The end of a marriage is always a stressful and difficult time for anyone. The division of the assets is often a source of controversy. Although most people are able to make and communicate their own decisions about what they would like to happen, some...

As Spring approaches, and we start to look forward to warmer weather, many will be making plans, to get out their gardening equipment and venture out into their gardens. We will be looking out those precious plants and those which sadly have not survived...

With rising oil prices affecting heating and transport costs each of us can help with the energy and climate problems within our own homes.  Although since 2010 house sellers no longer have to supply a  Home Information Pack the one element of it...

The wording of insurance policies can be both confusing and daunting. Small print is sometimes taken for granted as being fair and reasonable. However this is not always the case! Take the following example, where the names have been changed but the facts...

April 6 th 2007 changed in the way that landlords and their managing agents are required to deal with tenants’ deposits.  Following pressure from tenant groups, legislation came into force which required landlords of all residential properties...

We have probably all heard of a building being ‘listed’ but what does it mean - and what does it matter? The short answer to the first part of the question is that it is a building of particular architectural or historic interest that is on a...

How long must a former husband pay for his ex-wife?  10 years? 15 years?  Mr Vaughan (an eminent QC) and the ex Mrs Vaughan separated in 1981 and divorced in 1985.  There were no children.  He remarried and had two children.  Mrs...

After a period of consultation, some delays and much speculation, the government has finally published guidance on procedures which commercial organisations can put in place to prevent their associates from committing bribery.  The Bribery Act will...

The Bribery Act 2010 (the Act) was passed in the ‘wash up’ just before the election, and is expected to be brought into force in the autumn of this year. In summary there are four offences under the Act; an offence aimed at the payer of a bribe;...

Close your eyes and picture a traditional English village green. Tranquil. Families feeding the ducks on the village pond. Children gambolling on the greensward. What about HGVs whizzing by or golf balls zipping overhead? The fact is that many legally...

For most people being involved in a legal dispute is rare, but when it happens it can be nerve-racking, time consuming and above all costly. Your lawyer will have the client’s best interests at heart and this should always include advice about the...

Ambulance chaser is a term used by many to describe personal injury and medical or clinical negligence solicitors. I have always felt the need to defend myself to these individuals who simply don’t understand what is involved with clinical negligence...

Which of us have not made cutbacks during the last two years as a result of the credit crunch? With rising unemployment and salary cuts, charitable donations are usually the first things to be slashed in leaner times. Helping other people in the local...

Most readers will have heard of ‘Pre-Nuptial Agreements’, and for many the phrase will immediately conjure up visions of fraught negotiations involving Hollywood stars - not surprising when it tends to be the divorce settlements of the rich and...

Once upon a time, it was thought that Landlords had too much control over the security deposit held upon entering into a tenancy agreement of residential premises. To try and alleviate common problems of disputes at the end of the tenancy, the Housing Act...

Many conveyancers have not encountered a situation in which the buyer fails to complete a property purchase in their entire careers. The recent fall in property prices, coupled with the demise of easily obtainable mortgage finance, has spawned several cases...

Many people are surprised to learn that, even if they have lived together for a long period of time and have children, if their relationship breaks down, they do not have the same rights as if they were married. The term ‘common law wife’ is...

You may recall the 1987 disaster involving a ferry called Herald of Free Enterprise which capsized shortly after leaving the Belgian port of Zeebrugge because its bow doors have not been properly closed. It took the lives of nearly 200 people. Albeit...

Chancel land accounts for up to 40% of all land in England and Wales! But what is it? Traced back to medieval times, the priest or rector of the parish would have a number of rights, including the ability to raise some taxes or income from the land of the...