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…
How is the overhaul of immigration going?
Priti Patel has claimed that the new, firmer stance on immigration has been based on ‘public opinion’ rather than based on ‘economics and culture’. The government ended the free movement of people from the EU and introduced a new points-based system. Therefore, prioritising skill and talent. Further, they have announced a new model for refugees…
Government extends the ban on business eviction until March 2022
The ban on eviction of business tenants was due to end this month. Any business that has stopped paying rent due to the coronavirus crisis will not be evicted in July. Clearly there are two sides to this argument. Businesses are able to maintain their physical position, but landlords are upset that rent arrears will…
Mental Health and Race in the Workplace
The City Mental Health Alliance has recently a detailed report on Mental Health and Race at Work in partnership with Lloyds Banking Group and YouGov. Key Findings It was reported that 45% of black, 26% East Asian, 23% South Asian and 24% of mixed-race respondents had experienced racism at work. Of those who had, 65%…
Exceptional Assurance
Adeeb Chowdhry discusses ‘exceptional assurance’. Are you currently in the UK on a temporary visa and unable to return to your home country due to current COVID travel restrictions? If you are in the UK on a temporary visa that expires prior to 30th September 2021 you can request additional time. You can submit this request…