News
Flying Freehold causing issues?
3rd February 2012Have you ever found the perfect property only to find that a lender is unwilling to give you a mortgage because there is a flying freehold? If so, you may be wondering what a flying freehold is and why it can be so troublesome. [read more]
A Return to Radmacher
2nd February 2012It was in October 2010 that the Supreme Court handed down the landmark decision in Radmacher v Granatino, a decision supposedly giving decisive weight to pre-nuptial agreements in English law. But is this what the decision actually achieved? [read more]
Where there's a will, there's a way round care home fees
1st February 2012Government plans to raise the proposed lifetime cap on care fee contributions by the elderly to £60,000 have been met with a storm of protest, but those who wish to provide for care in retirement are being encouraged to take steps to protect their assets now. [read more]
News
Flying Freehold causing issues? 3rd February 2012
Have you ever found the perfect property only to find that a lender is unwilling to give you a mortgage because there is a flying freehold? If so, you may be wondering what a flying freehold is and why it can be so troublesome.
A Return to Radmacher 2nd February 2012
It was in October 2010 that the Supreme Court handed down the landmark decision in Radmacher v Granatino, a decision supposedly giving decisive weight to pre-nuptial agreements in English law. But is this what the decision actually achieved?
Where there's a will, there's a way round care home fees 1st February 2012
Government plans to raise the proposed lifetime cap on care fee contributions by the elderly to £60,000 have been met with a storm of protest, but those who wish to provide for care in retirement are being encouraged to take steps to protect their assets now.
Lawnet Challenge 2012 1st February 2012
Will take place this year in the Peak District of Derbyshire.
More marriages are breaking up, but couples should jaw jaw, not war war 31st January 2012
As Spring is traditional for weddings, so January has earned a reputation for the time to kick off a divorce.
Perils of not making a Will 30th January 2012
A large percentage of the population do not make provision for how they would like their estate to be divided on their deaths.
Breath of relief for employers under Working Time Regulations 27th January 2012
The Employment Appeal Tribunal ("EAT") has concluded that an employee who has not signed a working time opt-out will not be deemed to have been treated detrimentally where they are denied overtime.
Five a side football success. 26th January 2012
Top of the League.
Castle Battle 25th January 2012
Baronet goes in to battle against his son in relation to the sale of the 13th century family home worth £2.5 million
Employment News 23rd January 2012
Increase in qualifying period for unfair dismissal.
Perils of performance without a written contract 20th January 2012
A recent Court of Appeal decision has highlighted the high level of risk associated with relying on an oral contract.
Homeowners warned to watch out for squatters 19th January 2012
The housing market is sluggish, prices static, and more people are staying put and renovating or extending. But homeowners wanting to protect their property value should also invest time in checking out their boundaries and making sure they don't have squatters.
Planning the Heritage of Modern Buildings 18th January 2012
In the midst of economic hardship, the thought to be soon new National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) and the proximity of the new Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) in 2013, our land's past is at another crucial turning point.
January: a busy time for marriage breakups 17th January 2012
The press has announced the breakdown of Russell Brand's marriage to the singer Katy Perry after only 14 months of marriage. Indeed, it appears he is instituting divorce proceedings in the United States.
Rigorous regime of the fiduciary duties of directors. 16th January 2012
Recent Court of Appeal decision serves as an important reminder.
Assisted suicide proposals published 13th January 2012
A recent report by the Commission on Assisted Dying calls for doctors to be allowed to prescribe lethal medicine doses to dying people.
The recent arrest of Antony Worrall Thompson highlights the offence of shoplifting 12th January 2012
The possible outcomes depend on the scale of the offence and the individual. There are several possible outcomes if an individual is suspected of shoplifting and the matter is investigated by the Police.
First Time Buyer's Relief : Stamp Duty Land Tax (SDLT) on Residential Property 11th January 2012
Thinking of getting on to the property ladder? With house prices at a more affordable level now than for many years, many First Time Buyers are now taking the plunge and grabbing themselves a bargain.
Norgrove rejects fathers groups plea for equal status 10th January 2012
Following a long awaited Family Law Review fathers groups were disappointed to learn that they will not have equal rights over their children enshrined in the law.
Solicitor well along the road to STEP qualification. 9th January 2012
Hopes to become a full member within a year.
Common misconceptions about family law, divorce and the marital home 6th January 2012
Joanna Moore, a Partner in the Family Law Team at Gepp & Sons recently advised a new client considering starting divorce proceedings about some of the legalities which could affect the client, facts the client was quite surprised to learn.
Certainty, Where there's a Will 5th January 2012
Gepp & Sons Solicitors are a member of Certainty, the national database for Wills in England and Wales.
New Arrival. 4th January 2012
Claire Lee ( nee Buttress ), Partner in Gepp & Sons Probate Department has even more reason to look forward to the New Year after a new arrival just before Christmas.
World record broken ? 3rd January 2012
Recently, our very own Neil McNab was invited to be the official adjudicator for a World Record 'Pedal to the Metal' attempt at Virgin Active's Canary Riverside branch in Canary Wharf.
Law Commission considers proposals to aid cohabitants. 30th December 2011
If someone dies without a Will, their belongings and assets pass under the intestacy rules, which were originally established in 1925. These rules have never provided for cohabitants, instead favouring the blood line of the deceased. The rules can be open to challenge by surviving family members or cohabitants, but only in certain circumstances and such a challenge can prove to be costly.
Supreme Court says NO to damages claims when disciplinary procedures breached. 23rd December 2011
The Supreme Court has recently handed down judgment, overturning a Court of Appeal decision, holding that an employee who has been dismissed for professional misconduct will not be permitted to seek damages in the High Court based on breach of the disciplinary procedures incorporated into his contract.
What the new employment changes mean to business. 22nd December 2011
A look ahead at the bigger issues lined up for employers in 2012.
Can compensation for personal injury be ignored in a financial settlement on divorce? 22nd December 2011
The short answer is no. This was reaffirmed in the recent Court Judgment given by the Court of Appeal in the case of Mansfield v. Mansfield.
European Court of Justice rules concurrent use of the same Budweiser trade mark is valid. 20th December 2011
For a trade mark to be successfully registered it must be a unique word or stylised word which is used to represent specific categories of goods or services.
Defeating a claim for adverse possession. 19th December 2011
Recent case highlights the importance of knowing how to successfully defend a claim for adverse possession.
Protecting your Intellectual Property Rights 16th December 2011
As a small or medium sized business, have you ever wondered if you are doing enough to protect your intellectual property ('IP') rights?
Increase in Statutory Payments Announcement. 15th December 2011
The Minster of State for the Department for Work and Pensions has announced the proposed rates for 2012 in relation to Statutory Sick Pay, Statutory Maternity, Paternity and Adoption Pay.
Agents permitted to act for multiple competitors. 14th December 2011
A recent decision of the High Court has considered the position of an agent acting for competing principals under the UK's Commercial Agents Regulations 1993.
Developers could be cooking on gas in Chelmsford 12th December 2011
British Land, Bride Hall and Aquila shortlisted to develop Waterside scheme on former gasworks.
Will home ownership become a reality for first time buyers again? 9th December 2011
The Government has pledged to make becoming a home owner for the first time a reality by underwriting millions of pounds worth of mortgages.
Signing by email ? 8th December 2011
Do you consider the legal implications that might arise following a simple click to send an email ?
Signed and sealed, but not delivered? Then not effective. 7th December 2011
Recent decision is a reminder about the importance of following the strict legal requirements for the creation of a valid deed.
