Tag Archives: Personal

Houseboat ownership: a legal guide

Across the UK, but particularly in the vibrant hub of London where property prices soar and availability dwindles, the prospect of living on a houseboat may beckon to those in pursuit of an affordable and distinctive lifestyle. Before navigating the waters of this increasingly trendy housing option, potential buyers should acquaint themselves with the legal intricacies associated with houseboat ownership. The Boat Ranging from purpose-built vessels to ingeniously repurposed barges or motorised crafts, it’s fair to say that boats you can live on come in a range of shapes and sizes. Many traditional houseboats have no self-propulsion, so buyers must think carefully about the hassle of moving a houseboat, if required, as costs will rack up! Houseboat Moorings To live on a boat full-time, you need to be either “continuously cruising” or have a “residential mooring”. Securing a suitable mooring … Continue reading

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Dementia Action Week

Dementia Action Week is an awareness campaign to stop the dismissal of dementia symptoms, such as memory loss, as being ‘just part of the ageing process’.  This misconception results in fewer people taking these symptoms seriously and seeking timely help. Dementia is caused by a number of diseases that affect the brain, with the most common type being Alzheimer’s. The various types of dementia can affect the brain in different ways, making a diagnosis incredibly important as the progression of dementia can be unique to each individual.    There is an estimated 850,000 people in the UK living with a form of dementia, with symptoms including; memory loss, confusion and changes in mood and vision. There is a misconception that the condition is only prevalent in those of an older age, however it can affect people of any age, with at least … Continue reading

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Tenants in common versus joint tenants: what does it mean when a solicitor asks how you want to own a property?

When buying a residential or a commercial property with another person, how the parties determine the ownership is very important, and it is therefore vital to have an understanding of the different options available. There are two options that need to be considered: They are slightly confusing terms, as many people (particularly first-time residential buyers) may normally associate the word “tenant” with someone who is renting a property. The main reason to be clear on which option you choose is because it may well determine what happens to the property if one of the owners dies, or (if you are an unmarried couple) you separate. Part of the consideration should also centre around how much each party is contributing to the purchase. Do you wish for this share to be reflected moving forward? Tenants in common Tenants in common is … Continue reading

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“Megxit” and mediation

You may feel that quite enough has been said about the current travails of the Royal family.  None of us are ever likely to know the real truth behind the recent developments but we can all feel sympathy for the position the Queen is facing. When any family relationship breaks down, the ripples are likely to be felt by the extended family. Their Royal status cannot protect them from the hurt and fallout of this situation. This may not be a divorce in the conventional sense but clearly Harry and Meghan are looking for at least a separation if not a divorce from “the Firm” as it is often called. Let’s not forget Archie. Having a loving extended family is important for all children – however blue-blooded. One would hope that there will be some cool heads at any meeting. … Continue reading

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New Year Resolution

We can be pretty confident that putting your legal affairs in order rarely features in any list of the most popular New Year resolutions. But sorting out the future security for you and your family is likely to be of greater long term benefit than giving up alcohol for January or paying for that gym membership you probably won’t use. So, here are a couple of suggestions for those resolutions which will make a difference:- First resolution – Check whether you have an up-to-date Will. If you are one of the nearly 2/3rds of adults in UK who do not have a will, then you could be storing up all sorts of problems for your loved ones. And those figures get worse when you look at the older age group. Nearly half of those aged over 55 do not have … Continue reading

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You’re having a laugh

Planning to have salmon for dinner?  Make sure you don’t handle the fish “in suspicious circumstances”……… It was Charles Dickens who coined the expression “the law is an ass” nearly 100 years ago.  It is arguable that there is a fair amount of evidence to back up that assertion. Did you know that the Salmon Act of 1986 makes it illegal to handle a salmon in suspicious circumstances?  Woe betide you should you choose to carry a plank along a pavement. That is an offence under the Metropolitan Police Act of 1839. As we are coming up to the festive season, perhaps some landlords may need reminding that it is illegal for them to permit drunkenness on their premises under an act of 1872. And, did you know that it is an offence to be drunk in charge of a … Continue reading

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What do librarians and farmers have in common?

The answer from a recent study undertaken in Denmark is that if you want your relationship to endure, choose a librarian or a farmer. People in these occupations were found to be the best bet when it comes to staying together. On the other hand, the research showed that chefs and others in the hospitality industry were the worst offenders when it came to relationship breakdown. The researchers did not attempt to explain the findings but we can all speculate as to why this might be. What there is no need to speculate about is the need for good legal advice when a relationship breaks down. Whatever the occupation of the spouses, divorce rates for the over 50’s have doubled since 1990.  The figures for the UK show that in 2018, 42% of all marriages ended in divorce. That is … Continue reading

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Fact or fiction – how much do you know?

There are a vast number of myths and misconceptions surrounding the law which applies to relationships.  Can you tell fact from fiction?  How well did you score? If you want help sorting out fact from fiction should your relationship breakdown, then ask an expert in family law. At Scott Bailey, we have a dedicated team of specialist solicitors to help you. Contact Sarah Unsworth or Ann Herd at [email protected] or call 01590 676933 so that you can separate fact from fiction.

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