Blogs
What do planning officers take into consideration when reaching their decisions?
When you put in a planning application, the Planning team will firstly check that you have correctly completed all the forms, attached the required plans and paid the correct fee. Today, most planning applications are made online. Once you have submitted your application, you will get a confirmat....
If my wife starts divorce proceedings, will she get a better financial settlement?
In short, no. In most cases, it is irrelevant who divorces who. It is highly unlikely that it will make any difference to the final financial settlement made. The only circumstances where making the first move in a divorce action could be important is when there’s a choice to be made as to whic....
My doctor isn’t listening to me, what can I do?
It can be distressing to feel that your doctor isn't listening to you, so here are some tips which can help in handling the situation. You should never be afraid to speak up if you feel something is wrong. We all know the NHS is under extreme pressure, especially during the winter months, but howeve....
I’m looking for a property, and I see that flats are leasehold. What does this mean for me?
As you’ve noticed, flats are commonly owned on a leasehold basis, while houses are normally sold as freehold properties. In the UK, more than 2m people own leasehold properties. Many leases are granted on a 99-year basis, while some can run for as long as 999 years. If you buy a leasehold prope....
A Planning Application has been made near my home/business premises, what can I do?
It can come as a shock to know that a Planning Application has been made near your home or business premises. Your first reaction might well be panic and a feeling of helplessness, and you may feel that if it goes ahead it will cause you problems and reduce the value of your property. The best advic....
My aunt died and left everything to me in her Will, so why are the bank asking for probate?
It's good news that your aunt took the important step of making a Will, as this makes the administration of the estate much more straightforward. In making her Will, your aunt will have appointed someone to act as her Executor. There may be more than one Executor, and they will be named in the Will.....
My child doesn’t live with me, what rights do I have regarding their upbringing, including their health and education?
Firstly, you are not alone; every year, 12,000 couples with children decide to live apart. To answer this question, it's important to understand a little about the legal concept of parental responsibility and the duties and rights that this gives parents. Who has responsibility? Parental....
When should I tell the utility companies I’m moving house?
There’s an awful lot to think about when moving house, and most people end up compiling a very long ‘to do’ list. When it comes to dealing with the utility companies, like your energy supplier and your water company, here are a few hints and tips to ensure the move goes as smoothly as possibl....
If I lost mental capacity, could my husband just deal with everything on my behalf?
This is a question that we often get asked. Many people automatically assume that if there came a time when they lacked mental capacity, then their husband, family member or friend could simply step in and act on their behalf. However, this isn’t the case. By 2021, the Alzheimer’s Society pre....
I’ve heard the term ‘Permitted Development’, what does it mean?
In a move designed to simplify and streamline the planning process, under what’s called ‘Permitted Development Rights’, the government allows you to undertake certain types of building projects on your property without needing to apply for planning permission. Points to bear in ....
Can I get copies of my medical records?
Yes, you can. Everybody has the right to access their medical records. You are entitled to see your private health records as well as your NHS records. If you want another person to access your records on your behalf, you will need to authorise them to do so. You don’t have to explain why you w....
Inheritance Tax – how will it affect my family?
Put simply, Inheritance Tax (IHT) is a tax on money, property, savings, investments and possessions you leave behind when you die. The continued rise in house prices has meant that the number of families paying IHT has grown, with many facing a mounting IHT liability simply because they own a fam....
