Welcome to MCP Solicitors
Solicitors in King's Lynn, Peterborough, Thetford & Wisbech
Metcalfe Copeman & Pettefar (MCP) Solicitors is a long established, substantial firm of solicitors based in East Anglia, with offices in Kings Lynn, Peterborough, Thetford and Wisbech.
Our lawyers deal with most areas of law, for both individuals and businesses, and we pride ourselves on our professional, friendly, cost-effective service.
Please explore this website to learn more about what we offer or alternatively contact us to find out how we can help you.
News
Richard Carlson retires
Richard retires as an Equity Partner of MCP with effect from the close of business today the 30th June 2010. In retiring Richard brings to a conclusion a long and I believe happy very distinguished legal career with MCP. Read More
Are sick workers entitled to take statutory holiday?
Legislation exists which allows workers to take statutory holiday while they are off sick. This means that workers on long-term sick leave can take holiday and be paid for it, even where they have exhausted their right to statutory and/or contractual sick pay.Read More
Changes to the Building Regulations 2000
The Building Regulations 2000 apply to all buildings. A number of changes to the Regulations will come into force on 1 October 2010. Read More
Residential Service Charges
Legislation protects residential tenants from excessive service charges. Before entering into contracts to provide services or carry out works relating to residential properties, you should consider whether you need to consult with your tenants. If you fail to consult when required, you will only be able to recoup the statutory maximum, in the absence of a dispensation from the Leasehold Valuation Tribunal (LVT). Read More
Home Information Packs - Suspended
Home Information Packs have been suspended from the 21st May 2010. Energy Performance Certificates will still need to be commissioned before marketing can be commenced but this will enable a property to be marketed more quickly and cheaply than before. We continue to provide EPCs to our clients and Estate Agents.
Party Wall
The law that governs work on a party wall is fraught with problems. There are strict procedures to be followed by property owners and developers for existing walls, new walls and excavation works. There are significant consequences for failing to follow these correct procedures. Read More
Equality Act 2010 – What it means for your business.
The Equality Act 2010 has introduced key changes to discrimination law. Here are some practical steps for businesses to take before the Act comes into force in October 2010. Read More
The Bribery Act 2010 - What does it mean for your business?
New offences have been introduced by the Bribery Act 2010 and the penalties for committing them. How do these affect you? Read More
The Big Business Bite Back
On 30 March 2010, MCP was part of a successful day long event run by Fenland District Council called “The Big Business Bite Back”. Among other things, MCP organised a written legal quiz. As promised to those who sportingly took part, click here to view the quiz
Non Payment of Rent
Many of your tenants are likely to have been adversely affected by the economic downturn and may, as a consequence, be struggling to pay the rent due under the terms of their lease. This e-mail sets out the key issues that a landlord should be aware of if a tenant fails to pay the rent due under the terms of a commercial lease. Read More
Adverse weather conditions
The recent spell of bad weather has hampered construction projects across the country. You may want to review the terms of your contracts to see whether you can claim time and/or money under them as a result of the adverse weather conditions. Read More
The Provision of Services Regulations 2009
The Provision of Services Regulations 2009 came into force on 28 December 2009. The Regulations apply to the majority of private sector businesses in the UK. They apply to business-to-business and business-to-consumer services. Read More
Prenuptial Agreements
Are they worth the paper they are written on?
The answer is possibly, a typical lawyer's answer I hear you say! As with most aspects of relationship breakdown it all comes down to the facts of a particular case, but a properly and carefully crafted prenuptial agreement can make a real difference. Read More
Landlords Beware!
Service Charge Consultation Requirements for Leases
The Commonhold and Leasehold Reform Act 2002 (CLRA 2002) introduced new requirements for landlords to consult with residential long leaseholders before carrying out works above a certain value, or entering into any long-term agreement for the provision of services. The purpose behind the consultation process is to involve the leaseholders in the landlord's proposals.Read More
Data Protection Checklist
This checklist highlights the key legal obligations businesses should consider when dealing with personal data about customers, suppliers, employees or any other individual who you may encounter in the course of your business.Read More
Pre-Budget Report Checklist
This checklist highlights some of the key issues from the Pre-Budget Report that are likely to have an impact on small businesses. Read More
Businesses are you Protecting your Assets?
'Intellectual property' (IP) is a creation of the mind that has commercial value. IP is now used as a general term to include copyright, trade marks, designs and patents. IP law can protect your ideas, inventions and designs and can be vital to protect your business from competitors and maintain the reputation of your business. Read More
MCP reaches its 225th Anniversary!
MCP is officially 225 years old this year and plans to celebrate this achievement in a number of ways. Despite the passage of time the firm remains true to many of its original objectives not least providing a service to local clients. It also continues to operate a substantial legal aid practice at each of its 4 offices. Read More...
Grandparents
Research has consistently demonstrated the benefits that grandparents provide to their grandchildrens wellbeing. However, research conducted by Families Need Fathers and the Grandparents Association for their report 'Beyond the Nuclear: Including the Wider Family' showed that 42% of respondent grandparents lost all contact with their grandchildren after parental separation. If you are having difficulty in arranging contact with your grandchildren then contact Metcalfe Copeman & Pettefar Solicitors who can assist you. For more information contact Steve Welcomme.
Cohabitation Bill
Today one in six of all couples are not married and yet cohabitants are often left without any legal protection if their relationship breaks down. A Bill is currently going through the House of Lords and had its second reading on 13th March 2009. Resolution, a organisation of Family Lawyers, are trying to bring attention to the fact that there is not such things as “Common Law Husband and Wife” Read More...
HIP's Expand Again
The regulations on first day marketing will change from 6th April 2009, to ensure buyers have certainty that the Home Information Pack (HIP) will be available as soon as a property comes onto the market, and that sellers see the product they are paying for. A Property Information Questionnaire (PIQ) will also be needed. This will include information on flood risk, gas and electricity safety, service charges, structural damage and parking arrangements. This will go alongside other important information already in the pack, such as energy performance certificates. For more information please contact Andrew Davies.
What happens if you die without leaving a Will?
Many people are under the impression that when they die their Estate (comprising money, property and possessions) will pass to their loved ones. However, this is not always the case. If you die without having made a Will your Estate is divided according to Intestacy Rules, which changed on 1st February 2009. Read More...
