The current restrictions are placing families under considerable pressure. The ‘lockdown’ is limiting movement, whilst those parents who can work from home are having to juggle work, with schooling and normal parenting. Health worries and concerns over friends and relatives add to a level of anxiety that can compound the stresses faced by family…
Pictons is open for business. We have put in place plans to ensure that we continue to provide the advice that you need during this difficult period, without compromising the health and safety of our staff and our clients. If you need legal advice please contact us and we will be able to help….
The leasehold sector has recently been in the spotlight again following a Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) investigation. The findings suggest that some buyers continue to be unclear as to the nature of their purchase and subsequent costs that they may incur. The CMA said some homeowners found themselves in “serious traps” after being misled…
Apprenticeships date back to the 12th century in the UK but due to recent policy changes are proving to be an excellent choice for both employees and employers in the professions. Previously associated with engineering, crafts and guilds they now offer a very attractive choice for ambitious young professionals. Apprenticeships will again fall under the…
A divorce settlement has been reached after discussions took place between Ant McPartlin and ex-wife Lisa Armstrong. Reports of Ant McPartlin’s financial settlement arising from the divorce flooded the news last week. Predictably, facts and figures vary from one report to the next, but the common theme appears to be the way in which…
The government has finally prioritised a divorce reform after the latest bill stalled twice in 2019. The delay occurred due to the unlawful suspension of parliament back in September as well as the December general election. Our article published on 4th December bemoaned the delay, so this is a welcome injection of momentum. First introduced…
The situation where one parent poisons their child against the other is known as parental alienation. While there is no single definition of parental alienation, the Children and Family Court Advisory and Support Service (Cafcass), recognise it as ‘when a child’s resistance or hostility towards one parent is not justified and is the result of…
When Boris Johnson suspended parliament, work on 12 high-profile Bills passing through the Commons stopped. A Bill is a proposal for a new law or a proposal to change or amend an existing law. The Bill is presented for discussion in Parliament before it becomes an Act (law). One of the Bills was the eagerly…
Arbitration can be used to resolve financial disputes and disputes concerning children and offers an alternative route to Court proceedings which are often lengthy and expensive. The process is usually faster and offers greater flexibility and privacy. The Great British Bake Off’s Paul Hollywood and his estranged wife turned to arbitration to settle their financial…
There was good news this week when it was announced that the awaited increase in probate fees had finally been scrapped. Under new proposals, due to come into force earlier this year, probate fees would have increased to up to £6,000, depending on the value of the estate. The current fee is £155 (or £215…