Insights
BROWSE
Rights to Body and Ashes
Who has the right to deal with my body after I die? With the recent news that the Law Commission is set to review the “ancient laws” over what happens with a deceased’s remains, we look at the current state of affairs in this often hotly disputed area and how the law...
Writing a Letter of Wishes – What you need to know
Why do I need to write a Letter of Wishes to go with my Will or lifetime trust? Very often a Will gives the executors discretion as to how to administer an estate. The Will or lifetime trust might create a discretionary trust which the trustees have discretion over. A...
What is a Legacy in a Will & the Types of Legacy Gifts
What is a Legacy in a Will A legacy is term used to describe a gift - that is, something which is specifically assigned to an individual and named as such in a Will. This could be a fixed sum of money or an item of personal property that you wish to see gifted to a...
‘Caveats’ and preventing a grant of probate
Are you a named executor in a Will – or administrator if no Will – but are being “left out of the loop” for no good reason? Is there a dispute about who can apply for probate, or about the existence or legality of a Will? If so, it may be necessary to challenge...
Joint Tenants or Tenants in Common?
There are two different ways of owing a property jointly: as joint tenants or as tenants in common. Joint tenants If you own a property as joint tenants, the co-owners own the whole property together and neither owner has a specific share. When the property is sold...
How can we reduce Inheritance Tax by making lifetime gifts to our children?
On a basic level, estate planning involves reducing the value of your estate to mitigate Inheritance Tax (IHT) payable upon your death. One way of doing this is to make lifetime gifts to your children. If you give money or assets to your children these gifts are known...
How can you use a Deed of Variation to reduce Inheritance Tax?
After someone dies, it is possible for the beneficiaries of their estate to make changes to the distribution of the estate instead of following the terms of their Will or Rules of Intestacy (if there is no Will). This can be done using a Deed of Variation....
Mortgages in later life and after retirement
Contrary to popular belief, it is possible to secure a mortgage once retired or over the age of 60. However, aside from the usual risks associated with obtaining a mortgage, there are a number of extra considerations that retirees or borrowers in later life should...
What Happens if a named Executor Becomes Incapacitated?
The role of being Executor to a Will is a big responsibility and requires a high duty of care in managing and protecting the deceased’s estate. But what happens when the individual named as Executor for a Will loses mental capacity themselves and can no longer fulfil...
Whistleblowing Policy
SHAREThis Insight is #13 in our Employment Handbook series, keep an eye out for more.Whistleblowing Policy An individual blows the whistle when they report or expose wrongdoing to another individual within their business or they report it externally,...
Guide to Creating a UK Equal Opportunities Policy
SHAREThis Insight is #12 in our Employment Handbook series, keep an eye out for more. As a matter of law, UK employers must give employees employment contracts which cover the key terms of the employment relationship. As a matter of good practice,...
Sickness Absence Policies
SHAREThis Insight is #11 in our Employment Handbook series, keep an eye out for more.Sickness Absence Policy Both long-term and short-term sickness absence can be very disruptive to a business, and they can adversely affect productivity. Although...
Hybrid Remote Working Policy for Office and Home Work
SHAREThis Insight is #10 in our Employment Handbook series, keep an eye out for more.Hybrid Working Policy: A Guide for Employers Hybrid working is when an employee splits their work time between working remotely and working at the office.Is Hybrid...
Homeworking Policy – Options as an Employer or Employee
SHAREThis Insight is #9 in our Employment Handbook series, keep an eye out for more.Homeworking Policy Homeworking is a type of flexible working which, depending on the agreement between employer and employee, can be also used in conjunction with...
Employee Holiday Policies
SHAREThis Insight is #8 in our Employment Handbook series, keep an eye out for more.Holidays Policy Employers aren’t required by law to have a Holidays Policy, but it’s a good idea for employers of all sizes to have such a policy. The holidays law...
Grievance Procedure UK: Guide for Employers
SHAREThis Insight is #7 in our Employment Handbook series, keep an eye out for more. Companies in the UK need a grievance procedure should anything unfair happen in the workplace. This article explains what employers need to know about Grievance...
Flexible Working Policy: Helpful Employer’s Guide
SHAREThis Insight is #6 in our Employment Handbook series, keep an eye out for more.Flexible Working Policy in the UK: A Guide for Employers Flexible working is an arrangement that benefits an employee’s needs, such as having flexible start and...
UK Company Dress Code Policy
SHAREThis Insight is #5 in our Employment Handbook series, keep an eye out for more. Although a dress code policy is not required by law for UK companies, it’s good practice to create policies that may save a dispute from arising, or just simply to...
Compassionate Leave Entitlement
SHAREThis Insight is #4 in our Employment Handbook series, keep an eye out for more.Understanding Compassionate Leave Entitlement as an Employer and EmployeeWhat is Compassionate Leave? Compassionate leave is when an employee takes time off work in...
Creating a Company Expense Policy in the UK
SHAREThis Insight is #3 in our Employment Handbook series, keep an eye out for more. A company expenses policy is advisable for UK businesses that need to reimburse employees that pay out of pocket for business related goodies, but what is paid for...
Anti-corruption and Bribery Policies
SHAREThis Insight is #2 in our Employment Handbook series, keep an eye out for more.Anti-corruption and Bribery Policy It’s illegal for employers and their employees to accept or make gifts, payments or incentives to gain extra business. Business...
Adverse Weather & Travel Disruption Policy
SHAREThis Insight is #1 in our Employment Handbook series, keep an eye out for more. Winter weather can cause major travel disruptions, which might prevent employees getting to work. There can also be other situations that cause disruption, such as...
Mutual Wills – what are they and why you might want to avoid them like the plague.
SHAREFor more information about Mutual Wills and why you might want to avoid them get in touch with our Private Client team today.Not to be confused, as they often are, with ‘mirror’ or ‘similar’ Wills, mutual Wills create a binding agreement between...
Trust Registration Service Guidance & HMRC Updates – What you need to know
SHAREWhat is the Trust Registration Service?The Trust Registration Service (TRS) is an online service for trustees, or their agents (e.g. accountants or solicitors) to provide information to HMRC about their trusts. The register is the government’s...
What happens to your debts when you die?
SHAREThere are many misconceptions about debt and inheritance. It’s not correct that when a person dies, their debts die with them or that their family members are responsible for paying their debts. When someone dies their debts are normally paid...
Marriage or Cohabitation? The Legal Difference
SHARECohabitation, or living together without being married, is becoming increasingly more common in the United Kingdom. There are a number of legal differences between the two, which can have a significant impact on both parties involved. Here we...
Can I use a Lasting Power of Attorney abroad?
SHAREThe world is a lot smaller than it once was, thanks primarily to rapid technological advances – for one, communication is now lightning quick. In this more international society, many individuals are now more likely to have some form of asset in...
Securing your Digital Afterlife
SHAREWe all like photos and for over 100 years they’ve served to preserve those poignant moments and important memories. While things may have moved on considerably technology wise, photos continue to play a huge sentimental role in our lives. We...
Our Whiting Street Branch is Now Open!
SHARE An office in the heart of Bury St Edmunds We’re proud to announce that we’ve recently opened another office in the heart of Bury St. Edmunds on Whiting Street. Some might say its excessive to have two offices in Bury St. Edmunds but we wanted...
A Guide to Estate Planning & Will Options for Blended Families
SHAREFor more information about Estate Planning for Blended Families get in touch with our Private client team today on 01284 767766.Estate Planning for Blended Families Navigating your new start as a blended family can be an exciting time - though...
Who is Entitled to See a Copy of a Will?
SHAREFor more information about who is entitled to see your Will get in touch with our Private Client team on 01284 767766.Who is Entitled to See a Copy of a Will? Wills are a legal way to ensure that your estate is distributed according with the...
Leaving a Gift to Charity in Your Will
SHAREFor more information about leaving a gift to charity in your Will get in touch with our Private Client team today on 01284 767766Leaving a charitable legacy in your Will is becoming more popular, with 19% of UK charity donors choosing to leave a...
What happens to my Digital Assets if I die?
SHARENow, more than ever before, life is captured and stored in and across various digital assets - from social media accounts to email accounts, photo storage accounts and more. But what happens to those digital files and assets when you die? For...
How to Appoint a Guardian for my Child if I Die – UK Guide
SHAREOne of the most important things to include in your Will is who to appoint as Guardian for your children if you die. It’s much better for the parents to decide than a Court. For more information contact our Private Client team today on 01284...
Remote Witnessing of Wills
SHAREFor more information about the changes made to your options when creating a Will get in touch with our Private Client Team today on 01284 767766.Remote witnessing of Wills has been extended until 31st January 2024 – but was it necessary? Zoom,...
Parents and Children – Distribution of Money
SHAREFor more information on how your money will be distributed when you die get in touch with our Private Client team today on 01284 767766.Death, taxes – you know the rest. You need to consider what happens once you've gone – what happens to the...
Who gets the kids when we’re gone?
SHAREFor more information on who will raise your children should you die get in touch with our Private Client team today on 01284 767766.Nearly two-thirds of adults don’t have a Will – this can mean when you die, your property and money could end up...
A Good Divorce?
SHAREFor more information on how to best to accomplish having a ‘Good Divorce’, get in touch with our Family & Relationships team today on 01284 767766.Each year Resolution, a national family law association committed to promoting amicable...
Helping children in a relationship breakdown
SHAREFor more information on how to help children navigate the breakdown of your relationship, get in touch with our Family & Relationships team today on 01284 767766.Some suggestions for supporting children through divorce or relationship breakdown...
Living Together Myths
SHAREFor more information on the facts and myths about co-habitation get in touch with our team today on 01284 767766. We have offices in Bury St. Edmunds, Sudbury and London and would love to give you the clarity and understanding you need.According...
Blended Families
SHAREFor more information on how to overcome the difficulties of ‘blended’ families, get in touch with our Family & Relationships team today on 01284 767 766‘Blended’ families are becoming increasingly common as couples who have children from...
Parenting Apart – Christina McGhee, Book Review
SHARETo find out more about the benefits of reading Parenting Apart when going through a separation contact our Family & Relationships team on 01284 767 766Christina McGhee’s book offers sensible, child focussed, and neutral advice on all aspects...
No fault divorce – a major change in Divorce Law
SHAREFor more information about how the no-fault divorce law will affect the way divorces will proceed, contact our Family & Relationships team today on 01284 767 766In April 2022 the law on divorce is changing radically. At the moment, to get a...
Getting Married – Intended or unintended consequences
SHAREFor more information about the legal consequences of getting married contact our Family & Relationship team today on 01284 767 766If you and/or your partner own a house, marriage can have long term implications for ownership. Married couples...
Are you ever too young to make a Will?
SHAREFor more information on the benefits of having a Will contact our Private Client team today on 01284 767 766Today I saw a 24 year old client who came into the office to sign her Will and she told me that when she had mentioned to her friends...
Changes to reporting Inheritance Tax to HMRC – making Probate easier?
SHAREFor more information and support on the new legislation regarding Inheritance Tax get in touch with our Private Client team today on 01284 767766.In January 2022 new legislation came into effect which the government says will give most people...
How to recover a trade debt
SHAREFor more information on how we can support you in the recovery of a trade debt contact our company commercial Law team today on 01284 767766.Most, if not all, businesses will need to pursue an unpaid invoice at some time. This checklist...
Lasting Powers of Attorney (LPAs)
SHAREBe in control of what happens to you. Want to create a Lasting Power of Attorney? Contact our Private Client team today to arrange a no charge consultation 01284 767766.An LPA is a legal document that lets you (the ‘donor’) appoint one or more...
Business Lasting Powers of Attorney
SHAREMitigating disruption and crisis management We’d recommend always having a contingency plan in place especially when considering business assets. Should you ever be in a situation where you can’t make important decisions who have you appointed...
Company Formation
SHARECompany formation or company registration is the process of incorporating your new company with Companies House. Completing this process means your business becomes an independent legal entity. This means the company will be seen as separate...
Living Together Agreements
SHARECohabiting CouplesFor more information on how to create a Living Together or Cohabitation Agreement and your options contact our Family and Relationships team today to arrange an initial consultation 01284 767766.What is a living together...
Advanced Statements and Decisions
SHAREDocumenting your wishesIf you would like more information on how you can ensure your wishes are followed should anything happen, contact our Private Client team for an initial consultation on 01284 767766.What is an Advance Decision? An Advance...
Prenuptial Agreements
SHAREWhy everyone should have oneWe recommend everyone entering into a prenuptial agreement before entering into a marriage or civil partnership. For more information on how to create the right agreement for you and your partner contact our Family...
Selling a Business
SHARELegal issues to consider This checklist sets out the legal issues to consider when selling a business. You should always take legal advice at the start of any sale. If you would like further advice on selling a business and the process or...
Inheritance (Provision for Family and Dependants) Act 1975
SHAREProvision for Family and DependantsAs a general principle, under English and Welsh law, you can leave your property to whomever you wish after you die. However, the Inheritance (Provision for Family and Dependants) Act 1975 provides that the...
Family and Divorce Collaborative Law
SHARETo find out more on the services available to you when negotiating to details of a divorce or separation contact our Family and relationships team today on 01284 767 766If you and your partner are separated, it can often be very difficult to...
Forget about the house, who gets the dog? – Who keeps the pets on divorce?
SHAREFor more information on the divorce process contact our Family and Relationships team today and book a consultation on 01284 767766Pets have long since been part of families all over the country and so it is unsurprising to hear that more and...
Tenant and Landlord Break Clauses
SHARECommercial PropertyFor more information on commercial property leases and your options as a Landlord or Tenant, contact our Commercial Property Law team today on 01284 767766.Break clauses in leases… What is a break clause? A break clause can be...
What is the cost of moving home?
SHAREWhether you’re buying your first or dream home, for more information on the costs associated with buying or selling contact our Conveyancing team today on 01284 767 766Buying a Property When buying a home, the standard costs you can expect to...
Contract Negotiations: Key Issues
SHAREContract Negotiation ChecklistOur Business Law team have experience dealing with complex commercial contracts and negotiations. Contact our team today to discuss your situation in more detail on 01284 767766.This checklist highlights the key...
Protect your future! Why you need a Financial Order on divorce
SHAREFor more information and support on the financial side of your divorce arrange a consultation with our Family and Relationships team today on 01284 767 766It is a common misconception of parties who are divorcing that once the Decree Absolute is...
Quick guide to settlement agreements for employees
SHAREMy employer wants me to enter a settlement agreement, what should I expect?If you’ve just been given a settlement agreement or you think you might get one shortly, then don’t hesitate to call our HR and Employment Law team on 01284 767766 for a...
Pensions and Divorce Guide
SHAREPension sharing on divorce Pensions are a very important part of any financial settlement. If you have questions regarding your finances and how they will be affected during divorce proceedings. Contact our Family and Relationships team on 01284...
A Quick Guide to Disciplinaries
SHAREIf you have a difficult situation and you think you may need to discipline an employee, then don’t hesitate to call our HR and Employment Law team on 01284 767766 for a chat and some guidance. In the meantime, you can read the following useful...
Guide to Making a Will
SHAREWe believe everyone should have a Will. We have created our own Wills preparation system making the process easier for our clients. Our team offer Wills and Probate services across Suffolk, Norfolk, Cambridgeshire and Essex. We are experienced...
Purchasing a Property in Joint Names
SHAREAre you thinking of purchasing a property in joint names?If you would like legal advice on any Residential Conveyancing matter you can arrange a no obligation consultation with our Residential Conveyancing Team today on 01284 767 766.If you are...
Employee use of Social Media
SHARESocial Media Policy ChecklistYour employees can really help your business and raise your profile by posting on social media. But they can also have a negative impact on your brand if you’re not careful. If you have any queries about your...
Quick Guide to Managing Sickness Absence
SHAREIf you have a challenge with an employee on sickness absence, or if you think one may be looming then don’t hesitate to call our HR and Employment Law team on 01284 767766 for a chat and some guidance. You might find the following a useful...
A Quick Guide to Investigations
SHARECarrying out an internal investigationIf you have a difficult situation and you think you might need to investigate an employee’s misconduct, then don’t hesitate to call our HR and Employment Law team on 01284 767766 for a chat and some...
Trading Entities – What Should You Be?
SHAREIf you have started or considering starting a business and would like to discuss your options in greater detail, do not hesitate to contact our Business Law team today and arrange a consultation on 01284 767766.Starting a business can be a...
Intestacy Rules
SHAREWhat happens if I die without a Will?Don’t leave it to chance, for more information on creating the right Will which protects your final wishes contact our team and avoid the consequences of intestacy on 01284 767766.If you die without leaving a...
Breaching Terms of a Consent Order
SHAREMatrimonial FinancesHas my ex breached the Consent Order? As soon as an Order has been approved and sealed by a Judge it becomes legally binding on both you and your ex and you should both comply with the terms of the Order. This includes...
Recruitment Checklist for Employers
SHAREIt’s in the best interest of your company to have a clear recruitment or equality policy so you and your staff can follow the policy as set. If you have a recruitment or equality policy and you want to deviate from it, then you’ll need to be...
Inheritance Tax and Tax Efficient Wills
SHAREMaking the most of your EstateInheritance Tax legislation is constantly changing and it is as important as ever to ensure that your loved ones are adequately provided for in your Will. Making a Will can help to ensure that your estate pays as...
Quick guide to settlement agreements for employers
SHAREWhat should I think about before I offer a settlement agreement?Many employers use settlement agreements to settle disputes and wrap up the legal aspects of ending an employee’s employment by negotiation. Using a settlement agreement will allow...
Quick guide to dealing with flexible working requests
SHAREManaging Flexible Working Requests as an Employer Here is our simple guide to help you understand the law when it comes to flexible working requests from one of your employees in the workplace.Who can make a request a Flexible Work Request? Any...
Accredited Wills and Probate Solicitors
SHAREProud members of The Law Society’s Wills and Inheritance Quality Scheme (WIQS) We’re delighted to be an accredited member of The Law Society’s Wills and Inheritance Quality Scheme (WIQS). This scheme ensures we follow best practices and...
Quality Assured Conveyancers
SHAREProud members of The Law Society's Conveyancing Quality SchemeWe’re proud members of The Law Society’s Conveyancing Quality Scheme (CQS). This scheme acknowledges firms who achieve the quality standard for delivering residential conveyancing...
We are Resolution Solicitors
SHARECommitted to conflict reductionAs Resolution Solicitors we’re part of a community committed to supporting separating families and individuals to resolve issues in a constructive way. Reducing confrontation within family law issues allowing for...
Temporary right to work checks coming to an end
SHAREQuick Guide for employers to carrying out right to work checksIt’s unlawful for you to employ someone who doesn’t have the right to live and work in the UK. So, before you take anyone on you must carry out the required checks. If you do employ...
Sudbury office now open
SHAREBringing Atkins Dellow services to another town centreIf you’ve been in Sudbury you may have noticed our most recent office and meeting centre opening at 2 Friars Street. Despite the tendency for shops to close on local high streets we’re...
Important Notice: Staying COVID-19 Secure
SHARENotice to All VisitorsTo comply with the government’s guidance on managing the risk of COVID-19 please adhere to the following procedures: Please don’t enter our offices if you have any of the main Covid-19 symptoms: A high temperatureThis means...
Domestic Abuse: What are your options?
SHAREA surge in domestic abuse cases during lockdownIf you believe you are in immediate danger, and you are able to, you should call 999 for police assistance. If you have called 999 and are unable to speak for whatever reason, dial 55 on your...
Test Insight October
H2 Title: Social Media Accounts Paragraph: From a social media perspective, it’s fortunate that many of the ‘big hitters’ in the tech market –Google, Apple, Facebook to name a few – allow you to plan your digital post-death affairs, allowing you to control what...