MCP Solicitors News Stories
Latest News Stories
Richard Carlson RetiresRichard 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
Party Walls
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 - 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
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 Welcolmme.
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.
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”
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.
New Solicitor Qualifies With MCP Solicitors
On 15th January 2009 Aimee Marsh qualified as a solicitor with MCP Solicitors. Aimee has been training with the firm for the past two and a half years. During this time she has gained wide experience in Criminal, Family, Property and particularly Commercial Law, the field in which she is now specialising.
ECHR DNA Ruling And Its Implications
On 4th December 2009, in a landmark ruling which "disappointed" the Government, the European Court of Human Rights unanimously ruled that the current law in England & Wales relating to the retention of DNA profiles and fingerprints is unlawful. What implications will this have for innocent people whose DNA profiles and fingerprints have been retained?
MCP Solicitors Holds Employment Seminars
MCP Solicitors recently held a series of employment seminars across West Anglia. The events were designed for local businesses to receive updates in th ever-changing field of employment law.
MCP Solicitors Helps Charity To Make Music
Staff at the Thetford office of MCP Solicitors have donated £150 to the Thetford Music Project. Staff at the law firm regularly take part in dress down days and other activities to raise money for charities important to them.
New Website For MCP Solicitors
MCP Solicitors has just launched their new website. The new site has been created to provide people with more information on the law and what the firm can do to help them in a variety of situations.
MCP Recognised By The Legal 500
Metcalfe Copeman & Pettefar Solicitors has been listed in the Legal 500 for their excellence in various areas of law.
Exam Glory At MCP Solicitors
Two staff at Metcalfe Copeman & Pettefar Solicitors have passed legal exams with flying colours.
New Senior Partner For MCP Solicitors
MCP Solicitors has a new Senior Partner. After 6 years as Senior Partner and 37 with the firm, David Rutter has stepped down and Tim Stevenson taken up the mantle.
