January 19

Unmarried couples and inheritance – the law

At our offices in Chichester, West Sussex and Alton, Hampshire we often hear of the term “common law husband or wife”, however it has no legal meaning or standing whatsoever. You are either married or you are not.

If you are not married and your partner dies without making a Will (‘intestate’) or making sufficient provisions for you in their Will then you, as the survivor, will have no right to any inheritance from his estate under the existing intestacy rules. This is despite how long you have lived with one another.

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January 12

Stamp Duty Reforms – Slice not Slab!

In December 2014, the Chancellor of the Exchequer announced overnight radical Stamp Duty Land Tax reforms. Under this new scheme it is anticipated that 98% of buyers will pay either the same or less than before. The change has effectively removed the ‘dead zones’ which occurred for properties just above each threshold and is intended to revive the housing market.

Previously, Stamp Duty was calculated on the entire purchase price and fell into different brackets. This caused vast problems for those with a property to sell worth around £260,000 as it meant that Buyers found themselves in the 3% band and liable for £7,800 or more in Stamp Duty. If buyers could negotiate the price to £250,000 then they would only be facing a £2,500 payment. And how do you add enough value to your house to make it worth people wanting to pay the extra tax?

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December 2

Why you should make a power of attorney sooner, rather than later

The Mental Capacity Act 2005 provides a framework to empower and protect people who may lack capacity to make some decisions for themselves. The Act also allows people to plan ahead to a time where they lack capacity and to specify who should make deci- sions for them in this instance.

No one knows what tomorrow may bring and preparing a Power of Attorney gives you comfort and control by appointing whoever you wish to look after your affairs. Where there is no Power of Attorney in place the Act states that no one, not even a spouse, can have access to the assets and accounts in the individual’s name. Not even a joint account!

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August 4

JC welcome new member to team

JC Jackie mugshotThe team at JC’s new Chichester office gave a warm welcome to a new staff member this week. Jackie Scott joins the company bringing 6 years experience with her as a licensed conveyancer. Jackie trained with a local firm in Chichester and worked hard to qualify as a Licensed Conveyancer at the age of 21. After a brief sabbatical volunteering at a primary school in Kenya, Jackie returned to take up a post at another local firm based in their Bognor Regis office.

Jackie was actually taught A-Level law by JC director Tania at Chichester College many moons ago and it was Tania who fired her passion for law in the first place! When Tania and Kellie-Jayne started planning the opening of their new Chichester office, they knew Jackie was someone they definitely wanted to have onboard.

Jackie understands that moving house can be one of the most stressful life events and prides herself in dealing with transactions efficiently and effectively in order to achieve the best possible outcome – moving day!

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June 9

Work begins on new JC premises

news-new-officeNew office in Chichester for the JC team! Kellie-Jayne Cox and Tania Jeffery, directors of JC Solicitors, are pleased to announce the opening of an second office in Chichester. JC’s office in Alton, Hampshire has been so successful that this new office, whilst always in their business plan, has come about sooner than anticipated.

The decorators have already made a start on refurbishing the office, which long standing residents of Chichester may recall was formerly Platters Restaurant. The work is planned to take a couple of months and a launch is planned for early September. Watch this space.

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June 7

Pirates invade Alton-based legal promo event

JC solicitors were proud to support the community of Alton by sponsoring Alton’s party in the Park at the weekend, in aid of Trealors organised by Alton’s Lions. After a stormy start (literally) the sun came out all afternoon.

Alton Lions (cunningly disguised as pirates for the day) deserve a huge congratulations for organising such a successful event for a wonderful charity. Thank you to all those that came along and supported the event.

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