05 June

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Holiday Fraud and How to Avoid It

Hand picking up passport and packing suitcase

Fraud can result in weeks and months of legwork to put right, as well as high inconvenience associated with putting things right. Holiday fraud can also have the emotional trauma related with it, as not only have you lost your money, but the disappointment of missing out on a break that you’ve been looking forward to. Every year, thousands of people fall victim to holiday fraud - whether it be related to accommodation, flights or entire holidays. They can fall victim to fake online advertisements, emails and phone calls - and what’s more, these advertisements may sometimes appear on legitimate websites....

28 May

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The Importance of a Will for Unmarried Couples

Posted by Rebecca

in Family

In order to ensure that your estate passes in lines with your wishes once you die, it is recommended that everyone has a valid Will. This is also vital for unmarried couples, who wish to provide for their partner and their children in the event of death. Under intestacy rules, if marriage has not been taken out then the surviving partner or children would not be provided for, which could lead to stress and serious financial issues. This also applies to the send-off of their loved ones, as without being appointed as an Executor, the surviving partner will have no say...

08 May

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Understanding Corporate Manslaughter

Posted by Rebecca

in Crime Law

A breach of health and safety rules in a business can have tragic consequences, which may lead to death. This is a criminal offence in English law, and organisations can be convicted for such criminal offences similar to a natural person. What is Corporate Manslaughter? Corporate Manslaughter is when a businesses actions lead to the death of an individual. This applies to both limited companies and some public bodies - such as local authorities and the NHS. For this to be a chargeable offense, the individual in question must both be responsible for the person's death and have committed a gross...

25 April

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What are Criminal Duty Solicitors, and why is there a shortage?

Posted by Rebecca

in Legal Advice

Business man and lady shaking hands over clipboard

A Duty Solicitor is a solicitor whose services are available to a person that is suspected or charged with a criminal offence. This is available free of charge if the person does not have a solicitor of their own. They provide essential and valuable services 24 hours a day, assisting individuals who are detained at the police station and represent individuals in court. Duty Solicitors will also explain the process of the case, discuss police evidence and whether it is strong enough to charge the alleged against the crime. They can provide advice and answer any legal questions that the alleged...

09 April

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Drink Driving Charges – Frequently Asked Questions Answered

Posted by Rebecca

in Driving

Drink driving is a punishable offence, and can land you with hefty fines or your license being taken away from you. We get lots of questions asked about drink driving, so here are our frequently asked questions answered… What is the legal alcohol limit for drivers? The breath test is 35 micrograms of alcohol per 100ml of breath, and 80mg per 100ml of blood if you are having a blood test. The urine test limit is 107mg per 100ml of urine. What are the consequences of drink driving? It can range from 3-6 months imprisonment, an unlimited fine, a 1 year...

28 March

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What is POCA?

Posted by Rebecca

in Fraud

Gold Scales of Justice with man reading book in background

POCA stands for the Proceeds of Crime Act which was first implemented in 2000. This is a law in relation to the recovery of criminal assets, that can be obtained without all parties in the case being present, including the Defence. Who Imposes POCA? These orders can be imposed by the investigating authorities on your assets, which will freeze them. Any money earned as a result of, or in connection with, an offence can be recovered under the Proceeds of Crime Act 2002. The crown court must consider making a confiscation order if: The defendant is convicted of an offense...

12 March

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Divorce & The Tax Year

Posted by Rebecca

in Family

Lawyer with Divorce certificate and couple

As the end of the tax year gets closer, it is important that all divorcing couples seek professional advice if they are considering a transfer of assets. Tax issues are often last to be considered when in the divorce process, however the impact of tax on the final settlement should not be underestimated. This is because by planning the settlement and minimising tax cost within transfers, it allows the maximum amount for distribution between individuals. Capital Gains Tax In a divorce settlement, the Capital Gains Tax (CGT) can cause large implications for couples. This is because spouses are classed as ‘connected...

25 February

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What is First, Second and Third Party Fraud?

Posted by Rebecca

in Fraud

Fraud is a wide subject, and there are actually 3 different varieties of fraud: First, second and third party. So what is the difference between all 3 of them? Different Types of Fraud: First Party Fraud This is where an individual or group of people misrepresent their identity or give false information. This may be done when they are applying for a product or service, and is done with the aim of getting more favourable rates. Unfortunately, this may also be done when they want to make a false claim against an insurer to obtain a payment. Examples of First Party...

15 February

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The New Driving Laws Coming into Force in 2019

Posted by Rebecca

in Driving

long highway road for driving with no cars

There are various new Driving Laws coming into force this year, which you should be aware of. These could impact your driving experience, and how you deal with other drivers on the roads. Familiarising yourself with these new laws in advance will ensure that you don’t get caught out. New 2019 Driving Laws: Learner Drivers on Motorways This year, learner drivers will be given the option to drive on the motorway as part of their lessons, when accompanied by an instructor who will have dual controls in the car. Overtaking Cyclists As of March 2019, you will be fined £100...

10 January

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Price Transparency Guidance – What Is It?

Posted by Rebecca

in News

The new pricing transparency was released in December, meaning that all businesses in the legal sector had to publish information on prices that they charge, and what these include. The services that the new rules apply to include: conveyancing, probate, motoring offences, employment tribunals, immigration (excluding asylum), debt recovery (up to £100k), employment tribunals and licensing applications for business premises. What Other Things Should Be Declared? Prices also need to state whether they include VAT, and any conditional or damages-based fees. As well as publishing prices, businesses also have to outline typical timescales for the services, and what they include. Details...

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