What is a Local Authority Search?
If you are buying a property, a local authority search is carried out during the conveyancing process and for prospective buyers it will be known as a search within the ‘search pack’. The local authority search provides additional protection to the buyer of the property to ensure there are no unexpected surprises, in terms of […]
How to Make a British Citizenship Application
Before you can make a British citizenship application, you must first check that you qualify and meet the strict eligibility criteria. Your status will also determine the process by which you are to apply for citizenship. If you qualify by naturalisation, the British citizenship application process will be different than if you are married or […]
What is a Gagging Order?
A gagging order is an injunction issued by the court to restrict or prohibit the public disclosure of private or confidential information on a particular matter. It is a legal means of protecting the privacy of an individual and as such is legally referred to as a ‘privacy injunction’. Gagging orders are commonly sought by […]
What is Product Liability Under the Consumer Protection Act?
As a consumer, when we buy any product, be that a washing machine, building materials, or a child’s toy, it is with the expectation that the item will be safe. So, what happens when we, our families or our property suffers damage from a faulty product? Under the Consumer Protection Act 1987, manufacturers, distributors, suppliers […]
What is Constructive Dismissal (A Short Guide!)
Constructive dismissal is a common type of claim brought before employment tribunals. Constructive dismissal occurs where an employee resigns as a result of their employer having breached their employment contract, which causes the employee to reasonably believe that continuation of employment is impossible. What is constructive dismissal? Grounds for a constructive dismissal claim Not every breach […]
Trademark Registration Process (A Guide!)
Trademark registration offers legal protection for you and your business against your brand, company name, product and/services. So it’s important to register your trademark properly to avoid any negative impact on your business and its reputation. If another business copies your brand such as your products’ packaging or visual identity for instance, then it will […]
Moving House Checklist
Like most large projects it’s worth having a ‘moving house checklist’ to remind you of everything you need to action when vacating your current property and to keep you on track for moving into your new home. You may have your checklist ready with the excitement of your offer being accepted or you may be […]
What Local Searches Reveal?
When you purchase a property, your Conveyancing Solicitor will recommend various local searches which they will request with the Local Authority or other third parties. This provides peace of mind with the buyer that there are no current or future issues which could pop up with the property, so it’s a marketable sound investment. It […]
Wills and Probate (What you need to know?)
Having the foresight to prepare your will and probate (if relevant) will protect your family and yourself from any heartache in the future. It will ensure you have peace of mind now that your affairs will be dealt according to your wishes and in your best interests by those who you trust. Once you have […]
What is Power of Attorney
Lacking the ability to make decisions and losing your independence are difficult enough to contemplate either for yourself, close family or friends. What if someone else will be managing your affairs when you die which is not in your best interests? Learn how a Power of Attorney can protect your family and yourself before it’s […]
What is a Remortgage?
Remortgaging is the process of switching your current mortgage to a new mortgage deal. This could be with your existing lender or a different lender. You don’t have to move home as the new mortgage is secured against the property you already own. A remortgage, like any mortgage, is a long-term commitment so you should […]
Tier 2: Guide for Employees
For most skilled economic migrants, the Tier 2 Visa is the primary route into the UK. The Tier 2 Visa gives an employee from outside the EEA and Switzerland the right to reside and work in the UK for up to 5 years. Employees working on a Tier 2 Visa also have a number of […]
6 Top Tips for Moving House
Moving house can be either overwhelming or a smooth experience as each property, individual circumstances and the legalities of the conveyancing process can be very different. There are some factors which can be out of your control and others which you can prepare for, with both the support of a Conveyancer Solicitor and reading our […]
House Completion (the Final Stage in Buying a House!)
Buying a house can take anywhere from 4 weeks up to 4 months depending on any unexpected discrepancies which may arise during the conveyancing process, as well as issues which may crop up from additional buyers and sellers, if there is a lengthy chain. Though for cash buyers and where there is a short chain, […]
Beware Chancel Repair Liability When Buying a House?
If you are buying a property (flat or house, old or new-build) that is in the boundaries of an Anglican Parish Medieval Church and the Church was built prior to 1536 then you may be subject to Chancel Repair Liability. This means that the Church could enforce the homeowner to pay for the full amount […]
What is Transfer of Equity?
A Transfer of Equity refers to the process by which one or more people are added or removed from ownership of a property and one of the original owners remains on the legal title after the Transfer of Equity is completed. Below we examine the meaning of ‘equity’, the circumstances in which you might want […]
What is Ancillary Relief?
Getting a divorce or dissolving a civil partnership can be an extremely difficult time for all parties involved, not least sorting out the financial aspects of your separation. Any financial arrangements will need to be approved, if not resolved, by the courts though the process of ‘ancillary relief’. This basic guide to ancillary relief provides […]
Applying for an Occupation Order
If you are a victim of domestic violence, you may be able to apply to the court for an injunction restricting or preventing access to your family home for the person who abused you. This type of injunction is called an occupation order. Under the Family Law Act 1996, occupation orders are granted by the […]
What are Letters of Administration?
To enable you to handle the financial affairs of a close relative following their death, you may need to apply for Letters of Administration. The Grant of Representation: Probate or Letters of Administration? A ‘Grant of Representation’ is the official document proving your legal entitlement to deal with the estate of someone who has died. […]
Commercial Dispute Resolution Options for Businesses
Commercial disputes are one of the main risks facing any business. They have the potential to be time consuming, stressful and extremely costly. Commercial dispute resolution is an area of law that attempts to help parties resolve commercial disputes that have arisen. If a dispute arises between yourself and a third party such as a […]