Bridge Law Solicitors Ltd

As we've mentioned before, you still need 2 independent witnesses at the signing of the Will to ensure validity. This article shows some ways people are getting creative to adhere to this law whilst keeping to social distancing measures: https://bit.ly/will-signing-and-social-di stancing

The risk of increasing levels of domestic abuse during lockdown has been widely publicised. Dame Vera Baird, the Victims Commissioner for England and Wales has called on MPs to introduce a code word for domestic abuse victims to seek help when visiting shops as well as possibly adding a red button to press whilst online shopping.
A similar code was introduced in 2016 when those worried they may become victim of sexual assault could ask bar and club staff for Angela, a code w...ord which would discreetly alert members of staff to help the victim get to safety and call the police. The code in supermarkets is yet to be released, and we will keep you updated if this changes.
For now the advice is ring 999 and dial 55 if you cannot speak to alert police you are in danger.
https://bit.ly/domestic-abuse-code
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Despite Register offices being closed due to Covid-19, it is still possible for parents of newborns to still claim Child Benefit.
More details on this can be found in official government guidance here: https://bit.ly/covid-19-child-benefit-gui dance

The President of the family law division of the judiciary has released guidance on Decree Nisi pronouncements which are usually held in open courts.
Separated couples need to have a Decree Nisi pronouncement in place before finances on divorces can be dealt with. https://bit.ly/family-law-president-guida nce-decree-nisi

Dispute resolution cases are still going ahead, however courts are trying to deal with these remotely where possible. There are certain changes to procedure such as how documents are sent to the courts and changes to email addresses etc. Further detail can be found in this blog by LexisNexis UK.
If you need further advice or assistance with a civil or commercial dispute, please get in touch with our team on 0161 427 0084 or 01484 442 700.
https://bit.ly/dispute-resolution-coronav irus

Earlier this week our family law specialists, Carol-Anne and Danielle attended a Family Law Conversation webinar which covered all the current updates to this area of the law.
The webinar included a presentation on this useful app the OurFamilyWizard® website for separated parents to communicate which has shared calendars, details of shared child expenses and much more to help manage shared parenting effectively.
The family courts are increasingly ordering separated parents to use this app so it is well worth taking a look if you are in this situation. https://bit.ly/our-family-wizard

Guidance has been released on how financial remedy proceedings between separated couples will go ahead during the lockdown period. Where possible cases will be dealt with remotely, including private mediation appointments between parties.
This blog from LexisNexis UK provides further information on how processes at different stages has temporarily changed: https://bit.ly/34rRAbt

As this article states, there is an increasing demand for Wills to be written or amended at the moment. However, it is important to remember to put a Will in place and keep it up to date even after the pandemic is over.
We've mentioned in previous posts - to ensure validity of a Will, these documents need to have two witnesses, which brings challenges currently with social distancing advice, but we are finding ways to work around this to maintain validity and safety of all involved in the process.
https://bit.ly/2XhKOUi

Our family law team received this lovely testimonial last week for a case Carol-Anne Baker Consultant Family Solicitor has been working on. If you're seeking advice or assistance on a family law matter, our family team is still working remotely between 9am-5pm Monday-Friday, and can be reached on our usual contact details.
bit.ly/bridge-law-family-law

This latest guidance from Acas provides information on holiday entitlement and how some employees can carry holiday over into the next 2 years. For some this may also apply to bank holidays. https://bit.ly/34qrLJ2

We often get asked what exactly a Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA) is. In short, they are documents which give you the peace of mind that your appointed attorney or attorneys can act to make decisions on your behalf.
There are two types of LPAs: property and financial affairs, and health and welfare. This short guide by the NHS explains LPAs in more detail and how to obtain one.
If you need more advice or information about Lasting Powers of Attorney, our team are here to help - contact us on 01484 442 700 / 0161 427 0084 or info@bridgelawsolicitors.co.uk. bit.ly/nhs-power-of-attorney-advice

The Coronavirus Act 2020 includes guidance and support for both employees and employers. This situation has happened suddenly and no-one could've been fully prepared for the difficulties we are now facing.
Although the government guidance has been released, we are receiving several enquiries from both employers and employees on issues not covered within the current guidance.
Anyone requiring assistance and advice on what their rights are can contact our specialist employment solicitor, Nikki Sharpe, on ns@bridgelawsolicitors.co.uk or call 01484 442 700.

Victims of domestic abuse can be reassured that services are still available to help during the lockdown. The police have issued a reminder to dial 55 if you cannot speak, which may be crucial to getting help in current circumstances.
https://bit.ly/2xNJDBq

Amongst the serious news headlines, we wanted to celebrate the good things still happening - such as Danielle's 1st anniversary as part of the Bridge Law Team.
Over the past year, Danielle has become an asset to our Holmfirth team providing specialist Family Law and Wills and Probate advice to clients. bit.ly/bridge-law-danielle-higgins

There has been widespread concern that the current stay at home guidance, coupled with the stress and anxiety caused by Covid-19 could increase the risk for victims of domestic abuse.
The government has set out guidance for anyone at risk of domestic abuse to be able to leave their home and seek help or move into a refuge. Police, lawyers, courts and domestic abuse organisations are still available to help. https://bbc.in/3atlf6z

From yesterday, some courts have been suspended as set out in this government press release. However, work is continuing through other courts with most cases being dealt with remotely, including many hearings by telephone or video conference.
https://bit.ly/2yevFZf

Unfortunately, the Coronavirus pandemic has and is continuing to impact on everyone's working lives in many different ways. understandably there is a lot of confusion around legal issues for both employers and employees at this time. Our employment solicitor, Nikki Sharpe is on hand to provide legal advice around any employment law issues. You can get in touch with Nikki directly on ns@bridgelawsolicitors.co.uk or call us on 01484 442 700.