Monthly Archives: March 2023

Associate dentist contracts must be reviewed before April 2023

Posted on 23/03/2023 by Ben Ironmonger

Historically, it has generally been accepted that associate dentists are virtually always self-employed. However, HMRC have withdrawn their guidance on associate dentists’ self-employment status, making it more important than ever to ensure that the correct associate dentist contract is in place and that the reality reflects the contract. From April 2023, each dental associate’s tax status will be considered on a case-by-case basis. Factors that will be considered centre around control, but include whether the associate can exercise sufficient clinical freedoms, whether they have to do all the work themselves or can engage hygienists, therapists or locums as appropriate, and how much freedom they have to choose their own hours worked. HMRC have confirmed that they will not be using the withdrawal of the guidance as a reason to open retrospective enquiries into periods prior to 6 April 2023, and … Continue reading →

Posted in Employment Law, Healthcare, Scott Bailey News | Tagged , , , | Leave a comment

DIY divorce: what could go wrong?

Posted on 13/03/2023 by Caroline Newton

You will no doubt have heard about the new no fault divorce process which has thankfully replaced the old system which required one spouse to commence proceedings by apportioning blame – hardly conducive to keeping things amicable! The new process is far more straightforward, with neither spouse having to be named as the party responsible for the breakdown of the marriage. The system is now fully accessible online via the gov.uk portal. Many couples are opting to go it alone with a DIY divorce and are now even able to apply together. Separating couples working together through this difficult time is without doubt a positive step, but it is still crucial to take advice from a solicitor right from the outset. Although the divorce process itself may be simple, dealing with the finances tends to be more complicated, and unless … Continue reading →

Posted in Divorce and Separation | Leave a comment

What is Independent Legal Advice, and why do I need it? 

Posted on 03/03/2023 by Ben Ironmonger

An individual client is often required to obtain independent legal advice (or “ILA”), from an independent legal adviser, in respect of their transaction documents. Usually, the solicitor, legal executive or licensed conveyancer, will provide a signed certificate stating when and where they provided the impartial advice. If a dispute arises regarding the documentation, the solicitor may be called upon to confirm that independent advice was provided and the correct process was followed. Increasingly, some law firms don’t want to provide independent legal advice to clients, often seeing it as a hinderance, but we are happy to help. Why do I need independent legal advice? If you have ever read through a mortgage document, you will know that the lender has serious powers in terms of what it can do if payments are not received as and when they are due. … Continue reading →

Posted in Corporate and Commercial, Property | Tagged , , | Leave a comment