Do you think about your assets and property if you passed away without making a will? Do you want that your assets and property pass on to someone whomever you wish? Do you intend that your assets and property dealt out in compliance with your choice after your death? Do you like peace of mind by knowing that your assets will be distribute in accordance your wishes after your death? Do you want to oblige [...]

Bribery Act introduces a new offence under section 7, which deals with commercial organisations. From 1st July 2011, business must have a satisfactory procedure to comply with Bribery Act 2010. This is a matter of utmost importance. There is a general offence of bribery, and of bribing a foreign official under the UK law. Bribery is explained as “giving someone a financial or other advantage to induce them to perform their functions or activities improperly [...]

The word ‘contract’ incites numerous connotations of intimidating language, incomprehensible terms, and expensive fees. Unfortunately, this results in so many small businesses not using a written contract and thus leaving themselves open to disaster. Ensuring a well drawn contract is in place does not create mistrust nor does it have to be expensive, time consuming or complicated. Simply, it is the basis for trust. If all the terms are written down in one place, there [...]

Under the law employers are responsible for health and safety management. Here we outline how the law applies to you, the employer. Employees and the self employed have important responsibilities too. It is an employer’s duty to protect the health, safety and welfare of their employees, and other people who might be affected by their business. You must do whatever is reasonably practicable to achieve this. This means making sure that you and others are [...]

‘Copyright Telegraph.co.uk’ Pre-nuptial agreements were given significant recognition in English law for the first time yesterday after a wealthy German heiress won a landmark legal battle with her former husband. Three Appeal Court judges ruled that the assets of Katrin Radmacher – a paper industry heiress said to be worth £100 million – should be protected from her French ex-husband because of the pre-nuptial contract they signed before they married. In yesterday’s landmark ruling, Mr [...]

Introduction Divorce in the UK is an exercise that has been growing more and more expensive. The average cost of a divorce is estimated to be £13,000, with the more expensive divorces reaching from £25,000 to £50,000. It matters not whether the split is amicable or not – most of the legal fees are used to pay the solicitor. This article explains how divorce costs are divided and how to lower the cost of our [...]

Background Since the Agricultural Tenancies Act 1995, there have been many changes in agricultural processes as well as a growing need for farmers to prioritise environmental as well as farming outputs as well as the introduction of the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP). Farm diversification has been essential to secure the sustainability of the farm. Since the outbreak of Foot and Mouth and the Policy Commission on the Future of Food and Farming, there has been [...]

‘Copyright LandLordZone.co.uk’ The Private Rented Sector (PRS) and buy-to-let has become an important, if not the most important, sector of the UK housing market; certainly as far as tenants, sellers, letting and estate agents are concerned. The young wait in rented accommodation until they can afford to buy, which suits their mobile lifestyles, the old downsize and some move into a rental retirement, owners rent out their homes when they move away, or when they [...]

Introduction Crisis such as foot and mouth outbreaks, fire damage, illness of key staff or computer failure could make it logistically very difficult to carry on “business as usual”, especially for small businesses. With a little forethought, you can minimise the potential impact of a disaster – and sometimes prevent it from happening in the first place. This guide helps you to identify potential risks, make preparations for emergencies and test how your business is [...]

Many people reach a stage in their life when they or someone in the family needs help managing their property, financial affairs or personal welfare. These can be trying times for everyone involved, as often the person who most needs the help is the one that least realises what needs to happen. Generally, the solution is granting ‘power of attorney’ (PoA) to a friend, relative or a professional, like a solicitor. As with all legal [...]