Tier 4 Visa Extension (Students’ Guide)
As a student currently in the UK under a Tier 4 visa, you may be looking to extend your stay to finish your existing course or to progress to a new and higher level of studies. Below we examine the rules relating to Tier 4 visa extensions, including the requirements, process and cost when applying […]
UK Visa Requirements (Applicant Guidance)
In this article, we look at what travellers need to know about meeting the UK visa requirements and making a successful application to the Home Office. If you are a national of a non EEA (European Economic Area) country or Switzerland and you wish to enter the UK, even if it is only to travel […]
Spouse Visa After Divorce (How to Stay in the UK)
If you are living in the UK under a spouse visa, it will be important to understand how your immigration status will be affected in the event you divorce or separate from your British citizen spouse or civil partner. A spouse visa is the permission granted to a foreign national from outside the European Economic […]
BRP: Biometric Residence Permit (FAQS)
The Biometric Residence Permit (BRP) is a document given to non-UK nationals and their dependents that is usually applied for as part of a UK visa or immigration application. It can be used as a form of identification and is proof of the holder’s right to stay, work or study in the UK. As a foreign national […]
Sexual Harassment at Work (A Guide!)
Sexual harassment at work is an unlawful form of discrimination involving unwanted behaviour of a sexual nature. Employers are under a legal duty to prevent sexual harassment in the workplace. The Equality Act 2010 states that a person’s conduct amounts to sexual harassment if it is either meant to, or has the effect of, violating […]
What is Family Law?
Family law is an area of law that relates to family matters and involves a host of authorities, agencies and groups which participate in or influence the outcome of private disputes or social decisions involving family law. Such a view of family law may be regarded as assisting the understanding of the context in which […]
What is Divorce?
The following guide summarises the current process for filing for divorce in England and Wales. Divorce defined Divorce is the formal process by which a marriage is officially brought to an end by the court. The party to the marriage who files for divorce is known as the petitioner, while the respondent is the individual […]
How Does a Trust Protect Personal Assets?
An optimised approach to asset protection will consider a wide range of tools and structures potentially at your disposal. One item for consideration in this toolkit will be the trust. Trusts have for centuries been used for asset protection purposes. However, trusts have also been synonymous with tax planning and avoidance. For better or for […]
Asset Protection (A Useful Guide!)
Asset protection is essentially about planning now to protect for later. Without planning, your assets are likely to be at risk of exposure to a number of financial predators. This could be as a result of commercial creditors, bankruptcy, divorce or the tax man. So while the value of your assets will always be subject […]
Difference Between Solicitor & Conveyancer
If you are thinking about buying or selling a property you will need a good lawyer to help with the legalities. The following guide looks at how to choose the best solicitors or licensed conveyancers. Please read our extensive guide on conveyancing here >> Why do I need a solicitor or licensed conveyancer? […]
Assured Tenancy Agreements: Housing Association Tenant FAQs
The following guide looks at frequently asked questions by Housing Association tenants in relation to assured tenancy agreements. Do I have an assured tenancy agreement? The most common type of tenancy agreement issued by a Housing Association is an assured tenancy agreement. You will probably be an assured tenant if your landlord is a housing […]
Before Signing A Short Term Tenancy Agreement…
Before signing a short term tenancy agreement it is important to know exactly what you are signing, not only in terms of your contractual rights under the agreement, but also your responsibilities. What is a short term tenancy? A short term tenancy is commonly referred to as either a shorthold tenancy or an assured shorthold […]
How to Deal with Rent Arrears (Help for Tenants)
Should you fall behind with paying your rent, you run the risk of being evicted by your landlord and losing your home. Generally, your landlord will be less likely to threaten you with eviction if they can see that you are doing your best to put things right. Taking steps as soon as you come […]
Housing Grants – Support for Low Income Families
Housing grants are available from charities, energy suppliers, government organisations, and private sector bodies, to improve your home or assist with household bills. There are a wide range of housing grants available, depending on the kind of improvements you wish to make to your home, your location, and your personal circumstances and eligibility. Housing grants […]
Joint Tenancy Agreement: Property Rights of Shared Ownership
If you are thinking about buying a property together with your partner, a relative or even a friend, you will need to understand the basis upon which that property will be jointly owned. The following guide looks at what is meant in law by a joint tenancy agreement in the context of shared ownership property […]
What is an Assured Tenancy?
In response to the question “What is an assured tenancy?” the following guide provides an overview of this type of tenancy, including how assured tenancies are defined, together with the general rights and responsibilities for landlords and tenants under an assured tenancy agreement. What is an assured tenancy? Assured tenancies are a form of long-term […]
Rent Agreement (Terms to Include)
A rent agreement, also known as a tenancy agreement, is the contract between a landlord and tenant. The rent agreement should set out the conditions of the occupancy, including the rights and responsibilities on both sides. Generally, a rent agreement should be written. While a verbal rent agreement may still confer legal rights to both […]
What are the Different Types of Family Trust?
A family trust is a legal mechanism by which an individual can financially cater for their loved ones, essentially controlling how their family is to inherit their legacy, either during that individual’s own lifetime or upon their death. But what are the different types of family trust? Below we consider family trusts in more detail, […]
What is a Life Interest Trust?
Life interest trusts can be used for a number of reasons, not least to ensure that financial provision is made for your spouse or civil partner during their lifetime, whilst preserving any assets for the benefit of your children at a later date. But what is a life interest trust and exactly how it can […]
Family Trusts Explained
The family trust can be an effective way of making financial provision for your loved ones, both during your lifetime and after you die. This type of trust can be used for all sorts of different reasons, from helping to fund a child’s education to mitigating the cost of care home fees or inheritance tax. […]