Opinion &
Insights

Financial Negotiations Within Divorce Proceedings and the Need for Independent Advice

We are sure that we were not the only family lawyers concerned by a recent decision of the Family Court which decided that a non-lawyer internet support company was not automatically placed in a position of potential conflict in assisting a divorcing couple to resolve their divorce and related financial matters by helping them to complete forms, negotiate financial matters and draft a consent order.

Read more

Employment Update: New Requirements for the Statement of Terms of Employment

Currently, employers are required by section 1 of the Employment Rights Act 1996 (“ERA 1996”) to provide their employees, who will be employed for more than one month, with a written statement of the terms of their employment (a “section 1 statement”), however the requirements are soon to change.

Read more

A Reminder for Residential Landlords

The Minimum Energy Efficiency Standard Regulations (MEES Regulations) came into force on 1 April 2018 with the aim of encouraging landlords of residential and commercial property to improve the energy efficiency of their properties.

Read more

Covid-19 - Business Continuity Plan

In light of the Government’s latest announcements on the ongoing situation with COVID-19, the management team at Tolhurst Fisher has reviewed the firm’s business continuity policy.

Read more

Capital Gains Tax for the Unwary

We are accustomed to reporting the disposal of residential and commercial property to HMRC as, unless an exemption applies, there will be a tax charge on the profit made on sale. This tax is called Capital Gains Tax.

Read more

Increase to the Statutory Legacy for Spouses and Civil Partners

The Intestacy Rules are a set of rules drawn up by the government that provide where a deceased person’s estate will pass if they die without making a valid will (i.e. if they die “intestate”).

Read more

Listed Buildings - Do I need an EPC?

There is a general assumption that Listed Buildings are exempt from the requirements for an EPC. This is correct up to a point in that buildings protected as "part of the designated environment" or because of their "special architectural or historical merit" do not require an EPC on the basis that compliance with the minimum energy performance requirements would "unacceptably alter their character or appearance"

Read more

The effect of Britain leaving the EU on employers and employees

As the UK enters a transition period with the EU we look at what BREXIT will mean to the employment landscape.

Read more