http://www.alanbirdsolicitors.com For law made simple! Where legal advice is good advice Thu, 29 Apr 2010 17:09:16 +0000 http://backend.userland.com/rss092 en Alan often finds clients do not understand the difference between en estimate or quotation from a tradesman. An estimate is a non-fixed price; its can change: the tradesman can charge you more than you originally expected or even agreed! It is a legal requirement for the tradesman to first inform ... http://www.alanbirdsolicitors.com/2009/04/03/estimate-or-quotation-vat/ Have you replaced your windows and doors with new upvc window-frames & glass. Did you know you need, before such work starts, building regulation consent from your local authority's Building Control Department if your window fitter was not FENSA registered? You may experience difficulties and delays in a later "sale" ... http://www.alanbirdsolicitors.com/2009/04/01/replacement-windows-doors/ For building insurance purposes, you might find that without an Electrical Inspection Certificate you cannot make a valid insurance claim because such damage was caused by a so-called electrician who did not have his/her Part P Accreditation. If you are selling your home or flat, make sure you have a ... http://www.alanbirdsolicitors.com/2008/08/16/home-periodic-electrical-inspection-and-testing/ If you wish to easily sell your home, and have undertaken any building work to it, did you get (if required) planning permission, building regulation consent and a completion certificate from the local authority for such building work? If not, your sale could be delayed and any related purchase of ... http://www.alanbirdsolicitors.com/2008/07/15/selling-your-house-or-flat/ The elderly are very vulnerable individuals in our society: if you know of such a person refer them to Alan Bird especially if a "friend" or a "neighbour" is caring for them whom you suspect: the law can protect such elderly individuals either by a Lasting Power of Attorney or ... http://www.alanbirdsolicitors.com/2008/05/15/the-elderly/ Have you ever been asked by a friend or a family member to make them a loan of money? If so, beware! If such a sum was intended as a loan you expect it to be repaid to you and you should treat it as a business loan and not a gift: if ... http://www.alanbirdsolicitors.com/2008/04/07/loans-to-friends-or-family/ Have you made one! If you are married, do not assume your surviving wife will inherit all your wealth to maintain herself and the children. Without a Will solely in her favour, your children may be entitled to part of your estate at 18 years! If you make no Will, you will ... http://www.alanbirdsolicitors.com/2008/04/07/wills/ If you fall mentally ill, whether you are married or not, and you cannot personally handle your wealth and legal matters, your relations only have two options: Receivership, which is very expensive; or, in comparison A Lasting Power of Attorney, which is inexpensive. Would you like to know more? Call Alan on ... http://www.alanbirdsolicitors.com/2008/04/07/lasting-powers-of-attorney/ You may have read or heard of this. A transferable nil-rate band to Inheritance Tax (TNRB) Up to a value of £325,000 everyone can leave his/her estate to whom they wish free of inheritance tax: above £325,000, inheritance tax is paid at 40% on the sum above £325,000. In other words, above £325,000 ... http://www.alanbirdsolicitors.com/2008/04/07/transferable-nil-rate-band-tnrb-inheritance-tax/