Resources: Articles | Banner Jones Solicitors in Sheffield, Chesterfield, Dronfield & Mansfield

To employ or not to employ?

For a new business the first year is all about survival, but what happens when your business is doing more than just surviving and is starting to flourish? As a business grows it is inevitable that the amount of time that needs to be invested to secure its future is too much for one person, particularly if that person is a working parent wanting to maintain a sensible work-life balance.

Tips for becoming a landlord

While interest rates remain low and house prices continue growing, buy to let is still a popular investment option with rental yields delivering good returns, however, there are some key things to consider before becoming a landlord.

Understanding Cohabitation

Cohabitation is the name given to unmarried couples living together. Whether you have previously been married, or are living with your first ‘partner’, you are called cohabitees. But what does this actually mean in practice, and what are your legal rights if anything were to happen to the relationship, or to either of you?

Dogs & Divorce: Is it a bone of contention?

What do these ex-couples have in common – Cheryl & Ashley Cole, Liam Gallagher & Nicole Appleton, Ant McPartlin & Lisa Armstrong? Well, they have all argued over who should get the dog during their divorce.

Right to refuse a business tenancy cannot be misused

An interesting case is currently making its way through the court system and may have far reaching implications for the landlord/tenant relationship in relation to tenancy renewals; making it more difficult for a landlord to refuse the renewal of a tenancy.

Employing Older Workers

With an ageing population leading to a need for many people to work longer, coupled with the abolition of the compulsory retirement age, the average age of people leaving the workplace has increased steadily over the last two decades. In fact, the over 50s now make up over a third of the working population.

Reforming the Divorce Laws

Couples wishing to divorce will soon benefit from a less confrontational process, under proposals announced by the Justice Secretary David Gauke.

4 key ways to prevent your grown-up children derailing your retirement savings

The Bank of Mum and Dad is a well-known concept and we all hate to see our children struggle financially, which is why many parents continue to support their children well into adulthood. Instead of being ‘empty nesters’, many parents discover that their offspring return to the family home straight after university (that is if they ever left in the first place!) due to the problems of getting a foot on the property ladder.

Get your Power of Attorney set up

You will have seen lots of articles recommending that you plan for death by writing a will, but what happens if you become unable to make decisions for yourself whilst you are alive; either through illness or accident? Who will make decisions on your behalf and how will your finances be run?

Don’t forget your digital legacy

When we think about what we leave behind when we die, the majority of us take an approach that gives little regard to the vast amount of digital assets we hold.

What to do when a summer break becomes a summer break up?

When it comes to holidays, most people look to forward to spending time with their loved ones. We all need time to recharge and "get away from it all".

Are you keeping track of your pension pot?

Keeping track of your pension pots can feel like a full-time job at times, particularly as we head towards a world where the average person will have eleven different jobs over the course of their career.

Can we make inheritance tax simpler?

Inheritance tax (IHT) has existed in the UK for over 300 years. In its current form, it was brought in to replace the old Capital Transfer Tax; a measure that was brought in itself as a form of wealth distribution in order to regulate disparity between rich and poor.

Why the experts say people need financial advisers

With the array of online tools and self-help resources available, it can be tempting to try and take your finances into your own hands from time to time. For some people, that’s the way to handle it but for the vast majority, getting advice tailored precisely for you from a qualified professional is the best approach.

Lawyers to pursue claim against NHS following Aston Hall Abuse report

Derbyshire Lawyers acting on behalf of former patients of the Aston Hall children’s hospital which is at the centre of an investigation relating to historical abuse by a doctor have said they will be pursuing a claim against the NHS on behalf of those affected.

Online Life = Digital Legacy

We all increasingly live our lives online whether it be through various social media profiles to paperless billing for your gas and electricity account. When you’re in control, there’s no denying it makes life simple and even if you lose or forget your password, a link will be sent to your email account and within seconds you’re back in control.

New Rules for Commercial Landlords

In April 2018 new legislation increasing the minimum energy efficiency standards for commercial property was implemented, making it unlawful to enter a new lease on a commercial property with an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rating of ‘F’ or ‘G’, the current lowest grades of EPC.

HMRC data reveals the UK’s real gender pay gap

The figures released by the HMRC about the nation’s income and taxation during 2015/16, revealed some fascinating insights into the UK’s finances. But the figures also shed light on the continuing pay gap experienced between men and women. According to HMRC, 57% of all income tax payers were men in 2015/16, contributing almost three quarters (73%) of the total £178 billion income tax bill. These figures are in line with the 2014/15 statistics, suggesting there was little real shift in the gender pay gap between the two years.

What will leaving the Customs Union mean for my business?

When we leave the European Union we will also leave the EU customs union. The question we all want to know the answer to is ‘what does that mean for me?’

Why it pays to retire early

Sound financial planning is not only good for your bank account – it could actually improve your life expectancy. If you’re reading this then you probably don’t need to be convinced of the benefits of looking after your money, but here’s another reason to add to the list.

GDPR – TIPS FOR EMPLOYEES

Complying with GDPR is the responsibility of every employee so we’ve written some tips on how you can help your business stay compliant.

Are Pre-Nups Binding?

Just how binding are Pre-nuptial Agreements in the British Courts? Well a recent ruling of the High Court on a French ‘pre-nuptial agreement’ pretty much spells it out.

Children caring for parents and the impact on everyone’s wealth

A recent study carried out in the USA found that those caring for elderly parents are likely to experience additional financial difficulties on top of the extra stress such responsibilities can bring. The study found that three out of ten American caregivers had also experienced negative consequences from their employers because of their duty to care for an older relative. Many had also seen their own retirement funds depleted because of the cost of providing care.

Consultation on Domestic Abuse

The government has launched a consultation on domestic abuse, seeking new laws and stronger powers to protect and support survivors.

The Gig Economy

What is the “gig economy” and how large is it? The gig economy is defined as “a labour market characterised by the prevalence of short-term contracts or freelance work as opposed to permanent jobs”.