What to do if you have a bereavement…
With tens of thousands having sadly passed away due to the coronavirus. Loved ones are left resolving the administration of the estate. Probate is long winded and timescales are usually dependent on HMRC and the Probate Registry. Given Lockdown there are delays across the whole administration process. These include: registering deaths, getting information from clients,…
Boris Johnson opens the door to three million Hong Kong nationals
Following the passing of controversial security laws, making it a criminal offence to criticise the Chinese government in Hong Kong. Boris Johnson announced an offer to any Hong Kong citizens with British National Overseas (BNO) status can apply for five year work or student visas. After this, they can claim citizenship following a further12-month period.…
New build conveyancing explained
Given the Stamp Duty holiday and the changes in the Help to Buy Scheme starting next year. First time buyers are trying to get on the ladder quickly. In the Autumn 2018 budget, the then Chancellor, Philip Hammond, announced caps on the value of properties. These caps reduce the amount that an individual can borrow…
Eviction ban extension due to end
The government extended the original ban until the 20th September 2020. There is a fear that thousands of renters might lose their homes and be threatened by homelessness. Currently private landlords have excepted that they need to foot the bill for the lack of rent. However, with that due to end this could lead to…
Wills during Covid-19
Demand for legal services in the pandemic has remained high, but particularly for estate planning services. The use of platforms such as Zoom have meant that client meetings can take place without the need of meeting the person face-to-face. We believe that it is always better to seek advice when deciding on a Will. Why…
Using Trusts in your Will
Many people use trusts in their Wills so that they can ensure that their interests are met. What is a Trust? A Trust is a legal arrangement where assets are transferred to trustees for the benefit of the beneficiaries. The trustee takes legal ownership of the property. Whereas the beneficiary is the person that is…
What next for government’s flagship immigration bill?
The government suffered a defeat in the House of Lords over the post Brexit immigration bill. The Lords favoured an amendment tabled designed to protect family reunions. The amendment was tabled by a number of peers aims to ensure that rules regarding family reunions of families continue after the transition period. Under the current Dublin…
Divorce “blame game” to end – No-fault divorce to start in autumn 2021
Fahmida Ahmed discusses the changes in law surrounding divorce. The Divorce, Dissolution and Separation Act 2020 amends the existing laws relating to divorce. It allows applications for to claim “no-fault” in England and Wales. Divorcing couples no longer have to blame one another for the breakdown of their marriage. The Act seeks to reduce family conflict.…
Do my investments qualify for an Investor Visa?
You must have a minimum of £2 million available to you to invest freely in the UK. The funds must be in qualifying investments, which include: Share or loan capital in a trading UK business registered at Companies House. However, the company cannot principally be engaged in property investment, management or development;Pooled investment vehicles. Those…
What is a Child Arrangement Order?
The family department discusses what a child arrangement order is and the importance of seeking advice. A Child arrangements order sets out contact with a minor. These usually include where they live and frequency that they see each parent until they are 18 years old. These are usually used when parents are unable to agree…