Will a previous case be binding on me?
Legal precedent is a legal principle that means the previous judgements made by courts are binding on subsequent cases. It is an important part of the development of the common law within the UK. A solicitor can explain how this area of civil law and criminal law could impact on any case you are involved [...]
Filed under General legal information, August 18th, 2010When can you sue someone for defamation?
Defamation occurs when a person’s reputation has been threatened or damaged because an untrue statement about them has been communicated to a third party. The statement must be capable of lowering the person concerned in the estimation of ‘right thinking people’. An insult is not sufficient to be classed as defamation. A person can be [...]
Filed under Disputes, August 18th, 2010What tax laws may be relevant to my estate?
The main area of tax law that applies to a deceased’s estate is the Inheritance Tax Act 1984. Inheritance tax is a tax that is payable on the death of a person who has left an estate that is valued over the inheritance tax threshold. The inheritance tax threshold for 2009/2010 is £325,000. This means [...]
Filed under Tax law, August 18th, 2010What rights do I have against creditors harassing me?
The Office of Fair Trading (OFT) issue Consumer Credit Licences to businesses that lend money to consumers. This is in accordance with civil law. The OFT also issues guidelines on fair and unfair practices, including guidelines for debt collection. If a business is found by the OFT to be using unfair practices in debt collection, [...]
Filed under Debt and insolvency, August 18th, 2010What legal and tax matters does a self-employed person have to consider?
A self-employed person has many legal matters to consider during both the set-up and running of their business. Firstly, they must determine which legal framework is the most suitable for their business. A self-employed person can operate as a sole trader or within a partnership. They may also create their own limited liability company. The [...]
Filed under Employment law, August 18th, 2010What laws protect me from repossession?
The recent economic downturn has led an increase in the number of people unable to maintain their mortgage repayments on their homes. This has led to an increase in the number of home repossessions. Lenders have the right to repossess a home if you have defaulted on your mortgage repayments.
Filed under Property law, August 18th, 2010What laws govern asylum seekers?
The term ‘asylum seeker’ applies to person who has applied for refugee status with the UK Border Agency (UKBA) and is awaiting their decision. Solicitors should be appointed to manage the application being made to the UKBA. A person will be granted refugee status if the definition in the 1951 UN Convention Relating to the [...]
Filed under Nationality and migration, August 18th, 2010What is the law regarding care of children following a relationship breakdown?
There are a number of issues regarding the care of children following a relationship breakdown. These include where the children will live, how much contact the non-resident parent will have, and how the financial responsibility of caring for the children will be covered by the parents. The overriding law that covers all the issues is [...]
Filed under Family law, August 18th, 2010What is the hierarchy of the UK Court system?
The hierarchy of the court system has been established so that the majority of cases are heard in the lower courts, with only appeals on important points of law and public interest being heard in the higher courts. Legal advice should be obtained to ensure the right court hears any given case.
Filed under The court system, August 18th, 2010