It is a common misconception that when you divorce, the financial links you have with your spouse come to an end. Until you have a Financial Order, either by consent or at the end of Court proceedings, you remain financially linked to your former spouse. You do not have to have a lawyer to assist you but not using one could mean that you end up with unresolved financial claims or a Financial Order that does not do what you thought.

A recent BBC article, published late last week, sheds light on the situation, revealing that cancer treatment waiting times in England have reached their highest levels ever recorded. The statistics are alarming, with nearly 100,000 patients waiting more than the two-month target for starting treatment. This represents a significant escalation from historical data, driven by a complex interplay of factors that demand a closer examination. It’s also obviously a real worry for patients and their survival rates.

Dr. Henrietta Hughes, the Patient Safety Commissioner, has today released an important report that looks into the serious effects of sodium valproate on patients and their families. This report, known as the Hughes Report, not only highlights the failures in healthcare and regulation related to valproate use but also suggests a detailed plan for sodium valproate compensation and supporting those who have been harmed.

Sodium Valproate Syndrome is a serious issue that seriously affects children and their families, when the mother has taken sodium valproate drugs during pregnancy. We're committed to helping everyone understand more about it, showing how it impact the child and their family, and helping to guide those affected through their legal options.

Whilst there has been a lot of publicity recently about the use of Sodium Valproate in epilepsy sufferers, and the effects that this medication can have on an unborn baby, is it less well known that this medication can also be prescribed to patients suffering from Bipolar Disorder and migraines.

Thousands of women with epilepsy have given birth to babies with disabilities. Despite guidelines to the contrary, many women of childbearing age have been prescribed Sodium Valproate, (otherwise known as Epilim) resulting in babies born with autism, congenital anomalies and neurodevelopmental difficulties which can lead to cognitive and social impairments. The umbrella term for this is Fetal Valproate Syndrome (FVS) and can be used to describe a number of different impairments.

The passing of a cultural icon such as Prince leaves the world wondering about his legacy. Many expected that Prince would be remembered for his songwriting and unique style. Few would have guessed that Prince’s legacy would be caught up in a protracted legal battle over his estate which, nearly eight years after he passed away, is still making headlines.

The short answer is no, you do not. It has never been a legal requirement to instruct a solicitor to be divorced and many people do complete the process without a lawyer.

For unmarried or remarried couples in the United Kingdom, the significance of drafting a will cannot be overstated. While marriage is commonly associated with the creation of wills, unmarried and remarried couples must recognise the importance of this legal document in securing their assets, ensuring their wishes are met, and providing for their loved ones in the event of their passing.

As we usher in the New Year many of us focus on what we plan to achieve in the next few months, that might be confronting our fears with an extreme sport or, maybe, preparing a Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA). Just as extreme sports enthusiasts prepare for the unknown, why not embark on the adventure of securing your future through a LPA?

As the clock struck midnight on New Year’s Eve, it marked the end of one year and the beginning of new possibilities. Many people set resolutions and goals, aiming to transform their lives. Whether it’s tying the knot, moving overseas to work or expanding your business globally, the new year is a time to dream big. A Notary Public can play an important role in turning these dreams into reality.

if you are deemed to require residential care, then the Local Authority will carry out a financial assessment to determine how much, if any, of your care you will pay yourself. Your property is likely to be your main asset and it is normally what clients want to protect the most. If you jointly own a property, there is something that can be done to protect half of the value of the property.

Buying a property together is a milestone for any couple, but for unmarried partners, it comes with it’s own unique considerations. If your relationship is not legally recognised by a marriage or civil partnership then your contributions to a jointly owned property can be particularly vulnerable in the event of a separation.

This is a statutory duty that applies to all health and care professionals to be open and honest with patients and people in their care when something goes wrong with their treatment. What does this mean and is it being applied?

As the years passed, Buddy and Chip’s workshop continued to flourish. Buddy and Holly watched their little elves excitedly dance around the workshop, basking in the vision that one day his children would take over his legacy.

In the exciting world of Buddy and Chip's workshop, a flurry of activity was always the norm. Yet, one frosty morning, a different kind of incident shook the elf community – a toy machine malfunction.

It was time for the final piece of the business puzzle: recruitment. Buddy and Chip had the workshop, the supplies and the licenses they needed. But it would all be redundant if they didn’t have a talented workforce behind them.

Buddy and Chip were eagerly finalising their new workshop when they hit a snag: a contractor hadn’t delivered on the work as promised. Determined to resolve the issue without dampening the holiday spirit, Buddy and Chip turned to the Commercial Dispute Resolution team for guidance.

Buddy and Chip needed to find the perfect location for their business venture, somewhere they could house their workshop. They found just what they were looking for, a place to craft toys and spread holiday joy. It was time to sign the commercial lease.

Buddy had always fancied himself as an entrepreneurial elf. He had left the North Pole in search of greater business opportunities and now felt like this was the best time to give it a go. With the help of his best friend, Chip, a neighboring elf who was equally as driven, Buddy began planning their business idea.