Blogs
Does my Lasting Power of Attorney mean my wife can step in and run my business if I’m not up to it?
The simple answer to this is yes, your Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA) could allow your wife to run your business if you were unable to do so, but there are a number of factors you should consider, and it might be the best course of action for you to take out a specific LPA to safeguard your busines....
What employers need to know about holiday pay
With many workers planning their May bank holidays and summer breaks, employers need to be up-to-date with the current regulations governing time off and holiday pay. Bank Holidays In England and Wales, there are 8 permanent bank holidays. There is no statutory right for workers to take ....
Are our divorce laws still fit for purpose?
Whilst it’s incredibly easy to get married in 2017, divorce it seems isn’t quite so easy. Tini Owens knows this to her cost. Judges in the Court of Appeal recently rejected her petition to divorce, meaning that the 65-year-old is, as she describes it, “locked in” her 39-year-old marriage to ....
How long will it take to move?
This is a question we often get asked, especially by first-time buyers keen to move into their property and set up home. There is no hard and fast rule you can apply here, so no easy answer unfortunately. That’s because there are several key steps that you’ll need to go through before you get to....
I’m worried that my house will have to be sold to pay for my care, can I transfer it to my children to avoid this?
Many people are concerned that they may have to sell their home to meet the cost of their care in later life, and often consider giving assets away so that they meet their local authority criteria and have their care costs paid for. However, it’s not that simple. The Care Needs Assessme....
What do planning officers take into consideration when reaching their decisions?
When you put in a planning application, the Planning team will firstly check that you have correctly completed all the forms, attached the required plans and paid the correct fee. Today, most planning applications are made online. Once you have submitted your application, you will get a confirmat....
If my wife starts divorce proceedings, will she get a better financial settlement?
In short, no. In most cases, it is irrelevant who divorces who. It is highly unlikely that it will make any difference to the final financial settlement made. The only circumstances where making the first move in a divorce action could be important is when there’s a choice to be made as to whic....
My doctor isn’t listening to me, what can I do?
It can be distressing to feel that your doctor isn't listening to you, so here are some tips which can help in handling the situation. You should never be afraid to speak up if you feel something is wrong. We all know the NHS is under extreme pressure, especially during the winter months, but howeve....
I’m looking for a property, and I see that flats are leasehold. What does this mean for me?
As you’ve noticed, flats are commonly owned on a leasehold basis, while houses are normally sold as freehold properties. In the UK, more than 2m people own leasehold properties. Many leases are granted on a 99-year basis, while some can run for as long as 999 years. If you buy a leasehold prope....
A Planning Application has been made near my home/business premises, what can I do?
It can come as a shock to know that a Planning Application has been made near your home or business premises. Your first reaction might well be panic and a feeling of helplessness, and you may feel that if it goes ahead it will cause you problems and reduce the value of your property. The best advic....
My aunt died and left everything to me in her Will, so why are the bank asking for probate?
It's good news that your aunt took the important step of making a Will, as this makes the administration of the estate much more straightforward. In making her Will, your aunt will have appointed someone to act as her Executor. There may be more than one Executor, and they will be named in the Will.....
My child doesn’t live with me, what rights do I have regarding their upbringing, including their health and education?
Firstly, you are not alone; every year, 12,000 couples with children decide to live apart. To answer this question, it's important to understand a little about the legal concept of parental responsibility and the duties and rights that this gives parents. Who has responsibility? Parental....
