Varying maintenance payments due to Covid-19 hardship The coronavirus pandemic has turned most of our world upside down, causing economic hardship for many people and job losses are expected to continue as the furlough scheme comes to an end. ‘If you have lost all or part of your income, your ability to pay…
Why use a legal expert for an estate administration? Like many government organisations, Her Majesty’s Courts and Tribunal Services (HMCTS) has been increasing its digital services over the past few years as it aims to provide a more streamlined system for probate registries. While the online service provides an option for executors and…
Developers’ incentives, are they worth it? Although the coronavirus has placed restrictions on the way that properties can be viewed, the housebuilders are open for business again and keen to get the cash flowing. If you are looking to buy your first home or to trade up, you may feel tempted by some of…
Coronavirus, putting your house on the market Estimates suggest 375,000 property transactions have stalled because of the coronavirus crisis. Recent easing of restrictions means these sales can now progress. What if you were thinking of moving, but had not yet put your house on the market? Some agents are predicting a buoyant market…
Settling a dispute about matrimonial finances during the pandemic If you are in the middle of getting divorced, or contemplating getting divorced, you may be worried about how the present COVID-19 pandemic will impact on your financial security after separation. If financial arrangements are disputed, how easy will it be to come to an…
Worried about a vulnerable person during the Covid-19 lockdown? As the UK’s coronavirus lockdown measures turn from weeks to months, concern over its effects on vulnerable and elderly people is mounting. The National Domestic Abuse Helpline has seen a 25 per cent increase in requests for help, but many people do not associate…
Death comes to us all – let’s talk about it With the coronavirus death toll in the media on a daily basis, people are talking about death much more than usual and the subject is losing its taboo. In 2011 the first ‘Death Café’ was held in the UK to provide an opportunity for…
Accidental landlords and COVID-19, your questions answered The Government rapidly introduced legislation to protect tenants during the current COVID-19 crisis, and these changes came into force from 26 March 2020 and will apply to most types of tenancy. Press coverage has largely focused on renters. But what if you are a buy-to-let or accidental…
When a spouse or partner is abusive during lockdown Dealing with the COVID-19 pandemic has caused seismic changes to all of our lives, including our family life. During the lockdown we are all forced to isolate in our homes, and for some this forced time together and the disruption to our normal routines can…
Coronavirus FAQs for employers – 30 March 2020 Since the coronavirus outbreak in the UK, the Government has responded with a raft of new measures to help employees and employers. Although the circumstances are exceptional, employers need to take care that they comply with the usual employment law requirements. These changes have been pushed…
Coronavirus FAQs for company and commercial issues – 02 April 2020 Lord Bethell in introducing the Coronavirus Bill 2020 into the House of Lords said the Government was ‘buying time’. ‘Business owners will also need to look at all the steps they can take to buy time for themselves and prevent their business…
Beware increased fraud risk during the coronavirus – nine scams to watch out for Unfortunately, alongside all the goodwill and community spirit which is coming to the fore during the current crisis, the coronavirus pandemic will also be seen as an opportunity for criminals and fraudsters. Action Fraud have advised that fraudsters will use…
Coronavirus (COVID-19) commercial property legal FAQs – 02 April 2020 As we adapt to the changes that the coronavirus (COVID-19) is forcing on every aspect of life, we have compiled some FAQs on issues that may arise for commercial property landlords and tenants. According to Julian Royle in the commercial property team with Viewpoint…
Coronavirus FAQs regarding wills and powers of attorney – 01 April 2020 The continuing effects of coronavirus remain uncertain. Understandably, many people are concerned about its potential impact upon them and their loved ones. Clare Moreton, wills, trusts and estate planning solicitor with Viewpoint Hill & Abbott Solicitors in Chelmsford has put together some…
Government publishes advice for landlords and tenants during the coronavirus crisis The Government published ‘COVID-19 and renting: guidance for landlords, tenants and local authorities’ on 28 March 2020. This guidance gives details of measures to help renters during the current coronavirus crisis. It clarifies the proposals, which the Government announced previously, for a temporary…
Government advice on home moving during the coronavirus outbreak Given the situation in the UK with regard to the outbreak of coronavirus (COVID-19), the Government is urging parties involved in home moving to adapt and be flexible, and to alter their usual processes. Laura Smith, Head of Conveyancing team with Viewpoint Hill & Abbott…
Family and children and coronavirus FAQs – 01 April 2020 We are living in worrying times and while we are all anxious about the health risks arising from the coronavirus pandemic, there are additional concerns for parents of young children. Alongside disruption to schooling and usual routines, there may be additional concerns arising from…
Shared ownership update ‘Are you struggling to buy your first home? If so, you are not alone. The cost of housing continues to be a concern for many. Fortunately there are schemes aimed at making home ownership more affordable and if you want to get onto the property ladder, but cannot afford to buy on…
Who decides on my care arrangements if I have no power of attorney? ‘It is not a good idea to put off making a lasting power of attorney, as there might come a day when it is not possible to do so,’ explains Clare Moreton a private client solicitor with Viewpoint Hill & Abbott Solicitors…
What to expect during mediation following separation If you are attending mediation to resolve disagreements about some decisions relating to relationship breakdown, separation or divorce, you might be wondering what this involves. A mediator is an independent person that is trained and accredited to assist you in identifying the issues in dispute and…