Alternative Dispute Resolution, or ADR, is something that is becoming increasingly common in dispute resolution procedures, whether via eBay or in formal court litigation procedures. Some contracts or areas of law require the parties to first attempt ADR, and it is general court policy to encourage parties to attempt ADR. There can be significant cost…
Or: KISS (keep it short and simple) With frustrating regularity, I am consulted by people who have come up with a good idea, have worked hard to transform that idea into a viable business proposition and have then done a deal with venture capitalists (“dragons”) to obtain the funding they need to move the business…
Some people will find it surprising that you can make a claim when you have not inherited what you expected from someone who has died. The courts are empowered under the Inheritance (Provision for Family and Dependants) Act 1975 to order further payments from the deceased’s estate to those who have not inherited as much…
Last year, HM Courts and Tribunals Service proposed a massive increase to the fees charged to obtain probate. This would have seen the charges for the most valuable estates increase to £20,000. Currently, the fees are fixed at £155 for Solicitor applications and £215 for personal applicants. The plans were dropped ahead of the 2017…
Children in Mediation (referred to as CIM) enables separated parents to focus on and give a voice to their children. This form of mediation should be child centred to promote both the safeguarding and welfare of every child. It can enable that child to have a voice. For parents, this form of mediation enables their…
A recent case from the High Court demonstrates the problems which unmarried couples may face regarding the ownership of property. We highlight these problems in this article and offer some useful guidance. The summary The case of Dobson v Griffey [2018] EWHC 1117 (Ch) centred upon an unmarried couple called Mr Griffey and Ms Dobson….
Many of our clients after having their Wills drawn up by our team return to our offices in Reading to get them signed and witnessed. Some may wonder if it is worth the trek through the increasingly busy city centre, just to sign a document! But, the benefit of doing so ensures that your newly…
Find out here if you have been affected by new rules introduced on 1st August 2018. New rules were introduced on 1st August 2018 which extend existing rules about automatic disqualification of charity trustees and senior management positions within charities. Before 1st August, the range of reasons for disqualifying a charity trustee were reasonably narrow,…
We often get asked about care fees, the principle of deprivation of assets and generally how a local authority manages social care. The purpose of this article is to briefly explain these concepts and help you, the reader, understand their significance. It must be stated, however, that each case turns on its own facts and…
Alternative Dispute Resolution, or ADR, is something that is becoming increasingly common in dispute resolution procedures, whether via eBay or in formal court litigation procedures. Some contracts or areas of law require the parties to first attempt ADR, and it is general court policy to encourage parties to attempt ADR. There can be significant cost…
