We have implemented remote working across the firm and those in the Private Wealth Team are working from home, supported by a small number of staff in the offices.
We continue to be fully accessible by phone and email and we can ‘meet’ using Zoom, MS Teams, facetime and other types of video call. We are well placed to assist you through each stage of the Will-making process and we will continue to meet your needs. We understand how important it is to you to ensure your affairs are up to date, for the protection of those close to you and your own peace of mind, and we will work with you to achieve this.
In light of the current situation, we have put in place a policy in relation to Will instructions which is designed to protect both our clients and our staff during these unprecedented times.
With Government guidance in mind, we have taken the view that we should not meet with clients in person at this time due to the risks this presents to all concerned. We will usually ask you to complete a Will Questionnaire at the outset and any discussions in relation to your Will can take place over the telephone or preferably on some form of video call such as Zoom, MS Teams, facetime or WhatsApp. We will use the chosen means of communication to go through the Will with you before you sign it, to ensure that it accurately reflects your wishes and that you are happy with it.
Our current policy on the signing of Wills is to send the Will to you for signature, with clear instructions on the procedure to be followed (including the need to sign in the presence of two independent witnesses).
We regret that we are unable to prepare Wills for those currently in hospital or in other care settings due to the associated difficulties and risks.
For help or advice in relation to your Will, please contact one of our Private Wealth Solicitors direct or telephone us on either 01604 233233 or 01223 461155 and we will arrange for someone to get in touch with you.
Fishbourne Developments Ltd v Stephens [2020] EWCA Civ 1704
In this case the appellants were a development company who were granted an option to purchase a farm. The owner of the farm died in 2014 and her interest passed to her daughter the respondent.
The Court of Appeal has recently confirmed that cost capping orders for Aarhus Convention claims, which includes planning and other environmental judicial reviews, are inclusive of VAT.
The available defences to local authority prosecutions for the non-compliance of planning enforcement notices are limited. The recent case of Zafar v Stoke-On-Trent City Council [2020] highlights such limitations and the importance of exercising your appeal rights.
Landowners will be keen to understand what limits can be imposed on telecoms operators who have equipment on their land. However, they will be disappointed with the outcome of a recent case concerning a lease renewal under the Electronic Communications Code where the tenant operator was allowed extensive rights to install, upgrade and share the site.
