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The New Law - Lasting Powers Of Attorney

Livingstons can help clients make provision for their old age by preparing documentation which allows them to appoint others (often their children) to manage their affairs should they no longer be able to do so personally. Traditionally, this has been done by means of an Enduring Power of Attorney. However, from October 1st 2007 it will no longer be possible to create an EPA although EPAs made before this date will remain valid.

EPAs will be replaced by Lasting Powers of Attorney (LPA). An attorney acting under an LPA will have the same powers in respect of property as an attorney under an EPA. However, an LPA might also allow the attorney to make decisions regarding a far wider range of issues affecting the donor of the power. As the powers available to an attorney under an LPA can be extensive, the safeguards surrounding its operation are equally extensive. As a result, LPAs are more complex than EPAs and therefore more expensive both to set up and run. However, the cost of creating an LPA is insignificant when compared against the costs which can be incurred if no attorney is appointed and an individual becomes incapable of managing their own affairs.

Livingstons legal experts are available to help you. Contact Livingstons on 01229 585555

Home Information Packs

From December 14th 2007, all properties marketed in England and Wales need a Home Information Pack (HIP) which contains details of the property title, energy performance, searches and other prescribed documents.

The government has introduced HIPs in an attempt to speed up the home buying and selling process by providing all the necessary documents at the start of the process when you put your house on the market.

If you are planning to put your house on the market for sale please contact Livingstons in the first instance. We guarantee your HIP will be carefully developed to reduce the potential for delay. We will be able to track the progress of your searches and any other documents you may require so that your property can be marketed without delay.

A HIP from Livingstons will not only meet your needs but will satisfy many other requirements of the buyer's solicitor and is guaranteed to be compliant with HIP legislation.

Livingstons have over 100 years of experience buying and selling property throughout the Furness and Cumbria area.

For further information on Home Information Packs call Livingstons on 01229 585555

 

New Tenancy Deposit Law

From April 6th 2007, as a landlord or letting agent, you must protect all new tenancy deposits in a government authorised scheme. If you fail to protect it you could end up paying the tenant three times the deposit.

For further information on this new legislation contact Kim Chambers on 01229 585555

Livingstons New Office in Barrow Barrow town centre

With a track record of 100 years serving the local community, Livingstons are celebrating the first anniversary in their new offices in the heart of Barrow

town centre. Located at Buccleuch House on Buccleuch Street, Livingstons are aiming to provide a better service to the Barrow public by having a convenient “legal store”

in the town centre.


The Livingstons office is headed by Partner, John Siddle, a specialist in accident claims and in obtaining compensation for industrial diseases. “I have really enjoyed the first year working in our new office”, said John. “From our town centre location we are now much closer to our clients. I want to offer a top class personal service for accident victims and people suffering from industrial diseases, especially asbestos- related. We are also offering all the other services normally associated with a high street firm, such as conveyancing and will making. We also provide specialist advice on employment claims”.


Accident and disease claims, as well as employment claims, are dealt with on a “no win, no fee” basis. The firm also offers free initial interviews.


“We are happy to compete on price with anybody” says John. “Livingstons have always tried to provide a special service at reasonable cost, but our main aim is to have happy clients who are thoroughly satisfied with our service and who will recommend us to their family and friends. Our new office is second to none and our staff will always go the extra mile to meet clients’ needs.


Another partner in the firm, Simon Hollis, provides the expertise in wills and probate. Elaine Smith (who joined Livingstons after many years with another Barrow firm) runs the Conveyancing Department. Employment matters are dealt with by Steve Walker, who is also a partner within the firm. Steve can advise on matters such a contracts of employment and tribunal claims for unfair dismissal.


The new Barrow office marks a further expansion for Livingstons and the number of jobs in the practice has more than doubled. The fact that the firm is now putting further resources into Barrow is evidence of its confidence in a bright future for the town, especially in the light of the proposed Waterfront and Docklands development which will include the Marina village and Quays.


The firm is now looking at the possibility of introducing some innovations such as extended opening hours. Livingstons already offer free home and hospital visits. The new office has been refurbished to a very high standard. There is comfortable seating for clients in the spacious reception area with a play area for children. There is a large car park next to Buccleuch House.


“In summary,” says John Siddle “we want our new Barrow office not only to be the best in town but also to be one of the most innovative in the whole country. Our aim is to offer a very high quality service (through a red door, of course!) to match the standard of the new premises.”

Visit our new premises at:

75-77 Buccleuch Street
Barrow in Furness
LA14 1QQ
Tel: 01229 828300

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