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 […]
How to Adopt a Baby
If you are considering adoption in the UK, this guide provides an overview of how to adopt a baby, including the eligibility requirements you will need to meet and the process to follow. What is adoption? Adoption is the legal process by which a child becomes a full and permanent member of their new adoptive […]
What is a Parental Responsibility Order?
Understanding what parental responsibility means and how to obtain a Parental Responsibility Order can be the first step in ensuring you have a say in important decisions about your child’s upbringing. What is parental responsibility? Parental responsibility is defined by section 3(1) of the Children Act 1989 as “all the rights, duties, powers, responsibilities and […]
How to Complain about Faulty Goods
If you have purchased an item that is not as described, of satisfactory quality or fit for the purpose, you have the right to complain to the retailer and you may have a claim under the Consumer Rights Act. When you purchase goods or services, you as the consumer agree to the terms of service and […]
Asbestos Claims: Compensation for Negligent Exposure
Asbestos claims can result in compensation for individuals who have been exposed to asbestos and as a result, have developed asbestos-related illness. In the 1990’s asbestos, which had been commonly used in construction and other industries, was banned for use in the UK as it was found to cause fatal illnesses. Since then, legislation such […]
How to Carry Out a Workplace Risk Assessment
An effective risk assessment can help ensure you meet your duties as an employer under health and safety laws. An employer may delegate the task of risk assessment to a competent individual or third party, but they ultimately have a legal responsibility for both the risk assessment and the health and safety relating to their […]
Pensions and Divorce – How Will I Be Affected?
Under the Pensions Act 1995, it is a mandatory requirement that pensions are taken into consideration in a divorce. For many, their pension may be one of the highest value assets they own. As such, the degree to which a divorce will affect a pension will often be of great concern to divorcing couples, particularly […]
What are Parental Rights?
Disputes can arise when separated parents disagree on what is best for their child, which is why it’s important to understand your rights as a parent. Having parental rights over a child enables you to make decisions as a parent and legally enforce those decisions. This is even more important when parents are not on […]
Can My Employer Change My Contract?
‘Can my employer change my contract?’ remains a commonly asked question by UK employees. Unfortunately, the law governing contracts of employment is not always straightforward to interpret. [toc] Below we look more closely at contracts of employment from an employee’s perspective, and specifically at what you can do to redress any contractual changes made by […]
How Can a Father Get Custody of His Child?
Custody is now known as residence and refers to the arrangements as to where the child will live for some or all of their time. The courts encourage for residence to be settled with an informal agreement between the parents. If however an agreement cannot be reached or if an existing arrangement has been broken, […]
Can a Mother Stop a Father From Seeing Their Child?
10 minute read Last updated 16th August 2019 Can a Mother Stop a Father From Seeing Their Child? The welfare of the child is of the utmost importance in these situations. This article covers: When can contact be restricted? What can I do if my child’s mother stops me from seeing my child? What is […]
What is Paternity Leave?
Paternity leave is time qualifying employees can take off work to care for their newborn baby or following the adoption of a child. Paternity leave is not an entitlement, as such it will be important to understand if it as available to you. You may also be eligible for paternity pay whilst you are on […]