Private drainage system? Get it registered!

Posted by Justin on Jun 21, 2012 in Nelsons' Column | 1 comment Many rural properties are not connected to the public sewerage system, but have their own private foul drainage system: a septic tank, cesspit or biological treatment unit. It used to be that only systems that drained or overflowed into a watercourse (which includes a ditch) needed a Consent to Discharge (or exemption certificate) from the Environment Agency, but the regulatory system is...
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How can you extend a residential “long lease” that is starting to run out?

Posted by Justin on Jun 8, 2012 in Nelsons' Column | 0 comments When the lease period (“term”) under a long (more than 21 years term at the date of grant) residential lease drops below 80 years, it can get difficult to mortgage and therefore difficult to sell.  However, it need not be a major problem, as almost all tenants who have held the lease in their own name for at least 2 years will have a statutory right to extend it.  This does not apply...
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Commercial websites and electronic trading

Posted by Justin on Apr 10, 2012 in Nelsons' Column | 0 comments Website trading Websites must provide “in a clear, comprehensive and unambiguous manner” the following information – the different technical steps to follow to conclude the contract whether the contract will be (a) stored and (b) accessible the technical means to review and correct an order before it is placed the languages in which the order can be placed Website owners must also ensure there...
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Saving inheritance tax (“IHT”)

Posted by Justin on Apr 4, 2012 in Nelsons' Column | 0 comments The old system It used to be the case that, to use (rather than waste) the nil tax band for IHT (currently the first £325,000 of the estate), a gift of up to the amount of the nil tax band could be “hived off” – either outright to other beneficiaries or to a discretionary trust that could include the surviving spouse, children, grandchildren, etc as potential beneficiaries. The rest of the...
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Feedback for online Q&A

Posted by Justin on Mar 29, 2012 in Nelsons' Column | 0 comments As a follow-up to my earlier post about online Q&A, I thought I’d share some of the feedback that has been left for me – Question Answered? Yes it was and in a way that I could understand Question Answered? Thank you for the prompt and concise reply to my query, it is very much appreciated and I will recommend your service to friends and colleagues Question Answered? Yes, within...
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Online legal Q & A

Posted by Justin on Mar 24, 2012 in Nelsons' Column | 0 comments I have been trying an online legal questions and answers service, the idea being that, by demonstrating my knowledge and helpfulness, I might get a few new clients from this source. I have to say that I plan to cancel my subsciption soon – the sort of people who use this service are the sort who expect free advice and help all the way, and do not want to commit to a normal solicitor-client...
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