News
What is the process for a successful debt recovery claim?
By Mariyam Ferreira 19/10/2020 10:36
Debt recovery can be exhausting when your debtor is showing no signs of repayment. In a few cases, taking legal action becomes necessary. If this is what you want to do, consider the following: Steps to take prior to taking legal action Have a polite yet firm conversation in person with the debtor. At […]
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The Affect of Stamp Duty Holiday on the Market
By Katey Bentley 14/10/2020 09:57
On July 8th 2020, Chancellor Rishi Sunak announced that the stamp duty threshold will be raised from £125,000 to £500,000 until March 31st 2021. What is stamp duty? When you buy a house or a piece of land in the UK, you are required to pay stamp duty, which is a percentage of the […]
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How can I get deputyship over my wife’s finances?
By Kuljit Lally 12/10/2020 15:27
If your wife is not in a position to make financial decisions and there is no power of attorney in place, you must apply to the Court of Protection for deputyship over her finances. Only if you are appointed as a deputy by the court, you get legal authority to manage her finances. You cannot […]
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Steps you should take when someone dies and leaves a Will
By Mariyam Ferreira 12/10/2020 11:57
Steps you should take when someone dies and leaves a will When someone dies leaving a will, the executor of the will becomes responsible for administering the assets of the deceased. The deceased individual, through his will, appoints one or more individuals to serve as executor. If you have been appointed as executor, you need […]
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Can I leave my will to a friend?
By Mariyam Ferreira 05/10/2020 16:29
In many countries around the world, the law requires a person to leave his property, or at least a portion of it, to family members and relatives who survive him. But in England and Wales, such as “forced heirship rules” do not exist. An individual can make his own decision about who must inherit his […]
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Should I go for Start-Up Visa or Innovator Visa?
By Mariyam Ferreira 02/10/2020 16:43
Many people immigrate to the UK looking to start a business. In March of 2019, business immigration in the UK underwent a significant change. The Tier 1 Entrepreneur Visa was replaced with two new visas – Innovator Visa and Start-up Visa. After the change took place, many immigrants who were on the Tier 1 Entrepreneur Visa […]
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When can an executor be removed?
By Mariyam Ferreira 14/09/2020 11:16
An executor is a person responsible for the administering of the property, possessions, and money of a deceased individual. He is appointed through a will written by the deceased individual prior to his death. The responsibilities of an executor include: Arranging for the funeral Making sure all the wishes of the deceased are respected Administering […]
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Corporate Insolvency and Governance Act 2020
By Mariyam Ferreira 09/09/2020 14:00
In what’s being heralded as one of the most significant insolvency reforms in decades, the UK government has thrown many thousands of struggling businesses a lifeline. Officially entered into force on 26 June 2020, the Corporate Insolvency and Governance Act 2020 has brought about the most sweeping changes to the UK’s insolvency framework since the […]
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Six-Month Mandatory Eviction Notice Extended Until March 31 2021
By Katey Bentley 01/09/2020 14:41
Housing Secretary Robert Jenrick has announced an extension to legal protections for private tenants in the UK for an additional four weeks. The requirement for landlords to provide six-month eviction notice periods – introduced to protect tenants affected by the COVID-19 crisis – will now continue until March 31, 2021, at the earliest. This means […]
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Additional Enquiries by Conveyancers: The Importance of Honesty
By Katey Bentley 26/08/2020 15:44
Whether you are thinking about selling your property or in the midst of a property transaction, the prospect as a whole can be quite daunting. Particularly when the administrative side of the sale gets underway – the complexity of which never fails to take first-time sellers by surprise. Selling a home in the UK involves […]
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Marriage of Non-British Citizens
By Mariyam Ferreira 21/08/2020 13:54
If you are subject to immigration control while in the UK and you intend to get married, you will need to ensure all applicable rules as outlined by the Home Office are followed. You will need to give notice of a civil partnership or marriage and fulfil the following requirements: If you are already in […]
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Details of Future Fund Initiative Confirmed by the Government
By Mariyam Ferreira 19/08/2020 13:46
Following the publication of initial details earlier in the year, the Future Fund was officially launched by the UK government on May 20. A new initiative targeting new businesses and start-ups struggling to access other types of government relief, the Future Fund is an investor-backed scheme open to all businesses that meet the eligibility criteria. […]
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New Health and Care Visa Pathway Introduced, to Attract the ‘Best and Brightest’ from Abroad
By Mariyam Ferreira 17/08/2020 14:31
The UK government has announced the introduction of the new legislation for foreign health and care workers looking to work and settle in the UK. Confirmed in a joint statement by the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care and the Home Secretary, the new ‘Health and Care Visa’ pathway is set to go […]
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Home Office Confirms Reduced Tier 2 Health Worker Visa Costs
By Mariyam Ferreira 13/08/2020 10:48
With no indication as to whether or not the alteration will be permanent, the Home Office has confirmed a significant reduction in Tier 2 Health Worker visa costs. Effective as of August 4, the reduction has slashed hundreds of pounds off the usual costs of immigration and nationality fees for applications, which stand to save […]
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Home Office Bereavement Scheme Extended to All NHS Support Staff
By Mariyam Ferreira 07/08/2020 15:22
The UK government has announced an extension to a recently introduced support scheme for the families of overseas NHS staff, who lost their lives to Covid-19. Known as the Home Office Bereavement Scheme, the initiative automatically grants indefinite leave to remain to those who have lost family members to Covid-19 while working for the NHS. […]
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Buying a Home? Joint Tenants vs Tenants in Common
By Katey Bentley 05/08/2020 11:42
When two or more people make the decision to purchase a property together, they may choose to buy the home as ‘joint tenants’ or ‘tenants in common’. But what are the main differences between these two property purchase pathways? Joint Tenants Purchasing a home with one or more other people as joint tenants mean that […]
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The Phased Re-Opening of UK Visa Application Centres
By Mariyam Ferreira 24/07/2020 15:16
Note: The Home Office is expected to make additional updates to its information and advice released to date, therefore the information in this post is also subject to change. If you would like to discuss any aspect of UK visa applications and related policy in more detail, book your obligation-free consultation with Aristone Solicitors today. […]
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Contesting a Will During the Covid-19 Crisis
By Kuljit Lally 13/05/2020 12:27
Being left out of a deceased person’s will is always a difficult and sensitive issue. The same also applies to circumstances where you or any other beneficiaries feel they have not been allocated as much as they are entitled to. Contesting a will can be complex and challenging at the best of times, though is […]
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Contentious Probate During the Covid-19 Crisis
By Kuljit Lally 07/05/2020 17:23
The Covid-19 crisis has brought with it unprecedented uncertainty and challenges for families up and down the UK. One of which being the extremely sensitive issue of handling the administration of a deceased individual’s estate, having lost their life suddenly and unexpectedly to this terrible disease. Now more than ever, it is important to understand […]
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Visa Options for Foreign Entrepreneurs Starting Business in the UK
By Mariyam Ferreira 01/05/2020 13:18
As of March 2019, the Tier 1 (Entrepreneur) visa program was officially closed. In its place, two new immigration schemes were established — Innovator and Start-up — both of which involve the challenge of receiving an official endorsement from a recognised UK body. Now more than ever, ensuring you fully understand the requirements of the new UK Innovator Visa […]
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UK Innovator Visa Overview and Eligibility
By Mariyam Ferreira 21/04/2020 15:56
The UK Innovator Visa is a special category of visa introduced for experienced professionals and entrepreneurs looking to establish innovative businesses in the UK. A minimum investment of £50,000 is required under the scheme, alongside endorsement from an officially recognised body. Obtaining endorsement is often the most challenging part of the process – call Aristone […]
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Property Owners Warned to Prepare for ‘Game-Changing’ Second Property Tax Changes.
By Katey Bentley 15/04/2020 14:39
A leading solicitor at one of the UK’s longest-established law firms has issued a stark warning to property owners, for whom a new ‘game-changing’ second property tax policy could have severe repercussions. In a press release issued by MFG Solicitors, Gary Priest spoke of the potential implications of the government’s imminent Private Residential Relief overhaul, […]
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Measures to protect renters affected by coronavirus (COVID-19) – The Coronavirus Act 2020
By Katey Bentley 09/04/2020 16:28
The government has brought forward a new measure due to outbreak of Coronavirus which means that landlords will have to give all tenants three months’ notice if they intend to seek possession. This protection covers most tenants in the private and social rented sectors in England and Wales, and all grounds of evictions. The guideline confirms […]
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Domestic Abuse Perpetrator Programmes
By Kuljit Lally 06/04/2020 15:31
Aristone Solicitors offer professional consultancy for individuals considering taking part in Domestic Abuse Perpetrator Programmes (DAPP). If you have any questions or concerns regarding your eligibility or would like to discuss DAPPs in more detail, please contact Aristone Solicitors for an obligation-free initial consultation. What Are Domestic Abuse Perpetrator Programmes (DAPP)? Organised by a variety […]
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Writing a Will: Considerations in Times of Crisis
By Mariyam Ferreira 30/03/2020 12:17
As the world comes to terms with the potential implications of Covid-19, many are finding themselves forced to ask a number of difficult questions. It can seem as if there is never a ‘good’ time to think about preparing a final will and testament, though preparing for all possible eventualities is important. Ensuring you prepare […]
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Mirror Wills: A Brief Introduction
By Mariyam Ferreira 04/03/2020 18:38
Research suggests that more than 50% of the adult population in the UK either doesn’t have a will or doesn’t understand the importance of writing one. Unfortunately, failure to leave a valid, accurate and detailed will can lead to disastrous consequences for friends and family members. Interest in will writing services and related legal support […]
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The Benefits of Family Mediation
By Kuljit Lally 26/02/2020 14:30
Nobody would choose to be in a position where family mediation is necessary. Difficult and sensitive discussions are never particularly pleasant, though are often necessary to bring important issues to a fair and amicable resolution. Approached sensitively and proactively, family mediation can be beneficial in a number of ways. Particularly when compared to the alternative […]
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The Family Mediation Process: How it Works
By Kuljit Lally 19/02/2020 14:37
Most family legal teams support mediation as an alternative to court intervention. Or at least, as a starting point to attempt to reach a mutually amicable resolution for all involved. The vast majority of family disputes can be addressed through communication and the involvement of impartial legal advisers. From inheritance disputes to contentious probate to […]
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Choosing a Solicitor: Trust Vs Price
By Mariyam Ferreira 12/02/2020 13:26
It’s natural for clients seeking legal advice to factor costs into their considerations. Ensuring you can afford the legal support you need is important, but so too is choosing a solicitor you can trust. In fact, the results of a new study suggest that trust and reputation are of greater importance to clients than costs, […]
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The Three Biggest Benefits of Professional Debt Recovery
By Mariyam Ferreira 05/02/2020 15:19
Irrespective of the size of the business, unpaid invoices can have a huge impact of cash flow. Incredibly, research suggests that approximately 70% of all invoices are not paid on time. Even if payment is made just a few days late, it can add up to a significant administrative and financial cost for the business. […]
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Debt Recovery: Useful Guidelines for Successful Collections
By Mariyam Ferreira 29/01/2020 14:15
Debt collections are far from rare in the modern business world. If anything, they’re a staple part of the business landscape there’s no getting away from. In fact, research suggests that the vast majority of established businesses are now forced to chase more unpaid invoices and general debts on a daily basis than ever before. […]
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Insurance Claim Disputes: When Insurers Refuse to Pay
By Mariyam Ferreira 20/01/2020 14:28
Insurance exists to ensure essential financial support is provided when life takes an unexpected turn. Health insurance, travel insurance, life insurance, car insurance – all forms of insurance serve an important purpose in their own right. Unfortunately, insurance companies aren’t always as understanding and empathetic as they could be. This is because at its heart, […]
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Five Useful Tips for Preparing an Effective Will
By Mariyam Ferreira 13/01/2020 14:54
Drafting a will isn’t a particularly enjoyable task. Precisely why more than 40% of adults aged 55 and over in the United Kingdom don’t have one. Nevertheless, formalising the allocation of your assets in the event of your death is one of the most important things anyone will do during their lifetime. What many overlook […]
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Grounds for Contesting a Will: Do You Have a Case?
By Mariyam Ferreira 23/12/2019 14:17
Contesting a will can be a complex and unsettling process at the best of times. However, the most important step towards successfully contesting a will is establishing whether or not you have a valid case in the first place. By law, a final will and testament must represent a clear, complete and valid account of […]
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Contesting a Will: Five Facts You Need to Know
By Mariyam Ferreira 16/12/2019 15:21
Losing a loved one can be an especially challenging time in life. Unfortunately, legal quarrels and disputes following bereavement are far from uncommon. To discover that you have been excluded from a will or allocated less than you were entitled to can be upsetting and infuriating. You may also find yourself in a situation where […]
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What Is Medical Malpractice?
By Mariyam Ferreira 09/12/2019 14:39
In the wake of a surgical procedure of any kind, the last thing most people want is a heated courtroom confrontation. Unfortunately, everyone makes mistakes – doctors and surgeons being no exceptions to the rule. Astonishingly, a recent Johns Hopkins study determined that medical mistakes and malpractice are the third most common cause of premature […]
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British Business Travellers Face No Deal Brexit Chaos
By Mariyam Ferreira 08/10/2019 12:00
While Boris Johnson flexes his ministerial muscle (to little avail) in the House of Commons, British businesses are already feeling the impact of Brexit. Particularly the potential consequences of crashing out of the EU without a deal, which a small contingency of hardliners still seem to think is a good idea. The whole “No Deal, […]
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Government Seeks to Abolish S21 No-Fault Eviction Notices
By Katey Bentley 18/09/2019 11:42
In what the government itself has named “the biggest change to the privaterental sector for a generation”, we could be soon looking at the abolishment of “no-fault evictions” under Section 21 of the Housing Act 1988. A move that could spell bad news for landlords, though has been touted as beneficial for tenants across the […]
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Boris Johnson Backtracks on Immigration Promises
By Mariyam Ferreira 11/09/2019 14:47
If Boris Johnson gets his way, the UK will crash out of the EU on October 31 without a deal. He continues to talk of his ‘preference’ of striking a new deal with the EU, but negotiators in Brussels have made it clear this simply isn’t going to happen. The only deal available was offered […]
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Tenant Fees Act 2019 - A Brief Summary
By Katey Bentley 22/07/2019 12:50
Officially brought into force as of June 1st , the Tenant Fees Act has wide-reaching ramifications for both landlords and letting agents across the United Kingdom. The Act isn’t especially long, but nonetheless contains a series of extensive updates and overhauls to existing policy. Specifically, landlords and letting agents face new rules on omitted payments, […]
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