What is a Lasting Power of Attorney?
You may have heard about an LPA but may not be sure what it does. Our latest blog answers some of your most frequently asked questions.
Protecting your business during the redundancy process
Deputyship fee refunds scheme
You might be eligible for a refund if you were overcharged deputyship fees by the Office of the Public Guardian (OPG) for England and Wales. Refunds are being offered to those who were charged more than was necessary for certain deputyship fees charged for any period between 1 April 2008 and 31 March 2015.
The Key Facts Every Landlord Should Know in Preparation for Brexit – Deal or no Deal.
It has been more than three years since the EU reference took place, during which time it’s fair to say the phrase ‘Brexit’ has dominated the headlines.
Handling Holiday Season as an Employer
Dementia in the workplace – what are your responsibilities
In a previous article, we looked at the impact of the country’s ageing population on the UK workforce, and the subsequent impact that it was having on employers and businesses large and small.
Banner Jones raises £500 through Sparkle Walk for Ashgate Hospicecare
The Chesterfield team of Banner Jones has raised £500 for Ashgate Hospicecare through their participation in the annual Sparkle Walk.
Health & Wellbeing in The Workplace
Online Probate – is it always a viable option to take?
Earlier in the year it was announced that a new online service to apply for probate would be introduced. This meant that those applying for probate could do so from the comfort of their own home, potentially negating the need for involvement from a solicitor.
Hello…, is it MEES you’re looking for?
The Minimum Energy Efficiency Standard ("MEES") came into force in England and Wales on 1 April 2018 by virtue of the Energy Efficiency (Private Rented Property) (England and Wales) Regulations 2015.
The Future of Divorce
It has recently been announced that couples in England and Wales will eventually be able to file for a ‘no fault’ divorce, meaning that couples who simply grow apart, no longer have to find ‘blame’ to bring the marriage to an end. It is thought that this reform in divorce law will help to reduce family conflict and, in some cases, could speed up divorce proceedings. With these changes, alongside the introduction of the Ministry of Justice online divorce platform it is thought that divorce will become much quicker and easier for many couples in the future.
Common law marriage - does it exist?
Does common law marriage exist? The short answer is “no”, however, almost half of people in England and Wales mistakenly believe that unmarried couples who live together have a common law marriage and enjoy the same rights as couples that are legally married.
Making it easier for leaseholders to manage their properties
The Law Commission is proposing changes that would make it quicker and easier for leaseholders to take control of the day-to-day management of their building. A partner in local law firm said, ““The right-to-manage process appears not to be working effectively for leaseholders at the moment and change is needed.”.
Risky Business- Employment Law Changes 2019
How new Lifetime ISAs could help first-time buyers
If you’re looking to buy your first home it’s likely that you’ll already be aware of the Help to Buy ISA. But with the phasing out of the Help to Buy ISA on 30 November 2019, should you consider moving to a Lifetime ISA?
Uber drivers entitled to workplace protections
The ‘gig’ economy is characterised by the prevalence of short-term contracts or freelance work, as opposed to permanent jobs. Depending upon your viewpoint, it is either a positive working environment that offers a great deal of flexibility (for example, employment hours in the control of the individual) or it is a form of worker exploitation with very little protection (for example, lack of paid holidays, sickness benefit and so on).
New service for identifying charitable bequests
A new system alerting charities to when they have been left money in wills is to be established by HM Courts and Tribunals Service (HMCTS) following a decision to end its current arrangement.
Three new bills passed at the end of 2018
Whilst it may seem like all of the government’s attention is currently on Brexit, it is worth noting that the whole business of government has not ground to a halt. Indeed, three new justice department bills came into force at the end of 2018 with the result that.
To employ or not to employ?
Tips for becoming a landlord
Understanding Cohabitation
Cohabitation is the name given to unmarried couples living together. Whether you have previously been married, or are living with your first ‘partner’, you are called cohabitees. But what does this actually mean in practice, and what are your legal rights if anything were to happen to the relationship, or to either of you?
Dogs & Divorce: Is it a bone of contention?
What do these ex-couples have in common – Cheryl & Ashley Cole, Liam Gallagher & Nicole Appleton, Ant McPartlin & Lisa Armstrong? Well, they have all argued over who should get the dog during their divorce.
Right to refuse a business tenancy cannot be misused
An interesting case is currently making its way through the court system and may have far reaching implications for the landlord/tenant relationship in relation to tenancy renewals; making it more difficult for a landlord to refuse the renewal of a tenancy.
Employing Older Workers
With an ageing population leading to a need for many people to work longer, coupled with the abolition of the compulsory retirement age, the average age of people leaving the workplace has increased steadily over the last two decades. In fact, the over 50s now make up over a third of the working population.
