Read our latest articles, news briefs and legal updates across all our different services.
One of the UK’s leading judges has called for the introduction of no-fault divorces to remove the sense of blame and bitterness that accompany so many break-ups. Baroness Hale says the current system is outdated. She wants it to be modernised so that couples don’t end up making unnecessary accusations about infidelity or unreasonable behaviour.
My first article gave a brief outline of what a Power of Attorney is and why you might need one. Here let us think about the attorney – who it might be and how many you can have. Whichever type of Power of Attorney you decide to create the single most important question is “Who
Thinking of starting a business on your own or with a business partner? Don’t leave it too late to consider the legal issues and budget for them! Here are the top issues we are most commonly asked to advise on by new entrepreneurs: Business Entity: Will you start up as a sole trader (under your
Robert Bedford, Past President and Council Member of the Hertfordshire Law Society, is an Employment Partner at Machins Solicitors, Luton. Here he considers the effects of the changes in employment legislation on vulnerable and low-paid employees The Introduction of Employment Tribunal Fees The introduction of fees to bring claims in the Employment Tribunal 18 months
After the matrimonial home, pension funds are usually considered to be the second largest matrimonial asset and they often need to be valued and dealt with when negotiating financial settlements between spouses on divorce. The law In December 2000, the Welfare Reforms and Pensions Act 1999 came into force and the Court was given the
Two brothers have been banned from being company directors after they breached their duty to creditors when their business went into liquidation. The two men ran a company that provided payroll services. The business got into financial difficulties and was wound up in October 2012. An Insolvency Service investigation found that two weeks after the
Apprentices will get the biggest pay boost when the National Minimum Wage increases come into effect in October. The adult rate will rise by 20p from £6.50 per hour to £6.70, a 3% increase. However, the rate for apprentices will rise by 57p to £3.30 per hour. The government says the larger increase is designed
A court has been called on to determine who was responsible for the collapse of a building – the contractors who carried out renovation work, or the engineers who drew up the plans. The issue arose after a couple decided to convert their cellar into living accommodation. The project involved lowering the floor and then
The government wants to speed up the planning system and make it easier for developers to build more houses. The proposals centre on ‘section 106’ agreements, which oblige developers to meet certain conditions before planning permission is granted. These conditions often involve issues such as building new roads for improved access and providing an affordable
Help to Buy ISAs offering first time buyers a 25% bonus on their savings have proved to be one the most talked about elements from George Osborne’s Budget statement. Some commentators fear they may push up house prices, but they’re likely to prove hugely popular with young people who have found it difficult to raise