How do settlement agreements work in the agricultural sector?  

Farming is a demanding business – especially in these financially troubled times – and you need every staff member to be working at the top of their game. If you have an employee who is frequently late or calling in sick, or who is stirring up trouble with constant complaints, it can have an effect on the wellbeing of your livestock, the morale of other workers, and on your profit margin. Strict UK employment laws usually restrict your ability to simply sack a troublesome full-time employee without a long, arduous legal process. However, if you have an employee who is not performing as they should, or has raised a troublesome grievance in the workplace, a settlement agreement can be a useful way of terminating their employment, or resolving a dispute, without fear of repercussions, as Kalpesh…

Contact arrangements for children – indirect Contact

Along with the welfare issues to be considered when thinking how to meet your child’s needs, parents who are separating will need to decide on practical issues around the contact arrangements with the other Parent. There are a number of different types of Child arrangements, which vary in terms of the quality of the time spent which occurs. In this article we will focus on the different types of indirect contact and how it might work. ‘Indirect contact means the amount of time a parent has with a child that is not face to face,’ explains a Family Lawyer with Ware & Kay in York. ‘In an increasingly digital age this can now take many formats.’   Why should there be indirect contact? There are a number of different reasons: It is the safest option…

Can you contest Power of Attorney UK?

Power of Attorney is a significant legal tool, but there are circumstances where contesting its validity may be necessary. If you find yourself asking, "Can you contest Power of Attorney in the UK?" you're in the right place. If you require further clarification or personalised legal assistance, our team of experienced solicitors are here to assist you. Call us today on 01904 716000 (York) or 01937 583210 (Wetherby) or 01653 692247 (Malton), or complete our online contact form. Can You Contest Power of Attorney in the UK? Under UK law, it is possible to contest Power of Attorney, but certain conditions must be met, and the grounds for contesting must be substantiated. Here are key points to consider: Lack of Mental Capacity The document may be contested if the person granting Power of Attorney lacked mental capacity when signing. Mental capacity is crucial for…

Diversifying may be the answer

Both locally and nationally, many farms have diversified to provide additional income streams - and some farmers now run several diversified businesses on former agricultural land, such as holiday lets and solar farms. Although this extra income may be vital and diversifying may be the only way to secure the family business can continue, an unintended consequence can be the loss of Inheritance Tax reliefs available. Laura Schofield, Wills & Probate Solicitor with Ware & Kay, considers this. Inheritance tax – the basics Inheritance Tax is a tax on the estate of someone who has died. The rate is 40% on the amount above the ‘nil rate band’ which depends on the individual concerned and the assets – from £325,000 to £500,000 per person, or up to £1,000,000 per couple depending on the size of…

New appointment extends Litigation & Dispute Resolution offering at Ware & Kay

Expanding law firm Ware & Kay Solicitors (with offices in York, Wetherby & Malton) has strengthened its respected Litigation & Dispute Resolution Department with the appointment of a new solicitor Akeel Hussain.   Akeel is recognised for his experience in handling various litigated cases and offering clients advice on alternative dispute resolution particularly in the resolution of residential landlord and tenant law, breach of contract, professional negligence disputes, debt recovery and personal injury matters. Akeel will now aim to provide legal advice to a range of property-owning clients including landed estates, farmers and agricultural businesses as well as commercial and residential landlords handling possession claims, recovery of rent arrears, contentious probate, contested business lease renewals, dilapidations and property ownership disputes. In addition, he will also provide advice on partnership and shareholder disputes. Originally from Keighley in West…

Ware & Kay and Pearsons & Ward Solicitors raise over £3,700 for Candlelighters Charity

Ware & Kay and Pearsons & Ward Solicitors is delighted to announce that they have already raised over £3,700 for their Charity of the Year, Candlelighters.  # On Saturday 30th September the team took part in a 20 mile walk at Middleton-on-Tees, County Durham to support Candlelighters. Along the way they clambered over boulders along the river’s edge, scrambled up the mighty Cauldon Snout Waterfall on the reaches of the River Tees. They entered Gibsons Cave to light a candle and passed the spectacular High Force Waterfall in the heart of the Durham Dales. Despite the rain, aching legs and feet the team completed the challenge, tired but triumphant.      The funds raised through this event will play a pivotal role in supporting the invaluable work carried out by Candlelighters, a charity devoted to…

Don’t stumble over easements, rights of way or sporting rights when buying farmland

There are many reasons why you might want to buy agricultural property: to farm, of course, but also perhaps to develop, or to use for hunting or fishing purposes. Woodland, equestrian properties and fishing lakes may be a good investment for a self-invested personal pension (SIPP), or perhaps you simply wish to have a peaceful rural setting for your retirement.  Whatever your reasons, before you buy you need to ensure the property can actually be used for your intended purposes as there are many legal stumbling blocks that can arise when purchasing farmland, we highlight some of the issues relating to rights of way, easements, and sporting rights. Rights of way Many areas of farmland are in remote locations, some distance from a public road, and you will need to ensure you have a right of access…

St Gemma's Hospice Make a Will Month October 2023

Ware & Kay Solicitors has once again teamed up with St Gemma’s Hospice to give you the opportunity to have your Will written free of charge in exchange for a donation to the Hospice during the month of October. Why make a Will? We spend our lives working to provide for ourselves and our loved ones. As life changes around you, it is a good time to consider making your Will. Making your Will means you can be certain that your wishes are followed after your death. Making a Will is often seen as a very sensitive subject, one which many people prefer to put off until a later date. However, a professionally written Will can make life much easier for our loved ones when the time comes. A Will is the only way to make sure your money, property, possessions…

St Leonard's Hospice Make a Will Month - October 2023

Making a Will and letting your family and friends know your wishes are vital, and it can be a lot more affordable and straightforward than you think... MAKE A WILL MONTH October 2023 A Will is one of the most important documents you will ever have drawn up, but it's something that many people put off. If YOU don't have a Will, or your Will needs updating.  Ware & Kay Solicitors has once again teamed up with St Leonard's Hospice to give you the opportunity to have your Will written free of charge in exchange for a donation to the Hospice. Ware & Kay Solicitors are giving their time, free of charge, to write basic Wills in exchange for a suggested minimum donation to St Leonard's Hospice. It's easy... Arrange an appointment with one of the following Solicitors on 01904 716000 during Make a Will month: Sian Foster- Head of Wills & Probate Deborah Gilpin - Solicitor in Wills & Probate Vicki Long- Chartered Legal…

Leading law firm expands as new Wills & Probate Solicitor joins team

  Expanding Yorkshire Law firm Ware & Kay Solicitors (with offices in York, Wetherby & Malton) is delighted to announce the appointment of Deborah Gilpin, a highly experienced Wills & Probate Solicitor to its growing team.  Her appointment is a further addition to the firm’s expertise in this sector. Deborah brings with her a wealth of knowledge and has many years of experience looking after clients and helping them with the preparation of their preparation of their Wills together with guiding them and providing assistance when dealing with the loss of a loved one through Probate.  She also has particular experience in Trusts and how to avoid unnecessary Inheritance Tax together with Powers of Attorney to ensure that clients are protected in the event of physical or mental incapacity. Originally from Hull, Deborah arrives at Ware…