-
Accessing Your Own Land
Prior to the introduction of revised procedures (set out in regulations under section 68 of the Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000 , which came into effect in July 2002), people who had to cross common land in order to reach their homes were sometimes... -
Acquisition of land can have unforeseen consequences
A family who inherited land were also held to have inherited an obscure ancient liability, which ended up costing them dearly, after a recent decision by the House of Lords. When presented with a bill for £95,000 for repairing the chancel of... -
Are You a Sophisticated Investor?
In March 2005, the rules relating to approaching people regarding financial promotions were relaxed so that so called ‘sophisticated investors’ and high net worth individuals (HNWIs) could be more easily approached with a view to making... -
Asset Valuation Problems - Chattels
When dealing with an estate, an increasing problem for executors is the valuation of assets in the form of the chattels of the deceased. In probate terminology, chattels are the ‘everyday’ assets such as furniture and ordinary possessions, as... -
Avoiding Inheritance Tax with Discounted Gift Schemes
Inheritance tax (IHT) is payable at 40 per cent on the net value of a person’s estate above (2008/9 rates) £312,000 (the current nil rate band). It affects an increasing number of people owing to the rise in house prices in recent years. One... -
Buying a House and Consumer Protection
With the advent of Home Information Packs (HIPs), the appointment of an Ombudsman for Estate Agents (OEA), the laying down in statute of the duties of estate agents and the recent passing of the Consumers, Estate Agents and Redress Act 2007 (CEARA), a... -
CGT and Shares in Estates Valuation Trap
In the UK, there are quite generous exemptions from Inheritance Tax (IHT) which apply to business assets. One problem with making use of such exemptions is the effect this may have on the subsequent value of the relevant assets for Capital Gains Tax (CGT)... -
Capital Gains Tax for Owners of Two Homes
Ownership of two homes in the UK is becoming more commonplace as couples who both own houses marry, houses are inherited, parents buy houses for their children to live in, or people just buy a place in the country, either to let or to escape to at weekends.... -
Changing Wills For Benefit
A will expresses the final wishes of the deceased person and it is commonly thought that a will is irrevocable after death. However, provided everyone agrees, it is normally possible to vary a will provided that the application is made within two years of the... -
Charity Donations Through the Tax Return
From 2003-4 Self-Assessment Tax Returns have included a facility to enable individuals to donate some or all of any tax repayment to a chosen charity. Participating charities have signed up with the Inland Revenue and been allocated a... -
Charity Trustees - Guidance
The regime governing charities has been progressively tightened up over the years, making the sort of scandals that were once not uncommon much more of a rarity. This means that trustees now have to adopt a more professional attitude to the management of a... -
Check Your Home Insurance Policy
Increasing numbers of people are spending substantial periods of time away from their homes on account of working away, having a second home or for any of a number of other reasons. Houses can also frequently be empty for substantial periods after the death... -
Cohabitees and Death - Who Can Claim?
When one member of a cohabiting couple dies, it can come as an unpleasant surprise to the bereaved partner to discover that not all of their late partner’s estate will pass to them in the absence of a will. It is only when this happens that many people... -
Compensation for Loss of a Chance
Most claims for damages are claims for damages or losses which have actually happened. For example, if a lorry mounted the pavement and smashed a garden wall, the claim would be for the cost of restoring the wall to its former condition. The law relating to... -
Conversion into Dwellings Means More Dwellings!
The right to reclaim VAT on residential conversion works was further clarified by a case brought in the Court of Appeal recently. The argument involved the conversion of a residential school building which produced a private residence plus a further three... -
Correcting Your Credit Rating
Most people require credit at some time, whether it is in the form of a credit card, a loan or an overdraft. However careful you are, it is possible to find yourself blacklisted for credit purposes. When you apply for credit, the lender... -
Current Laws on Electrical Work
Since 1st January 2005, all electrical work carried out in dwellings has had to comply with part P of the Building Regulations and be carried out by a person who is competent to do the work. All work which involves adding a new circuit... -
Do Hurt Feelings Qualify for Compensation?
A recent case has dealt with the question of whether damages for injury to one's feelings can be claimed as aggravated damages in normal circumstances. The case related to a Brighton couple who had a heated argument whilst on holiday in... -
Equity Release
Managing an active retirement can present significant problems for the many people who are blessed with good health but cursed by the effects of the poor performance of pension funds and low annuity rates over the last two decades. This combination of factors... -
Fact Sheet - Disclosure to Mortgage Lenders of Incentives for Buyers
This fact sheet provides guidance for those involved in the development of residential properties whether new builds or conversions of existing properties . As from the 1st September 2008, the Council of Mortgage Lenders (CML) has... -
Fact Sheet - Disclosure to Mortgage Lenders of Incentives for Buyers
This fact sheet provides guidance for those involved in the development of residential properties whether new builds or conversions of existing properties . As from the 1st September 2008, the Council of Mortgage Lenders (CML) has... -
Faulty Goods: Know Your Rights
In the UK, customers have various rights in respect of faulty goods. The Sale & Supply of Goods to Consumers Regulations 2002 were introduced in the UK on 31 March 2003. These also apply to "non-retail" transactions, such as hire purchase... -
Fiscal Help for your Student Children
With the introduction of top-up tuition fees in 2006, gaining a university education has become even more expensive. If you have children going away to university there are money saving options worth considering, if you are in a position to take advantage of... -
HIPs - Frequently Asked Questions
Where can I find out more about the HIPs requirements? Here are some 'frequently asked questions' (FAQs) on Home Information Packs (HIPs). If you do have more questions, the website at www.homeinformationpacks.gov.uk has... -
HIPs - Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some 'frequently asked questions' (FAQs) on Home Information Packs (HIPs). These FAQs are based on information released by the Government on 1 August 2008.
Private Client Library
Latest News
Serving the Medway towns in Kent of Chatham, Gillingham and Rochester and the region of Swale
Copyright © Kingsley Smith Solicitors LLP, 81 High Street, Chatham, Kent, ME4 4EE | Tel: 01634 811118 | All rights reserved.
Kingsley Smith Solicitors LLP is a Limited Liability Partnership registered in England and Wales under registration number OC305935 | VAT No. 203 2808 05
Regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA)
Legal Disclaimer | Accessibility Statement | Terms & Conditions
Copyright © Kingsley Smith Solicitors LLP, 81 High Street, Chatham, Kent, ME4 4EE | Tel: 01634 811118 | All rights reserved.
Kingsley Smith Solicitors LLP is a Limited Liability Partnership registered in England and Wales under registration number OC305935 | VAT No. 203 2808 05
Regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA)
Legal Disclaimer | Accessibility Statement | Terms & Conditions
Copyright © Kingsley Smith Solicitors LLP, 81 High Street, Chatham, Kent, ME4 4EE | Tel: 01634 811118 | All rights reserved.