hide their identity is the most dangerous." The Sun has spoken to a number of digital and legal experts about the popularity of such groups and the possibility of poster's being at risk of legal action. Joe Davies, digital expert at fatjoe, said: "The growing popularity of 'Are We Dating the Same Guy?' Facebook groups reflects a significant shift in how people use social media for crowd-sourced vetting and accountability in dating. "These communities are often formed with the intention of protecting women from deceitful or harmful dating experiences by sharing warnings and comparing notes. "However, while the motivation may be rooted in safety, the execution raises serious legal and ethical concerns. "Posting identifiable photos and accusations about someone's behaviour, without evidence or consent, can open the door to defamation claims, particularly if the information shared is false or misleading. "We've seen a notable uptick in men filing police reports, citing reputational damage, harassment, and emotional distress as consequences of being named in these groups. "From a social media governance perspective, platforms like Facebook face increasing pressure to balance free expression with safeguarding individuals from targeted abuse. "These groups often operate in grey areas administered by private users with varying moderation standards, which makes consistency and accountability difficult to enforce. "While these groups may provide a sense of community and vigilance, they can also fuel digital vigilantism and reputational harm. "Users must be cautious about what they post, and administrators should enforce strict guidelines to prevent potential legal repercussions. "The line between support and slander is thin, and without proper oversight, these groups risk doing more harm than good." These kinds of pages and websites pose significant risks for those who use them, particularly if what they are posting is false and damaging Rory LynchGateley Legal Rory Lynch, of Gateley Legal, agreed: 'These kinds of pages and websites pose significant risks for those who use them, particularly if what they are posting is false and damaging. "Under English defamation law, the claimant (who, in this case, would be the subject of the post in question) could sue the author if they can prove that the post has caused them to suffer 'serious harm'. "This may be where the author has made a false allegation that is of a serious criminal nature, which has then been shared and viewed widely (i.e. 'gone viral'). "Users of these sites cannot rely on an anonymous profile for protection either, as it is often possible for specialist cyber firms to identify the author. Unless the author is confident that they can prove what they are saying is true, it is safer to avoid using such sites altogether." Kishan Pattni, of law firm Freeths, added: "A breach of libel and privacy will depend on what is said exactly and the size of the Facebook audience. "If a serious allegation in the group, say sexual assault, is factually put to a lot of people but cannot be proven, that could expose the discloser to a libel claim because it will have caused serious harm to her date's reputation." Libel and slander are the written and spoken forms of defamation, a broad legal term referring to false statement's that harm a person's reputation. Privacy damages refer to the financial compensation a person can claim for harm caused by a breach of their privacy, which can include loss of control over their information, distress, and other forms of harm. Put simply, if such false or non-provable claims are made in a group and are seen by enough people then the poster could be successfully sued. Mr Pattni said: "In libel especially, the compensation will help to vindicate an injured reputation but for the date who sues and loses, that reputation could be irreparably damaged under the glare of a public court process." Mark Hodgson, a seasoned private investigator who heads Tremark, warned those using such groups must "tread carefully", adding: "Not every post is credible. 'Misinformation can spread like wildfire in online communities. It's crucial to verify claims and think twice before jumping to conclusions. "Remember, you have no idea what drives other posters; their motives are often shrouded in mystery. "Some might be venting their frustrations, while others could be spreading rumours without a shred of evidence. "This kind of sensationalism can spark unnecessary drama and lead to misunderstandings in your own relationship. While these groups may seem helpful, always take their advice with a grain of salt and keep the lines of communication open with your partner." If you are affected by any of the issues raised in this article, please call the Samaritans for free on 116123. Bailyn Fields, Registered Nurse, Boomer Benefits, also spoke to us about the impact such misinformation can have on someone's mental health. She said: "Being wrongly accused or targeted in online groups can obviously seriously affect a man's mental health. "It can lead to feelings of shame, anxiety, and helplessness, especially since information like this spreads quickly and publicly. "Men may find it hard to speak out due to stigma, which can worsen isolation and stress - and if they do speak out about this kind of thing, it's unlikely that people will believe them. "This kind of online harassment can also impact sleep, concentration, and overall wellbeing. "It's important that men know support is available, whether through counselling, trusted friends, or mental health services that understand the specific pressures caused by online reputational attacks. "Addressing these issues openly can help reduce stigma and encourage men to seek help sooner." The Sun contacted the National Police Chief's Council, asking for a comment on whether UK forces are receiving reports about such groups. A spokesperson said: "We don't have have any national data to show this as an issue and I think each report would require individual assessment as to whether it constitutes a crime." We have also contacted Facebook owner Meta for comment. You're Not Alone EVERY 90 minutes in the UK a life is lost to suicide It doesn't discriminate, touching the lives of people in every corner of society – from the homeless and unemployed to builders and doctors, reality stars and footballers. It's the biggest killer of people under the age of 35, more deadly than cancer and car crashes. And men are three times more likely to take their own life than women. Yet it's rarely spoken of, a taboo that threatens to continue its deadly rampage unless we all stop and take notice, now. That is why The Sun launched the You're Not Alone campaign. The aim is that by sharing practical advice, raising awareness and breaking down the barriers people face when talking about their mental health, we can all do our bit to help save lives. Let's all vow to ask for help when we need it, and listen out for others… You're Not Alone. If you, or anyone you know, needs help dealing with mental health problems, the following organisations provide support: CALM, 0800 585 858 Heads Together, HUMEN Mind, 0300 123 3393 Papyrus, 0800 068 41 41 Samaritans, 116 123 9 9 9
CBC
26-05-2025
- Business
- CBC
Right name, wrong house: Liens slapped on 14 Winnipeg properties registered to different men named Jaswinder Brar
A Winnipeg software engineer says a lien was placed on his home and 13 other properties owned by different people who share the same name. He had to prove he was not the man who owed $127,800 for the outstanding lease of a semi-trailer before it was removed.
CNET
11-05-2025
- CNET
Don't Mess It Up: 7 Places to Never Install a Security Camera
If you're ready to set up a security system at your home, the good news is that it's cheaper and easier than ever to add security cameras to protect yourself, your loved ones and your property. Home security cams are simple to install, with a wide variety of wireless, battery models and practical video doorbells to watch over your home, porch, packages, pets and much more with only a quick DIY setup. These cameras are equipped with motion detection, two-way audio and object recognition so you get notifications and control no matter where you are. The bad news is that putting a security camera in the wrong spot won't just prevent it from working, it could even cost you time with false alarms or land you in legal trouble with a neighbor. That's even more annoying if you're out of town and can't immediate address the problem. Follow a few easy guidelines when installing your new cameras to avoid huge headaches down the line. Read more: 5 Places to Never Put Your Amazon Echo Spot 1: Places with the 'expectation of privacy' You need your security camera to protect your home, but the last thing you want it to do is infringe on the safety of others. Don't risk breaking the law (and inviting lawsuits) by placing a camera where people have what the law calls a reasonable expectation of privacy. In practice, don't place a security camera in a bathroom, bedroom or similar area with a very strong expectation of privacy. If you have to place a camera in one of these areas (for instance, to monitor your bedroom in a multi-rental situation), make sure the camera is visible and everyone in the house knows about it. Outside cameras are allowed to capture public spaces, like the sidewalk or street that runs past your home because there's a low expectation of privacy in these areas. Remember, your camera helps provide a sense of security and serves as a tool to keep you and your home safe. Make sure your cameras aren't in places that will render them ineffective or, worse, actually undermine someone's safety. The second-gen Arlo Essential indoor cam is a useful camera but place it carefully for the best effect. Arlo/Amazon Spot 2: Looking directly at a neighbor's property In addition to protecting all the private places on your property, be careful about positioning security cams so that part of their view captures a neighbor's windows or backyard. Legally, those are spots where your neighbors also have a right to their own privacy, and lawsuits have resulted from much less. That's also why you should try to avoid even the appearance of cameras that are pointing toward a neighbor's lawn or peeking into their windows. Many modern security cams come with the ability to create "privacy zones" that block out certain areas in the camera's live view or recording. If a neighbor complains, you may be able to show them your privacy zones to prove that no part of their home is being recorded. Spot 3: Difficult-to-see locations You might be tempted to point cameras at the spots around your home that are difficult to see. There is an intuitive reason for this: If you can't see a location from your windows or doors, it feels possible that someone might be lurking there. You might think these hidden areas are a burglar's preferred place to break and enter. Generally, burglars will enter a home through the most obvious paths. According to data collected by security company ADT, 34% of burglars enter through the front door and 22% use a first-floor window. The clearest access points are the most common routes for break-ins. Pointing a camera at these spaces can deter a break-in and can help identify anyone who attempts to get in. Placing a security camera in a side alley or the back of your home might seem like it will catch someone sneaking around but it's more likely to miss the action. If you really need to watch the hidden spots, look for a bundle that includes several cams to install in multiple locations, like this pack of Arlo Pro 4 spotlight cameras which comes with built-in motion sensor lights to serve as an added deterrent to intruders. Lorex offers free object detection with its cams, so make sure they have a good view. Lorex/Amazon Spot 4: Behind obstructions This might sound like a no-brainer, but camera obstructions aren't always so obvious; outdoors, this might mean allowing space for tree branches to swing in the wind. Be careful of quick-growing plants that will require you to move your camera every year or two, or tree limbs that get a lot heavier when loaded with spring leaves/flowers and will block a view. A quick trimming session may help your installation. Consider your camera's range of view inside too. Will your cam see everything you want it to when interior doors are opened and closed? You'll also want to avoid placing the camera in a spot where a pet might interact with it. If you place it on a shelf, will your cat knock it off? Will an energetic dog barreling through the house send it tumbling or change its angle? The same applies to racing toddlers. Find a spot that has good views of the space you want to watch and is also unlikely to be bumped by you, a guest or your four-legged friend. Spot 5: Through a window The Blink Outdoor 4 has an adjustable mount that's sturdy enough to stay at the right angle. Tyler Lacoma/CNET We know it's tempting to pay less for an indoor-only cam and think about putting it by a window so it can get a good look outside. There are two big problems with trying this. First, windows have a glare problem. Even when the camera is pressed close against the glass, the view often doesn't work when the sun is at a certain angle or when it's dark outside. Over time, dust on the window causes similar issues. Second, the angles and areas you can view through home windows are very limited. Cameras are unlikely to get a good view of key access points or a broad view of a yard or driveway. Spot 6: Facing the sky We don't mean intentionally angling a cam up so it captures only the great blue beyond -- we're talking about cams with wide fields of view that include a significant portion of the sky. This can create problems when the sun passes overhead and blinds the cam with glare or blocks out details with brightness. Also, frequent, direct sunlight increases the risk of UV damage and wear over time. To prevent these problems, work to angle your cam away from the sky and focus on views below the roof/tree/hill line. Also, try to place cameras in an area where they're at least partially protected by shade. Spot 7: Near vents or heaters We've run into this problem during some of our tests and sample experiments and we're here to warn you: Don't put a camera near or above any kind of exhaust vent or heat source. That includes space heaters, fireplaces, fire pits, exhaust vents from gas heating and dryer exhaust vents. Vents and open heat sources tend to make the camera and its lens dirtier, while the higher temperatures are bad for the battery on wireless models. The result is worse performance and a shorter lifespan for your cam. If you're using adhesive connections for your camera, a nearby heat source can ruin the adhesive and lead to a fallen and damaged camera (another reason to avoid direct sunlight). Installing the Arlo Pro outdoors. Arlo Bonus tip: How high to place your camera Most security cameras have no right or wrong height, although many recommendations exist online and from the manufacturer. A higher vantage point will give a better view of a driveway or large yard, but we find that a broad field of view (greater than 130 degrees at least) works just as well, if not better. A rechargeable cam should usually be placed in a spot that's easy to reach when the battery needs attention, although we also recommend using a solar-powered home security camera if you can. Video doorbells are typically installed about 4 feet from the bottom of the doorframe. For more, read up on other home security mistakes you can make. Learn how to stop porch pirates, reduce the risk of car break-ins and what you should keep in a safe. FAQs How do I avoid legal issues when installing a security camera? When you install a security camera, you need to respect the "expectation of privacy." That means you can't film places where people have a reasonable expectation that their actions will remain fully private. In your own property, this includes rooms like the bathroom and the bedroom -- although you can still install a camera if you don't hide it and make it readily apparent that there's security equipment installed. Outside of the house, it would be best if you were careful about installing cameras that point into strangers' properties, and especially their backyards. What are the biggest obstructions to a security camera? If you want to make sure your security camera is able to get an obstructed view, make sure to avoid installing it near tree branches. You're also going to want to avoid facing the camera toward the sun or through a window, as both of these locations are going to cause a lot of glare and interfere with what you're able to see.
