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Changes in divorce law are due to come into effect from Autumn 2021 which will give couples the option to remove fault from the divorce process. This summer, the House of Commons passed the Divorce, Dissolution and Separation Bill in a move that has proven popular with family solicitors as it brings legislation surrounding divorce proceedings into the modern era. More than 30 years of campaigning has led to these changes being implemented in the UK with the bill garnering a large supportive majority among MPs. This procedural shake-up represents a landmark shift in legal culture and helps modernise a...
This newsletter covers: Flexible Furlough Scheme Returning to Work Discrimination Local Lockdowns Home Working Flexible Furlough Scheme The rules of the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme changed from 1 July. There is now no longer a minimum period of three weeks nor is there a rule against working for the employer. This allows rotas to be set with employees working certain hours on certain days and spending the rest of the week on furlough. But employees may only be furloughed from 1 July onwards who have been furloughed for a three week period in the lead up to and including 30...
The UK housing market is open for business and the potential to save thousands on Stamp Duty has created an exciting opportunity for those looking to move house. Our specialist conveyancing team have all the knowledge to assist you with the conveyancing process. Partner, Emma Amat oversees the residential property department, she explains what the Stamp Duty holiday could mean for you. What is Stamp Duty? Stamp Duty is a tax payable when you buy property or land in England and Northern Ireland. Scotland and Wales have a different land tax process. Stamp Duty is calculated at an increasing percentage...
Compared to any other industry agriculture is currently offered the most generous inheritance tax reliefs. An agricultural business will, of course, always have the option if agricultural property relief is not available upon an asset to consider whether business property relief is available. With extra inheritance tax reliefs, one would assume therefore that dealing with the death of a farmer should be simpler than the death of any other businessman – however it usually is not. The common position is that there is an interaction between the farming business, the homes of those involved within the business, other ancillary relatives...
Many farmers are looking to start or expand existing agricultural and non-agricultural enterprises and considering profitable diversification. The Planning System regulates the use of land and buildings in the public interest by ensuring that the right kind of development occurs in the right place and that any permitted development is sustainable for the environment and the local area. When you apply to the local authority for Planning Permission (usually either the council or a National Park Planning Authority) they’ll look at it in the context of national planning policy guidance, which has been prepared by Central Government, and in accordance...
Are You Taking Stock? Many owners of farming land have owned their land for many years, quite often due to being handed down through generations. As such, there is little reason for their deeds to be looked at. Often they enter into informal arrangements with third parties without involving a solicitor, which can also impact on any future sale of that land. So when the decision is made to sell issues can arise such as: Where are your title deeds? The first step in selling your land is to provide your deeds to your solicitor and if you can’t locate...
Too often farmers put off decisions about the future of their farm and this may be because they can’t decide what to do and who to take advice from. A good starting point is their solicitor who can explain what ownership structures are available, the need for a Will and explain around the minefield of tax. Here are some considerations when dealing with succession planning for farmers and landowners: Talk to your family in good time about what your ideas for the future are and what theirs are. It can be useful to bring in a third party such as...
Bowcock & Pursaill agricultural specialist Catherine Whittles oversaw the acquisition of a 25 year farm business tenancy at Sandon Estate for dairy farmers, Muir Farming Ltd. Lucy and James Muir have been share farming in Lucy’s family farm for seven years and were interested in growing and expanding their business further. When a 260 acre farm became available in April this year they needed a quick turnaround and through referral, contacted Catherine at Bowcock & Pursaill to oversee the contract from beginning to end. Lucy commented: “Catherine advised us on the farm business tenancy agreement, the in-goings and outgoings for...
Rights of way disputes are more common than you might think and can have a significant impact on your business. Disputes specialist Tim Wolley at Bowcock & Pursaill Solicitors explains how rights of way are created and the common problems which lead to legal headaches. Also known as an easement, a right of way is the right to access land (the dominant land) over another’s property (the servient land). If a right of way has been established, in most instances it is stated in your property deeds. They can arise in several ways but are usually: Via a Deed of...
Founded in 1927, Bowcock & Pursaill has been our clients’ number one choice for solicitors in Stoke-on-Trent, Staffordshire and Cheshire for almost 100 years. We also act on behalf of clients throughout the country.
The firm prides itself on its customer service, offering detailed and bespoke advice to clients thanks to our small and highly specialised team of partners, solicitors and legal executives based in Stoke-on-Trent and Staffordshire.
Are you interested in joining Bowcock & Pursaill? We have a friendly and supportive atmosphere, where everyone knows everyone else and there’s a good team spirit.
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