A bill introducing “no-fault” divorces in England and Wales has passed through the House of Commons with a likelihood of it becoming law as early as July. Currently one person can start divorce proceedings immediately by alleging unreasonable behaviour, desertion or adultery against the other party. A ‘fault based’ divorce is therefore the only…
Businesses have responded very quickly to a fast changing economic and social environment. As a result of this many are having a good look at what they do and how they do it. Which in turn has involved a review of a wide range of practices and relationships. Many of these are supported by…
The Prime minister recently outlined a change in status from ‘stay at home’ to that of ‘stay alert’. This represents the first step in the easing of restrictions, a process that we are told could be halted or reversed depending upon the control of COVID-19 within the general population. Further details are expected and…
The government has recently announced that estate agents can now re-open, viewings can be carried out and removal firms and conveyancers can restart operations. This is all subject to the social distancing and health and safety regulations that are now in place. The BBC has estimated that there are approximately 450,000 buyers and renters…
Businesses large and small are currently looking at ways to borrow more to see them through the current lockdown. The recently announced ‘Bounce Back Loan’ scheme helps small and medium-sized businesses to borrow between £2,000 and £50,000. Under this scheme the Government will guarantee 100% of the loan and there won’t be any fees…
Property auctions could be set to rise as we come out of the pandemic. The impact of the lockdown may require property owners to change strategy and seek to dispose of stock superfluous to requirements. Many pubs and restaurants if unable to trade until December could be severely impacted and investment owners may look…
Reasons to be optimistic in the mid-term? One positive is that low interest rates should be available for a while and will likely be held low until the economy recovers. Although it is possible we could see some inflation as a result of quantitative easing, it is unlikely to happen quickly with businesses being…
The BBC recently reported that there has been a spike in people seeking to draft or amend their wills. This is not surprising given the current health concerns. However, regularly reviewing the provisions of a will is good sense. Circumstances change, such as relationships, assets and simple wishes for how an estate should be…
We all value the hard work and determination of NHS staff at this difficult time. As such Pictons is keen to do what it can to help. We are therefore offering discounts to NHS workers across our range of services. If you are an NHS worker looking for legal support with any service we…
The current outbreak has caused substantial problems for businesses in terms of how they carry on trading. Depending upon the sector in which they operate there have been a variety of announcements regarding Government support. For example, the Government has announced cash grants for the retail, hospitality and leisure sector. Under this scheme there…