All free information guides

Sep

14

How long does it take to buy or sell a house?

There are perhaps two simple reasons why moving house is considered to be one of the most stressful events in anyone’s life: the apparent lack of control, and the uncertainty.

Jul

20

Q&A: Fatal accidents

Every fatal accident is a tragedy, whether the result of a road traffic accident, an accident at work, or due to a fatal industrial disease.

Jul

06

Court of Protection

Access Legal from Shoosmiths has produced this handy guide to help you understand the Court of Protection; what it is and what it does.

May

26

Chronic pain and links with the brain

Chronic pain sufferers will tell you it can severely restrict their quality of life and ability to perform simple, everyday tasks.

May

05

Types of land disputes

There are all sorts of land disputes, and here we look at some of the most common ones, and how injunctions may be able to help you if you’re affected by any of them.

Mar

31

Modifications: Ensure youre insured

A common complaint from motorcyclists concerns insurers refusing to pay out because they claim a bike has been modified without their knowledge.

Mar

28

Professional Negligence Pre-Action Protocol

For the last decade or so the courts have tried to emphasise that the start of legal proceedings should be a last resort - not the first step taken by those seeking justice.

Mar

22

The mystery of the scaphoid

Fractures of the scaphoid account for about half of all wrist injuries that typically occur in young men aged 15 to 30-years-old.

Mar

02

Preparing your property for marketing: checklist

Anyone who has moved before will no doubt agree that it is one of the top three most stressful things in life. At Access Legal we want to help you with life's legal decisions, so we've created the checklist below to help you plan for every event.

Mar

02

Preparing your home for sale: a practical guide to selling your property

Selling a property is a big deal for most people, especially if the property involved is also your home.

Mar

02

A guide to rehabilitation in personal injury claims

What is rehabilitation? If you’ve suffered a personal injury as a result of the fault of another party, you may be able to make a claim for compensation.

Mar

01

Consumer advice for motorcyclists

When buying motorbikes, parts and accessories, or getting your motorbike repaired, it’s a good idea to be clued up on your rights.

Mar

01

Consumer advice for car buyers

When buying a car, the rights you’ll have will vary depending on whether the car is new and who you buy it from.

Feb

21

Asbestos: key facts

Asbestos is a naturally occurring fibrous mineral which comes in three forms:

Feb

18

Cycling: What kids should know

Riding a bike is lots of fun for all ages and is generally seen as being a safe pastime.

Feb

17

Landlords and agents beware

In many cases, landlords and agents find it easier to serve Section 21 Notices ending a tenancy at the same time the tenant signs the tenancy agreement.

Feb

17

Guide to Abandonment

Under Section 1 of the Protection from Eviction Act 1977, it is a criminal offence to unlawfully evict a residential occupier from rental premises without first obtaining one of the following:

Feb

16

Residential property disputes

We understand the needs and priorities of homeowners, property agents and landlords in disputes concerning residential properties.

Feb

16

Guidance for Letting Agents: Attending court

Going to court may seem daunting at first, but is usually quite straightforward.

Feb

16

Guidance for Landlords: Attending court

You are going to court to evict your tenants and to obtain a money judgment against them. It may seem daunting at first, but is usually straightforward.

Feb

16

Boundary Disputes

Boundary disputes between neighbours are very common and are among the most bitterly contested types of litigation.

Feb

08

Dealing with estate administration

A useful guide on what you should do when a loved one passes away and how to handle the administration of their estate.

Jan

31

Spinal Injuries: Q&A

Suffering a spinal injury is life-changing, and trying to get things back on track can be daunting. Our Q&A is aimed at answering some of the questions most commonly asked by spinal injury sufferers keen to rebuild their lives.

Jan

31

Probate: dealing with the loss of a loved one

When a family member or a close friend dies, the grief can be overwhelming, but there are formalities that must be dealt with by law as soon as possible.

Jan

25

Why is it important to have a Will?

If you die without making a Will you're said to have died 'intestate', and the rules of intestacy will apply.

Jan

25

Different types of Power of Attorney

A Power of Attorney is a legal document by which one person (the 'donor') gives another person or persons (the 'attorney') power to act on their behalf and in their name in respect of their financial or personal affairs.

Nov

30

Adverse weather driving tips

In bad weather within your own locality, unless it’s absolutely necessary, it’s recommended that you stay off the road.

Sep

27

No-win-no-fee: What is it?

‘No-win-no-fee’ is common phrase for a Conditional Fee Agreement (CFA), which exists between an individual and their law firm as a mechanism for dealing with the cost of legal services.

Aug

18

Motorcycle accidents: Some common injuries

Motorcycles offer a sense of freedom that cars and other vehicles can’t.

Aug

11

Cycle safety for kids

By equipping them with road safety skills, cycling for children can be fun and is an excellent way to build up their confidence and independence, as well as giving them a lifelong skill which helps maintain fitness levels and promotes social interaction.

Aug

02

Road traffic accident dos and donts

Take to the road, and unfortunately your chances of being involved in a road traffic accident are quite high. It’s difficult, we know, but try not to panic if you find yourself in the aftermath of a collision.

Jul

19

Your guide to making a small claim

If your claim is for goods, services or money and you are unable to come to an agreement you may need to consider bringing a claim in the county court.

Jul

19

Motorcycling abroad

Touring abroad by motorcycle should be a pleasurable experience. However, your holiday could be ruined if you’re not aware of the local rules of the road.

Jun

30

Sharing the roads with cyclists: Tips for motorists

There are a lot of concerns about safety when cars and bikes share the roads, and we've all heard about tragedies that happen when these two modes of transport collide.

Jun

02

What to do following a cycling accident

Cycling can be one of the most pleasurable and safest modes of transport. However, if you do have an accident, there are some important tips you need to remember:

Jun

02

Cycling: the gender gap

British Cycling advises that although participation in cycling has increased at an unprecedented level over the past 12 months – 113,000 more weekly cyclists – female participation has fallen, with 17% lower participation across all sports.

May

25

Safer cycling

Read our free guide and enjoy safer cycling

Feb

03

Tell me about my claim

Making a compensation claim after you’ve been injured can be a daunting prospect, and it’s only natural to worry about how much it’ll cost and whether it’ll succeed.

Jan

31

Radon advice guide

This information guide is provided for clients whose properties are believed to fall within an area known to be affected by Radon Gas as a result of findings on our Environmental Searches.

Jan

31

Chancel repair liability guide

The history of chancel repair liability is ancient and complex, demonstrating how some of the more historic aspects of ancient property ownership have survived to current times.

Jan

29

Work-related disease and illness claims

The dangers of the workplace aren't always obvious. Prolonged exposure to materials, fumes, noise and machinery can lead to a range of conditions that can seriously affect people's quality of life.

Jan

29

Wills, trusts and probate

Modern life can seem so complicated, but you can make it simpler for your family by ensuring you have Wills drawn-up and that your wealth is looked after by people who have your best interests at heart, like the ones at Access Legal from Shoosmiths.

Jan

29

Who can claim?

There are several elements to any claim for damages arising out of a fatal accident.

Jan

29

When selling a house

Selling a house can be very stressful, but our experienced conveyancing specialists take the hassle out of it, so you don't end up pulling your hair out.

Jan

29

When buying a house

If you thought selling a house was stressful, try buying one - especially if it's your dream home. But it doesn't have to turn into a nightmare. Use our experienced conveyancing specialists and everything will go like a ... dream.

Jan

29

What's the difference between a guarantee and a warranty?

Learn about the differences and what you should look out for when purchasing items

Jan

29

What to do if you have an accident in the UK

You should always stop at the scene if you think the accident has caused injuries or damage to vehicles.

Jan

29

What to do if you have an accident abroad

If you are travelling abroad learning new road rules, being aware of local speed limits and driving attitudes can be difficult to grasp.

Jan

29

What to do if stopped by the Police

Look for a safe and convenient place to pull over.

Jan

29

What duty does the local highway authority owe you for the conditions of the road?

It owes you a duty of care for roads maintainable of public expense. These roads are the responsibility of highway authorities and they are responsible for maintaining the highway.

Jan

29

Useful information when purchasing or selling a motorbike or kit

If you are buying a bike there are certain things that should always be checked:

Jan

29

Supply of goods (faulty products)

Maybe you’ve bought a washing machine, dishwasher or a similar item and are having problems with it.

Jan

29

Protecting your compensation

We understand that once you have received your compensation, you will want to get on with your life.

Jan

29

Personal Injury Trusts

When you receive your compensation you will probably just want to get on with your life.

Jan

29

Paternity and pay

There should be a recognised procedure from your employer in dealing with paternity leave and pay.

Jan

29

Parental leave

There should be a recognised procedure from your employer in dealing with Parental Leave.

Jan

29

Motorbike Liability

The risks faced by motorcycle riders and the need to protect their rights of recovery after an accident become readily apparent after reviewing these statistics:

Jan

29

Maternity leave and pay

There should be a recognised procedure from your employer in dealing with Maternity leave and pay.

Jan

29

Inquests

Depending on the accident circumstances, the police/Criminal Prosecution Service will consider prosecuting the other party for offences relating to the accident.

Jan

29

Guide to: making a Will

Writing a Will can help your loved ones by giving them answers to some of the things they may worry about when you die.

Jan

29

Guide to letting your property

Letting a property sounds easy, but can be fraught with problems, and there are plenty of responsibilities landlords have to consider. With us to advise you, letting will be a pleasurable, profitable experience.

Jan

29

Guide to Remortgaging

Lots of people think remortgaging their property is quick and easy, only to discover it's time consuming and with lots of hoops to be jumped through. Use us and it really is quick and easy. It's because we remove the hoops.

Jan

29

Grievance

There should be a recognised procedure from your employer in dealing with any grievance.

Jan

29

General consumer rights

We all enter into contracts everyday, possibly without thinking about it, whether it’s purchasing a new vehicle or something as simple as buying a sandwich.

Jan

29

Disputes with professionals

At some time in our lives we’ll all have to deal with a professional, whether a solicitor, accountant, surveyor, or similar.

Jan

29

Discrimination

There should be a recognised procedure from your employer in providing an equality and diversity policy.

Jan

29

Disciplinary and dismissal

There should be a recognised procedure from your employer in dealing with disciplinary and dismissals.

Jan

29

Dealing with tradesmen

Having work done to your home can be very disruptive.

Jan

29

Dealing with salesmen/dealers

Buying a vehicle can be one of the most expensive purchases you’ll ever make, so careful consideration should be taken before doing so.

Jan

29

Collecting evidence (road traffic accident claims)

We tell you everything you need to know about collecting evidence if you have a road traffic accident claim.

Jan

29

Biker clothing

Bikers don’t have the luxury of side impact bars, air bags or seat belts to protect them. Their only option, in addition to riding defensively, is to wear the very best clothing that they can afford.

Jan

29

Adoption and pay guide

There should be a recognised procedure from your employer in dealing with adoption and pay.

Jan

29

Accidents with untraced drivers

The Motor Insurers’ Bureau (MIB) was set up to protect innocent victims of road traffic accidents.

All free information guides

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