The Ministry of Justice (MOJ) has recently announced possible changes to the Criminal Injuries Compensation scheme run by the CICA. This is a Government scheme designed to compensate innocent victims of crimes of violence. At present claims for all injuries worth £1,000 or more can be made. If implemented, the planned changes mean that only
The firm’s Private Client department has continued to develop its reputation for outstanding service and has recently appointed Matthew Gibson as a solicitor within the team. Matthew joins the established team of solicitors already in place of Steven Dawson, Cassie Worton and Angela Coles to further build the department. Steven Dawson, Head of the Private
Landlord and Tenant – Compliance with Conditional Break Clauses
Landlord and Tenant – Compliance with conditional break clauses In these uncertain economic times, it is essential that tenants who have the benefit of a “break option” in a lease ensure that they validly exercise the right to break. Often, landlords would prefer to have a reluctant tenant rather than no tenant at all and
The Law Commission has published proposals that the Intestacy Rules (that determine how estates are administered when someone dies without leaving a Will) be amended to give some cohabitants the right to claim their deceased partner’s estate. If these proposals became law then a spouse or civil partner would become the sole beneficiary of the estate
Dealing Direct with Insurers After An Accident … the Pitfalls
A number of insurers have started dealing directly with people and making offers to settle their injury claim. However, victims of accidents should exercise caution. The insurance company has an interest in settling the claim as quickly as possible for the lowest amount possible. As the injured person you have an interest in receiving the
The majority of the provisions contained in the Equality Act 2010 came into force on 1 October 2010. It has brought together the different strands of discrimination law to adopt a consistent approach to tackling discrimination in the workplace. Whilst the Equality Act has consolidated much of the pre-existing discrimination law, it has also taken
Mediation is an effective way of resolving disputes without the need to go to Court. It involves an independant third party, a mediator, who helps both sides come to an agreement. It is appropriate to consider mediation at all stages and not to dismiss mediation out of hand. What to mediate and when is important
Many people do not realise that unmarried couples are not recognised in law – there is no such thing as a “common law” spouse. This means that if you have been in a long term relationship for a number of years but have not married, you may have no legal right to your partner’s assets
Would you recognise an employee’s full entitlement to holiday pay if they had been away from work continuously on sick leave for say, two years? Employers have faced uncertain times in recent years when deciding how to implement their annual leave policies. The House of Lords decided in 2009 in the case of Stringer, following directions