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These articles were originally published as brief newspaper articles. The articles are not intended to be definitive advice on any particular set of circumstances. The authors and the firm of Nicholson Portnell accept no liability for any use of these articles. Specific legal advice should always be ...Read more
Lasting Powers of Attorney - January 2008
Sara Frost
Since the 1st October 2007 it has been possible to complete a document called a Lasting Power of Attorney. This document lets you choose the person, or persons, (called the Attorney) who would have the power to deal with your financial affairs if you were unable to deal with matters yourself ...Read more
HIPS are here, but will they last - November 2007
John Humble
Home Information Packs (HIPs) have been on this government’s agenda since they came to power over 10 years ago. The original proposal was to speed up the home moving process, by giving all relevant information to buyers ‘up front’. This is still on the government’s list of be ...Read more
I never thought it could happen to me - October 2007
Catherine Little
Have you ever considered what you might do if you were arrested and had to attend the police station for an interview? Most people will probably think that they do not need to, because it will never happen to them. We have represented numerous clients who have never been in trouble before, who consi ...Read more
Single Farm Payments: Will you get your Entitlement? - September 2007
Simon Jewitt
Notwithstanding the original teething problems encountered by the Rural Payment Agency (RPA) in administering the scheme, it now appears that the Single Farm Payment Scheme (SFP), introduced by the Government in 2005, is up and running, with the vast majority of farmers receiving the payments they e ...Read more
Land Registration - August 2007
Tish Anderson
Your land may not be registered. Unless you purchased in this area after 1989 or it was gifted or assented to you after 2003, it will in most cases, still be unregistered. All land in England is gradually being registered at the Land Registry, which holds details of property on computer. Each prop ...Read more
Legal Issues Concerning Children - July 2007
Wendy Best
When parents separate or divorce one of their main concerns is usually to sort out arrangements for the children. Divorcing parents are often surprised to learn that specific orders are not normally made by the Court about the children. The person taking the divorce proceedings will complete a &ldqu ...Read more
Make your Enduring Power of Attorney (EPA) NOW! - June 2007
Peter Jewitt
An EPA is a simple document by which an individual may appoint one or more persons to administer their property and financial affairs on their behalf. The power is ‘enduring’ because it continues to be operative even if the donor of the power becomes mentally incapable of giving instruct ...Read more
Tax-efficient will-drafting for married couples - May 2007
Sara Frost
As part of any advice you have received regarding minimising as much Inheritance Tax (IHT) as possible in the event of your deaths, you may have been advised to draw up Wills which incorporate Nil Rate Band Discretionary Trusts (NRBDT’s). These trusts ensure that you use as much of the availab ...Read more
Last Chance To Make An Enduring Power Of Attorney (EPA) - April 2007
Alison Bragg
An EPA is a simple document which enables an individual (the donor) to appoint one or more persons (the attorney(s)) to administer his/her property and financial affairs on his/her behalf. The significance of the word “enduring” is that the powers granted under the EPA continue if the do ...Read more
So you think it's too taxing to make a will? - March 2007
Pamela Air
With more and more estates being pushed into the Inheritance Tax bracket through increases in property prices, the need for a will has become ever more important. A carefully worded Will can maximise the use of available tax allowances ensuring that more of the estate passes to beneficiaries instead ...Read more
Agricultural Lawyer Joins Nicholson Portnell - March 2007
Simon Jewitt
Simon Jewitt has joined Nicholson Portnell Solicitors of Priestpopple House, Hexham. Since Simon qualified as a solicitor he has been involved in numerous agricultural property transactions in Cumbria. He has now joined Nicholson Portnell to work in agricultural and general property transactions. Jo ...Read more
Paying For The Church Roof - February 2007
John Robinson
House owners in Warwickshire have recently been ordered to pay over £200,000 to the Parochial Church Council of their local Church for repairs to the Church. This obligation derives from the ownership of their property, which carries a historic obligation for such repair. The derivation of suc ...Read more
Good Vintage - January 2007
Richard Nelson
New regulations on age discrimination came into effect in October and apply to all employers. The regulations cover recruitment, terms and conditions, promotions, transfers, dismissals and training. The regulations make it unlawful on the grounds of age to: · discriminate directly against an ...Read more
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