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Q. Do I still need to meet Family Court deadlines whilst on lock down? A. As explained in our Q&A on 25 March 2020, the Courts are still open, with there being a clear expectation that court deadlines and hearings are still complied with as far as...
Q. Will my Hearing still take place whilst we are on lock down? A. Whilst the courts are inevitably facing new challenges due to Covid-19, it is important to still prepare for your hearing to take place, albeit not in the conventional way. Solicitors...
Q. Since the lock down effective 23.3.2020, can children still leave one house to see the other parent? A. Whilst advice is changing quickly, the current advice is that children can still move between houses and should still see both parents, where it...
Although farming families are often close-knit, the long-hours and pressures of running a business can take their toll, leading to relationship breakdown and divorce. The often complex nature of farming partnerships, land holdings and other business assets...
As a consequence of so many anticipated changes in the coming weeks and months, it is important for parents to consider the impact, if any, on Child Arrangements Orders and any informal arrangements. This is not only due to the likely extended...
If you are not married and buy a property with your partner, it is possible to set out how the money should be divided upon sale by entering into a Declaration of Trust. However, if you are married or go on to get married, the strength of that Trust is...
A divorce is the process of legally ending a marriage and therefore some documents need to be filed with the Court. This doesn’t necessarily mean that you will need to appear before a judge. Courts are used to resolve legal disputes and if you and...
When considering relocating your children, both an internal relocation (within England and Wales) and external relocation (from England and Wales to other parts of the UK) requires the consent of the other party. Internal relocation cases, just like...
The introduction of General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) in 2018 saw many consumers anticipate a meaningful reduction in the spam hitting their email inbox. In parallel, many organisations radically reduced the size of their marketing databases as...
A consent order is the final document in your financial settlement which sets out how your property and money, including but not exclusive to, savings, investments and pensions will be divided. You can reach an agreement out-of-court with your spouse with...
When seeking a Financial Settlement integral to divorce, the first step is almost always for there to be an exchange of full and frank disclosure. The duty to disclose financial information remains open throughout the case and helps to ensure that both...
One of Yorkshire’s best-known agricultural solicitors has joined Harrowells Solicitors. Jenni Bartram, a long-standing member of the Agricultural Law Association and former president of the Yorkshire Law Society, joined Harrowells in February...
In many divorce cases, the family home is one of the most valuable assets a couple will have and is central to reaching a financial settlement. Depending upon how much equity there is in your house, the options are generally as follows: allow one person...
Raising a child in more than one country can trigger tricky legal issues, for both Royals and non-Royals, in the unhappy event of a future separation or divorce. As we all know, Meghan and Harry are currently finalising their personal and official...
Meeting with a family lawyer can be a daunting step to take, but knowing what the divorce process entails and how long it will take should help to ease any concerns you may have. Your solicitor will need your original marriage certificate (a certified...
On17th December 2019 the Information Commissioners Office (ICO) issued its first ever fine under GDPR, the General Data Protection Regulation - a huge £275,000 fine to London based pharmacy, Doorstep Dispensaree Ltd (Doorstep). In addition to the...
Whilst moving out of the marital home won’t affect your rights to the property, there can be reasons to stay put if it is safe to do so. The main reason to stay in the house, if you can, is to assist with a sale. If the house is to be sold, remaining...
Christmas can be a stressful time for families, financial pressures and trying to please everyone can take its toll. January is often said to be ‘divorce month’ for this reason, so what can you do to stop your marriage heading in...
Our office opening times will be as follows over the Christmas and New Year period: Monday 23 December - all offices open as normal Tuesday 24 December - all offices open until 12.30pm, with the exception of Pocklington office which is...
Unfortunately, it is a fact that Christmas can increase existing stresses and strains within relationships and, as a result, incidents of domestic abuse soar over this period. Domestic abuse can include mental abuse and controlling behaviours as well as...
At present, the only immediate facts upon which you can base a divorce in England, are adultery or unreasonable behaviour. Whilst these are commonly used to avoid waiting for 2 years to pass before divorcing, there is a common misconception that agreeing to...
The ‘common law’ myth There are lots of myths out there about co-habiting couples acquiring the same rights as married couples, once they have lived together for a certain period of time. Put simply, there is no law for the ‘nearly...
Equal opportunities legislation was introduced to provide a level playing field for everyone, so that every individual has the same opportunity for employment, training, pay and development as any other, irrespective of their...
A Staff Handbook is a written collection of an employer’s policies, procedures and practices which can cover a variety of topics including HR policies, employee code of conduct and operating rules. There is no legal requirement to have a Staff...
Key employees who work directly with clients and have access to confidential information can pose a risk to a business when they choose to leave. It is crucial that you do what you can to protect your interests. If not, departing employees...
One of the things that we are asked on a regular basis by people thinking of getting divorced is whether or not they have to ‘blame’ their spouse or civil partner for the reason for the relationship breakdown. I will not detail the facts that...
Agricultural Tenancy Reform We have been involved in a consultation with DEFRA in relation to a possible agricultural tenancy reform. The government has confirmed that it expects to publish its response to the consultation “later this year”....
It was announced that the Agricultural Bill was not scheduled to be debated during the final session of Parliament which had commenced on 9th September 2019. As everybody is now aware Parliament is currently prorogued until 14th October 2019....
Whilst most people are keen to seek the final decree in their divorce after what can be a long process, it is important to take legal advice and check your timing. If not, you risk financial detriment, despite all the effort and time which goes into your...
We are often approached by people who have been separated from their spouse for many years. If there are no children arising from the relationship, the parties often do not know where the other party lives. There are various options. If you have a current...
Depending upon the length of the marriage, and whether there is a Pre-Nuptial Agreement or not, all assets of the marriage are pooled and treated as joint assets. Money or property that you’ve inherited are not automatically excluded from the...
A Child Arrangements Order is an order made by the court stating where children will live and how and when they will spend time with each parent. If the terms of the Order are not being met, by one party or the other, there is...
Can I get remarried before my financial settlement is concluded? When going through divorce proceedings , it is vital to ensure that all financial matters have been fully resolved before considering remarriage. A great number of people are unaware that...
As many wait for Divorce Reform to come into play, we take a look at the current system, where there is in fact only one ground for divorce. This being the irretrievable breakdown of marriage . However, in order to demonstrate that your...
At the outset of divorce proceedings this is often one of the first questions asked. The divorce itself should be relatively straightforward if you have instructed a family solicitor to manage the process for you. The divorce process itself usually takes 6...
One of my recent cases threw up a multitude of legal issues in a single project. A long-standing farming client was buying 40 acres of ancient woodland dating from the 17th century and wanted to set up a shoot. This sounds straightforward, how complicated...
When you meet with your family solicitor , part of the process will be for you and your ex-partner to provide disclosure of all your financial affairs. As part of that process, you will also be asked to prepare a budget of your current outgoings and, based...
Myth: Can I divorce my spouse if they have committed adultery with a person of the same sex? Busted! It is not possible to issue a divorce petition citing adultery as the reason for the marriage breakdown if your spouse is having an affair with a...
If you are in the process of getting a divorce , it is vital that you think about changing or making a Will even during divorce proceedings This is because any existing Will you may have is unlikely to reflect your wishes during and after separation. ...
A separation agreement can be entered into by couples who are separating but who do not want to divorce or dissolve their civil partnership at that time. This can be for various reasons, including not being ready to take that step or for religious reasons....
During the divorce process , two Decrees will be received but they have very different meanings and effects. Decree Nisi is the first Decree that will be received, a few weeks after your Application for divorce has been issued by the Court....
Budgets can be tight when buying or selling residential property , so it can tempting to go for the cheapest quote when selecting your conveyancing service. However, as with so much in life, cutting corners can result in unexpected expense and hassle. In...
Partnerships are still by far the most popular business structure for farming businesses. Across North and East Yorkshire there are four times more farms operating as partnerships or sole traders than are incorporated as limited companies. However, as...
A parent who does not live with their child may be liable to pay child maintenance to the parent with primary care for the child until the child turns 18 or ceases full time secondary education. Child maintenance may,...
There are two types of maintenance. A parent who does not live with their child may be liable to pay child maintenance ; we explain that in more detail in our blog on how is child maintenance calculated? In this blog we focus on the other...
Quite understandably, when people visit a solicitor for the first time following the breakdown of their marriage, the issue of their income is often at the forefront of their mind. Maintenance is the term that is used when one spouse pays to...
When you get divorced you should also consider the financial claims that exist between you and your spouse. A divorce doesn’t mean that financial claims come to an end. Until a Court Order has been made, either providing for a financial settlement...
Apprentice jockeys are licenced riders aged between 16 and 25, working their way up to professional jockey status by riding with and competing against professional jockeys. They are employed by UK racehorse trainers throughout their apprenticeship. ...
Having previously only ever exited an airplane via the covered gangway at an airport, Jo Chesher is doing a very brave and bold thing this month; she is undertaking a sky dive from 10,000 feet in aid of the Alzheimer's Society. As part of her...
We are specialists in horse racing law , offering advice to owners, trainers, breeders, jockeys and to racecourses – in Yorkshire and other centres of horse racing across the country. Over the past four years we have run an innovative programme...
When going through a divorce , people often want to change their surname from their husband’s surname back to their maiden name. The Decree Absolute of your divorce should be sufficient evidence of the change of name to enable you legally to adopt...
In some circumstances it is possible to adopt stepchildren. However, it is always advisable that you seek legal advice on the circumstances of your case and to consider if adoption is a necessary and most favourable option for your family. It is sometimes...
If your relationship has broken down irretrievably, then you can take steps to dissolve your civil partnership . To apply for a dissolution, you must have been in a civil partnership for at least one year. The partner wanting to dissolve the civil...
There are three stages to get divorced and which are: issuing a divorce petition, obtaining decree nisi; and obtaining decree absolute. What is a divorce petition? A divorce petition is an application for the legal dissolution of a marriage....
If you are considering gifting property , land or money to your family, or if you are about to receive a gift, then you should read this article first. Agreements between couples, regulating how they own and share assets, are becoming far more common. This...
We are long term supporters of Fashion City York, an initiative to co-ordinate the promotion of York’s fashion retailers to locals and visitors alike. The centrepiece of that promotion is York Fashion Week with a series of workshops, runway shows and...
Judicial separation is where you and your spouse formally separate and this separation is recognised by the Court. Judicial separation is rare and is usually used due to religious reasons. As with divorce , a petition for judicial separation will need to...
Selling your leasehold property may seem like a daunting task. You will have been aware of the issues involved when you first purchased your leasehold property. Being adequately prepared prior to instructing a solicitor will help ease any added stress...
Quite simply, yes. You are able to divorce even if you and your spouse remain living with each other, though it must be proven that you have maintained separate lives whilst divorcing and perhaps even prior to separation. However, bear in mind that living...
What’s on your payslip? If you pay members of staff a variable amount based on the time they work, you need to know that the way you draft your payslips is changing from April this year. As we have mentioned at recent seminars, from April you...
We often find people can be unclear about the specific benefits of having a Will . As a result, they procrastinate and put off thinking about it. Here are five very good reasons for putting a Will in place that reflects your circumstances and wishes: If...
Decision makers in business constantly warn suppliers and advisers against pushing offerings solutions without reference to the actual needs and priorities of their business. This point was well made at the launch of the York Rail Innovation Community (with...
So, equine flu has reared its ugly head once more. You may be wondering, however, what it is and why it called a halt to horseracing in the UK for 6 days and why a total of 174 racing stables have been in lockdown. Equine flu is much like human flu and it...
Particularly if you are separated or divorced, in order to take your child abroad, you will need written permission from everyone with parental responsibility. The child’s mother automatically has parental responsibility, but this is not always the...
A Child Arrangement Order is a court order regulating arrangements concerning with whom a child should live, spend time or otherwise have contact. We often come across situations where the children themselves voice that they no longer wish to visit...
As the political debate around Brexit continues, we take a look at the impact it could have in Family Law . EU Regulation assists in determining the appropriate legal jurisdiction for divorce proceedings. Currently, within the EU, the country where...
A new partner, Amy Foweather, has been appointed to Harrowells' Family Law Department . Joining from a national family law practice, where she was also a partner, Amy will advise clients across the practice’s six-office network, together...
This article appeared in the January 2019 edition of Northern Farmer Regulation in the pig industry is not insignificant. The industry is, however, rightly proud of its welfare standards which lead the world with more than 90 per cent being parties to the...
A marriage can be annulled if it is a void or voidable marriage and an annulment can take place at any time after the wedding, unlike a divorce where you have to wait a year. What is a void marriage? A void marriage is where your marriage is not legally...
There are family lawyers and family law teams who promote themselves as always adopting a particular negotiating style: for example very consensual or very hard-edged. This might appeal when you are deciding who to instruct, particularly in the often...
Despite, or should I say in spite, of the Brexit issues that have been dominating the media the draft Common Agricultural Policy (Direct Payments to Farmers) and (Amendment) (EU Exit) Regulations 2018 was laid in draft for sifting on 29th November 2018 and...
The Christmas and New Year break often gives a chance to pause and reflect. For some, it means thinking about moving to their ‘perfect place’, perhaps a type of property or a particular location they have always had in their sights. The extended...
It is well known that the most busy time for divorce lawyers is January. This is because already strained personal and family relationships can come under particular pressure over the Christmas and New Year period. Having seen many January...
You will all be aware of the recent headlines regarding the ‘Rotherham Rapist’ and the steps taken by Rotherham Council when they contacted Mr Hussain about care proceedings regarding the son he fathered through the rape of his mother. What...
As we have cautioned previously, you need to be careful not to be misled by urban myths that frequently circulate online. To help you, we call out and bust four urban myths concerning divorce law . Myth: If you live together for two years you acquire the...
If you are reading this, there is a good chance that you are searching for a template set of terms and conditions to use for your fledgling business. The reluctance to spend money on legal advice that is not immediately going to bring you a return and help...
Horses need to be moved internationally to further their racing or breeding career. Without the ability to transport horses and their handlers between major racing countries with ease, the future is uncertain. Meanwhile, the clock ticks on towards Brexit Day...
In many cases, the choice of school is straightforward but what happens when parents who are divorced can’t agree on a choice of school? Where parents both have parental responsibility for their child, major decisions relating to the child,...
It is so easy - a quick Google search and, bingo, you have answers to questions you may have about divorce proceedings , separation or what should happen with the family home. However, proceed with caution, the answer you find may not apply to your...
The possibility of a ‘No Deal Brexit’ still looms which would clearly impact those directly importing from or exporting to the EU. However, any business that relies on a supply chain involving the EU in some way should consider and assess the...
For separated parents there can often be a worry that as a result of living apart from your child , your parent-child relationship may start to suffer. In extreme cases, children can become estranged from one parent as a consequence of the other...
Think you would not be affected by a ‘No deal’ Brexit because your business is not directly reliant on exports or imports or heavily dependent on staff from other EU countries? If you are in this situation, be careful to think about what are...
Lasting Powers of Attorney allow you to choose individuals to looking after your affairs if, at some point in the future, you are unable to do so. One of the key misunderstandings is that if you leave it too late and your mental capacity is already...
Every year Legal 500 assess the reputation and quality of client service of the top 10% of UK law firms using a mix of primary research and feedback from a sample of law firms’ clients. The latest report has just been published and I am pleased to...
A pet is often seen as an integral part of a family – but, in the eyes of the law, household pets are treated only as property. What happens if there is a dispute? If there is dispute about ‘who should have the pet’ upon divorce , it...
A court acknowledges that you have done nothing wrong in the way that you have protected data. You have been the victim of a crime for which someone went to prison. Yet you are liable for the distress and suffering caused by that crime. That is the position...
An inquest into the death of an engineer killed by an ammonia leak at a brewery has concluded. David Chandler, from Bridgnorth, Shropshire, died at the Carlsberg plant in Northampton on 9 November 2016. The 45-year-old died after inhaling ammonia,...
Six months on from the GDPR deadline of 25 May 2018, I still come across many business owners and senior managers who remain confused and bemused about what data protection compliance means in practice. In part, this is because a lot of activity and...
Nothing beats a hack in the countryside but it’s easy for the fun to be spoiled by an angry landowner complaining that they have horse riders disturbing their livestock and damaging their land. In this part of Yorkshire we are lucky enough to have...
In an earlier blog , Paul Burkinshaw summarised the Government’s current position in relation to a No Deal Brexit and farm payments, rural development funding and organic food production and labelling. The general thrust is that the government is...
We have all become a little Brexit weary during the course of the last 12 months. The newspapers provide us with a seemingly shifting commentary on a daily basis. At present we appear to be bound for the Chequers Brexit or nothing. In response to the...
People go into business together to create something positive, not to fall out. Nevertheless, misunderstandings and differences of views can and do arise as businesses evolve. If you are a shareholder in a company, a shareholders’ agreement will help...
We are all aware that the process of ‘Brexit’ is likely to involve considerable change whatever the short term and longer term outcomes. The challenge for business owners and senior managers is deciding how to prioritise and plan. Trying to...
We won 'Overall Conveyancing Firm of the Year - Gold Award' at the Law Firm Services National Conveyancing Awards at The Vox Conference Centre, NEC Birmingham on Wednesday 19th September. This follows on from winning the silver category at last...
If your engagement breaks down, do you have any rights? A broken engagement might be devastating to one party or might be a mutual decision but either way it’s likely to cause upset and sadness. Once the initial shock has eased, it will be necessary...
Divorcing couples often focus on dividing their ‘visible’ capital in the family home and in bank accounts, overlooking assets accumulated in occupational or private pensions. The financial value of such pension rights can, in many cases, be...
Earlier this year property agents Knight Frank published a report on ‘retirement housing’, covering everything from age-restricted over-55 housing to ‘housing with care’. Their key finding was that homes purpose built for retirement...
We are long term and active supporters of the ‘Ageing Without Children’ (AWOC) initiative and would encourage those with an interest in this to visit www.awoc.org where there is lots of helpful information about the number and diversity of...
Decisions regarding the family home are usually those which can cause the most conflict and need to be considered in detail during divorce and financial proceedings, but what else do you need to think about? When you purchase a family home purchased jointly...
If you are the landlord of commercial premises, there are situations where you will want to terminate a current tenancy at or following the end of a contractual term, even if your tenant is reliable and is not defaulting on rent or other obligations. For...
In recent years the Alzheimer’s Society has organised a number of successful ‘Memory Walks’. These allow families and friends to show their support for relatives living with dementia and to raise funds for the vital work undertaken by the...
York was acclaimed Britain’s ‘best place to live’ in a Sunday Times league table earlier this year because of its ‘perfect mix of heritage and hi-tech’. Inevitably this has further boosted the city’s popularity with...
We are delighted to announce that we have been shortlisted for this year's Yorkshire Legal Awards in two categories: Private Client and Residential Property . Organised by Barker Brooks Communications, publishers of Leeds & Yorkshire Lawyer ...
Buying an existing retail business can be a sound commercial move as it often means you have immediate access to customers familiar with the shop’s brand and location. However, in these situations you will often be taking over a leasehold premise and...
In our experience, the single biggest threat to a property transaction completing successfully is the sudden revelation of a ‘last minute’ problem elsewhere in the property ‘chain’. These can revolve around mortgage finance, other...
Much of the guidance available these days about planning for the future assumes you have immediate family who are able and willing to assist. As legal advisers, we know this is not always the case – for a variety of reasons. This is why we make a...
It might surprise many people to discover that ‘no fault divorces’ do not exist under English law – though they do in other jurisdictions like Scotland and the USA. The current position is that divorce can only be granted within the first...
There are many misconceptions about trusts – about who typically uses them and about their intended purpose. Many think trusts are primarily about saving tax and only for the seriously wealthy. In fact, there is a long history of trusts being used in...
We all tend to think of ‘regulated industries’ as those where safety or financial stability is critical – for example airlines and banks. The reality is that all businesses are exposed to regulation, ‘red tape’, bureaucracy,...
Improved standards of living and healthcare means that the over 80s are now the fastest growing section of the UK population. As a result, more people are receiving residential and nursing care in old age. In most cases, they are comfortable and looked after...
Rising affluence has given increased opportunity for individuals to pass on wealth to chosen members of their family. Unfortunately, in our experience, this has also led to a rising number of wills that are being challenged by those either not included in a...
Individually and collectively, farmers are obviously thinking about Brexit and the likely transition and ultimate outcome. Will many farming businesses need to reconfigure radically? Will there be major consolidation? How will supply chains and markets...
Every September, the prestigious LFS National Conveyancing Conference brings together law firms, mortgage lenders and related specialist IT and data providers from across the UK. The highlight is the presentation of coveted national and regional awards. In...
Becoming a parent is momentous and, with all the life changes, brings the rights and responsibilities every parent needs to care for their child properly. The legal term for these rights and duties is 'parental responsibility'. This term is...
Post-natal depression is an issue which is usually associated with women for obvious reasons - after all men don’t go through pregnancy and childbirth. The birth of a child can, however, be emotionally challenging for both parents. A 2017 study...
In light of billions of pounds left unclaimed with UK financial institutions, we offer a checklist to help people record their assets before they become too ill to do so. The checklist is offered to all those who contact us for advice on drawing up a Will,...
Harrowells has been shortlisted for the ‘Best Marketing, Website and Social Media’ category in this year’s Law Firm Services annual conveyancing awards. To be shortlisted, law firms have had to demonstrate to judges a coherent approach to...
In life, there is nothing like a deadline to force decisions to be made and action to be taken. Unfortunately we often see situations where families scramble to put in place last minute care arrangements for an elderly relative following unexpected admission...
Few incidents are as distressing as a stillbirth. The numbers of stillbirths in England and Wales has fallen gradually during the last 20 years and most recent figures from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) show a 1.1 per cent decline to 3,112 in...
Whether they are buying, leasing or selling commercial property, our job is to help our clients strike the right deal for their business and to deal with any issues that might threaten to delay or compromise a successful conclusion. Where transactions rely...
You may have seen recent coverage of Legal and General's research into 'Bank of Mum and Dad' which reveals the average parental contribution for home buyers this year is around £18,000; this is some 17% lower than last year’s figure...
It is around this time of year that families start to plan their summer holidays but, if you are separated from the mother or father of your children, what do you need to do legally before you book your holidays? If you have a Residence Order or a Child...
With a positive flurry of Bank Holidays in May, we thought it topical to remind employers how best to avoid some unwitting complications in relation to Bank Holiday allowances. Employees do not have a statutory right to take time off at Bank Holidays, nor is...
Our experience at working with, and for, individuals who have suffered a serious brain injury has made it clear that it is not just the individual that is impacted. Brain injuries change the lives of those who have suffered injury and impact upon the futures...
We sometimes get asked why documents like driving licences, utility bills and bank statements need to be shown to our solicitors when buying or selling residential property. The short answer is: to defend you against cybercrime and identity fraud. In a...
Fine Bank Holiday weather drew the crowds for this year’s Haxby and Wigginton Scarecrow Festival, with record numbers attending and helping to raise funds, through the sale of trail maps and other activities, for a range of local and national...
Like most family lawyers, I have felt compelled to watch the BBC1 drama ‘The Split’ to see how my day job is represented - albeit I watched most of it distracted by some pretty significant inaccuracies! The drama centres around a high...
As part of their commitment to supporting young talent in horse racing, Yorkshire-based solicitors Harrowells are delighted to announce that they are sponsoring leading apprentice jockey Georgia Cox ahead of the 2018 Flat season. Cox, who has ridden over 50...
Government rules concerning what types of property need HMO licences are changing this autumn. Make sure you are not caught out. The current rules cover properties that are three or more storeys high, have 5 or more people in more than 1 household and share...
There is a common assumption that all property assets, such as the family home and investment properties, are shared by spouses and so subject to sale or sharing out on divorce. This is not necessarily the case. If you acquired or inherited a property...
In addition to increases in the National Minimum Wage, employers need to remember that April brought in a number of other important changes, including those relating to termination payments, statutory family-related pay, sick pay and redundancy pay. To...
York is a city in an enviable position - it is a visitor destination with an international reputation. However, it also means it has to work hard to demonstrate that its tourist ‘draw’ runs beyond major attractions like the Minster, the Yorvik...
Legal professionals dealing with cases for sexual abuse or assault are, quite rightly, focussed on their role in achieving either a criminal conviction or an award of compensation. In pursuing these matters they are righting historic injustices,...
Perfectly naturally, people want to live independently in their own home for as long as they can manage. In our experience, being willing to think through some of the practical questions and do some pre-planning can really help. An important point to make...
Whatever form Brexit ultimately takes, opportunities and threats will be thrown up along the way. To ensure a viable business post-Brexit, farmers need to ensure their business is fit for purpose now. In our experience, those farmers who ‘get on the...
A pension can be a very valuable asset in a marriage and dealing with it on the breakdown of a relationship can be complex. There are three main ways the pension can be treated: Pension Sharing – the court has power to order a pension share,...
In an environment dominated by a shift from physical to online contact and where many private and public services are being progressively centralised, how do market towns maintain their role as economic ‘kingpin’ in their locality? The key may...
Some of you reading this may have watched Eastenders recently, whereby there was a delay in Martin returning the children to Stacey following contact. The programme showed Stacey calling at Martin’s home address with the Police to collect the...
There is no automatic right in England & Wales for grandparents to see their grandchildren or to have any involvement in their upbringing. However, the Courts are beginning to recognise the often invaluable role that grandparents can play both in...
Property fraud – where someone mortgages or sells a property you own without you being aware and pockets the proceeds – is still relatively rare but is on the rise. You are at potential risk if the property is rented out or not mortgaged or...
When thinking about how to settle the issues that arise from a separation, the benefits of mediation are well worth considering. Mediation won’t suit everyone, but for some couples it can be a valuable way to reduce the stress involved in relationship...
Mental health illness has barely been out of the news in recent months. From the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge and Prince Harry talking about childhood bereavement to Rio Ferdinand discussing his own struggles following the death of his wife, it seems that...
The answer is yes, but do so with extreme caution as dealing with your divorce incorrectly can result in missed financial claims or a failure to stop your ex from coming back and claiming against you in the future. There are at least two strands to every...
If you are responsible for HR in your organisation, you will hopefully have locked onto the fact that new data protection rules (GDPR), coming into force on 25 May, have an impact on how you store and use employee and other personal data. There is a...
Recent news that another Supported Child Contact Centre is closing its doors should give us all cause for concern. When parents separate, the relationships between adults can be difficult and the months following a separation can be enormously painful....
A recent case will serve as a warning to employers when having 'without prejudice' conversations that they cannot select which parts of such conversations they rely on whilst, at the same time, argue that other parts cannot be relied upon. In the...
He already shares half of his wealth with double-act best friend Dec, so will Ant McPartlin now be required (or agree) to share that half again with estranged wife Lisa Armstrong? The announcement that one of TV's best loved presenters is separating...
During a recent ITV 'Tonight' documentary, the subject of divorce was discussed and the issue of whether England & Wales should allow parties to separate on a no-fault basis (as you can in Scotland or the US) was debated with valid arguments made...
GDPR comes into force on 25 May 2018 and will impact on every organisation to some extent. Everyone has some work to do! How much will depend on how compliant you are now with the existing requirements of the Data Protection Act 1998 and how much...
It is a recent phenomenon that the first Monday in January has become known as ‘divorce day’. In 2018 that day in fact falls on Tuesday 2nd January as the first Monday is of course New Year’s Day. We are often asked whether or not...
It’s that time of year again when the festive period is upon us. Sadly, instances of domestic abuse and violence increase significantly over this period. If you are concerned about a family member or loved one who you believe is at risk of domestic...
Women prisoners had a chance to learn about their employment rights when they return to work, thanks to voluntary community work led by Harrowells employment law partner, Marie Horner. Around 17 inmates at HM Prison Askham Grange, Askham Richard, attended a...
Some 118,000 divorces are granted in England and Wales each year; that’s more than 300 couples every day. Divorce in itself is difficult enough, but when the outdated laws surrounding divorce are largely fault-based, it makes it even harder and often...
Going in to meet a divorce lawyer can be a daunting prospect. So, what do you need to know from them and what are they likely to ask you? You need to trust your divorce lawyer You need to know that you can be open and honest with them - both about...
Our specialist clinical negligence and catastrophic injury (CNCI) team has been identified as the best in our region, based on feedback from fellow legal professionals, and shortlisted for a nationwide award to be judged early next year by Legal 500, the...
Buying your first house is exciting and nerve wracking at the same time. Couples who are buying together for the first time are making a huge financial and emotional investment, often funded by one or both of their respective parents. An important factor...
We often come across situations where families have sought to minimise future care costs for an elderly relative either by passing ownership of their home to other family members or by participating in poorly conceived ‘asset protection trusts’....
In a generation of celebrity and social media, it comes as no surprise that ‘split rumours’ and ‘custody battles’ amongst the rich and famous are filling up the columns of our daily news feed. This reporting means that divorce is now...
More and more business owners and managers are becoming aware that new data protection rules (known as 'GDPR') come into force in May next year. What is not always appreciated is that the rules cover all aspects of personal data and that...
Implementation of the General Data Protection Regulations (or ‘GDPR’) and the Data Protection Bill 2017 mean new rules concerning the storage, handling and use of data come into force in May next year. With a focus on giving individuals more...
New Data Protection Rules. They impact on every aspect of your business, from HR to marketing, so start planning now New rules concerning the storage, handling and use of data by organisations come into force in May next year – by virtue of the...
Each year Legal 500 undertakes a research-based assessment of the reputation and quality of work of leading law firms in the UK. The 2017 results were announced in October and we have received formal recognition in a number of practice areas. These...
Can an employer monitor the content of an employee’s personal messages sent from a work email account? Probably not. A recent decision of the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) in the case of Barbulescu v Romania has overturned an earlier...
Players at one of Yorkshire’s most successful village cricket clubs will be able to see their scores more clearly, thanks to funding from Harrowells. A brand new digital computerised scoreboard has been installed at Woodhouse Grange Cricket...
From 1st October 2017, businesses seeking to recover debts from individuals are subject to the new ‘Pre-Action Protocol for Debt Claims’. Failing to follow the Protocol, or getting it wrong, may prove to be an expensive mistake. The Protocol...
We have expanded our Private Client Department with the appointment of a new partner. Philip Nelson (pictured left with Head of Department Ed Ryder) lives near York and joins from specialist national private client law firm, Wrigleys, Leeds....
We have scooped two major home conveyancing awards, one for the second year in succession. We have become Yorkshire and North East Regional Firm of The Year in the Law Firm Services National Conveyancing Awards, an accolade we previously...
Advice from successful local business owners and key national and international players teased out three big ingredients to business success at the 2017 York Food and Drink Festival. Have a narrative about your business and products that customers,...
More and more people are familiar with the idea of Lasting Powers of Attorney – a document that appoints attorneys to make decisions on your behalf if you are unable to do so yourself in the future because of mental or physical incapacity. Often these...
Any risks of abuse with Lasting Powers of Attorney (LPA) could be reduced with greater accountability, a lawyer specialising in services to the elderly says. People appoint attorneys through an LPA, a legal document, to manage their finances when they...
I’m surprised that more businesses do not take full advantage of Companies House online filing service. Whilst many accountants file accounts online on their clients’ behalf, organisations need to file an additional Confirmation Statement each...
Social media can be a really powerful tool for promoting your business and, as with many other things, it pays to understand your legal obligations when posting content online. Many businesses assume that online activity is not really...
A recent successful compensation claim against the Japanese Consulate in Edinburgh highlights why it is important to ask all job candidates, male and female, the same questions about care responsibilities and how such responsibilities might affect...
Broaching the subject of future care arrangements with an elderly parent can be a sensitive issue. However, sensible planning can give peace of mind to loved ones and reduce potential worry and complexity for you and others who might be involved in...
2017 marks the 40th anniversary of the York Early Music Festival, which draws international artists and audiences - as well as a strong local following - to a series of performances of baroque and pre-baroque music across the city each summer. The...
The Dales Festival of Food and Drink (Leyburn 17-18th June) is a fantastic celebration of the vitality of food production in the Yorkshire Dales. Always an important feature of the Dales' economy, the range and quality of local food and drink...
The state secondary schools in Thirsk, Easingwold and Pocklington (Woldgate) act as vital 'hubs' for their respective areas. In recognition of this, we have forged links with each school by...
Last Friday's Hambleton Business Conference was waffle-free, for all the right reasons - and I'm not talking about the catering. This year's conference, at The Hawkhills, near Easingwold, was particularly strong on useful data and...
The decision is in. The Supreme Court has refused permission for British Gas to appeal the holiday pay case brought by Mr Lock. What does that mean for employers? Essentially it means that any employees who earn results-based commission must have that...
Larger than average gardens, existing outbuildings and land can be very attractive features of many rural properties for sale. If you are looking for residential/commercial development or conversion potential though, have an early discussion with the...
In light of the 'Uber' and 'Citysprint' Employment Tribunal decisions and the very recent 'Pimlico Plumbers' Court of Appeal decision, it is clear that 'Worker' status is highly topical, evolving and a potential pitfall for...
A Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA) can have immediate effect if you specifically want this to be the case but otherwise, no - making an LPA will not mean you lose control over your affairs straight away. LPAs allow you to choose and appoint one or more...
As part of its commitment to supporting young talent in horse racing, Harrowells crafted an innovative sponsorship arrangement in early 2016 with apprentice jockey Adam McNamara, apprentice jockey. In this post we catch up with Adam at the end of the 2016...
A trainee solicitor, who was bullied by his training principal and legal manager at a district authority in North Yorkshire, secretly taped review meetings where he was intimidated, an employment tribunal heard. David Bowes, 27, discreetly taped...
