Who Will Look After my Dog When I Die?

Article by
Sharon Brown

This is something nobody likes to have to consdier, but is a question I have been asked so many times by clients making their Will.  For many people, this is as important as deciding who will act as guardian for their children or who will get their money. 

If you have a spouse, close relative or close friend who likes animals you can simply ask them if they would take care of your dog should anything happen.  Some people to choose to leave a legacy to the person, as a way of saying thank you and to make sure that the person has sufficient money to pay for future vet bills. 

There are also a number of charities who offer free schemes whereby you can register with them during your lifetime and they will take care of your pets when you pass away.  Again, you may wish to leave a legacy to your chosen charity by way of a thank you. 

Will Aid 2012

We are pleased to announce that we will be taking part in Will Aid in November 2012.

Will Aid is an annual event across the country, where solicitors offer clients the chance to update an existing Will or make a new Will free of charge.  All we ask is that you consider making a donation to Will Aid, who support the work of the following charities:

• Actionaid
• Age UK
• British Red Cross
• Christian Aid
• NSPCC
• Save the Children
• SCiAF
• Sightsavers
• Trocaire

The amount you donate is entirely up to you, but Will Aid have suggested a minimum amount of £90 for a basic single Will or £135 for ‘mirror’ Wills (Wills for a couple).  

 

If you have an existing Will and wish to make a small amendment to it with a ‘codicil’ the suggested minimum donation is £40.

For more details of the scheme please see the Will Aid website.  If you have any questions or would like to make an appointment please telephone 01992 422128 or email Sharon Brown – Sharon@gardenhousesolicitors.co.uk

Appointments are available throughout November but are booking up fast.

www.gardenhousesolicitors.co.uk

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Tel: 01992 422 128

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Email: info@gardenhousesolicitors.co.uk
The contents of this article are intended for general information purposes only and shall not be deemed to be, or constitute legal advice. We cannot accept responsibility for any loss as a result of acts or omissions taken in respect of this article.

Bringing a Claim for Personal Injury – the Justice, the Industry and the Risk

Article by
Nidhi Chopra

Garden House Solicitors are renowned for our personal injury work. We do not take on cases through Claims Management Companies and we are often instructed by people who have been recommended to us by previous clients. As a solicitor it is very rewarding to reach a successful outcome for a client that has had the misfortune of suffering a life changing injury, caused by the negligence of another.  Many injuries are life changing and not only for the client but also their family.  

In a claim for personal injury a client is able to recover compensation for the pain suffering and loss of amenity that a client has suffered as a result of the injury. The client can also claim for financial losses that are incurred and will be incurred in the future as a result of the accident. By taking detailed instructions and through the use of evidence from expert witnesses we are able to build a description for the Court of what our client has suffered and what their life is likely to be like in the future so that an appropriate award can be made. 

The Judicial Studies Board has set up guidelines on how much compensation should be awarded for each injury. We value a client’s injuries in accordance with those guidelines and also by giving consideration to awards made in previous cases where similar injuries have been suffered. 

Can my Spouse Change Their Will After I Die?

Article by
Sharon Brown

The simple answer to this question is yes.  A Will is an individual document, which can be changed at any time (provided the testator has capacity to do so).

However, if two people have made “Mutual Wills” they have agreed not to amend their Will without the consent of the other person.

Many people confuse Mutual Wills with Mirror Wills, which is the term given when two people make very similar Wills at the same time, for example, everything to their spouse followed by their children.

Paws for Thought

Article by
Patricia Ling

As a responsible dog owner it is your duty to make yourself familiar with various laws that affect you as a dog owner and I hope this blog will help you. If you comply with all of these laws you should have no problems with your dog but if you do have any problems please contact us at Garden House Solicitors so that we can help you.

The Control of Dogs Order 1992

This law requires that all dogs wear a collar and a tag showing the owner’s name and address on it whilst they are out at a public place. Any dog without a collar in a public place can be seized by the police and treated as a stray. If your dog gets out by accident you should immediately contact the dog warden in your local area and the local police station and notify them of that because the Environmental Protection Laws Act 1990 allows the dog to be seized, sold or destroyed if it is not claimed within 7 days.

Client Injured as a Result of a Head-On Collision

Article by
Dave Koon Koon

I have today settled a claim for personal injuries resulting from a head-on vehicular collision.

My client was the front seat passenger in a car being driven by the Defendant and was injured after the Defendant attempted to overtake a slow moving farm vehicle on a country road. The overtaking manoeuvre should not have been undertaken and the Defendant’s car was involved in a head-on collision with a vehicle coming from the opposite direction. 

My client suffered a whiplash type injury as well as a psychological injury and in settling this claim I included, and recovered, the full cost of my client’s recommended psychological treatment, in the sum of £1,500, which will be provided on a private basis.

Luckily my client’s injuries were not as severe as they possibly could have been and the claim was settled by negotiation, following the issue of Court proceedings, for approximately £6,000.

If you have been injured as a result of a road traffic accident contact me on 01992 422128 or at dave@gardenhousesolicitors.co.uk for further advice and assistance.    

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www.gardenhousesolicitors.co.uk

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Tel: 01992 422 128

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Email: info@gardenhousesolicitors.co.uk
The contents of this article are intended for general information purposes only and shall not be deemed to be, or constitute legal advice. We cannot accept responsibility for any loss as a result of acts or omissions taken in respect of this article.