New Court Measures To Combat Domestic Violence by Megs
The end of cross-examination by alleged domestic violence perpetrators
The recent Queen’s speech has unveiled Government plans to implement a number of new rules regarding domestic violence.
The suggested introduction of the Domestic Violence and Abuse Bill which is stated to help introduce measures to protect the victim. This Bill is to focus on making victims of domestic violence and abuse feel safer and to help give victims confidence in coming forward against their abuser.
There was also mention of the introduction of the Courts Bill. This Bill will make changes to the current procedure within the Family Courts when victims of domestic violence are involved. At present, if an alleged abuser is unrepresented in Court, they can have the right to directly cross examine their victim. This is obviously traumatic to the victim and can be a reason why may people do not come forward as victims. Under the new Bill, this would no longer be possible.
It aims to help victims participate in proceedings without the need to see the alleged perpetrator face-to-face.
If you are a victim of domestic abuse and need help, we have a dedicated family law team who would be happy to help you. We offer both legal aid and privately funded assistance. If you would like to discuss your situation, come to see us for a complimentary 20-minute appointment.
Call us on 01443 238411 to book an appointment or attend one of our drop in clinics.
We have a drop in clinic at our Pontypridd office on Mondays from 10am-12pm or at our Pontardawe office on Fridays from 2:30pm -5pm.
New Residence Nil Rate Band
By Megan Evans
New legislation has come into force which will apply to people who die after 6 April 2017.
Currently estates can be valued at £325,000 before inheritance tax is payable. This is known as the nil-rate band. This is transferrable between spouses and civil partners so that if the first to pass does not use their nil rate band, the surviving partner can use both giving a maximum of £650,000 before tax is due.
The new residence nil-rate band will be in addition to the current nil-rate band. This will apply to any qualifying property or share in property which is passed to a linier descendant such as a child or grandchild under a Will. This will not apply to any gifts made in the testator’s lifetime.
This new residence nil-rate band will also be transferrable between spouses as the current nil-rate band is. The value of this nil-rate band is being phased in depending on date of death as follows:
- £100,000 in 2017/18
- £125,000 in 2018/19
- £150,000 in 2019/2020
- £175,000 in 2020/2021There will be tapered relief on estates valued over £2,000,000.
- It is important to seek legal advice when drafting a will to ensure that you maximise the relief available under the new legislation. If you would like to discuss making a Will, please contact our wills and probate team on 01443 238411 to discuss the matter further and for help with drafting an effective Will.
Innovative Pontyclun Law Firm take free legal advice to the next level
Established law firm, Full Stop Law are taking their service one step further by providing free weekly online clinics so that clients don’t even have to leave their home for legal advice.
Well known in their local community for its people focused approach, Full Stop Law’s free Facebook clinic has taken ‘local’ just that little bit further.
This week, the firm trialed the first of its free weekly clinics and were inundated with enquiries. As such, the clinic has now become a permanent service. Every Tuesday between 12 noon and 1 pm a member of the team is available via Facebook chat to offer free advice and support.
“We’ve been delighted with the take up of our first session,” said Managing Director, Victoria Cannon. “Several members of the local community contacted us for advice on matters concerning children, divorce and even debt recovery. As an online service, our clinic is available to anyone. Whilst we may predominantly practice within the Pontyclun area, we have, and continue to work with clients nationally and internationally.” She continued.
The free clinic covers a wide range of areas that go beyond family law. Those with any legal queries involving, wills, powers of attorney, business debt recovery, and landlord and tenant issues are invited to contact our specialist team via the firm’s Facebook page between 12 noon and 1 pm on Tuesdays.
Find the page by visiting https://www.facebook.com/fullstoplaw
New Solicitor to make her mark at Pontyclun law firm
Pontyclun law firm Full Stop Law are renowned for the first-class service that they provide to the local community. They have now taken this a STEP further.
Full Stop Law is delighted with recent addition to the team, Julie Carvey, who brings a wealth of experience in Wills, Probate, Trusts and Lasting Powers of Attorney.
Julie qualified through Cardiff Law School and during the following 12 years worked in both London and then Cardiff. Specialising in looking after the needs of clients in later life, Julie also works with clients to ensure that their wishes are met in the event death or incapacity.
In addition to her many years’ experience, Julie has been an accredited member of STEP for the last decade. STEP is a professional body whose members are qualified and certified on a continuing professional development basis to provide appropriate and up to date advice to clients regarding wills, trusts, probate and planning to protect the interests of spouses and families across generations. It is a sign of quality and one that Director, Victoria Cannon, is delighted to bring to Full Stop Law.
“The addition of Julie to our team is such an asset,” she said, “we always focus on the needs of our clients – it’s what Full Stop Law is renowned for, but now, in addition to our excellent reputation, Julie’s STEP accreditation is a mark of excellence which assures our clients that we really do deliver a first-class service.”
In the eight weeks since she joined the firm, Julie has enjoyed the community feel that comes with the job. ‘It’s great to pop out of the office and bump into familiar faces and clients; you just don’t get that when working in the city. I’m really enjoying it!”
Julie can be contacted on 0844 209 2343 or via email: julie@fullstoplaw.com
“Dyin’ Tidy”
One of our lovely more senior gentleman clients came to us recently to make a Will. He told us that it was important to him to ensure that he was “dyin’ tidy” with all his affairs in order.
We loved this phrase but it also made us think how important it is to ensure that the service we provide for our more senior clients, is accessible and affordable…….
So……..we have an offer in place until the 1st February 2017 and we offer home visits within 10 miles of us…….lets make a difference 🙂
Festive holidays when you are divorced or separated parents
Traditionally Christmas is a time for families and loved ones to come together, however for divorced or separated parents, and those currently going through the process, can feel lonely and find the period difficult. Continue reading
Is your relationship protected by law?
Cohabitation is the act of an unwed couple living together. It is the fastest growing relationship in the UK, and has more than doubled in the last two decades.
Some 3.3 million people are now cohabiting. Whilst marriage remains the most common arrangement for couples, living together out of wedlock is being increasingly seen as an alternative. More and more couples are choosing to live together and bring up their children without ever marrying at all. Continue reading
Dealing with Social Services – legal aid availability
Legal aid has long been invaluable and of great importance for many families and individuals across the country who would otherwise struggle to pay for legal advice and representation. But since April 2013, there have been big changes to the legal aid system and many cuts to its services. Continue reading
What a week!
Our Events Team have been super busy!
Wednesday night we attended the Pontyclun Community Consultation Event at Cafe 50 and today we helped fund raise for Macmillian at the Pontyclun Athletic Club with our Ping Pong Challenge.
Supporting the local community is very important to us at Full Stop Law