Johnson Astills 
Johnson Astills proudly supporting National Conveyancing Week for the second year running! Here at Johnson Astills, we are proud to be associated with the initiative that aims to improve the experience of home movers and professionals involved
Depending on what stage your case is at, the Local Authority could propose to undertake a number of different types of assessments when Social Services become involved with your family. What is a Section 47? Every child
CONVEYANCING: WHAT IS IT? Conveyancing is used to describe all the legal and administrative procedures involved in changing the ownership of land or buildings from one individual to another. THE SIGNIFICANCE OF CONVEYANCING Conveyancing is an essential
Whilst Valentine’s Day is more commonly thought about in the context of romantic love, other types of love can be celebrated on this day. Why not celebrate familial love this Valentine’s Day by considering the ways your
What is a Special Guardianship Order? A Special Guardianship Order (SGO) is a long lasting, Private Law Order, made by the Family Court. The Order appoints one or more individuals to become the child’s ‘Special Guardian.’ This
As the new year has begun, here is what you can expect to see in the year of 2024. Media in the Family Court (The Transparency Pilot): For decades there have been calls for more transparency in
When a couple obtain a divorce it is important to have a Financial Order from the Court – more often than not this Order can be agreed, meaning no Court attendance or formal court application. This is
1. Network The legal industry is huge and these days there are so many different kinds of events that provide the opportunity to network with different individuals, both online and in person. You can learn so many
In this article we explain the concept of the statutory legacy, when it applies, and how it can impact the distribution of a deceased spouse’s/civil partner’s estate. What is Intestacy? When a person dies without a valid
It’s that time of year, the Christmas party season is underway which coincides with the national Christmas drink drive campaign. That means there will be more stops and more prosecutions due to an increase in police patrols
Going through a divorce and organising child arrangements with an ex-partner can be very stressful. However, with the festive period approaching, this stress can be exacerbated and causing this to become a very worrying time. Below are
When the Local Authority considers that a child is at risk of significant harm, they can apply for a Care Order or an Interim Care Order. This would only be granted if the Court finds reasonable grounds
Japanese Knotweed is an intrusive plant that spreads swiftly. The roots can reach depths of up to three meters and it can seriously damage infrastructure and buildings. Concrete cannot withstand its strength, which is why it is
What is a Child Protection Conference? A Child Protection Conference is a multi-agency meeting arranged by the Local Authority. The purpose of the conference is for family members and professionals involved in a child’s life to share
A new scheme will be launched in the East and West Midlands, which will see offenders that pose a threat to their former partner and/or their children, being subject to electronic tagging. This will help protect victims
Why have I been asked to provide proof of identification? As a firm of solicitors, under the Money Laundering Regulations we must comply with the requirements for proof of identity and money laundering. This is a legal
October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month, which is widely recognised as a month to raise awareness about the issue of domestic violence in our society and what can be done to stop it. It is a problem
For many people, a large part of the Divorce process will revolve around how their financial assets will be divided. However, for those who work in the public sector, the value of their pensions has been unusually
If the Local Authority are concerned about a child’s health, development or the way that they are being treated, but do not feel that there is an immediate risk to them, they may request that various assessments
In March 2023, it was published that the government has plans to enforce tougher sentences on domestic abusers who kill their current or previous partners. What does this mean for those found guilty of domestic homicide? The
Buildings Insurance covers your home in the event that damage that occurs to the structure of the property i.e the actual building. This could be in the event of a fire, flood, storm or if the damage
Johnson Astills are pleased to announce that we are taking part in Free Wills Month during October 2023. Free Wills Month brings together a group of well-respected charities to offer members of the public the opportunity to
Dissolving your marriage may feel like the end of a very long and turbulent road, and that you have finally reached the light at the end of the tunnel. However, should you remarry, you may fall foul
A Placement Order is a Court Order which says that a Local Authority can place a child for adoption with prospective adopters, who have passed all the necessary checks and are a suitable match for a child.
What is this new law? The Child Support (Enforcement) Bill was introduced by MP Siobhan Baillie and Baroness Redfern and received Royal Assent on 20th July 2023, meaning it is now law. This Act means that the
What is an exchange of contracts? Exchange of contracts is when the buyer’s solicitor and the seller’s solicitor swap the contract documentation to confirm an agreement has been made between each party for the sale of the
What is a Section 20 agreement? You as a parent can voluntarily enter into a Section 20 agreement. A Section 20 agreement allows your child to be accommodated willingly in either foster care, with your friends, or
It has been estimated that 1 in 4 women in England and Wales are at risk of return to court within 10 years after the initial set of proceedings. In 2015, findings from Broadhurst et al provided
When a property is sold, generally the seller agrees to sell their property with ‘full’ or ‘limited’ title guarantee. Full Title Guarantee Full title guarantee confirms that the seller has the right to sell the property and
Substance abuse can have a significant impact on childcare proceedings, as it can lead to social workers having concerns about the safety and wellbeing of children. When a parent or caregiver struggles with substance abuse, it is
What is a section 20? Section 20 is a voluntary arrangement that parents can consent to and withdraw this consent at any time. The agreement allows the child to be voluntarily accommodated in foster care or with
Why would the DVLA revoke my licence? UK law requires motorists to notify the DVLA of any medical condition which could impair their ability to drive. Medical reasons can include but are not limited to: epilepsy diabetes strokes and
What is a Foster Carer? Foster Carers can offer children a safe and loving home when they are not able to remain with their birth parents. Why have my children been placed into Foster Care? Children
Following the Grenfell Tower fire in 2017, the government aimed to reform building safety legislation through the introduction of the Building Safety Act 2022. The act is up to 260 pages and contains 6 parts. Various consultations
The Local Authority in each area will have a designated team who deal with Child Protection. They have a wide range of duties and powers as detailed within laws. One of the duties and powers of the
Lasting Powers of Attorney are some of the most important documents you can make in your lifetime. LPAs have been in the news over the last few weeks following a discussion about them by Martin Lewis who
At the start of March there were 83,990 prisoners in England and Wales meaning that prisons were 1,200 prisoners short of the prison system’s useable operational capacity. What does this mean for me and my case? The
A Section 91(14) Order is known as a ‘barring order’ and relates to Section 91(14) of the Children Act 1989. This type of Order allows the court to prevent individuals, usually parents, from making an application to
The Court has the power to order a fact-finding hearing in care proceedings, yet many parents did not know what a fact-finding hearing is until speaking to a solicitor. This article aims to explain what a fact-finding
A new piece of legislation came into forced on the 27th February 2023, which means it is no longer possible for anyone under the age of 18 to marry or enter into a civil partnership. This is
If you are a parent with additional needs, such as learning difficulties or cognitive functioning issues and the Local Authority are involved with your children, you may be entitled to extra support. What are Care Proceedings? When
Johnson Astills is proud to be associated with a brand-new initiative to improve the experience of home movers and professionals involved in the home moving process. National Conveyancing Week has been launched to raise the profile of
As International Women’s Day on 8 March 2023 approaches, we are reflecting on the numerous and varied roles that women play in our society. It’s a time for looking forward, but also reflecting on the past. With
The Local Authority might have been successful in obtaining a care and placement order for your child, but that does not mean that your child will be adopted once a prospective adopter has been found. With permission
Sexual assault happens when someone touches another person in a sexual manner without their consent. The Sexual Offences Act 2003 says that someone commits sexual assault if all of the following happens; They intentionally touch another person.
The Christmas season is fast approaching and the party season is well underway. Christmas drink drive campaigns may be starting to appear from local police forces. This will mean that once again police will be targeting drink
If a person dies without a Will, what happens to their estate (ie assets, such as property and cash) will be governed by the Intestacy Rules. Who is entitled to what will depend on their relationship with
What is a s20 agreement? A s20 agreement allows the Local Authority to accommodate a child and place them in foster care or other placement without a Court order. If the Local Authority are involved in your
A section 47 investigation (S.47) stems from the Children Act 1989 which is legislation that governs England and Wales. It means the Local Authority/Children’s Services have received a referral which has been made to them by any
The Local Authority issue the pre-proceedings process where there are significant concerns regarding a child or children that are suffering harm or a child or children that are likely to suffer serious harm. This could be physical,
