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Domestic Violence Awareness Month

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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

How Much Is My Public Sector Pension Worth?

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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

What is a Child Assessment Order?

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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

Tougher sentences for domestic killers

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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

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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

Free Wills Month

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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

Beware of the Remarriage Trap

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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

What is a Placement Order?

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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.

Exchange of Contracts

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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

Full Title vs Limited Title Guarantee

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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

Can the DVLA Revoke my Driving Licence?

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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

Building Safety Act 2022

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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

What is a Fact-Finding Hearing?

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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

Will I get extra support during Care Proceedings?

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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

Women in Law

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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

Can I Oppose an Adoption Application?

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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

What is sexual assault and how can I get help?

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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.

Holidays are Approaching…

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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

What is Pre-Proceedings?

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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,

GOOD DIVORCE WEEK (28 Nov – 2 Dec ’22)

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‘Good Divorce Week’ is an annual campaign by Resolution, a community of family solicitors and other professionals who work with families and individuals promoting a non-confrontational approach to resolving family issues, including divorce, the financial aspects of

Domestic abuse will rise during the World Cup

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For some people, the World Cup is nothing more than a passion for football. For others, it can ignite a fear of abuse from a partner with pre-existing patterns of this behaviour, causing anxieties and worry. Research

International Men’s Day 2022

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Every year, International Men’s Day is recognised on 19th November. This year’s International Men’s Day theme is “Helping Men and Boys”. The month of November is a significant time for men as it is also Movember where

Can I challenge my Police Bail Conditions?

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If you feel that the police have imposed strict and unworkable bail conditions on you, our expert criminal defence solicitors at Johnson Astills can make an application to the Magistrates’ Court to have them changed or removed.

World Menopause Day

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Today is World Menopause Day.  A day providing an opportunity to break stigma that unfortunately still exist around menopause. A day to encourage open discussions about a natural transition in a woman’s life. Johnson Astills prides itself

What is child protection?

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Child protection is about making sure children are kept safe and free from harm. Local Authority Children’s Services often become involved with families where children might be at risk of harm. Child protection means that professional services

Stamp Duty Land Tax Changes- September 2023

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The Chancellor of the Exchequer, Kwasi Kwarteng announced changes to the Stamp Duty Land Tax rules and these changes are effective from Friday 23rd September 2022.   This means that regardless of when exchange of contracts took place,

Life Interest Trusts in Wills

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What is a Life Interest Trust? A Life Interest Trust is a Trust included in your Will and can be a way, in certain situations, of protecting your share of your house for future generations after you

World Suicide Prevention Day

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10th September 2022 – World Suicide Prevention Day #WorldSuicidePreventionDay Suicide and mental health are often seen as taboo topics and something that people are often scared to talk about. This stigma around mental health and suicide needs

Freehold vs Leasehold

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When purchasing a property in the UK, the property can be either freehold or leasehold.  The two are quite different and it is important to understand the differences when searching for a property to buy.  Here at

Pensions and Life Insurance Policies?

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When making or reviewing your Will and your Inheritance Tax position, considering how you hold your pension and Life Insurance Policies is very important. At Johnson Astills, we provide a comprehensive Will writing service and place great

Things to know when Selling your Property

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Selling your property, although may sound straightforward can often become prolonged and complicated. Not all transactions are the same due to several reasons but here at Johnson Astills, we are here to make the journey as smooth

‘Thank you so much. We needed your help and support in such a vulnerable time in our lives.’

‘Although our partnership was under unpleasant circumstances, working with you make it a pleasure! I can’t thank you enough for making these months a positive experience as I always was assured of your support in the background. I will not hesitate to recommend you highly to anyone who needs your services.’

‘Having had experience of your organisation, my confidence in you grew. I would have no hesitation in asking you for any necessary representation in the future. Relatives and friends have already been told of my satisfaction. Thank you and well done!’

‘I am perfectly satisfied with the way the case was handled. My solicitor was very efficient, easy to communicate with and was very clear on what the outcome would or could be and who worked well.’

‘Thank you for your kindness. Sometimes it is not easy when you are trying to express how you gave us happiness. A very big thank you!’

‘I cannot fault my experience with Johnson Astills Solicitors. Throughout this difficult time I was made to feel secure, supported and validated – money can’t actually buy these things.’