Monday, 25 April 2016

Immigration law at Garden House Solicitors


Garden House Solicitors are proud to announce that they are now offering services in Immigration Law.

If you are looking for advice in respect of your immigration matter, it is important to consult an individual who is able to guide you through this process from start to finish.

What is Immigration Law?

Uzma Saleem of Garden House Solicitors
Article by Uzma Saleem
Immigration law refers to national government policies controlling the immigration and deportation of people, and addresses matters such as applications for individuals, including those for naturalization, citizenship, and settlement.

Some of the services we offer comprise of:                        
  • Applications for settlement
  • Indefinite leave to remain in the UK
  • Spousal Visas
  • Applications for extension of stay in the UK


Our services include fixed fees for standard applications and an initial consultation fee of £75.00 plus VAT.

If you require advice in relation to an immigration matter, then please call for an initial consultation. Please contact me on 01992 422 128 or email uzma@ghslaw.co.ukuzma@ghslaw.co.uk


Immigration law at Garden House Solicitors
www.gardenhousesolicitors.co.uk

Tel: 01992 422 128

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.

Friday, 8 April 2016

Microchipping made compulsory for all dogs



Nazmin Chowdhury of Graden House Solicitors
Article by Nazmin Chowdhury
From 6 April 2016, all dog owners must ensure their dogs are microchipped under the Microchipping of Dogs Regulations (2015). A microchip is a small electronic chip which is implanted under the dog’s skin and contains a unique number that can be read by a scanner.

The dog owner’s contact details relating to each number are logged on a central database and should the dog ever go missing or be stolen it can be scanned by the police or the local authority to make it easier for the dog to be returned to its owner. Therefore it is absolutely vital that the owner takes responsibility for updating their details with the database should their circumstances change. 

Microchipping of dogs hertfordIf the police or the local authority find a dog without a microchip, assuming that the owner of the dog in question can be located, the owner will be given a time limit of 21 days to get their dog microchipped. If they still fail to comply with the law, they will face a fine of up to £500 per dog.


If you have not already had your pet microchipped and would like to seek advice please contact me on 01992 422128 or email nazmin@ghslaw.co.uk

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Garden House Solicitors Hertford
www.gardenhousesolicitors.co.uk

Tel: 01992 422 128

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.

Monday, 4 April 2016

Garden House Solicitors awarded Law Society's Lexcel Accreditation


Garden House Solicitors are proud to announce that we have again been awarded the prestigious Lexcel Accreditation by the Law Society.

Lexcel Accreditation is a mark of quality awarded by the Law Society specifically developed for law firms who demonstrate and maintain the highest levels of service.  It is a recognised accreditation scheme for law firms which gives assurance to our clients that our practice meets high client care and business management standards.

Garden House Solicitors Hertford To gain and retain Lexcel Accreditation, firms must undergo a rigorous assessment process from an experienced, trained Lexcel assessor and we are absolutely delighted to announce that Garden House Solicitors has met the Lexcel V6 Practice Management Standard. 

Client care is paramount at Garden House Solicitors and we do our best to ensure that our clients are provided the highest level of service. As a Lexcel Accredited firm, we are always looking for ways to improve our client care service and one of the ways we do this is by asking our clients for their feedback and making any appropriate changes.

We are assessed annually by Lexcel to ensure that we are maintaining the same high standards and therefore we are proud to have received continued accreditation for the forthcoming year.

If you would like to discuss your legal issues with our Lexcel Accredited Solicitors please do not hesitate to contact us on 01992 422128.

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Law Society Garden House Solicitors Hertford
www.gardenhousesolicitors.co.uk

Tel: 01992 422 128

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.

Tuesday, 29 March 2016

How to ensure your job interviews meet with legal requirements


Job interviews are an opportunity for employers to find out more about their candidates but there are some legalities around the process which you should be aware of before you begin the interview process.

Whilst the purpose of the interview is for you to determine if the candidate is suitable for the vacancy, there are laws to protect the interviewee from being asked unlawful questions that could possibly lead to a claim against your business.

Under the Equality Act 2010, it is unlawful for employers to discriminate against candidates based on their:
  • Age                                                             
  • Faith
  • Sexual orientation
  • Gender
  • Marital status
  • Pregnancy
You should ensure that you keep written notes taken during interviews so that you can prove why you selected one candidate over another. Applicants are legally entitled to request such notes and you are obliged to keep them for a year post interview.

If you would like advice about the recruitment process, need help with drafting a job description or an interview assessment template, please contact us on 01992 422128 to arrange an appointment. 

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Employment lawyers in Herford job interview
www.gardenhousesolicitors.co.uk

Tel: 01992 422 128

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.

Are you thinking of making a living will?

What is a living will?

A living will (sometimes known as an advance directive) is a written statement detailing your wishes regarding health care and how you wish to be treated if you were to become seriously ill. Living wills come into force when you are no longer able to communicate your own choices and can be useful if you have not made a power of attorney. Living wills are legally binding under the Mental Capacity Act 2005. This means that as long as a living will is valid and applicable then any refusal to accept treatment set out within it is legally binding in England and Wales.

Please note that a living will is not the same as euthanasia, but a request in advance to doctors not to give certain life-sustaining treatments. 

Who can make a living will? 


Anyone who is aged 18 years or over and has the mental capacity to do so.

Does a living will need to be signed and witnessed?

If you are choosing to refuse life-sustaining treatment then this must be done in writing and both you and at least one witness must sign it.

Is rugby now too dangerous for children?

There has been a recent rise of head injuries in children which occur as a result of injuries suffered during contact sport in school. The UK Government has selected rugby as a sport it will be focusing on to increase the prominence of competitive sport in schools.

More than 70 health experts around the country have written to the Government urging a ban on tackling in school rugby matches due to the high rate of injury. These injuries may include fractures, spinal injuries and head injuries which could have long term consequences for children.

Nazmin Chowdhury of Garden House Solicitors
Article by
Nazmin Chowdhury
Each year around 700,000 people are admitted into hospital with a head injury in England and Wales and many other head injuries go undetected. This has been a cause of worry as children are more likely to sustain head injuries due to their active nature, particularly those who play contact sport. 

What symptoms to look out for

Signs of a brain injury after a blow to the head include:
·         Brief loss of consciousness
·         Memory loss
·         Disturbance of vision
·         Confusion


If your child has suffered a head injury whilst playing sports at school, please do not hesitate to contact me on 01992 422128 or email nazmin@ghslaw.co.uk

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Garden House Solicitors Personal Injury





www.gardenhousesolicitors.co.uk

Tel: 01992 422 128

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.

Thursday, 3 March 2016

Attending court as a witness


A witness is someone who can provide evidence relevant to a case being dealt with in court. 

Before the trial of the case, you may be contacted by legal representatives of the party who wish to call you as a witness. They may wish to obtain a written statement from you about what you have seen, heard or otherwise observed something that may assist the court in deciding a case.

If you have been asked to attend court to give evidence, you may claim a fixed amount of expenses:

Nazmin Chowdhury Garden House Solicitors
Article by
Nazmin Chowdhury
The expenses you can claim are as follows:
  • Travelling expenses to and from the court – the standard or second class fare for bus and train fares.
  • Travel by motor vehicle is paid at a rate of 25p per mile.
  • Exceptional costs such as taxi fares are allowed in circumstances where this was the only form of transport available or if a witness is disabled or infirm.
  • Allowance for refreshments and meals -  £2.25 for up to 5 hours, or £4.50 for 5 to 10 hours.
  • Claims can be made for loss of earnings for witnesses who are employed or self-employed - £33.50 for up to 4 hours, or £67 for longer (£42.95 or £85.90 if you’re self-employed).
  • There are no childcare facilities at court buildings so witnesses can claim expenses for childcare and babysitting at a fixed rate of £67.00 per day.
(Please note that this may be subject to changes and further information can be found on http://www.cps.gov.uk/legal/assets/uploads/files/Attachment%201.pdf)

Tuesday, 16 February 2016

Power of Attorney Solicitor Hertford

If you are looking to prepare a power of attorney it is important to consult a specialist who can discuss all of the relevant options with you; give you accurate advice on the implications of each decision and guide you through the process from start to finish.

We are proud to have two solicitors who specialise in powers of attorney, both of whom are Dementia Friends and members of Solicitors for the Elderly

We offer fixed fees on all power of attorney packages so that you know exactly what you have to pay with no hidden extras. Our office is in Hertford and we have parking available, but if it is more convenient for you we also offer free home visits within a 20 mile radius. If needed we are happy to arrange to see you outside of office hours. 

There are different types of power of attorney:

  • General power of attorney - usually used as a short term measure, for example if you are going abroad for a long trip and need some matters dealt with whilst you are away.
  • Property and financial affairs lasting power of attorney (LPA) - this is a document that authorises your chosen attorneys to act for you even if you lose mental capacity. You can allow them to do anything with your money and property that you yourself can do, or you can restrict the way in which they can act for you. 
  • Health and welfare lasting power of attorney - this document also allows your attorneys to make decisions for you if you have lost mental capacity. It covers the care and treatment you receive, and you can also decide whether or not you wish them to be able to make decisions in relation to life sustaining treatment on your behalf. 
  • Enduring power of attorney (EPAs) - this was the document used until 2007 to give attorneys authority to act even after you had lost mental capacity. Since 2007 it has not been possible to create new EPAs, but valid documents created before that date are still valid. 
For more information or for details of costs please see our website http://www.gardenhousesolicitors.co.uk/powers-of-attorney-and-court-of-protection.html or call us on 01992 422128 to arrange an appointment. 


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Garden House Solicitors in Hertford
www.gardenhousesolicitors.co.uk

Tel: 01992 422 128

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.

Tuesday, 9 February 2016

Do you know your rights with redundancy payments?


Being made redundant is a worrying process and an area that can be difficult to understand. 

If you have worked for your employer for two years or more then you would qualify for redundancy pay. The amount you will receive is based on age and length of service. 

If you are:

- Under 22, you would receive half-a-week’s pay for each full year you have worked 
- Over 22 and under 41, you would receive one week’s pay for each full year service 
- Over 41 or older, you would receive one-and-a-half weeks’ pay for each full year 


Nazmin Chowdhury of Garden House Solicitors in Hertford
Article by Nazmin Chowdhury
For Statutory Redundancy Pay, the maximum number of years is capped at 20 years for calculating the amount payable. The maximum payable per week is capped at £475, which means the maximum statutory redundancy payable is £14,250. 

Garden House Solicitors have successfully represented many people who have been made redundant. If your employer has consulted you in a possible redundancy situation and you wish to seek advice, please contact Garden House Solicitors on 01992 422128 or email Nazmin@ghslaw.co.uk





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Garden House Solicitors - Employment Solicitors in Hertford
www.gardenhousesolicitors.co.uk

Tel: 01992 422 128

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.

Thursday, 7 January 2016

Worries about 'revenge porn' addressed on Coronation Street

Solicitors in Hertfordshire
Article by
Patricia Ling
Coronation Street ran a storyline in November about 'revenge porn'. A young woman was being blackmailed by a former boyfriend who had taken explicit photographs of her during the course of their relationship and then threatened to publish them on social media sites. The character involved went through a nightmare for weeks on end worrying about how she would be perceived if the images became public. In the end, the photographs were published because the character had faced up to her ex and refused to be blackmailed by him. After he had published the images on social media sites, she reported him to the Police and he was arrested.
  
Taking explicit photographs of someone and threatening to publish them without the person's consent is a criminal offence. English law protects photographers through the law of copyright but only to the extent that their work is not immoral or being used in a criminal manner.  The photographer owns the copyright of photographs taken for a period of 70 years after his or her death except where they are taken in the course of employment in which case the copyright is owned by the employer. How the photographer uses the images taken is another story and may result in criminal charges being brought against the photographer, as in the example referred to above. Furthermore, anyone who takes or possesses pornographic photographs of a person who appears to be under the age of 18 years can face prosecution under the Protection of Children Act 1978, this is a serious offence and can result in imprisonment.

If you are the victim of revenge porn and or if someone is threatening to publish explicit photographs of you on social media sites contact Garden House for advice.



Revenge porn
www.gardenhousesolicitors.co.uk

Tel: 01992 422 128

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.

Thursday, 10 December 2015

Inheritance Tax: the basics

When you pass away, your estate may be required to pay Inheritance Tax. This is a tax on the money, possessions and other property you own when you die and also other assets including certain gifts made during your lifetime.

Garden House Solicitors, Solicitors specialising in trusts and estatesEveryone has an allowance that they can leave tax free. This is known as the ‘Nil Rate Band’ which is currently fixed at three hundred and twenty five thousand pounds (£325, 000).

Generally speaking, if your net estate is worth less than £325,000 at the time of your death, usually no tax will be payable. If your net estate is worth more than £325,000 at the time of your death then normally tax is paid on the surplus at the rate of 40%.

This is subject to various exemptions and reliefs. For example if you have a spouse or civil partner, inheritance tax would not be paid on anything they inherit from your estate. Your spouse or civil partner could then use the percentage of any remaining allowance from your estate that may not have been used when they pass away. In simple terms, this generally means that if you are a married couple or in a civil partnership with a combined estate worth less than £650,000 and you leave everything to each other on the first death, Inheritance Tax will not be an issue.

Wednesday, 18 November 2015

Have you had an accident because of high winds?


Storm Barney unleashes hell on Britain with 80mph gusts and crippling floods.  Strong winds can cause damage to buildings, trees and roads which can increase the chance of accidents occurring resulting in injury to individuals.


Trees are frequently blown down during high winds, they often fall onto the highway or the pavement. Large trees falling on cars and/or pedestrians cause injuries and they are often life threatening.

Thursday, 12 November 2015

Contract for live music event

Music contract solicitors in HertfordCalling all musicians, agents, bar, club and music venue owners! 

With Christmas and New Year fast approaching, there are plenty of reasons to celebrate! If you work in the music industry or if you are interested in hiring a live music performer to perform at your venue, it can be a very busy time of year and a fantastic opportunity to bring in members of the local community, new customers and new fans! But how do you know that you are getting what you are bargained for?

Lucy Walpole of Garden House Solicitors in Hertford
Article by Lucy Walpole
If you are interested in holding a live music event, or if you are a musician interested in doing some extra performances this festive season, you will want to ensure that the event runs as smoothly as possible and the fans and customers get the event that they are looking for. To make this happen it is important to have in place a legally binding agreement which can protect any and all interests most important for a successful event and to establish a future business relationship between the parties. 

So what happens if something does go wrong? In the absence of a legally binding agreement it can often be very difficult to prove the existence of a legal relationship and duty based on an informal agreement or email correspondence. By entering into a formal agreement, it protects your position and means that you may be able to bring a claim against the other party for any losses suffered as a result of any ancillary or fundamental breach. 

Garden House Solicitors specialising in music contracts HertfordshireFrom 12 November 2015 – 11 December 2015, Garden House Solicitors are offering to draft a live music performance contract for the reduced fixed fee of £300.00 plus VAT. This agreement can cover basic information such as the time, date and venue of the performance, payment terms, fee, even any special requests made by either party. This will make it undeniable by either party as to what their duties and responsibilities are and it ensures that all interests most important to the parties are protected.

So don’t miss any opportunity this festive season and make sure that you are prepared for some amazing music events to top off 2015! To arrange an appointment telephone me on 01992 422128 or email Lucy@GHSlaw.co.uk 

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Garden House Solicitors in Hertfordshire
www.gardenhousesolicitors.co.uk

Tel: 01992 422 128

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.

Wednesday, 14 October 2015

Consumer Rights Act 2015 explained

The new Consumer Rights Act 2015 came into force on 1 October 2015 and it applies to purchases for physical and digital products and services made by consumers from that date on.


With regards to any physical items that you have bought, the goods must be of: 
  1. Satisfactory quality
  2. Fit for purpose
  3. Match their description at the time of purchase.
If you have purchased something that is faulty or does not fit the criteria then you can make a claim against the retailer under the Consumer Rights Act. The outcome of your claim will depend on the item that you have purchased and how much time has passed since you made the purchase.

You can reject goods and get a full refund if they are not delivered within a period of 30 days, unless you had pre-agreed to a specific delivery time.

Tuesday, 6 October 2015

Fundraising Event for Syrian refugees 11 October 2015

Garden House Solicitors, in conjunction with Jungle Bar Hertford, are hosting a fundraising event on Sunday 11th October 2015 from 3pm to raise vital funds for AcornCamps. The Acorn volunteers are helping the refugees fleeing the civil war.

Garden House Solicitors of Hertford
Article by Julie Retallick
We are charging £10 per person for entry to the Jungle Bar which includes a welcome drink.  Tickets for children are £5 each which includes a photo with an exotic animal. Children are welcome until 7pm.  We are also providing an afternoon of reggae music and entertainment. For an extra £5 per head, we will be serving a Caribbean curried goat and rice dish with a Jamaican Patty and an equally delicious vegetarian option.
There is a live auction of Promises starting at 5pm and the lots you can bid on are as follows:

Friday, 2 October 2015

How old do you have to be to make a will?


Since 1 January 1970 it has been possible for anyone aged 18 or over to make a Will.

Before that date, a Will made by someone younger than 21 years of age was not valid, unless it was a 'privileged Will' - i.e. one made by a soldier in actual military service or mariners or seamen at sea.
Solicitor specialising in wills, Hertofrd
Article by
Sharon Brown

However, many people do not make a Will until later in life.  In the event that they died without a Will their estate would be distributed in accordance with the Intestacy Rules.

It is becoming increasingly common for family members to explain the importance of having a Will to younger generations, especially if they are intending to leave them money in their own Wills!

Two of the most common triggers for younger people to make wills is when they buy their first home or when they have their first child. For many people their home is their largest asset, and it is important to specify who that should be passed on to. Once a child is born people often want to ensure that in the event of their death the 'correct' person would be able to step in as guardian. Not everyone wants their parents to take on the role, or more commonly, they do not want their in-laws to take on the role! 

If you or someone you know need to discuss a Will please call me on 01992 422128 or email Sharon@ghslaw.co.uk 

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Solicitor specialising in Wills, Hertford
www.gardenhousesolicitors.co.uk

Tel: 01992 422 128

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.

Wednesday, 23 September 2015

Bombarded with nuisance telephone calls?

Everyone at one time or another has experienced the frustration of cold calling. The majority of people will experience this and in the event that it is a one off, or from various different companies, this may be easily ignored. So what is the position where you experience relentless calls which can be considered to be aggressive in nature? The Protection from Harassment Act 1997 states that a person must not pursue a course of conduct which amounts to harassment of another and which he knows or ought to know amounts to harassment. So what is harassment? Harassment is deliberate conduct directly against another person or other people which attains a certain level of severity or if it is of such gravity to justify the sanctions of criminal law.

Dispute Resolution Solicitors of Hertford
Article by Lucy Walpole
These cases are not uncommon and the courts have recognised in Majrowski v Guy’s and Thomas’s NHS Trust [2006] that a case for harassment, the boundary between ‘conduct which is unattractive, even unreasonable, and conduct which is oppressive and unacceptable’ needs to be recognised. The important point to consider with any civil claim is whether the court is likely to take the view that the level of contact was reasonable in the circumstances. Take for instance a client of a bank who owes money. The judgment in the key case of Roberts v Bank of Scotland PLC [2013] provided that the bank was entitled to contact their client to ‘seek a mutually acceptable resolution of the problem’ but that the mere existence of a debt ‘does not give the creditor the right to bombard the debtor with endless and repeated telephone calls’. In this case, Ms Roberts was awarded a sum of £7,500.00 in damages for the harassment caused as a result of repeated phone calls. 

Thursday, 17 September 2015

Refugee Crisis

It has been impossible to miss seeing the harrowing photographs in the News of Syrian refugees, many of whom have died fleeing into neighbouring countries. The most harrowing image for me was that of the three year old Aylan Kurdi’s body, which was washed up on a beach in Turkey. That image urged me to do something to help these people.

Garden House Solicitors of Hertfordshire
Article by Patricia Ling
I have found that people do not know how to help and I was not sure what to do for the best myself, so I contacted a local friend, Charles Ledsam, who was able to put me in touch with Acorn Camps in Hungary. Acorn Hungary Trust (known as AcornCamps) was founded in 2001 and is based at Bicske, not far from Budapest. It is now led by Anglican priest Andy Oatridge and his wife Zsofi. They moved to Hungary in Summer 2013 with their three young children.
The Trust’s original aim was to provide summer camps with Hungarian churches for teenagers in Hungary. However, in the last few weeks things have taken a rather different turn.

Tuesday, 15 September 2015

Remember a charity in your will week, 7 – 13 September 2015


Garden House Solicitors of HertfordshireChris and I were very pleased to support this year’s ‘Remember a charity in your will week’. The week aimed to increase awareness of the importance of charitable legacies, and encouraged more people to think about including a good cause in their Will.

Many of our clients like to include a gift to charity once they have looked after their loved ones. For some it is a chance to give back, perhaps to a medical charity who have supported them through their final years. For others, it is remembering a charity who helped look after a close relative during a difficult time, or simply a charity they believe to be a particularly good cause.

Wednesday, 2 September 2015

No Win No Fee – What does that mean?

Looking for free legal representation in a personal injury claim? When it comes to litigation cases like personal injury, solicitors cannot act for free but they can act under agreements that are commonly known as No Win No Fee agreements.
Personal Injury Solicitors of Hertford

But what does No Win No Fee mean?  It means that we agree to take on your case and do not charge you for our time and expenses until you win your claim. When you do win we take the benefit of the general costs rule in litigation which is that the losing party pays the winner’s costs. We therefore submit our bill of costs that would otherwise be payable by our client, to the opposition party to pay.  The opposition party generally only have to pay our ‘reasonable costs’ which means that they will do their best to reduce our costs to what they consider to be reasonable. If we cannot reach an agreement on what costs are reasonably incurred then the matter is taken to court and before a judge to make that decision.

Wednesday, 26 August 2015

Personal injury – Why you should not feel bad about making a claim


Making a personal injury claim can be a daunting and confusing experience, especially if you have suffered a life-changing or otherwise serious injury.

If you are injured as a result of an accident that was somebody else’s fault, you will usually be entitled to make a claim for compensation.

Wednesday, 19 August 2015

Inheritance Tax: Additional tax free allowance for homeowners from April 2017

It was announced in the Summer Budget last month that an additional nil-rate band will be available from April 2017.

Garden House Solicitors of Hertfordshire
The extra allowance will be exclusively available to estates where the deceased dies on or after 6 April 2017 and their residence is passed to one or more direct descendants. In other words, if your children, stepchildren or grandchildren inherit your home on your death, your estate will benefit from the additional allowance.

The additional allowance will be £100,000 in 2017/2018 and this amount will increase by £25,000 each tax year until 2020/21 when the additional allowance will be £175,000.

The current position is that when you pass away, the net value of your estate is calculated and everything over the value of the nil-rate band (currently £325,000) is taxed at the rate of 40%. This is subject to various exemptions and reliefs, for example anything left to a spouse or civil partner will pass tax free.

Tuesday, 18 August 2015

Accident on holiday


More than half of the people in the UK are expected to travel abroad this year and figures show that package holidays are often a first choice for friends and family alike when considering value for money and the types of activities, excursions and facilities available.
Personal Injury Solicitors of Hertford

Whether your holiday is a family holiday, for relaxation or sporting activities, suffering an illness or an injury while abroad will often result in the long awaited holiday being brought to a grinding halt. Accidents abroad can often be difficult as the law relating to personal injury differs from country to country but if the holiday is booked as a package holiday, that is to say to include a combination of either flights, accommodation, transport and transfers and other tourist services, then there is a level of protection implied which may entitle you to bring a claim for personal injury and/or death. This protection encompasses a number of different circumstances, albeit whether the accident occurs on the aeroplane, in the hotel, on an excursion, or even food poisoning, whereby you may be entitled to bring a claim.
 

Wednesday, 29 July 2015

How do we value a claim for personal injury?


Despite the best medical developments it is highly unlikely that a sum of money can put one back to their pre-accident state, free of injuries. So how do we decide what you should accept in compensation for the injury that you have suffered?


Garden House Solicitors in Hertfordshire
Article by Nidhi Chopra
The law provides for compensation to an injured claimant for the pain, suffering and loss of amenity that has been caused as a result of the accident. How do we know what pain suffering and loss of amenity that has been caused to the Claimant following an accident? We do this by obtaining independent reports that are accepted by the Court from appropriate medical expert witnesses. The experts provide their opinions as to what the Claimant has suffered as a result of the incident, what further treatment they could need to get them in a better state and what their long term prognosis is likely to be.

What are the implications of leaving somebody out of your will?

Garden House Solicitors of Hertfordshire
Article by Chris Lucas
In England and Wales, we enjoy the right of testamentary freedom, which is the right to make a will and leave your estate to whomever you wish. 

There is however an important law to consider before you decide to write somebody out of your will. This is the Inheritance (Provision for Family and Dependants) Act 1975 which will apply if you die domiciled in England and Wales. This law will enable certain categories of people to bring a claim against your estate if you do not ‘reasonably provide’ for them in your will. 

A recent ruling hit the headlines just this week, whereby a woman who was cut out of her mother’s will successfully claimed £164,000 from the estate, despite the fact that the will left the whole estate worth £486,000 to animal charities and the deceased had clearly expressed previously that she did not want her daughter to receive a penny of her estate.


Monday, 13 July 2015

Thank you!


Garden House solicitors in Hertford
Our annual Garden Party to raise funds for, and awareness of, the Alzheimer’s Society was held Friday, 3rd July, and was a huge success.  A total of £1,500 was raised for the Charity.  This would not have been possible without the generosity of local people and businesses who were kind enough to donate raffle prizes.  We would like to say a big thank you on behalf of the Alzheimer’s Society to the following for their kind support:

Wednesday, 1 July 2015

What is a general power of attorney?

Article by
Sharon Brown
There are three main types of power of attorney you may come across:
  • General or ordinary powers of attorney;
  • Enduring powers of attorney (EPA); and
  • Lasting powers of attorney (LPA).
You can find out more about the latter two types on our website, where you can also download our FAQ guide on powers of attorney.
 
A general power of attorney is a legal document allowing you to authorise someone else to carry out matters on your behalf. For example, if you are going on holiday for a length of time or having an operation that means you will not be able to sign things easily for a few weeks. It is also quite common for people who are going travelling for 6 months or a year.
 
A general power of attorney can be used for one specific purpose; for example if your car was being sold whilst you were away or if your house insurance policy was due for renewal or it can be to cover all of your property and financial affairs. Whilst they can be very useful, they are only for a set period of time. If you need something more permanent you really should consider setting up an LPA. One of the major advantages of an LPA is that it can still be used if you lack mental capacity, for example if you are in a coma.
 
Another time general powers of attorney can be useful is if you have prepared a property and financial affairs LPA and are waiting for it to be registered by the Office of the Public Guardian. We can set up a general power of attorney for you to enable to your chosen attorneys to start acting straight away. This type of general power of attorney is usually limited in time so that it ceases to be valid when your LPA is registered.
 
If you have queries or questions on any type of LPA please feel free to contact me by telephone on 01992 422128 or by email to Sharon@ghslaw.co.uk

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Power of attorney solicitor in Hertford




www.gardenhousesolicitors.co.uk

Tel: 01992 422 128

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.