8 December 2024
Understanding the Autumn Budget
The Labour 2024 Autumn Budget has presented significant changes to Inheritance Tax (IHT) which has caused quite a stir. The changes are anticipated to impact the IHT position of the majority of the people in the UK as they come into play over the next 2-3 years.
18 November 2024
Lasting Powers of Attorney - Before it's too late
Lasting Powers of Attorney are one of the most important documents you need for during your lifetime. Many people do not realise their importance until it is too late.
30 October 2024
Welcome to our New High-Street Office on Grattan Road, Bradford
We're delighted to continue our expansion with a 7th West Yorkshire site.
11 October 2024
What happens to my will and legal documents when a law firm closes?
It's always a sad and pressing time for all involved when a law firm decides to close its doors. What's more, it can leave clients wondering what happens to any wills or other legal documents they have with that firm. Here we'll offer advice on what action you should take if you find yourself in this position.
2 September 2024
Family Solicitor Required - Bradford
Are you a proven Family Solicitor with Private and Legal Aid experience?
2 September 2024
Receptionist / Secretary Required - Bradford
Are you looking for the next step in your career?
25 July 2024
Families urged to plan ahead to reduce their inheritance tax bill
Latest figures from HMRC show that inheritance tax receipts have risen by 7.2% since last year.
16 July 2024
What You Need To Know About Care Proceedings - Types of Hearings
In the 3rd of a 3-part series on care proceedings, Childcare Solicitor Sydnee Marsh details the types of hearings involved.
24 June 2024
What You Need To Know About Care Proceedings - The First Hearing
In the 2nd of a 3-part series on care proceedings, Childcare Solicitor Sydnee Marsh details what to expect in the first hearing.
17 June 2024
We have a Vacancy for a Legal Secretary
Could you be the latest recruit to join our thriving team?
10 June 2024
What You Need To Know About - Care Proceedings
Over the next few weeks, Childcare Solicitor Sydnee Marsh gives us a close look at Care Proceedings - what to expect, how to prepare and some key things you need to know. This week, she starts us off with 'Types of Orders'
11 April 2024
New research highlights the risks of not considering digital assets before you die
Research from The Association of Lifetime Lawyers shows that whilst 86% of UK adults over 30 have digital assets, just 20% have referenced them in their will.
13 March 2024
Probate Delays - what to expect and how to prepare
Those applying for probate are expected to face a wait of up to 16 weeks following submission, owing to unprecedented delays through the probate system.
29 February 2024
Update Your Will Week 2024
It’s Update Your Will Week 4th - 10th March, an annual awareness campaign hosted by Lifetime Lawyers to highlight the importance of having an up to date will to ensure your wishes are carried out when you die.
24 October 2023
We're looking for a new Family Solicitor
We're looking for a new Family Solicitor for our Huddersfield Office. Could you be the candidate we're looking for?
13 August 2023
We're Hiring - Family Solicitor required for our Huddersfield Office
We have an excellent opportunity for a Family Solicitor to join our newest office at Huddersfield.
13 August 2023
Legal Secretary Required!
We’re undergoing a period of growth and are looking to employ a Legal Secretary to join our exceptional Child Care Law department.
10 August 2023
What is Legal Aid and could you be eligible for it?
Most people have heard of legal aid, but not everyone is aware of how it works and what the eligibility criteria are.
12 April 2023
Private Client Solicitor Required
Could you be the latest addition to our growing team?
27 March 2023
We're Hiring - Child Care Solicitor Required
Are you looking for the next step in your career?
17 January 2023
We're looking for 2 Legal Secretaries to join the Child Care Team
Roles available at our Wakefield and Pontefract Offices.
13 January 2023
Welcome to the team Candice
Candice Pidsley joins this week as a Solicitor in the Family department.
3 January 2023
We're Hiring - Accounts Manager Required
Here's a great opportunity to join our expanding team...
21 December 2022
Meet our newest team members - Tara and Samantha
This month we welcome two new recruits to the team.
28 November 2022
Did you know we offer a FREE Will Review service?
It's recommended that you review your Will every 5 years.
21 November 2022
Welcome to our brand-new Huddersfield office
Our new office in Huddersfield is our 6th in the West Yorkshire region.
23 October 2022
We're Hiring - Criminal Solicitor Required
Could you be the latest addition to our growing team?
8 September 2022
We're Hiring! - Childcare and Family Law Solicitors
We have vacancies for Childcare and Family Solicitors at our respected West Yorkshire Law Firm.
2 September 2022
Meet The Team - Sydnee Marsh
Over the next few weeks we’re going to give you an insight into what makes our team tick. First up it’s Trainee Solicitor Sydnee Marsh.
20 July 2022
The new divorce timeframe and using the time wisely
The new divorce law introduces a minimum period of 20 weeks between the start of proceedings and application for conditional order. In practice, that means a divorce is likely to take at least 6-7 months. So how should you use this time?
9 June 2022
We're looking for an experienced Childcare Solicitor
Could you be our new Childcare Solicitor?
18 April 2022
We're Hiring - Receptionist / Legal Secretary Required
Could you be our newest recruit?
8 April 2022
Melissa Portlock joins our expanding Family team
Melissa joins the team as demand for our family services grows.
15 February 2022
Our third new office in as many years!
This month we cement our commitment to the Yorkshire region with a larger, more central Leeds office.
9 February 2022
Welcome to our newest high-street location - Barnsley Road, Hemsworth
This month we opened our doors at a central location on Barnsley Road in the West Yorkshire town of Hemsworth.
24 January 2022
Welcome to the team Tamara!
Tamara Dove-O’Hara joins the Family team this month at the beginning of what promises to be a great year for JWP.
14 January 2022
Local case illustrates the pitfalls of shedding assets to avoid care home fees
In December 2021, the Wakefield Express reported on a case wherein a mother was found to have gifted her daughter £25,000 to avoid social care costs.
11 January 2022
We're Hiring - Experienced Legal Secretary required in our Family team
New Year, New Job? We're looking for an experienced Legal Secretary to join our growing Family team.
11 January 2022
Experienced Legal Secretary Required - Crime Team
We're looking for an experienced legal secretary to join our growing Crime team - could that be you?
3 November 2021
The Ins and Outs of Inheritance Tax
Here, Head of Private Client Joanna Longfellow covers the ins and outs of Inheritance tax - what it is, how it’s administered, and how you can plan for it.
30 September 2021
Family Solicitor Required
We have an excellent opportunity at our highly respected West Yorkshire Law Firm for a Family Solicitor to join our experienced team.
8 September 2021
Deputyships and the Court of Protection
Taking care of someone’s affairs when they no longer have mental capacity can lead to a significant amount of difficulty and distress. Both Lasting Powers of Attorney and Deputyships grant the nominated attorneys / deputy the legal authority to manage a person’s affairs on their behalf, but a Deputyship will often prove to be more costly and time consuming to obtain
30 July 2021
Welcome To The Team Charlotte & Sydnee
This month we continue our expansion with 2 new recruits.
7 July 2021
This Month We Welcome 3 New Directors To The Board
Lois Monks, Damien Dobson and Joanne Whitehead have each been instrumental in growing the business at JWP in recent years, and these promotions reflect the crucial roles they play.
27 May 2021
A fantastic opportunity to join our Private Client team
We have an excellent opportunity at our highly respected West Yorkshire Law Firm for an Experienced Solicitor/Legal Exec/Paralegal to join our team.
25 March 2021
The Importance of a Lasting Power of Attorney
A recent high profile example illustrates just why making a Power of Attorney can be so important.
21 March 2021
We're Hiring (Again) - Trainee Solicitor Required
We have a fantastic opportunity for a trainee solicitor to join our expanding team.
12 March 2021
We're Hiring - Child Care Lawyer Required
Could you be the newest addition to our growing team?
5 March 2021
Welcome To The Team, Jo
Joanna Longfellow joins us to head our growing Private Client team
3 March 2021
We're Hiring - Experienced Legal Secretary Required
Could you be the newest addition to our growing team?
10 February 2021
Contact Arrangements During a Pandemic – Practical Steps
Lockdown presents new and unique challenges for all parents, and perhaps none more so than those who are separated. The restrictions placed on person-to-person interaction can seem complicated, and the interpretation of them can lead to increased friction with regards to contact arrangements.
15 November 2020
Mobile Phones & Driving - Upcoming Rule changes
Read about recently announced changes regarding the laws around the use of mobile phones in cars.
27 October 2020
Care Home Funding
Moving into a care home can be a stressful time, but understanding the financial implications upfront can help ease the transition.
16 August 2020
JWP Reaches 20 Year Milestone with 20 Solicitors
Tom Grice and June Kelly join the team as JWP celebrates 20 years in business
26 July 2020
What is a Power of Attorney and why might you want to make one?
Life can be unpredictable, but there are measures you can take to help ensure your interests are taken care of should you become unable to do so yourself. One such measure might be a Power of Attorney.
8 July 2020
We're Hiring - Experienced Legal Secretary Required
Could you be the newest addition to our growing team?
7 June 2020
Legal Aid in Family Proceedings
It is well known that in 2013, legal aid was cut dramatically for family law proceedings. However, despite such cuts, legal aid is still available in some family cases
7 June 2020
Domestic Abuse, the Impact of Coronavirus, and How to Get Support
As concerns continue to grow for victims of domestic abuse in these uncertain times, we are more than ever providing legal advice to those who require protection from domestic abuse.
25 April 2020
Co-Parenting and Childcare Arrangements During a Pandemic
What are the implications of 'lockdown' for contact arrangements?
20 February 2020
Exciting Team News from JWP
Four of our most experienced Solicitors awarded Senior positions.
13 February 2020
A Recent Win in a Landmark Court of Appeal Case
A Recent Win in a Landmark Court of Appeal Case
28 January 2020
We’re beginning to talk a lot about Christmas!
If you’re separated and have children, it’s vital to make plans early
5 November 2019
Welcome To Our Brand New Office in Batley
This month we continue our expansion with a 4th site in Batley
13 October 2019
Welcome To The Team Phoebe
Phoebe Walsh joins as a Trainee Solicitor, working first in the Family team at Wakefield
8 October 2019
City Law Firm vs. Regional Law Firm
When deciding to train or work in a regional law firm compared to that of a city firm, there’s a lot to consider. From specialisms to types of clients, how much involvement and responsibility you would have on cases, as well as pay – there can be many determining factors.
6 October 2019
Pros and Cons of being a Solicitor
Unlike the law, quite often the decision to become a solicitor is not always black and white. But, before you make your decision, check out some of JWP Solicitors pros and cons of being a solicitor.
29 September 2019
Chloe Aston Joins our Wills and Probate Team
Chloe Aston joins us this month to boost our growing Wills and Probate business.
31 July 2019
Taxi Licencing: Setting Minimum Standards for the Industry
A summary of our presentation at the Institute of Licencing Taxi Conference on 9th July.
20 July 2019
JWP Solicitors Shortlisted at the Prestigious Yorkshire Legal Awards 2019
We’re delighted to announce that we’ve been shortlisted in the Yorkshire Legal Awards 2019, for the second year running
17 April 2019
Will New Divorce Law Lessen Impact on Children?
New rules promise to end the 'blame game' when it comes to divorce
10 April 2019
5 Recent Highway Code Changes You Should Be Aware Of
Recent changes to the Highway Code you might have missed
27 March 2019
What you need to know about the Probate Fees increase coming in April
Probate Fees Increase - The Facts
27 March 2019
Getting under the skin of our newest recruit - Jason Deacon
Find out what makes our newest team member tick
13 March 2019
Unmarried? Don’t have a will? What you need to know about Intestacy Rules
The Low-Down on Intestacy Rules
27 February 2019
Placement Order Applications - Recent Judgement
Placement Order Applications - Judge rules on obligations to contact and assess wider family
13 September 2018
Yorkshire Legal Awards Finalist - Small Firm Category
It looks like everyone is pleased JWP Solicitors have been nominated as a finalist at the Yorkshire Legal Awards.
14 December 2017
The Top 10 Driving Offences You Might Not Know About
It is common knowledge that we shouldn’t be speeding, drink driving or running a red light. However I’m certain that many of us are committing other offences without even knowing it.
26 September 2017
Leeds Office evening appointments coming soon
Sometimes just the little things can make a big difference. Take as an example our Saturday morning clinics at Wakefield giving people an opportunity to pop in and have a free half hour with a qualified solicitor or our late opening at Wakefield on a Wednesday evening till 8pm offering people working during the day an opportunity to deal with things in their time.
25 August 2017
Make a Will Week with Wakefield Hospice
For one week in September (25th - 29th) JWP Solicitors are linking up with the Wakefield Hospice to offer to write or update your Will in exchange for a donation to the Wakefield Hospice Charity.
21 March 2017
The realities of being a Trainee Solicitor at JWP
I write this blog six months into my training contract and what an amazing six months it has been. The reality of being a trainee solicitor working for a successful firm immediately after graduating is yet to sink in.
13 March 2017
Beware the Scammers
First there was Telephone Scamming, then Online Scamming. For both of these their prevalence is increasing with each passing month and their complexity seems to be evolving in an attempt to give that seed of doubt to the unsuspecting victim (could it really be true?)
21 February 2017
I just want a Divorce
Getting a Divorce, this should be simple right? Well it’s maybe not a straightforward as we all might think.
9 January 2017
Social Media, a possible light at the end of the tunnel?
Our Practice Director continues into the murky depths of social media, however have his thoughts been swayed to the positive as 2 stories emerged towards the end of last year that almost brought a tear to his eye?
28 November 2016
Social Media, I am a little confused Part 1
Firstly I get the irony. Me giving Social Media a telling off whilst then promoting it through Social Media. Secondly your old I hear you shout. Yes I am and I fully understand that things change, I have come a very long way from my Dragon 32 as a teenager to a gleaming “I can do everything for you” smart phone. Is it for the better, I’m not sure!
4 November 2016
Common sense now prevails in the world of personal injury claims
I read with some amusement recently a poster on a billboard in which solicitors were advertising that they carried out work on a no win no fee basis for genuine claims. Would a solicitor ever take on a claim other than one which was genuine? You would hope not. However the meaning of the word genuine may mean different things to different people.
28 October 2016
JWP at the Law Society Excellence Awards
Many congratulations again go to our very own Lois Monks for being shortlisted for a Law Society Excellence Award. The awards took place on 20th October 2016 and along with Lois a small entourage of JWP Directors and staff attended the awards ceremony. Lois was shortlisted to the final 8 in the nominations for this years Law Society Excellence, Junior Lawyer of the Year Award.
12 October 2016
Family Dispute? Collaborative Law may be your best choice
Collaborative family law is when you and your collaborative Solicitor, former partner and their collaborative Solicitor find solutions without going to Court. The parties set the agenda and the rules of engagement in an “anchor statement” and participation agreement. You talk in a manner which suits the pair of you and about the things that matter most to you and your family.
6 October 2016
Another successful Macmillan coffee morning
A big thank you to everyone who attended our Macmillan coffee morning at our Wakefield Office on Friday 30th September.
30 September 2016
Christmas Countdown - 12 weeks to go
My notoriety at JWP Solicitors may well precede me on many levels but I am becoming infamous for my Christmas countdown and it is fair to say, to some, somewhat irritating. BAH HUMBUG...
23 September 2016
Lots of Cake equals Lots for Charity
JWP Solicitors are delighted to have again been invited to Anchor’s health and wellbeing event at Townhead Court retirement housing scheme in Settle. Two of our JWP Solicitors attended the event alongside other professional organisations such as Age UK, Local police and fire services.
16 September 2016
Week one as a Trainee Solicitor
Walking to the office on Monday morning I was both extremely nervous and excited to be starting as the newest trainee solicitor at JWP Solicitors.
9 September 2016
Client Service is everything
A beautiful Thank You card from a client that we recently received shows how special the relationship can be with our clients and how it makes such a difference when we get it right.
19 August 2016
My Final few weeks as a Trainee…
I joined JWP Solicitors as a Trainee in March 2015 and I have survived… I shall therefore qualify as a Solicitor on 1st September 2016!
11 August 2016
Here at JWP we are serious about Mental Health
Mental health is not a new thing, but it is still seen as a taboo thing - Why? Perhaps because not enough is known about such issues so it is simply brushed under the carpet for someone else to deal with when the times comes. However by then it is often too late.
2 August 2016
Congratulations Lois Monks
Congratulations are very much in order as The Law Society Excellence Awards specialist judges have shortlisted our very own Lois Monks for this year's Junior Lawyer of the Year award.
21 June 2016
JWP welcome Michael George and add more experience to their Care Department
JWP Solicitors would like to offer a huge welcome to Michael George who brings a wealth of experience to our Care department team based at our Leeds Office.
13 June 2016
JWP Solicitors are Euro 2016 Crazy
With Euro 2016 now upon us we at JWP Solicitors are getting excited for the football to come, especially if England can learn to close out a game.
16 May 2016
JWP Solicitors are truly GUNG-HO
On Saturday 14th May 2016 four of our Solicitors took part in the crazy inflatable 5k Challenge - GUNG-HO.
9 May 2016
Save My Driving Licence Website Launch
Take a look at our new Website which is dedicated to Road Traffic Law.
27 April 2016
Legal Aid Residency Test dismissed by Supreme Court
Following a unanimous Supreme Court ruling the attempt made by the Government to introduce a residence test for anyone claiming legal aid has been dismissed.
18 March 2016
JWP Solicitors support Anchor Housing
JWP Solicitors support Anchor Housing. Anchor housing is England's largest not-for-profit provider of housing and care for older people. Anchor recognises that everyone is an individual. They work hard to get to know their customers, build relationships and ensure the service that they provide are ones that people want.
6 March 2016
Couch Potato to 5K in 9 Weeks
The firm has entered a team to take part in a charity run on Saturday 14th May 2016 at Temple Newsam, Leeds. I, John Wood, upon agreeing to take part quickly realised that some training would be required. It would not be easy to relive the faded glory of being a cross country schools champion 40 years ago.
3 March 2016
A Criminal Legal Aid system we should all be proud of
Like a lot of people this morning I read with some shock this BBC News article regarding the recent trial of Matthews and Hoare where both were convicted of the brutal murder of Becky Watts. The article makes some suggestion that the cost of such a trial was excessive and indeed an inference that these individuals didn't deserve it. Don’t believe everything you read in the press.
19 February 2016
Court rules domestic violence legal aid time limit is invalid
A controversial impact of the 2012 Legal Aid, Sentencing and Punishment of Offenders Act (LASPO) was for clients to obtain Legal Aid for a family matter they were required to provide evidence of domestic violence within the last 24 months.
25 January 2016
Licensed Premises Beware - Underage Drinkers
We know it is illegal to sell alcohol to an underage person - that’s the simple bit.
6 January 2016
Divorce or Separation - Do it Decently!
The New Year is peak time for people who decide to get divorced or separated. This is a big decision which is likely to be a traumatic one for everyone including extended family and especially children.
24 December 2015
10 Things you need to know about Driving over the Christmas period
Our team of qualified road traffic solicitors point out some facts about driving offences in this festive period.
17 December 2015
Christmas Carols at JWP Solicitors
JWP Solicitors are holding their first Christmas Carol’s on Friday 18th December 2015 ( tomorrow). We are delighted to announce that the Salvation Army will be attending, bringing with them amazing instruments and fabulous singing voices. The Christmas Carols will commence at 2pm.
7 December 2015
Government Scraps controversial Criminal Court charges
The government announced last week that it would be scrapping the controversial Criminal Court charges from December 24th.
23 November 2015
We Support Resolutions Family Dispute Week
Resolution’s fourth Family Dispute Resolution Week is happening 23-27 November this year. We're working to raise awareness of the importance of parents putting their children's needs first during divorce.
12 November 2015
Marriage - More than just a piece of paper
What rights do you have as part of a cohabiting couple in the UK? The answer is, very little, when compared to the rights of a spouse.
2 November 2015
Criminal Legal Aid - Latest
Like many a decent Spy novel the fight over changes to Criminal Legal Aid seems to take a new twist and turn by the day, and with recent revelations from a Whistle-blower at the Legal Aid Agency the Criminal Duty tender process, despite being almost over, comes under the microscope again.
15 October 2015
Honesty is always the best policy
Whilst it might seem like the title statement is to over-state the obvious, the phrase has taken on added significance following on from the case of Sharland and Gohil. Both of these ex-wives discovered that their ex-husbands had been dishonest in disclosing the true value of their assets during the time that negotiations were taking place for their matrimonial settlement.
30 September 2015
And the JWP Bake Off winner is - Macmillan Cancer Support
A big thank you to everyone who attended our Macmillan coffee mornings at our Pontefract and Wakefield Offices.
25 September 2015
Ever wondered how a child feels about Divorce?
Every parent wants what is best for their child but in times of separation and relationship breakdown it is all too easy to lose sight of how our children are coping and feeling. Ultimately we must always try to put them first.
17 September 2015
The Great JWP Bake Off
JWP Solicitors are taking part in the Macmillan Coffee Morning. To make it a little more fun and add a spice of competition our Pontefract and Wakefield offices will be holding a ‘Bake Off’ to see which office will win the coveted title for the 'Best Bun or Cake' and also to see which office raises the most money for Macmillan.
11 September 2015
Do not delay - write your Will today
It’s a common misconception that you only need a will when you are older or that you don’t need a will at all if you would like everything to pass to your spouse after death, but typically the law is never that simple…
28 July 2015
Your Will, Your Way?
The Court of Appeals decision to award part of a mothers inheritance to her daughter, despite it being written in her Will that she shouldn't receive anything, could prove to be a Landmark ruling.
11 May 2015
Financial Settlement on Divorce - Don't leave loose ends
Many of you will have been intrigued recently with regards Kathleen Wyatt seeking a divorce settlement from her ex-husband Dale Vince some 20 years after their divorce. Which ever side of the argument you sit with regards the rights and wrongs of the case, this is a case of not seeing things through and of leaving loose ends.
17 April 2015
Legal Aid does Matter
Removing Legal Aid services and introducing big cuts has had a dramatic effect on the British Justice System, with more to come. Watch this very clever video that highlights why its important to everyone that the UK has a strong and fair Legal Aid system.
16 April 2015
Care fees vs helping the "Boomerang Generation"
In the run up to the election the National Housing Federation have warned that the older generation will soon face the dilemma of care costs in old age and additional pressure to help the next generation get on the housing ladder.
8 April 2015
Poor at the time of his divorce, now a millionaire wishing he had sorted out the finances at the same time
There has been so much media attention recently following the somewhat controversial case of Wyatt v Vince. The couple married in 1981 and had a son together. The wife had a previous child who was 2 at the time from another relationship and was treated as a child of the family. Unfortunately they separated in 1984 and were divorced by 1992 although no agreement or Order of the court was obtained by the them to deal with the financial matters.
25 March 2015
A week in the life of a Trainee Solicitor
Arriving at the office on the first day and I felt like a new kid at school, nervous for what might be and excited to be starting the next chapter of my career.
18 March 2015
Beware Freebies
For many years solicitors, including myself, were able to offer free legal services to those who had been injured through the fault of others. You would often see advertising such as '100% compensation guaranteed' because it really was as simple as that.
25 February 2015
People Power and the Y generation
Have we reached the age where power to the people means something? In the UK almost everyone now has instant access to media stories and through social media a way to interact and put across their point of view? And if it has, how does this change the way we are governed and dealt with in future?
6 January 2015
Resolve your Family Disputes the Collaborative Law Way
I have written previously on the subject of Collaborative Law but the subject is so important and one about which I am passionate that I think it is worthy of repetition. Being a Collaborative Lawyer is like having the best kept secret, Delia explains why.
15 December 2014
Some Facts about Drink Driving and other Road Traffic Offences
The festive period is a time for celebration and enjoyment. For those that take the enjoyment too far, here are a few facts that our qualified Road Traffic Solicitors think you should know.
9 December 2014
Child Maintenance - know the price of not reaching an agreement
Every parent will have heard of the Child Support Agency (CSA) but did you know that since 2012 the CSA has been known as the Child Maintenance Service (CMS) and that from the summer of this year they have introduced new charges for using this service.
24 November 2014
Family Dispute Resolution Week
Its Family Dispute Resolution Week and Resolution have produced a powerful new video to coincide with the campaign.
3 November 2014
Mediation changes are afoot
More changes are afoot in mediation. As you will be aware, in April 2013 the Government removed legal aid funding for family law court proceedings, however continued to provide legal aid for mediation. This was as a result of the governments thinking that resolving family disputes by way of mediation is the preferred method to acrimonious court proceedings.
27 October 2014
This November, make your Will with Will Aid
Will Aid is a scheme designed to raise funds for nine leading charities. The scheme involves our solicitors donating their time to support these charities by preparing basic Wills without charging the normal fee.
30 September 2014
Understanding Mediation
Not sure what mediation is all about, then watch this. The Ministry of Justice have produced a video which explains the mediation process, and how it can help to settle disputes.
19 September 2014
Its a Dogs Life - Don't fall foul of the Dangerous Dogs Act
Many of us are dog owners. Here are some facts about the pooch and the law that may surprise you!!
8 September 2014
Don't turn your Will into a Nightmare
Research by the Law Society revealed the risks the public are exposed to by using unregulated, unqualified and uninsured will writers. Our Wills and Probate expert, Susan Hartley explains why you should tread very carefully when making a will.
27 August 2014
Kinship Carers Conundrum
Question:- Are you a grandparent/aunt/uncle/family friend who wants to be considered as a carer for a child/children subject to Care Proceedings? If the answer is yes, you need to contact the Social Worker and ask for an Assessment without delay. That will consist of an initial Viability Assessment to assess your suitability and if positive, will lead on to a more thorough, comprehensive assessment. But what if you are told that it is negative and you will not be considered further, what can you do?
15 August 2014
Protect yourself against Domestic Violence
The Police have recently been given some additional powers to deal with the perpetrators of Domestic Violence. Greg Cross explains how this works to protect those who are victims of domestic violence.
11 August 2014
Time to resolve those family disputes - with only 135 Sleeps to Christmas
It may seem strange to think of cold, snowy Christmas scenes in the scorching heat of this so far beautiful summer but for family lawyers our minds are already turning to Christmas. Why, I hear you ask?
25 July 2014
Beware - Police Voluntary Interview Ahead
Budget cuts are biting hard across our public services and the Police have not been immune from this. One of the ways they are dealing with falling budgets is the rise of the so-called Voluntary Interview. Emma explains why you need to be careful.
18 July 2014
Divorce - Don't forget the pensions
As a family solicitor, people come to see me about a variety of matters concerning divorce and separation. An issue that clients rarely mention when discussing matrimonial finances is pensions. Head of the Family department, Gareth Long explains why this isn't something that should be left out.
14 July 2014
Once bitten, twice shy
If you have been bitten by a dog, you are less likely to be able to recover compensation than if you had been bitten by Luis Suarez!! Andrew Brown explains that there is little redress for you if you are attacked by someone's dog.
3 July 2014
JWP Solicitors secures top accolade from Law Society, LEXCEL
I am happy to announce that today we have secured the Law Society's law management quality mark, LEXCEL. Lexcel is developed specifically for the legal profession and is an optional, recognised accreditation scheme for law firms which gives assurance that a practice meets high client care and business management standards.
25 June 2014
Take Care of the Pennies
I am sure that all of us like a bargain and believe me Lawyers are no different. However, we are also well aware of the pitfalls of buying cheaply and living to regret not spending more to get the right product or service. Delia chats about why buying cheap isn't always the best way forward.
13 June 2014
Cuts, Cuts and more Cuts…
Back in medieval times, death by a thousand cuts was a common occurrence, and one which was savoured and enjoyed by those in charge. Life as a criminal solicitor is starting to feel very much like this at the moment, and those in charge seem like they are enjoying the show.
6 June 2014
The customer is always right…
Speak to those involved in delivering the best customer service and the saying “the customer is always right” will come up somewhere in the conversation. Having worked in an industry driven by customer service for many years before joining JWP Solicitors, this ethos was drilled into our Practice Director at every opportunity, but what does it actually mean? The law of averages tells you that the customer cannot always be right, so does it mean that even when the customer is wrong, they are right?
2 June 2014
Life beyond the Wig
Mention the word “lawyer” to the man on the street and an image of a middle-aged man or woman clad in robes and a wig will probably spring to mind. In reality this image represents a small proportion of lawyers and for those that do wear wigs, robes and gowns this represents a fairly small proportion of their time at work as well.
23 May 2014
A day in the life of…
For a family lawyer only a small proportion of their day or week is spent in Court. So what else do they get up too? Our Pontefract Family expert, Delia Crofts-Turnbull lifts the lid
23 April 2014
Mediation is the key to unlocking your future?
The 22nd April 2014 has been a long time coming for mediators, with sweeping changes being introduced under section 10 of the Children and Family Act. So what does this mean for clients and why have us mediators been holding our breaths?
11 April 2014
It's Criminal
The Government is currently undertaking a consultation regarding the funding of Criminal cases. The proposals may result in large numbers of respected high street firms disappearing from our towns and cities. It could also mean that if you find yourself involved in the Criminal Justice System you will have no choice in who represents you.
7 April 2014
I think I need an injunction, can I get one?
This is a commonly asked question when I speak to clients who are experiencing harassment or domestic abuse issues. Many people in different situations can at times experience some form of harassment or molestation, sometimes it can be as a result of a difficult relationship breakdown or a family dispute, or sometimes it can be a case of unrequited attention or a dispute between neighbours or work colleagues. A lot of people who have experienced difficulty don’t always realise that help is available.
11 March 2014
I cannot get Legal Aid for my Divorce, can I?
The above is an increasingly common question that I am now asked by new clients on the telephone or when they come through the door, following the recent government changes to Legal Aid. There does now appear to be a common misconception with the majority of the public that legal aid is no longer available for family law cases in any circumstances. This is not correct. Legal aid does remain available in many instances, so don't be afraid to ask.
26 February 2014
Where there's a WILL there's a way...
On a hot sunny summer's day, enjoyed with your family and friends, making a Will is the last thing on anyone's mind, but making a Will is one of the most thoughtful and selfless tasks that you can do for those you care about and enjoy life with.
20 December 2013
Ten things you may not realise about Road Traffic offences
Our team of qualified road traffic solicitors point out some facts about driving offences in this festive period.
10 December 2013
Do new Public Law changes prejudice parents in care proceedings?
Having recently attended a Roadshow on the modernisation of the family court it got me thinking about the new changes that have been introduced in care proceedings and how this will affect parents and the child/children involved.
28 November 2013
Ten things you may not know about Personal Injury claims
1. Before you are entitled to compensation in this country you have to show that the person or company you are claiming against has been at fault in some way.
16 November 2013
Ten facts you need to know about Wills and Probate
You may be surprised by the following facts:
25 October 2013
Child Protection - Don't believe the hype
We now live in a society where access to information is instant, 24 hour TV, online newspapers and Google. Although we can often filter the information that we want to see, there are some items of news that receive so much exposure we can't fail to notice. Once we have noticed the news we can then make our feelings heard via social media; our opinion becomes validated. Now don't get me wrong, I am all for these new exciting times, but we have to be very careful how it affects change, particularly in relation to the law.
10 October 2013
THE LEGAL HAS LANDED (10th Oct 2013)
JWP Solicitors have exploded onto the Leeds scene, sitting on the corner of Park Square West, is Park House which offers sumptuous surroundings for both staff and clients. Don't be shy, call and make an appointment to see us, we move in on Monday 14th October 2013.
9 September 2013
Have we gone compliance mad?
A new email last week from one of our many compliance bodies got me thinking hard about just how much compliance dictates my day. Whilst sat sipping on my first coffee of the day I pondered for a moment about just how ridiculous compliance had become, not just in my work life but in everyday life.
17 July 2013
Crime doesn't pay...
That old adage that crime pays certainly doesn't lend itself into the world of a firm which conducts criminal legal aid. The recent musings regarding changes to criminal Legal Aid, and the potential for a 17.5% cut in fees following a competitive tender process, would come on top of more recent legal aid reductions which mean crime clearly wouldn't pay. As a layman and with a business to develop and protect the proposed changes being mooted are almost unworkable unless you start paying people minimum wage, and banishing them from the office for all eternity to work at remote locations with only an Ipad, Iphone and the local miscreants for company.
3 May 2013
Conciliation - not litigation
With the withdrawal of legal aid many separating and divorcing couples on lower incomes now have to face managing their emotions and financial affairs without the support of a solicitor - their emotional prop, their listening ear, their legal advisor. Only where domestic violence is a factor will legal aid continue to be available for family law matters.
2 April 2013
The Personal Injury "Big Bang"
Many Personal Injury lawyers were naming the 1st April 2013 as "the Big Bang", WHY?
1 March 2013
Hello all and welcome to our blog.
We are a law firm specialising in family law, care, personal injury, crime, wills, probate and licensing. We have six partners, seven associate solicitors and a trainee. I head up the firms well established family department. You will be hearing regularly from me on this blog (I usually have plenty to say!), however a number of my fellow solicitors will be contributing over the weeks, months and years to come.
