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What Are the Grounds for Divorce?

In England and Wales, there is one ground for divorce, which is the marriage has irretrievably broken down. Currently, you must prove that your marriage has irretrievably broken down by showing that one of the five facts of divorce has taken place. However, this may change in the future with the introduction of ‘no-fault’ divorce. […]

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What Are the Grounds for Divorce?

Why Should I Make a Will?

A Will is the only way to ensure that your wishes are fulfilled after your death. Any wishes you have expressed during your lifetime will not be legally valid, unless they are properly recorded in a Will. What happens if I die without a Will? If you die without a Will, the intestacy laws will […]

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Why Should I Make a Will?

Relocation of a Child

Moving a child a great distance from their other parent can have damaging consequences to their relationship, therefore it is understandable that the suggestion of relocating can cause a dispute, potentially leading to the Court’s involvement. It is important that you get legal advice as to the best approach to any proposed move. I oppose […]

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Relocation of a Child

My Will Has Been Lost, What Should I Do?

If a Will has been lost and the testator is still alive, the best thing to do is simply to make another Will. However, if the testator has already died, then you will need to conduct thorough searches in an attempt to locate the Will. You cannot find your loved one’s Will When someone passes […]

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My Will Has Been Lost, What Should I Do?

Divorcing With Children – Who Gets the House?

What happens to the house on divorce? Getting divorced is always difficult, especially if you share a child with your spouse. Many ask the question “I don’t want to sell the family home; can I remain living here?”. That is usually a very difficult question to answer, as it all depends on the circumstances. In […]

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Divorcing With Children – Who Gets the House?

Can I Make a Will Without a Solicitor?

It is perfectly possible to write your own Will. You can also pay someone who has no legal experience to write your Will for you. However, neither option is recommended. This is because you won’t necessarily know what provisions to include – and what to exclude. This could actually invalidate your Will, making the document […]

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Can I Make a Will Without a Solicitor?

How Long Do We Have to be Separated Before We Can Divorce?

Currently, the amount of time you have to wait before you can divorce depends on the grounds for your divorce. If you do not want to rely on adultery or unreasonable behaviour, then you will have to be separated for at least two years. However, this is set to change in the future when England […]

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How Long Do We Have to be Separated Before We Can Divorce?

What Happens If My Partner Dies Without a Will?

If your partner dies without having made a Will – and you are not married or in a civil partnership – then you will receive nothing under the rules of intestacy. However, any assets held as joint tenants (such as property) will pass to you as the surviving owner. Intestacy laws explained The intestacy laws […]

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What Happens If My Partner Dies Without a Will?

How is Child Maintenance Agreed?

Each parent has a financial obligation to provide for their child, even if they are not the child’s main carer. Parents can decide between themselves how much child maintenance should be paid. If they cannot agree, they can defer to the Child Maintenance Service (CMS) instead. The CMS determines how much child maintenance a parent […]

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How is Child Maintenance Agreed?

The Difference Between a Will and a Trust

A Will is a legal document that sets out how you want your estate to be distributed after your death. A Trust is a way of controlling your assets for your chosen beneficiaries, either during your lifetime or after your death. Wills vs Trusts A Will is a legal document that speaks from the point […]

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The Difference Between a Will and a Trust

The Legal Benefits of Getting Married in England and Wales

Legal benefits of marriage Many couples assume that by living together, even if in a lengthy relationship, that they acquire marital rights. Unfortunately, as cohabitees in England and Wales, you do not have the same rights as you would by getting married. By saying ‘I do’, you will enjoy the following legal benefits. Inheritance rights […]

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The Legal Benefits of Getting Married in England and Wales

The Benefits of Making a Will While You’re Young

You do not have to wait until later life to make a Will. In fact, you can and should make a Will in your younger years. Even if you do not have many assets to speak of now, a Will protects any wealth that you acquire in the future. You can also use a Will […]

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The Benefits of Making a Will While You’re Young

Why Do I Need a Solicitor to Get Divorced?

Getting married is a legal contract, so when it comes to an end, it is best to get expert advice on the financial and legal implications. For example, did you know that unless you get a Clean Break Order, you’ll always have a financial obligation towards your ex-spouse? This is the kind of thing that […]

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Why Do I Need a Solicitor to Get Divorced?

Declaration of Trust Explained

A Declaration of Trust is a legal document that is used when two or more parties buy a property together. The agreement sets out each person’s share, and details what should happen in the event the property is sold or a relationship breaks down. What is a Declaration of Trust? A Declaration of Trust is […]

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Declaration of Trust Explained

I Can’t Afford to Live on My Own – Can I Get Spousal Maintenance?

You may be entitled to receive financial support from your ex-spouse, even after you have separated or divorced. This is called spousal maintenance and is awarded by the court. Who is entitled to spousal maintenance? When you begin divorce proceedings, the court will decide whether one person should receive ongoing financial support from the other. […]

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I Can’t Afford to Live on My Own – Can I Get Spousal Maintenance?

What is a Specific Issue Order and Can I Apply for One?

A Specific Issue Order is a type of court order granted by the Family Court. It determines how a dispute over a child’s upbringing or wellbeing should be resolved. As the name suggests, it is used for specific issues, such as decisions regarding the child’s name or education. Anyone with parental responsibility can apply for […]

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What is a Specific Issue Order and Can I Apply for One?

Why Do I Need a Solicitor to Get Divorced?

Getting married is a legal contract, so when it comes to an end, it is best to get expert advice on the financial and legal implications. For example, did you know that unless you get a Clean Break Order, you’ll always have a financial obligation towards your ex-spouse? This is the kind of thing that […]

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Why Do I Need a Solicitor to Get Divorced?

Getting Permission to Take Your Child Abroad

If you are proposing to travel on holiday with a child, do you have permission to do so? Surely if it’s your child, you don’t need it, right? Wrong! If you are separated from the other parent, then you might actually need their consent before you embark on any overseas trips. Below, we’ve set out […]

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Getting Permission to Take Your Child Abroad

What is Parental Responsibility?

When someone has parental responsibility, it means they have the legal right to make decisions regarding a child’s care and upbringing. In legal terms, it is defined as “all the rights, duties, powers, responsibilities and authority which by law a parent of a child has in relation to the child and his property”. Who has […]

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What is Parental Responsibility?

What Are My Rights on Divorce?

When a marriage breaks down, as a spouse you have certain rights that are protected under law. Many people are unaware of this, which is why it’s important to get specialist legal advice as soon as you separate. What are my rights? Divorce isn’t always straightforward. There’s no ‘one size fits all’ approach, and depending […]

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What Are My Rights on Divorce?

Benefits of Prenuptial and Post-Nuptial Agreements

Unfortunately, the reality these days is that more and more marriages and relationships come to an end, resulting in a number of difficult decisions regarding financial matters. Prenuptial and post-nuptial agreements are useful tools which allow couples to agree from the outset (or shortly after marriage) how these difficult decisions will be made if their […]

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Benefits of Prenuptial and Post-Nuptial Agreements

What is a Non-Molestation Order?

Due to the coronavirus pandemic, domestic abuse has significantly increased in the UK.  Many have struggled financially, emotionally and physically. Being unable to leave the house only serves to increase tensions at home. This, however, is not an excuse for domestic abuse. If you feel that you or your children are in immediate danger, you […]

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What is a Non-Molestation Order?

Are There Any Alternatives to Divorce?

If you do not want to get a divorce, there are other options that you could explore. If you choose to do nothing for the time-being, be sure to protect your finances. This includes changing your Will and updating any death in service nomination. Don’t want to divorce just yet? For many couples following a […]

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Are There Any Alternatives to Divorce?

Chancellor Under Pressure To Extend The Stamp Duty Holiday

It has been widely reported that the Chancellor of the Exchequer, Rishi Sunak, is likely to extend the stamp duty holiday for a further three months. This will occur when he presents his budget on 3 March 2021. With the looming threat of over 200,000 current residential property transactions collapsing, when the stamp duty holiday […]

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Chancellor Under Pressure To Extend The Stamp Duty Holiday

Cafcass – What Role do They Have in Children Act Proceedings?

Cafcass may become involved in your case if you are involved in a child care dispute, or if there are concerns over the welfare of your child. What is Cafcass? Cafcass stands for Children and Family Court Advisory and Support Service. The organisation represents children within family proceedings in England. Cafcass is independent of the Courts and […]

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Cafcass – What Role do They Have in Children Act Proceedings?

What is the Difference Between a Decree Nisi and Decree Absolute?

A Decree Nisi is the first order issued by the court during the divorce process. It confirms that there is no reason why you should not divorce. A Decree Absolute is the final order issued by the court during the divorce process. It legally ends your marriage, leaving you free to marry someone else. What […]

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What is the Difference Between a Decree Nisi and Decree Absolute?

Is Your Partner Exerting Coercive Behaviour?

Controlling or coercive behaviour is a type of non-physical abuse. It is often at the heart of domestic abuse cases, and may involve things such as threats, monitoring your actions, isolating you from family and friends, and intimidating you. If coercive behaviour is a factor in your case, we can use the law to protect […]

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Is Your Partner Exerting Coercive Behaviour?

Did You Say “Yes” This Valentine’s Day?

Many couples use the most romantic day of the year as an opportunity to pop the question. In fact, over one million couples will become engaged on the day of love. If you, too, have recently become engaged, then congratulations! But before you get tied up in celebrations, we want to outline the legal and […]

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Did You Say “Yes” This Valentine’s Day?

Why Should I Make A Protective Award Claim – Wallis

There are certain legal obligations that an employer must follow if they’re planning to make 20 or more redundancies at one establishment within a 90 day period. They must collectively consult with a recognised trade union or elected representative. If they don’t, employees could be eligible to a Protective Award claim. When a company is […]

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Why Should I Make A Protective Award Claim – Wallis

Help for Ex Wallis Employees

We’re helping ex Wallis employees who have been affected by the closure of all Wallis stores across the country. Following the collapse of Arcadia Group after it fell into administration last year, on the 8th February 2021, it was announced that Boohoo had purchased the brands Wallis, Burton and Dorothy Perkins. This has resulted in […]

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Help for Ex Wallis Employees

What is a Protective Award Claim – Wallis

A Protective Award claim is an application for compensation that can be made when an employer does not meet their obligation to consult with employees about collective redundancies. How To Make A Protective Award Claim Firstly, you’ll need to know if the loss of your job with your employer meets the criteria for making a […]

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What is a Protective Award Claim – Wallis

Why Should I Make A Protective Award Claim – Dorothy Perkins

If an employer is proposing to make 20 or more redundancies in one location within a 90 day period, they have to follow a certain process. The employer must collectively consult with a recognised trade union or elected employee representatives. If they fail to meet those requirements, employees may be entitled to make a claim […]

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Why Should I Make A Protective Award Claim – Dorothy Perkins

Help for Ex Dorothy Perkins Employees

We’re helping ex Dorothy Perkins employees who have been affected by the closure of all Dorothy Perkins stores across the country. Following the collapse of Arcadia Group after it fell into administration last year, on the 8th February 2021, it was announced that Boohoo had purchased the brands Dorothy Perkins, Burton and Wallis. This has […]

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Help for Ex Dorothy Perkins Employees

What is a Protective Award Claim – Dorothy Perkins

A Protective Award claim is an application for compensation that can be made when an employer doesn’t meet their obligation to consult with employees about collective redundancies. How To Make A Protective Award Claim Firstly, you need to know whether your job loss with your employer meets the criteria for making a Protective Award claim. […]

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What is a Protective Award Claim – Dorothy Perkins

Why Should I Make A Protective Award Claim – Burton

When proposing to make more than 20 redundancies from one establishment in a 90 day period, employers are subject to certain legal obligations. If they fail to comply with the legal obligations, employees could be entitled to make a Protective Award Claim. When a company is put into administration, unfortunately, we often see a lot […]

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Why Should I Make A Protective Award Claim – Burton

Help for Ex Burton Employees

We’re helping ex Burton employees who have been affected by the closure of all Burton stores across the country. Following the collapse of Arcadia Group after it fell into administration last year, on the 8th February 2021, it was announced that Boohoo had purchased the brands Burton, Dorothy Perkins and Wallis. This has resulted in […]

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Help for Ex Burton Employees

What is a Protective Award Claim – Burton

A Protective Award claim is an application for compensation that can be made when an employer does not meet their obligation to consult with employees about collective redundancies. How To Make A Protective Award Claim You’ll need to make sure the loss of your job with your employer meets the criteria for making a Protective […]

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What is a Protective Award Claim – Burton

Protective Award Claims for Ex Miss Selfridge Employees

Miss Selfridge Protective Award Claims Following Arcadia being put into administration, employees of Miss Selfridge have recently been informed that the brand has been purchased by ASOS and that all stores are to close permanently.  Affected employees of Miss Selfridge could make a Protective Award claim of up to 90 days’ pay. To make a […]

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Protective Award Claims for Ex Miss Selfridge Employees

Maintenance Pending Suit – What Is It and How Can It Help Me?

Maintenance pending suit is when your ex-husband or wife provides you with financial support, while the terms of your divorce are being finalised. This is ordered by the Court. Maintenance pending suit will be extremely helpful if the breakdown of your relationship has put you in a difficult financial position, perhaps because you ordinarily rely […]

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Maintenance Pending Suit – What Is It and How Can It Help Me?

Protective Award Claims for Ex Topshop & Topman Employees

Topman / Topshop Protective Award Claims Following Arcadia being put into administration, employees of Topshop and Topman have recently been informed that the brand has been purchased by ASOS and that all stores are to close permanently.  Topshop and Topman, British multinational fashion retailers, have around 300 stores located in The United Kingdom. Affected employees […]

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Protective Award Claims for Ex Topshop & Topman Employees

Help for Employees Affected by the Closure of Topshop & Topman

We would like to help those employees affected by the closure of Topshop and Topman stores throughout the country. On 1st February 2021, at 7:45 am, ASOS posted on Twitter to celebrate their purchase of the Topshop brand. We understand that this Twitter post may have been seen by a number of affected employees before […]

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Help for Employees Affected by the Closure of Topshop & Topman

Why Divorce Isn’t Final

It sounds final doesn’t it? Divorce. It’s the end of your relationship and you’ve got the paperwork to prove it. You may have used one of those online services, or a local solicitor. So, when we say Divorce isn’t final… why not? Well, due to a process unheard of by most, there is a loophole. […]

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Why Divorce Isn’t Final

Remote Hearings and Appointments with Solicitors

Despite the coronavirus pandemic, the Family Court is still open. The court has changed the way it hears cases so that most hearings can continue. The Courts now hear cases remotely, this means via telephone or video conferencing. As leading solicitors, we have had to make several changes to ensure the safety and security of […]

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Remote Hearings and Appointments with Solicitors

Why Should I Make a Protective Award Claim?

Employers are subject to certain legal obligations when planning to dismiss a number of employees as redundant. When employers are proposing to make more than 20 redundancies at one establishment within a 90-day period, they must collectively consult with a recognised trade union or elected employee representatives. If they do not comply with this obligation, […]

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Why Should I Make a Protective Award Claim?

Parental Alienation

The 2019 CAFCASS guidance provides the definition of ‘Parental Alienation’ to be ‘when a child’s resistance or hostility towards one parent is not justified and is the result of a psychological manipulation by the other parent’. Parental Alienation is a form of psychological abuse, becoming a more and more recognised concept within Children Act proceedings. […]

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Parental Alienation

What is a Legal Aid Services Payment Order?

A Legal Aid Services Payment Order was introduced under the Legal Aid, Sentencing and Punishment of Offenders Act 2012, when public funding within financial remedy applications ceased, save for domestic violence or child abuse cases. The introduction of LASPO’s came about within Sears Tooth (A Firm) v Payne Hicks Beach (A Firm [1997] 2FLR 116 […]

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What is a Legal Aid Services Payment Order?

FREEZING ORDERS – What Are They?

Many parties worry that within divorce proceedings their spouse will be untruthful when providing their financial disclosure, or will look to ‘hide’ assets. This is more common than most think, especially if the financially weaker party did not have much input in their finances during the marriage. In many cases, if parties have been separated […]

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FREEZING ORDERS – What Are They?

Action You Must Take on the Furlough Scheme

We expect that HMRC enquires and Audit visits based on Furloughing claims under the CJRS (Job Retention Scheme) will be commonplace in the post Coronavirus era. All businesses participating in the scheme however must be made aware that the Government have said that incorrect claims can become criminal offences. With that in mind, our specialist […]

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Action You Must Take on the Furlough Scheme

Schedule 1 Children Act 1989 – Not Just For The Millionaires!

Schedule 1 claims provide financial assistance for the benefit of the child from unmarried parents. This is different from claims under the Child Maintenance Service, as Schedule 1 claims apply where the non-resident parent earns above the maximum maintenance assessment through the CMS, being £3,000 per week gross. This is why many think that the […]

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Schedule 1 Children Act 1989 – Not Just For The Millionaires!

Child Arrangements Orders & Coronavirus COVID-19

A lot of our clients are not able to agree arrangements for children and have attended Court to obtain Child Arrangement Orders. A Child Arrangements Order is a legal order where the court decides either where a child will live or who a child can spend time with and for how long. A lot of […]

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Child Arrangements Orders & Coronavirus COVID-19

I Am Divorcing My Partner, But I Can’t Afford Representation!

I am divorcing my partner, but I can’t afford representation! I am asked this question over and over in initial meetings. Often one person has been the main or sole earner and the other takes care of the home and/or the children. What does the party do, when they are no longer financially supported? How […]

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I Am Divorcing My Partner, But I Can’t Afford Representation!

Why the Type of Co-Ownership You Have Matters

Where you own land and buildings with another person, be it your husband or wife, your siblings or your parents, you need to understand the nature of that ownership. The conveyancer at the time should have explained the two different ways to co-own. However, there are also times in your life when you may want […]

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Why the Type of Co-Ownership You Have Matters

Support Our Cosmetic Injury Campaign

One of the most respected and well-known cosmetic injury solicitors in the UK, Greg Almond is calling for tighter regulation of cosmetic procedures. Mr Almond, who is well known for his legal work campaigning against the use of PPD in hair dye, is currently advising clients across the UK who have experienced severe physical and […]

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Support Our Cosmetic Injury Campaign

Beauty Therapist Dies After Cosmetic Surgery

The recently reported case of a beauty therapist who died of a blood clot seventeen days after she had cosmetic surgery raises some important issues Ms Harvey had two cosmetic procedures, breast enhancement and an abdominoplasty (tummy tuck) during the surgery. It is suggested that the appropriate anticoagulant drugs were not prescribed. Ms Harvey sadly […]

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Beauty Therapist Dies After Cosmetic Surgery

Sometimes ‘Bob The Builder’ Cannot Fix It!

According to a recent home renovation report, homeowners in the UK planning a renovation of their property in 2017 will spend an average of £23,100 doing so. Home improvements or building work does not always go to plan, but there are a number of options available to you to try and resolve it. One of […]

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Sometimes ‘Bob The Builder’ Cannot Fix It!

Cashflow is King

With external pressures upon the economy with Brexit and an uncertain economic market place for trading businesses, Cashflow for any small and medium sized business is a key factor in their survival. MarketInvoice Inc recently prepared a report after investigating the position of over 30,000 invoices issued from small companies across five years and 80 […]

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Cashflow is King

Taking the Fight to ‘Bad’ Landlords

People often assume incorrectly that only Council tenants have rights, but tenants in private rented accommodation have just the same rights and actions for specific performance and damages can be brought against private landlords. When bringing a housing disrepair claim, it is vital to prove that the property suffers from actionable defects, the landlord had […]

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Taking the Fight to ‘Bad’ Landlords

Trouble on the High Street

Mothercare has been in the news lately due to its recent struggle to keep up with the growth of online shopping and increasing competition within the market. With Supermarkets and stores such as H&M and Primark creating their own baby products, it seems that Mothercare has struggled to stay relevant and popular. One reason for […]

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Trouble on the High Street

The Children Take the House!

One of the biggest questions some couples face upon divorce/separation is who will stay in the home. Solicitors are seeing a trend called ‘bird nesting’. This trend began in America, but British families are starting to think of the idea themselves, before reaching court. The arrangement keeps the home for their children and the couple […]

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The Children Take the House!

Shout About it From the Rooftops!

The importance of reporting your disrepair or housing issue to your Landlord in a timely fashion can often be the leading factor in successfully bringing a claim against your Landlord. I am often asked by our clients for advice in relation to Housing Disrepair matters and one of the most valuable tips is to report […]

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Shout About it From the Rooftops!

I’m a Celebrity Get Me Out Of This Marriage

Ant McPartlin, one half of the double act Ant and Dec sadly announced last week that he is to divorce makeup artist wife Lisa Armstrong. The couple have been married 11 years and together 23 years but unfortunately have made the difficult decision to separate. Their fortune is said to be approximately £62 million, including […]

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I’m a Celebrity Get Me Out Of This Marriage

Turn Left at the next Junction

Did you know you are now required as part of the driving test to show competence following directions from a Sat Nav? As from 4th December 2017, most candidates will be asked to follow a Sat Nav during the independent driving part of the test. The changes show how commonplace the use of Sat Navs […]

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Turn Left at the next Junction