Gilbert Stephens Solicitors are proud to announce that the collaborative networking group, Exeter Property Circle (EPC), has been shortlisted in the Property category at the Exeter Living Awards 2020.
Founded by Gilbert Stephens, Northcott Beaton and PSSW Solutions, the EPC was established to offer opportunities for likeminded property professionals to meet and connect within the Exeter area. The not-for-profit group has grown exponentially from its launch event in September 2018 and continues to offer bimonthly networking events across various local venues. Read more…
Gilbert Stephens Solicitors are pleased to announce that we have been shortlisted for the Devon and Somerset Law Society’s 2020 Legal Awards. Read more…
A London Pharmacy has just been fined £275,000 for its failure to ensure the security of special category data under the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR).
GDPR is a data protection regulation set by the EU to help give more control to individuals over their personal data. The Regulations came into effect on 25th May 2018 to ensure the security of data held by individuals and most of us will be aware of it, remember all the emails asking you to confirm you were happy for your details to be stored? That was as a result of the GDPR regulations. All businesses must abide by these regulations and if there is even a slight breach it must be reported to the Information Commissioner. Read more…
On Thursday 6th February 2020, a small change will be made to the way in which some estates are divided when someone dies without making a will.
When someone dies without a valid will, the “Intestacy Rules” determine who will inherit from them and who has the right to administer their estate. How much of their estate will be inherited by their partner, children and other close relatives is set out in the Administration of Estates Act 1925, which has been updated from time to time since then. Read more…
Winter can be a precarious time of year for car drivers, accidents increase as road conditions worsen due to the adverse weather conditions and shorter hours of daylight. Though claims can be pursued if you are involved in an accident which isn’t your fault, and in some circumstances, claims can be taken against local Councils, it is better for everyone if they can be avoided in the first place. For that reason, we have put together our top ten tips for keeping safe on the roads this winter:
Have a winter car check – a winter check will give you peace of mind that your car is in good working condition. It will check things like your brakes, windscreen wipers, and tyres.
Keep a blanket, water, and some snacks in your car in case you do get stranded due to poor weather conditions. Ensure you can always keep warm, fed, and watered whatever happens.
Before leaving home check if there are any weather warnings in place, if there are consider if your journey is really necessary.
Drive to the conditions – if it is very wet or icy ensure you leave a bigger distance between you are the car in front. If you have to stop suddenly you need space to do this. Stopping distances are at least doubled in wet weather and multiplied by ten in ice and snowy weather. If the weather is very windy be aware there may be debris in the road ahead.
Keep your speed down – the faster you drive the longer it will take to stop and in wet and icy conditions the roads may be very slippery. If you are driving too fast you can very quickly lose control of the vehicle, even with the slightest touch of the brakes.
Ensure you have enough fuel – it’s very easy to push on when the low fuel light comes on, however it’s a good idea to always have enough fuel in case you get stuck for a considerable time and need to keep your heating running.
If your car is frozen clear all windscreens and windows properly before setting off so you have full visibility.
Don’t be tempted to drive through flood water – we’ve all seen those images of cars broken down as the water seeps in!
Be aware of what is around you, too often accidents are caused due to a lack in concentration – don’t get behind the wheel if you are tired.
Data shows there are spikes in accidents when the clocks turn back resulting in drivers being more likely to have to drive in the dark. Be sure your headlights work and don’t stare at oncoming headlights, use your full beams sensibly and don’t blind other drivers.
Accidents will sadly happen no matter what precautions are taken but hopefully we can reduce them by using a bit of common sense, there’s no point in driving fast if at the end of the day you never reach your destination.
If you are unfortunate to have been involved in an accident and would like some legal advice you can contact our team here, email or call 01392 424242.
With the Christmas and New Year festivities having come and gone, we find ourselves in the time of year when many people are thinking of either booking their summer holidays or, perhaps, also contemplating putting their property on the market and looking around for that dream home purchase.
Below is a basic guide and some tips we have put together to help you if you find yourself looking to move in 2020. Read more…
On Tuesday 14th January, Gilbert Stephens Solicitors were extremely pleased to congratulate Classics Galore on raising a remarkable £22,500 for a fantastic local charity. The firm are proud to be sponsors of the annual Concert which raises funds for FORCE. FORCE is an Exeter-based charity which works to improve patient care within the City by funding research and innovation. Read more…
Over the past few years, Gilbert Stephens Solicitors have been steadfast supporters of Crediton RFC and have enjoyed sponsoring many of their matches. As a token of the club’s appreciation, Gilbert Stephens were delighted to have been invited to Crediton RFC’s pre-match buffet and Crediton’s 1st XV game V Bridgwater & Albion RFC on Saturday 11th January. Read more…
We were pleased to note that the Queen’s 2019 speech announced that the Domestic Abuse Bill and the Divorce, Dissolution and Separation Bill will be reintroduced.
The Domestic Abuse Bill is designed to give more protection to domestic abuse victims and their children and offer better support. In particular it will emphasise that domestic abuse can also include emotional, coercive or controlling, and economic abuse, awareness of this type of abuse has been raised in recent years. Read more…
In January law firms across the country see a rise in divorce and civil partnership dissolution enquiries. We always see a rise in divorce enquiries after the New Year with many seeking some form of legal advice regarding their relationship. This year Monday 6th January is likely to be one of our busiest, but why? Read more…
This information does not constitute legal or financial advice and you are advised to seek the guidance of a lawyer or financial advisor to discuss your individual requirements.
