Defamation may occur when a person makes a statement that damages your reputation. The 1936 case of Sim v Stretch provided the common law test which is 'would the words tend to lower the plaintiff [claimant] in the estimation of right thinking members of society generally?' Lord Atkin said: “A defamatory statement is one which injures the reputation of another by exposing him to hatred, contempt, or ridicule, or which tends to lower him in the esteem of right-thinking members of society.” more
If your neighbour’s tree is encroaching on you land you need to act quickly to avoid damage or further damage to your property. As a landowner you have a right to compensation if a neighbour’s tree is causing harm or disturbing your enjoyment of your property. more
A family trust is still one of the best ways to protect your assets, (especially the family home) or put aside funds for your family’s future. However, the law of trusts can be complex; therefore, it is imperative to engage an experienced solicitor to set up your trust and ensure you understand the responsibilities a family trust entails. more
If we are injured or unwell we put our trust in health professionals to not only discover what our ailment is, but how to cure it. However, sometimes medical professionals get it wrong, which can lead to patient’s suffering further damage or even death. This guide is designed to help people understand what constitutes medical negligence and what to do if they believe they have been a victim of it. more
Have you decided to setup your own business? If so, welcome to the exciting world of the self-employed. Every day will bring about new challenges and you will soon relish in the knowledge that you are the master of your own destiny. However, have you taken a moment to consider how you will legally structure your new venture? There are a number of options available, from a sole-trader to partnership to setting up a limited liability company, and each structure has its own advantages and disadvantages. To help you decide what structure is right for you, here are the options and the benefits each one can provide. more
When a relationship involving children breaks-up, the most important consideration for the parents is the making arrangements to ensure the best interests of the children are maintained. In the UK, parents are strongly encouraged by the Courts to try and come to an agreement between themselves on where the children should live and how often the non-custodial parent can visit them. If they cannot come together on certain issues, mediation will be arranged, which involves an impartial third-party facilitating an agreement between the couple. more
Although having an employment contract is not compulsory when you take on an employee, putting one in place ensures that both you and your staff are aware of your obligations to each other, and the employee is aware of his or her rights. Remember, even if you choose not to have employment contracts for your staff, you still need to provide them with a Written Statement of the main terms of their employment, such as salary and working hours. This must be provided within two months of an employee starting work. more
Whether or not you have been a blameless tenant, an eviction notice from your landlord is a frightening occurrence, after all the prospect of being made homeless is not a pleasant one. If you have been informed by your landlord that your tenancy is to come to an abrupt end, this question and answer guide will assist you in deciding your next steps. more
There is nothing more annoying than returning to your car and discovering a parking ticket has been placed under your windscreen wiper. If you believe your parking ticket was issued unfairly this guide will take you through how to appeal the fine. (Before you appeal remember that in most cases, if you pay the fine within 14 days it is half the price). more
If you have plans to renovate your residential property, then you will need to be aware of the planning permission rules surrounding the work you wish to undertake. more
The abduction of a child is every parent’s worst nightmare. When most people think of the term ‘child abduction’, they imagine someone leading their child away from a park or a shopping mall when they have turned their back for a moment. However, this is not the case. The vast majority of child abductions occur when one parent, who is a foreign national, removes a child from the UK. If you have separated from the Mother or Father of your child and you are concerned that they may try to remove them from the country, there are a number of steps you can take to prevent this from happening. more
Buying a home is an exciting process, especially if you are a first-time buyer. However, the legal process can be complicated and may seem to take forever. So if your fingers are itching to get hold of your new house keys, this guide will answer all the questions you have about the legal process of buying a home. more
‘Bail’ can be defined as the release of a person who has been arrested, granted either by the police or the Court, on the condition that they attend court or return to the police station on a specified date. more
If you are from outside the European Economic Area (EEA) and wish to come to the UK to work, then you will need to apply for a Tier 2 (General) Visa. This will allow you to enter the UK and work in the country for up to five years. more