Life Admin Tips For When The World Is On Pause26th Mar 2020
If you are remaining at home during the COVID-19 outbreak, you’re likely to be facing the challenges that come with it.
In these times of uncertainty where anything resembling a routine can be considered a relief, now could be the perfect opportunity to tackle your long-anticipated life admin tasks.
Reviewing your insurance policies, mortgage rates, direct debits, television subscriptions or even provisionally booking a hair appointment for the distant future – life admin can help us all feel in control.
With uncertainty hovering over both your routine and finances, we have put together a few ways in which we can help you feel organised.
If you are mindful of finances, we understand. Here are a few ways to get ahead while it feels like the world is on pause.
Tip #1 – Making or revising a will: Arm yourself with information.
Recent statistics show that over 75% of people do not make a will. By enquiring about making a will now, you could be saving your family a lot of unnecessary trouble and stress.
If you have already made a will, it is worth noting that your situation may change. You may marry, re-marry, divorce, or enter into a civil partnership. You may have a child or have more children. You may acquire more assets, whether by saving, inheritance or good luck.
If you have been meaning to make or amend your existing will, contact us. We can advise beyond wills and offer advice on powers of attorney, too. With no obligations, we will simply tell you what is involved, and the costs involved. You can book a future appointment or simply email us for further information.
Tip #2 – Lease Extensions: At lease(t) get a quote.
Your leasehold flat (or house) could be harder to sell if your lease is too short. Mortgage companies can be reluctant to lend on properties with fewer than 75 years left on the lease.
Fortunately, most owners of residential leasehold properties have a legal right to extend their lease. Doing so can safeguard and enhance the value of your home – and make it easier to sell.
If you are aware of this, chances are that you may have already considered a lease extension. Regarded as a fair investment, contacting a leasehold solicitor can offer you all the information on the costs and processes required, leaving you ready to get the ball rolling when it suits.
Tip #3 – Got a business plan? Ascertain costs now and act later.
You’ve got a business plan or ideas for further investment. You’ve seen the ideal premises (or something of the sort) and now need further advice on the costs involved when leasing or purchasing a commercial property.
If you are at the start of your business venture or deciding whether to make that step, we can outlay all costs, leaving nothing hidden.
Rest assured we are experts in helping your business venture reach fruition. Through enquiring, you can establish the necessities to get your business running as soon as you can. You have nothing to lose.
Tip #4 – Employment Law: Experiencing redundancy or fear of it? Prepare and read up here.
By law, your employer must give you formal notice if they are making you redundant. The minimum legal periods are:
- At least one week if you have been employed between one month and two years
- If you have been employed for 2 years or more, one week for every year you have been in that employment (maximum 12 weeks’ notice).
It is also very important to check your employment contract - you may be entitled to a longer notice period than the statutory legal minimum. It is worth noting that these notices do not just apply to redundancy; they can be for any of the following four reasons to terminate a Contract of Employment:
- Capability
- Conduct
- Contravening a statute
- Another substantial reason.
If you are experiencing redundancy or worried that you could potentially face redundancy, you can feel better prepared by reading the available information on our website. Additionally, you can always contact us with any questions.
Tip #5 – Purchasing a house? Ascertain legal costs now, ready for you to action later.
With time at home, you may be looking at your house and still dreaming of a future property purchase.
Along with scanning the local property market to establish house prices, it is wise to consider conveyancing costs also.
As a firm we have helped thousands of clients sail through the moving home process, making us one of the leading conveyancing practices in the area and of course, we’d love to help you too.
If you wish to get your ducks (or houses) in a row, you can find useful information on our website regarding the steps involved. You will also have access to our conveyancing calculator and the approximate costs of our services. When you are ready to make that step, we’ll be here to help.
If you need to seek advice during these uncertain times, please don't hesitate to contact us. We are responding to queries like normal and are happy to help.
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This document is not intended to constitute and should not be used as a substitute for legal advice on any specific matter. No liability for the accuracy of the content of this document, or the consequences of relying on it, is assumed by the author. If you seek further information, please contact Managing Partner Neil Andrews at Coles Miller Solicitors LLP.
