Reconciliation; can we change our minds about getting a divorce?

You are likely to have spent some weeks, months or perhaps even years contemplating getting a divorce before you decided to apply, and even then, you may still wonder if it is not too late to save your marriage, particularly if you have children together. ‘Issuing or receiving a divorce petition can be the spark that awakens feelings or renewed efforts and could lead to a reconciliation,’ says Robert Bellhouse, a Family Solicitor with Ware & Kay. ‘It is not uncommon following a divorce petition for a couple to talk more openly to each other, perhaps supported via counselling or mediation.  This can be the start of working together to address the cause of unhappiness and could lead to a route forward together again.’ While the decision to divorce is a big step, there is…

Can a fraudster really steal a house?

A solid building, made of bricks and mortar, seems an unlikely target for thieves. For most of us our homes evoke a powerful sense of security; ‘safe as houses’ as the old saying goes. But the facts tell a different story, as there has been an exponential growth in property fraud which now accounts for 70 per cent of all frauds. Media reports of a Luton vicar discovering his locks changed and a stranger in his home, is an extreme example.  However, there is no room for complacency and there is a lot that you and your solicitor can do to prevent you becoming a victim of property fraud. What happened in Luton Reverend Mike Hall made the headlines when a fraudster targeted his modest terraced house in Luton. Working away from home, he was surprised…

The problem with work Christmas parties

Christmas parties are a great chance for employees to have fun together and for employers to treat their staff as a ‘thankyou’ for their hard work during the year. An unintended consequence can be that employees take this as a chance to behave badly or share uncomplimentary opinions about colleagues and managers that they have kept under wraps during the rest of the year. An employment tribunal is likely to see the Christmas party as falling within the ambit of employment, bringing the risk of the employer being liable for discrimination and other claims. This can also land you with grievances and damaged relationships. ‘No team is harmonious all the time, but sometimes working relationships can deteriorate to such an extent that employers may need to take drastic steps to resolve the situation. A breakdown in…

Discharge of restrictive covenants for childminding business

In a recent decision by the Upper Tribunal (Lands Chamber) Johnson, Re [2022]), it was ordered that two restrictive covenants that burdened a detached two-storey house be modified under section 84(1) of the Law of Property Act 1925, to allow it to be used as an Ofsted registered childminding business. The title to Mr and Mrs Johnson’s house at 44 Knights Hill, Aldridge, Walsall was burdened by two restrictive covenants: one prevented use of the house for most trades and businesses and the other required it to be used as a private dwellinghouse only. The Johnsons applied to the Upper Tribunal requesting modification of both restrictions to allow it to be used for a childminding business. Despite service of publicity notices, it had not proved possible to identify the beneficiary of the covenants. The local planning…