22nd November 2023 | Watson Ramsbottom Solicitors

“Solicitors don’t “get” domestic abuse and how it affects victims”

We have occasionally seen & heard the above statement and whilst we can’t say all solicitors and firms nationwide have a great understanding, here at Watson Ramsbottom we have a dedicated team ready to assist with all matters relating to domestic abuse.

15th November 2023 | Watson Ramsbottom Solicitors

“If your partner doesn’t actually hit you there is nothing you can do as physical abuse is required for the authorities to take action”

This is a myth. Whilst in the past the term domestic abuse has been synonymous with domestic violence, domestic violence legislation covers much more than this. Domestic abuse often includes domestic violence, but can also comprise psychological, emotional, sexual and financial abuse, as well as coercive control.

8th November 2023 | Watson Ramsbottom Solicitors

“Once you leave your partner the risk of violence and abuse reduces”

Whilst the decision to leave an abusive relationship is always a huge one, it needs to be carefully managed. Where a perpetrator is put in a position where control is lost, it can see them at their most dangerous.

1st November 2023 | Watson Ramsbottom Solicitors

“If I leave the family home I reduce my ability to make a claim against it financially”

This is not the case. Claims on the family home can be made whether you are currently living in it or not. If you need to leave the property at the end of a relationship, do so and we will help maximise your claim against it

25th October 2023 | Watson Ramsbottom Solicitors

“The police won’t take any action against my stalker so there’s nothing I can do”

This is a myth – Often cyber stalking, stalking and harassment is not taken seriously by the police and Crown Prosecution Service and Watson Ramsbottom can advocate on your behalf to ensure not only that charges are brought where possible but that the correct charges are brought resulting in more severe sentencing and protection for victims.

18th October 2023 | Watson Ramsbottom Solicitors

“Because there was no physical violence in the relationship I have to allow my ex to see the children”

Child arrangements are often difficult to get right following a relationship breakdown, but in usual circumstances these can be set in place via agreements between separating couples. There are, however, genuine circumstances where children need protecting from an ex-partner, not least in instances where domestic abuse has been present in the relationship.

11th October 2023 | Watson Ramsbottom Solicitors

“My wife has moved to the other side of the country with the children but because she hasn’t left the country there is nothing I can do”

Moving children to another part of the country is known as internal relocation.

This can often cause contention post-separation if one parent seeks to relocate some distance away from the previous family home with the children

16th August 2023 | Watson Ramsbottom Solicitors

“I have already nominated a next of kin, can they make decisions for me if I lose capacity”

One of the biggest misconceptions we see is peoples assumption that their next of kin can simply make decisions for them should they lose capacity. This can cause real problems…

9th August 2023 | Watson Ramsbottom Solicitors

“My executor can’t be a beneficiary”

When creating a will, it is amazing how many people ask us if their executor can also be a beneficiary of their will. Here we answer that question.

2nd August 2023 | Watson Ramsbottom Solicitors

“The Council will sell my house to pay for my care fees”

In the England, local authorities may conduct a financial assessment to determine if an individual is eligible for financial support with their care fees. This assessment takes into account various factors, and when people own a property it becomes more complicated…

26th July 2023 | Watson Ramsbottom Solicitors

“I only need an LPA for when I lose capacity”

Lasting Powers of Attorney (LPAs) are the legal and recommended way to put in place suitable measures to protect your assets during your lifetime. Whilst the major purpose and benefit of these documents is to assist you in the event you lose capacity, there are certain circumstances in which an LPA can be used before you lose capacity.

19th July 2023 | Watson Ramsbottom Solicitors

“I am married, so my spouse will inherit everything”

The idea that a spouse will automatically inherit everything if you die may not be as true as you thought.

Here we detail several reasons why it may be a good idea to seek urgent advice if you believe this to be the case.

12th July 2023 | Watson Ramsbottom Solicitors

“I have written a will years ago and do not need to think about it again”

If you have a Will in place, you’ve already taken an excellent positive step to ensure that your wishes are carried out in the event of your death.

But there are certain circumstances that can, over time, mean a Will, perfectly drafted at the time, can cease to adequately cover your intentions.

5th July 2023 | Watson Ramsbottom Solicitors

“If I give my house to my children now, then in 7 years the council cannot consider it for care fees”

Giving your house to your children whilst in good health can be a positive move, but may not protect it from being used to pay for your care.

Here are some key points to consider:

28th June 2023 | Watson Ramsbottom Solicitors

“My husband/wife can look after my financial affairs if I can’t – I don’t need an LPA”

Having a Lasting Power of Attorney is highly important for several reasons, not least because should you lose capacity without one, many key decisions relating to your assets, health, bills etc. could not be made until lengthy and costly steps are taken.

Here are some key reasons why having an LPA is valuable.