Karis Jones, a family law specialist here at Howells has been attending the Huggard Centre, a Cardiff charity once a month to provide their service users and members of the public with free legal advice.

The charity, based on Dumballs Road, is open 365 days of the year. It provides support and accommodation for the homeless and works with authorities and organisations to overcome the problems and barriers which force individuals to sleep rough. The facility also includes a hostel and shared housing which can accommodate approximately 70 people.

During her monthly visits, Karis provides a free legal surgery to service users and members of the public on any issues relating to family law. Due to the significant changes in Legal Aid funding and the quality of advice being provided, Karis’ sessions are very popular at the centre. Karis explains: “The Huggard Centre has been providing frontline services to homeless people for over 20 years. Unfortunately, the economic climate and changes to the allocation of Legal Aid has made it often impossible for everyone to seek legal advice in respect to family matters. The surgeries help those in a vulnerable position and the advice provided is appreciated.” More...

Due to the higher than average levels of stress associated with their jobs, it is perhaps not surprising that divorce rates where one partner works in the police force are twice the national average. The physical danger and conflict which is inherent in their jobs can have a lasting impact on their relationships, and matters can quickly deteriorate.

If a police officer is going through a divorce or separation, the desire to protect the pension they have worked so hard for understandably features highly on their list of priorities. This is precisely why they should seek the best possible advice from a legal team who take the time to stay on top of the latest new pension regulations and matters such as pay and rent allowance.      

Police pension schemes More...

“A Surname given to a child at birth is not simply a name plucked out of the air.  It is a biological label that tells the world at large that the blood of the name flows in its veins” Lord Jauncey in Dawson .v. Wearmouth.

Are you considering changing your child’s surname?

The legal process of changing a child’s surname requires the involvement and consent of anyone with Parental Responsibility for the child.

Separated or divorced parents are advised to contact the other parent and request their consent to the changing of the child’s surname in writing. Mediation could be considered as an option for some parents.

When / If both parents consent to the change of surname, the process can be completed by deed pole. The application for the enrolment of the deed poll must then be supported by the consent in writing of every person with parental responsibility. Our solicitors can help with this for a fixed free. More...

It is a common myth that you are not able to file for a divorce if you do not know where your spouse is living at the time. It is a relatively widespread misconception that if people wait for five years then they are able to file for a divorce without their spouse being any the wiser, but this is not the case.

Officially, for your divorce to be completed, the court requires that your spouse is either served with the divorce, or you must prove that you have done everything in your power to find them without success. 

Your attempts to locate them can be evidenced by contacting their:

•    Friends
•    Relatives
•    Last known employer
•    Bank or building society
•    Trade union or professional organisation More...

There are a whole host of processes included in a residential conveyancing service and invariably, it will take time. However, by choosing to work with an experienced firm of solicitors who are dedicated to delivering the highest level of customer service, it is possible to move the process along swiftly.     

Receipt of draft contract – seen by many as the starting point of the conveyancing process, the contract should set out the terms of the sale process and include details of the property as well as items which are to be included in the sale.
   
Preliminary enquiry – whilst waiting for the draft contract, a solicitor will send a list of enquiries to the seller’s solicitor to reveal fundamental information about the property and the sale.

Property information form – although not included in every conveyancing case, you may be sent this form by your solicitor which includes a summary of the items included in the contract, such as boundaries, fixtures and fittings etc. More...