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The 8 stages of buying a new build home

Posted on 11th April 2019 in Residential Property

Buying your home is probably the most expensive investment that you will ever make so it pays to get the right advice. As one of the oldest and largest firms in the South West, we aim to provide you with a swift and expert service at a competitive price.

Posted by

Jessica Betts

Associate & Chartered Legal Executive

Insights

Putting the kids first; how to minimise fallout from a family breakdown – a five step guide

Posted on 06th April 2019 in Family Law

A child may feel torn between both parents or angry and one or both parents for the relationship breaking down. Every situation will be different and depend on the unique circumstances of the family unit, but it should be everyone’s concern that the children are protected from any animosity between the parents.

Posted by

Caroline Ryan

Head of Private Family

Insights

Mediation Information and Assessment Meetings

Posted on 02nd April 2019 in Family Law

If you are experiencing difficulties with a family matter, such as issues relating to a potential divorce and the associated financial aspects or issues concerning your children, you may be considering court proceedings. Before you can make an application to the court in relation to a family issue you must attend a Mediation Information and Assessment Meeting (MIAM). There are exemptions available and these can be discussed with you if necessary.

Insights

Case study for employers on suspension in disciplinary proceedings

Posted on 11th March 2019 in Employment

You may remember that we reported on the case Agoreyo v London Borough of Lambeth where the High Court held that the suspension of a teacher to allow for a misconduct investigation was not a neutral act and amounted to a breach of the implied term of mutual trust and confidence. This case was appealed to the Court of Appeal which has overturned the decision.

Posted by

Joanna Parry

Associate and Solicitor

Insights

What happens if planning permission is refused?

Posted on 06th March 2019 in Planning and Licensing

The planning process is a long and complicated one, which may not always produce the result the client desires. If a planning application isn’t filed correctly, or there are objections to the plan then it can be thwarted at the first hurdle. So, if your planning application has been refused, how can you challenge that decision, and what can you do to make the process easier?

Posted by

Kelly Burns

Senior Associate & Solicitor

Insights

Guide on the new Energy efficiency legislation (EPC tests)

Posted on 05th March 2019 in Property Litigation

The minimum ratings for Energy Performance Certificates have got a lot tougher, and now any rental property must achieve at least an ‘E’ rating for it to be rented out.

Posted by

Simon Sanger-Anderson

Senior Consultant Solicitor

Insights

Bitcoin, the hidden gem in divorce?

Posted on 04th March 2019 in Family Law

Bitcoin is the most well-known type of cryptographic currency which came into existence in 2009, following the global market crash. Throughout recent years Bitcoin has exploded in its popularity. Despite this, there has been a grey cloud pending over Bitcoin and its validity. Is Bitcoin a new form of currency that is part of the dark online underworld? Or is this simply a combination of currency and technology in an ever-evolving technological world? To help answer these questions, it is important to understand some of the key terminologies and exactly how Bitcoin operates.

Posted by

Ricky Noble

Senior Paralegal

Insights

Questionnaires in Financial Remedy Proceedings

Posted on 11th February 2019 in Family Law

To prepare for the First Appointment in financial remedy proceedings, each party must file with the Court and serve the other party a questionnaire in respect of their financial disclosure (Form E). When completing Form E, the parties have an obligation to the Court to give full, frank and clear disclosure. The duty is ongoing and includes a duty to disclose any material change in financial circumstances.

Posted by

Aimee Aspinall

Senior Associate & Solicitor

Insights

What is a purchase reservation agreement?

Posted on 02nd February 2019 in Residential Property

Aside from being gazumped, one of the worst fears of a party to a property transaction is the other side getting cold feet and pulling out at the last moment without a good reason.

Posted by

Nick Conner

Partner and Solicitor

Insights

Where can you be buried or scattered after your death?

Posted on 28th January 2019 in Probate & Wills

Our final journey is one we all make alone, but it’s up to every individual to make sure those left behind are fully aware of the last wishes of the deceased. That includes how to deal with the body, whether that means cremation or burial.

Posted by

Gráinne Staunton

Partner & Solicitor

Insights

Divorce and the Family Farm

Posted on 22nd January 2019 in Family Law

The breakdown of a marriage in any family is upsetting, but within a farming family a divorce can be particularly difficult to resolve.

Posted by

Ricky Noble

Senior Paralegal

Insights

Guide to Corporate Charitable Foundations

Posted on 09th January 2019 in Charities and Social Enterprise

Many commercial businesses are taking corporate social responsibility (CSR) more seriously and in a more strategic way, recognising increased public expectations on the private sector to demonstrate a strong commitment to the communities they operate in.

Posted by

James Evans

Partner and Solicitor