EXPERT LEGAL ADVICE from normal people

Accidents

Q

But taking Legal Action can be Expensive

A

It’s not always as expensive as you expect. There are various ways of funding your case. You may already have legal expenses covered through your household or motor insurers and this may meet the cost of pursuing your claim.  Alternatively, if you are a member of a Trade Union they may be prepared to fund your case too!

If you do not have any of the above then you can pay the legal costs yourself as the case progresses. However, most of our clients prefer to fund the case by way of a Conditional Fee Agreement, often known as a "no win no fee" agreement. At Howard & Over we do our best to make things affordable to you.

Q

No Win, No Fee

A

We can look at dealing with your personal injury cases under a Conditional Fee Agreement. This means that if you win your case you must pay our costs, but you should be able to get the majority of your costs paid by your opponents. If you lose, you pay nothing!

We recommend that the agreement is backed by insurance and our Personal Injury Specialist will discuss this with you in more detail during your first appointment, so don’t panic if this all seems like a lot to take in right now!

Q

What next?

A

If your claim has a reasonable chance of success we will be happy to represent you and we will guide you through the whole process. We are here to discuss any potential claim with you, we’re here to help!

We have offices in Plymouth and Ivybridge, and we are happy to see you at whichever office is most convenient to you.

In the event that you cannot travel to one of our offices due to your injuries we may be able to visit you at home.

Wills

Q

What is Estate Planning?

A

Make a Will and YOU decide where your money goes. If you don't have one the law sets out what happens to your estate, and you might not like the results of this...

A Will can:

  • Reduce Inheritance Tax
  • Shield your home from care fees

Other things you need to consider:

  • Power of Attorney
  • Living Will

We also specialise in this work and also:

  • Administration of estates (probate)
  • Trust work
  • Tax advice
  • Probate litigation

Q

What does it cost?

A

We don't claim to be the cheapest but the best rarely is. Our fees are fair, affordable and realistic. You will always know upfront what the cost will be with no nasty surprises later!

Q

What next?

A

We are ready and waiting to guide you through the whole process! Come and chat with us at one of our offices.

Moving Home

Q

What does it involve?

A

Well, it actually involves quite a lot. Once a buyer is found, the solicitors will deal with detailed enquiries while the buyer sorts out the finance. Once all this is sorted a completion date is agreed, contracts are exchanged and in due course the property and the purchase money change hands.

But we’re with you all the way! We can do it all from preparing the contract to final registration. At every stage we will advise you on what to do, what you should accept and what you should not. If you have any questions or queries throughout then we are here to help!

Q

What does it cost?

A

At Howard & Over we don't claim to be the cheapest but the best rarely is. Our fees are fair, affordable and realistic. You will always know upfront what the cost will be with no nasty surprises later!

Q

What next?

A

If you are planning to buy or sell a property then we advise that you get us involved from the very start! We will give you advice that is clear, professional and in YOUR best interest, not driven by hopes of extra commission or deals behind the scenes.

We will be with you every step of the way to answer your queries or concerns and keep you informed at every stage of the process. Get us involved from the very start and you will notice the difference!

Business

Q

Is there anything I need to worry about before putting my business premises on the market?

A

Unfortunately there are quite a few things you need to consider before placing your business on the open market to achieve a successful sale. Some requirements, like the Energy Performance Certificate, are needed before any businesses premises can even be marketed. But there are also other matters that you may want to consider before it’s too late! These include:

1. Apportionments 

  • How are you going to apportion the sale?
  • Have you considered Property and Fixture fittings?

2. Asbestos Surve

  • This is a legal requirement under the Control of Asbestos at Work Regulations 2002. 
  • Many small businesses are unaware of this obligation until the potential buyer’s solicitors ask to see the report. Don’t leave it too leave! 

3. Fire Risk Assessment 

  • Another legal obligation that some business owners are not aware of until it threatens to slow down a transaction!

Even when a buyer has been found there are still certain matters that should be considered right at the start of the transaction to prevent any delay, like Planning Permission – what if the potential buyer intends to change the use of the premises?  We are to here to prepare and guide you through all of these things.

 

Q

I’m entering into a new lease of business premises, what are the things I need to look out for?

A

There are lots of important aspects to a business lease that may not come to light until some years after the transaction has completed. We avoid this and go through everything with you step by step. Sometimes the consequences can have a severe impact on your business like:

1. Rent – You need to check if VAT is included or excluded, the frequency and type of rent reviews. Is there any rent-free period? Is a rent deposit required?

2. Term – Is it suitable for your business needs? If it is too short, you may find you’re forced to look for new business premises. If you have just started a new business venture, you may not be ready to tie yourself to a long-term liability.

3. Break Clauses – Who is the break clause in favour of? It may be in favour of the Landlord and what appeared to be a ten-year term could be terminated after only three years.

4. Assignment – Can you assign the lease, and if so are there any conditions? e.g. Do you need to sign a personal guarantee? Do you need the Landlord’s consent?

5. Repairing/Insuring – Who is responsible and how extensive are the obligations? You don’t want to find yourselves entering into a lease of a premises which is in a poor state of repair!

Note: This analysis may contain information of general interest about current legal issues, but does not give legal advice

Probate

Q

What will it cost?

A

We can provide you with a fixed fee to obtain a Grant of Probate on your behalf. If not, Inheritance Tax is payable, our usual fee would be £650+vat and disbursements (like Probate Court Fee of £273).

Q

What is Probate?

A

Probate is the process for administering the estate of someone who has died. When someone dies, you often need to obtain a Grant of Probate to administer their estate. The Grant is a document which is used to enable a deceased’s property to be transferred and their assets such as investments and bank accounts to be encashed.

Litigation

Q

What does it cost?

A

Litigation can be very expensive, but there are various different methods of funding that can ease the burden! These include:

  • Legal Expense Insurance-for those clients who already have insurance in place
  • No Win –No Fee (Conditional fee agreement)
  • Legal Aid
  • Private Funding

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