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  • How does the online divorce process work?

    The digital age has revolutionised numerous aspects of everyone’s lives, and the legal sphere is no exception. In recent years, traditional divorce proceedings significantly have transformation with the introduction of online divorce processes. This convenient and efficient method is extremely popular due to its accessibility, cost-effectiveness, and streamlined procedures.

    Online divorce applications can be started by one person as a sole applicant or together as joint applicants. You do not have to give a reason for the divorce, other than a simple statement that the marriage has irretrievably broken down.

    The three conditions for eligibility are:

    1. You need to have been married for at least one year.
    2. Your marriage must be legally recognised in UK and,
    3. It must have irretrievably broken down.

    You will need the following information in order to submit an application:

    1. Full names and address of both people
    2. Any contact telephone numbers
    3. Email addresses
    4. The original marriage certificate or a certified copy (and a certified translation if it’s not in English)
    5. Proof of any name change if changed since the marriage – e.g. a deed poll or change of name deed.
    6. A credit or debit card to pay the court fee (this is currently £593). You may be eligible for help if you are on a low income or in receipt of benefits, but you will need to make an application to determine eligibility, this can also be accessed online.

    You will then be taken through the online divorce process step by step.

    Once you have submitted your divorce application your ex-partner will need to return their ‘Acknowledgment of Service’ to confirm that they have had sight of the application. They will either agree not to contest the divorce or that confirm that they intend to dispute it, but they will need to have grounds to do so.

    Once you have completed this first stage you will be directed as to next steps such as the date you can apply for your Conditional Order and thereafter, your Final Order.

    If you require any legal advice in regards to such matters, please do not hesitate to contact us on 0161 624 6811 or email za@wrigleyclaydon.com.

  • What is the Renters’ Reform Bill?

    What is the Renters’ Reform Bill?

    The Renters’ (Reform) Bill has been introduced to Parliament in order to abolish section 21 ‘no fault’ evictions.

    Tenants will also be given the legal right to request a pet in their home, which the landlord must consider and cannot unreasonably refuse. Landlords will be able to require pet insurance to cover any damage to their property.

    The government also wants to make it illegal for landlords to have blanket bans on renting to tenants in receipt of benefits or with children to ensure no family is discriminated against when looking for a place to live.

    The government said that the new Bill also protects landlords, making it easier for them to recover properties when they need to so they can sell their property if they want to, or when tenants does not pay rent.

    Notice periods will also be reduced where tenants have been irresponsible e.g breaching their tenancy agreement or causing damage to the property.

    The reforms will also strengthen powers to evict anti-social tenants, broadening the disruptive and harmful activities that can lead to eviction and making it quicker to evict a tenant acting anti-socially.

    It also plans to reform the courts process to cut delays, which is a particular concern for landlords when Section 21 ends.

    Suffering a dispute can have serious implications on you and your livelihood.  Our litigation solicitors helps both tenants and landlords and will quickly and efficiently put your case together and act on your behalf. Call Vijay Srivastava or Shalish Mehta in the litigation department on 0161 624 6811(Option 6) or email vjs@wrigleyclaydon.com or sm@wrigleyclaydon.com. We can advise you on the appropriate course of action and assist with any legal documents or proceedings that may occur.

  • 5 steps to consider before buying or leasing a commecial property

    When it comes to renting or buying a business property, there are several steps you should consider to make the best decision for your company. Here are some key steps to follow:

    1. Determine your budget

    Before you start looking for a business property, you need to determine your budget. Consider how much you can afford to spend on rent or mortgage payments, as well as other costs like utilities and maintenance.

    2. Consider your location

    The location of your business property is crucial. Look for areas that are easily accessible for both customers and employees. Consider factors like traffic flow, parking availability, and nearby amenities.

    3. Evaluate the condition of the property

    If you’re considering buying a commercial property, get the property surveyed to evaluate its condition. If you’re renting, make sure to carefully review the lease  and identify any potential issues that may need to be addressed.

    4. Consider your financing options

    If you’re buying a property, consider your financing options. Look for lenders who specialize in commercial property loans and compare rates and terms to find the best deal.

    5. Negotiate the terms

    Whether you’re renting or buying, it’s important to negotiate the terms of the lease or purchase agreement. Work with your lawyer or broker to help you negotiate favourable terms and protect your interests.

    By following these steps, you can make an informed decision when it comes to renting or buying a business property. Remember to take your time, do your research, and make a decision that meets the needs of your business and fits within your budget.

  • Motivational speaker loses battle for insurance to pay neighbours £530,000 over boundary dispute

    Alex MacPhail, a motivational speaker who was ordered to pay his neighbours, Tom and Helen Gueterbock £237,000 in damages and to fund £12,000 worth of work, after his neighbours sued him when a cellar room “trespassed” 18 inches over their shared boundary, has lost a further case.

    Mr MacPhail then sued the developers of the house, Henderson Court Ltd (“HCL”), and their insurer, Allianz Insurance Plc, in respect of his losses. He argued that HCL acted with a “high level of recklessness. ”

    Mr MacPhail succeeded in his claim against HCL, making it liable for his losses, but Judge Parfitt, sitting at Central London County Court, rejected the claim that the insurer should pay his damages. An appeal followed in the High Court, where the ruling was upheld.

    Mr MacPhail’s representative had argued the judge had misapplied the law in deciding whether or not what happened was an “accident” and so covered under HCL’s insurance policy. However, the High Court said a claim against the insurers cannot be made because the choice to build so close to the neighbours’ house was “not an accident.”

    The decision means HCL remains liable to Mr MacPhail, but that its insurer, Allianz, does not have to pay up under the policy.

    Suffering a dispute can have serious implications on you and your livelihood.  Our litigation solicitors will quickly and efficiently put your case together and act on your behalf. Call Vijay Srivastava or Shalish Mehta in the litigation department on 0161 624 6811(Option 6) or email vjs@wrigleyclaydon.com or sm@wrigleyclaydon.com. We can advise you on the appropriate course of action and assist with any legal documents or proceedings that may occur.

  • More than 900 people affected by Grenfell Tower fire settle claims

    More than 900 bereaved family members, survivors and local people who were affected by the Grenfell Tower fire, which killed 72 people in June 2017, have agreed on a settlement of their civil claims arising from the blaze.

     

    The cladding company Arconic said it was among the firms that were involved in the high court case and had agreed to the settlement.

    The settlement does not affect the public inquiry which is looking into the circumstances leading up to and surrounding the blaze and neither does it affect the potential for any criminal charges to be brought in the future.

     

    Suffering a dispute can have serious implications on you and your livelihood.  Our litigation solicitors will quickly and efficiently put your case together and act on your behalf. Call Vijay Srivastava or Shalish Mehta in the litigation department on 0161 624 6811(Option 6) or email vjs@wrigleyclaydon.com or sm@wrigleyclaydon.com. We can advise you on the appropriate course of action and assist with any legal documents or proceedings that may occur.

  • Easter Knitted Chick Appeal: Louise Davies raised £300 in aid of Francis House

    Easter Knitted Chick Appeal: Louise Davies raised £300 in aid of Francis House

    A huge thank you to everyone who supported Louise Davies‘ campaign for Francis House, including Apex Computing Services and XLOS stationary supplies.

    Louise who is PA to Senior Partner, Vijay Srivastava knitted Easter Goodies which were sold for charity.

  • Gary Lineker wins battle with HMRC over £4.9m tax bill

    Gary Lineker has won his £4.9 million tax battle with HMRC.

    The HMRC had advised Lineker that he should have been classed as an employee of the BBC and BT Sport for his presenting duties, rather than as a freelancer and pursued him for £4.9 million which it was claimed should have been paid on income received between 2013 and 2018.

    It comes as part of legislation known as IR35, designed to clampdown on tax avoidance by so-called disguised employees, who charge for their services via limited companies.

    Tribunal Judge John Brooks found the IR35 legislation did not apply because there were direct contracts between the presenter and both the BBC and BT Sport.

    The tribunal found that while Gary Lineker Media (GLM), which he set up with his then wife in 2012, was a partnership to which IR35 legislation applies, the appeal was still granted in full because contracts existed.

    HMRC has 56 days to appeal to the Upper Tribunal (Tax and Chancery Chamber) if it wishes to do so.

    Suffering a dispute can have serious implications on you and your livelihood.  Our litigation solicitors will quickly and efficiently put your case together and act on your behalf. Call Vijay Srivastava or Shalish Mehta in the litigation department on 0161 624 6811(Option 6) or email vjs@wrigleyclaydon.com or sm@wrigleyclaydon.com. We can advise you on the appropriate course of action and assist with any legal documents or proceedings that may occur.

  • Breach of a Child Arrangements Order

    A Child Arrangements Order is an order made by the court which states where a child will live and what time is spent with the other parent.

    If this order is not being adhered to, a parent has the right to apply to the court to enforce the order if it has not been possible to correct the situation with the help of a solicitor or mediator beforehand.

    The courts will list the matter for a first hearing where they will consider the facts and the reasons for non-compliance, the child’s safety, and welfare and whether any external evidence or help is needed.

    Next the court will decide whether there has been a breach and whether this was without reasonable excuse. From here they then have several options, they may refer the parents back to mediation, or they can vary the order so that it mirrors the current arrangement if they deem it more suitable.

    The courts could also issue a Contact Enforcement Order, impose a fine or in extreme circumstances they can even impose a prison sentence.

    However, the courts are often not interested in ‘punishing’ the parent who is breach of the order, as their main concern is the safety and wellbeing of the child. Therefore, it is more practical to keep an open dialogue with the other parent and attempt to resolve issues between yourselves with the help of legal advice. This will help avoid the lengthy and expensive process of asking the courts to intervene.

    Here at Wrigley Claydon, we understand the need to obtain an arrangement that is suitable for all parties and that puts your child’s wellbeing first.

    Do not hesitate to contact one of our friendly and high experienced solicitors on 0161 624 6811 or email za@wrigleyclaydon.com.

  • Former Premier League player, Sylvan Ebanks-Blake, sues surgeon for ‘millions’ over ending his career

    Former Wolves forward and Man Utd youth player Sylvan Ebanks-Blake is suing a surgeon after an ‘unnecessary’ surgery that he claims ended his career.

    Orthopaedic Surgeon Prof. James Calder operated on Ebanks-Blake after Ebanks-Blake broke his leg while playing for Wolves against Birmingham City in 2013. He developed arthritis after the operation but claims  he was not warned that pain and stiffness were a risk of the surgery. He claims  he was forced to quit as a result of the ongoing pain and stiffness in his left ankle and not because of the fracture.

    He alleges that had he been informed of the “significant risk” of long-term pain and stiffness, he would not have consented to the surgery.

    Ebanks-Blake claims the surgery caused the loss of a lucrative Premier League career aged 27. At the time of the operation, the average annual salary for a premier-league footballer was £1.6million.

     

    Suffering a dispute can have serious implications on you and your livelihood.  Our litigation solicitors will quickly and efficiently put your case together and act on your behalf. Call Vijay Srivastava or Shalish Mehta in the litigation department on 0161 624 6811(Option 6) or email vjs@wrigleyclaydon.com or sm@wrigleyclaydon.com. We can advise you on the appropriate course of action and assist with any legal documents or proceedings that may occur.

  • Zahra’s Cake Sale for Turkey and Syria

    On February 6th, a 7.8 magnitude earthquake struck Southern Turkey and Northern Syria, followed by multiple secondary earthquakes. This devastated millions of lives and led to more than 50,000 deaths. In response to the disaster, people worldwide showed their support by raising money to be donated for aid and relief.

    Family Paralegal, Zahra Ali, stepped up with her baking skills to raise money and help victims affected by the earthquake.

    “As millions in Turkey and Syria have been affected by the devastating earthquakes and are in need of urgent help, I decided to do a charity bake sale to raise funds to donate.

    I am pleased to say I have raised £700 all of which will be donated to UNICEF’s Earthquake appeal for Turkey and Syria. UNICEF are dedicated to providing those affected by this tragic event with food, clean water, and blankets as well as ensuring children’s wellbeing and education by rebuilding schools and community centres”.

    Zahra’s Cake Sale for Turkey and Syria