How to Patent an Idea
A patent gives the owner legal rights in respect of a new invention that exclude others from selling, making, using or profiting from their invention for a limited time period. If you have invented a product or process which is new, innovative and has industry applications, you might be considering applying for a patent to […]
Defending a Charge of Careless Driving
Careless driving is defined as the act of driving a vehicle on a road without due care and attention or without consideration for other persons on or around that road. The penalties for careless driving convictions, which include penalty points, fines, custodial sentences and disqualification periods, will be determined by the seriousness of the offence […]
US B1 B2 Visa for Business and Tourism
If you are ineligible for the Visa Waiver Program, to gain lawful entry into the USA for short-term visit you will be required to apply for a visa. For temporary stays, the B1 visa category allows entry into the US for foreign nationals looking to carry out business in the USA, and the B2 for […]
Dress Codes: Can You Force Female Staff to Wear Bras to Work?
Much was made in the media last week about this week’s ruling in Germany giving employers the right to enforce specific dress codes on staff. There has been public outrage after the State Labour Court in North Rhine-Westphalia ruled on the case concerning the clothing and general appearance of airport security personnel, appearing to give employers […]
Making a Freedom of Information Act Request
The Freedom of Information Act 2000 sets out the rights and responsibilities of both the public authorities to make certain types of information publically available and those who wish to access the information by making a Freedom of Information Act request. Under the Act, individuals are permitted to request access to information about the activities […]
Health and Safety Responsibilities of Employees
The Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 (the Act) ensures health and safety in the workplace. Although primary responsibility lies with the employer, the Act also specifies the health and safety responsibilities of employees to ensure the health, safety and welfare of people in the workplace is sufficiently safeguarded. The respective responsibilities rely heavily […]
Managing Health and Safety in the Workplace
As an employer you are required by law to comply with your duties for managing health and saftey in the workplace under the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974. Part 1 of The Health & Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 requires employers to take all reasonably practicable steps to safeguard the health, safety […]
What are Right to Work Checks?
It is incumbent upon all UK employers, irrespective of size or sector, to ensure that both prospective and existing employees are legally entitled to work in the UK. The consequences of failing to carry out right to works checks, or to do so correctly, can have serious consequences for you individually, as well as your […]
Civil Penalty Immigration: Employing Illegal Workers
Under the Immigration, Asylum and Nationality Act 2006 your business may be liable for a civil penalty if you employ someone who does not have permission to work in the UK or do the work on offer. All UK employers are under a duty to prevent illegal working by carrying out prescribed document checks. This […]
What is an Executor of a Will?
An executor of a will is appointed to handle an individual’s estate after they die. The ‘estate’ covers all of the deceased’s assets or belongings – money, property, possessions, and even debts. When a friend or family member asks you to be the executor (known as ‘executor nominate’ in Scotland) of their will, it will […]
Dying Intestate – What Does it Mean?
Dying intestate is when an individual dies without leaving a valid will in which they are then deemed to have died ‘intestate’. Their estate is therefore distributed in accordance with the rules of intestacy. Where the deceased has surviving family members, under the intestacy rules the process of claiming inheritance from the deceased’s estate can […]
How to Make a Will
Discussing what we would like to happen after we die is a conversation that most of us would rather defer. Yet making a will is essential if you want to ensure that your wishes are met following your death. If you die without making a will or leaving a valid will, the law will determine […]
Intestacy – A Guide
If a person has died without leaving a valid will, they have died intestate. Their property (the estate) will need to be shared out according to certain rules, called the intestacy rules. The Administration of Estates Act 1925, which sets out who can administer the estate and benefit from it if there is no valid […]
A Guide to Probate
Probate is the legal process of dealing with the estate of someone who has died. The term is used to describe both the grant of probate itself and the process involved in obtaining the grant. Probate is granted when a valid will has been left by the deceased. It’s your responsibility to obtain the grant […]
Grant of Representation: How to Apply Using Form PA1
If you have been named as an executor in someone’s will, you will be responsible for administering their estate after they die. In most cases, before you can even begin to deal with the deceased’s estate, you will need to apply for a grant of representation. Probate is often referred to as the process of […]
Do You Have a Cavity Wall Insulation Claim?
If unsuitable or defective cavity wall insulation has resulted in dampness and mould growth in your property, you may be entitled to bring a cavity wall insulation claim – not only to rectify the problem, but also for compensation for any associated damage to your property or health. What is cavity wall insulation? A cavity […]
What is Child Support?
Child support, also known as child maintenance, is the regular, ongoing financial contribution made by one parent to another in support of the everyday living costs of their child or children. Following the breakdown of a relationship, both parents are, subject to their financial circumstances, expected to contribute to the costs of raising their child […]
What is a Clean Break Order?
A Clean Break Order is used to legally terminate future financial obligations or responsibilities between a couple that is divorcing or dissolving their civil partnership. They offer a legal way for parties to move on without the concern of any future claim on their assets from their ex-spouse. While the Decree Absolute will formally end the marriage, […]
Applying for British Citizenship
There are different ways to achieve British citizenship, although the most common route is through ‘naturalisation’. The following guide sets out who is eligible to apply for British citizenship by way of naturalisation, including the criteria for nationals of member states of the European Economic Union (EEA) or Switzerland. Who is eligible for British citizenship? […]
Citizenship through US Naturalization
US naturalization is the process by which a non-US national can become a US citizen. Once naturalized, you may bring family members to the USA, travel abroad under a US passport, and vote in US elections. Eligibility for US Naturalization The eligibility requirements for US naturalization vary according to your personal circumstances, but you must […]