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Whilst we are entering this unprecedented time we set out here a summary of the Government issued emergency measures and advice to assist both Employees and Employers. If you require expert advice and any further information please contact our employment team. ...
Following the recent anniversary of my Mum’s death, which I expected to be a VERY VERY difficult time, thanks to some kind words in a card from my best friend, I focussed on all I have achieved in the last 12 months. The most obvious and most recent change- and one I know Mum would approve of- is becoming a consultant with Berlad Graham. For about 18 months I had been considering alternatives to high street law. During that time a number of friends and family, Mum included, tried to persuade me to set up on my own. In this area of law that is not easy or financially viable. During my Mum’s brief illness my considerations and investigations of my options were put on hold. After her death I read a letter she had written to me. It told me to see more of the world and I realised I could not do that in the 20 days annual leave allowance. Her loss also made me realise that life is too short to be sat behind a desk for eight hours a day, five days a week (and then some). I had to find something which allowed me more […]
There are many ways to gain business; delivering exceptional customer service is the best way but also networking face to face, networking online, asking customers for testimonials and then using them on your social media but there also remains another way; being open to opportunities! You would think that ‘being open to opportunities’ might seem obvious but how many business people are not open to see the opportunity in front of them and; therefore, fail to see it? A law firm was recently intervened by the Solicitor Regulation Authority – all offices were closed, staff were sent home, files were moved and, most importantly, clients were, potentially, left in a very stressful situation with a high degree of uncertainty over their current cases or transactions. Berlad Graham, ‘saw the opportunity’, to assist those clients and attempted to relieve them of that stress by ‘taking immediate action’. One of our Residential Conveyancing Consultants made various phone calls confirming that we could take over those matters so that the clients were not left part-way through, probably, the biggest transactions of their lives. That resulted in 32 clients having their matters moved to Berlad Graham, thereby immediately knowing that their conveyancing could continue […]
I read an interesting article last week which really does explain why you need to have sound legal advice if you are going through a divorce or separation. The parties separated in 2013 but the wife remained in the home. They both agreed that the electricity account would remain in the husband’s name but would be paid from the joint account which the parties jointly paid into to cover household expenses. They understandably thought this was the best course of action until matters were finalised between them. By 2016 the parties were divorced and the husband phoned the electricity provider and told them that as he had not lived in the house for the last 3 years he wanted a refund of all those payments. This amounted to nearly £5,000. The energy company paid him in full then went after the wife for the outstanding three year period. They would not accept that she had paid half and it took her considerable time and caused a lot of stress before she was able to sort this out. The advice I give to my clients is what to do with joint bills and accounts so hopefully this problem can be avoided. […]
Berlad Graham Employee Spotlight At Berlad Graham, our people’s experience and personality play an important role in the service we provide to our clients. For this employee spotlight, we spoke with Hannah Price, Partner at the firm, and a solicitor in our Private Client department. Hannah has been a solicitor…
When voluntary negotiations fail, here is how to exercise your legal right to extend If you are a leaseholder tired of watching the value of your property decline as the years tick away on your lease, you will know how frustrating it can be when informal negotiations with your freeholder…
Most people understand the importance of making a Will, even if they have not set one up yet. It gives peace of mind that your wishes will be followed after your death and that your loved ones will know what to do. What is less well understood is what happens…
So, you have decided you want to extend the lease on your flat. One option is a voluntary lease extension. In a previous blog, Sophie Masters, a Paralegal from our property team, explained why the length of time left on a leasehold flat matters. In this blog, she looks at…
Stamp Duty Land Tax (SDLT) can be one of the most confusing costs for people buying property, as there are many rules and exemptions to take into consideration when calculating the amount of tax payable. In this blog, Lauren Greenop, Trainee Solicitor from our residential property team, sets out the…
If you are buying a property with someone else, whether it’s a spouse, friend or business partner, it is important to understand how your ownership is set up from the outset. In this blog, Tasnim Tirech, Trainee Solicitor from our residential property team, explains the difference between owning a property…
Estate planning is no longer reserved for high-net-worth individuals. It is now necessary for all families to support the next generation during their lifetime, as well as plan for what happens after death. In this blog, Daniel Brown, Trainee Solicitor in our private client team, explains why lifetime giving, clear…
Cohabitation Rights in the UK for Unmarried Couples More couples in the UK are choosing to live together without getting married or entering a civil partnership. According to the Office for National Statistics, the number of cohabiting couples has more than doubled since 1996, rising from 1.5 million to around…
So, you own a wonderful leasehold flat in England & Wales, and you’re very happy. But do you understand why the length of time left on your Lease matters, the disadvantages that come with it and what can be done about it? In this blog, Sophie Masters, a Paralegal from…
In this blog, Daniel Brown, Trainee Solicitor from our Private Client team, discusses why having a Will is not enough and the importance of putting a Lasting Power of Attorney in place. What Is a Lasting Power of Attorney? Delaying the creation of a Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA) is…
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