What is the state of the North East property market?

Well, Latimer Hinks decided to find out by bringing together leading estate agents, surveyors and solicitors to discuss the state of the property market.

The forum - a new addition to the Latimer Hinks marketing portfolio will meet on the last Wednesday of every month.

Tim Haggie, Managing Partner at Latimer Hinks chaired the meeting and we heard how the experts believe buyer confidence is returning.

For the full article visit the Northern Echo - Property Industry Hails Foundation for Recovery

And to watch a video of the meeting - Leading Estate Agents Meet at north East Property Forum

Thinking of Marriage - avoid stress & heartache - get a prenup!

Pre-nuptials - not terribly romantic but setting up a pre-nup agreement can help to avoid considerable stress and heartache if a marriage were to break down.

In a recent landmark case, a woman who had already accrued some £18 million in divorce settlements from three previous marriages dropped her claim to a share of her fourth husband’s £45 million fortune thanks to the prenuptial agreement she had signed before the marriage.
The prenuptial agreement was signed on 16 November 2005, and its terms recorded that 'neither party should apply to any court in any jurisdiction for any order for financial provision of any kind based on the marriage.”

However, Susan Crossley, after filing for divorce, sought to go against the pre-nuptial agreement by applying for financial relief from her husband. This was challenged by Stuart Crossley but it was argued that he had not disclosed assets that formed the basis of the agreement so there should be formal financial disclosure. The judge agreed with Stuart Crossley, ordering that the documentation for financial disclosure need not be filed.

Stuart Crossley holds on to his £45 million fortune!

Pre-nuptial agreements are not legally binding in the UK but they can be taken into taken account by the court when deciding how to distribute the assets on a divorce.

Judith Middleton, Family Law partner at Latimer Hinks comments on the Crossley v Crossley case

So, to be on the safe side (not the romantic side) a preputial agreement is worth bearing in mind - and it's not just for the rich and famous out there!

Implementing Redundancies Presentation Well Attended

Yesterday Latimer Hinks held a presentation at Darlington Football Club on Implementing Redundancies in the work place.

The week previous to the event, news hit the press stating that Darlington Football Club was in administration.... panic! Would we still be able to hold the presentation? Will they continue to trade? etc etc.

However, there was no need for panic as the conference side of the business is still up and running!

The presentation was well attended - a reflection of the current climate.

Nick Poole, partner at Latimer Hinks explained how as an employer facing the need for redundancies it is essential to plan early and plan carefully. The redundancy process must be handled in a manner which is fair to all employees and does not leave the company exposed to claims for unfair dismissals.

If your conpany/organistation does need to consider workplace redundancies we strongly advise you to take specialist legal advice.

Other areas of advice from Latimer Hinks commercial department includes:
· Human resource support and strategy
· Changing terms and conditions, business transfers and TUPE
· Contracts for directors, consultants, employees, casuals and temps
· Directors’ service agreements
· Due diligence, indemnities and warranties in sale and outsourcing agreements
· Handbooks and procedures
· Partnership law
· Data protection