A documentary aired in the US earlier this month which highlighted the ‘control’ of Britney Spears by her father has, according to one local lawyer, served to highlight the excellent level of protection available for people in England and Wales who suffer mental health issues resulting in temporary or long-term loss of capacity.

Q:    Two years ago, we evicted tenants whose twelve-month AST started in January, but who stopped paying rent 3 months later in April. On June 30th that year they verbally agreed to surrender the lease, pay the arrears, and vacate the property by July 31st. After that they ignored our calls and letters and would not open the door to us. A council officer advised us that without proof of them having vacated we could not legally enter the property.

Q:    I am employed by a local builder. Last week he sent me on a job that involved me working off a flat roof. The roof gave way and I fell through. I landed awkwardly and broke my ankle in three places, which means I cannot work. I said to him I hoped he was insured because I would be claiming compensation. He said I should consider whether I wanted to keep my job. In other words, he was threatening that I would lose my job if I tried to claim. With COVID and the unemployment situation I cannot afford to lose my job. What should I do?

Q:    Our uncle has been given just weeks to live. Widowed and without children he has left everything to us. As COVID means selling property is currently a lengthy process, we want to put Uncle’s house up for sale as soon as possible. I know when my parents bought their last house the sale completion was delayed because it transpired the property was still waiting on Letters of Administration.  Will we need to wait for probate or could we get it on the market while we are waiting?

Q:    My husband and I were together for nine years. He left me and our two children when the first coronavirus lockdown ended and we have carried on living in the home that was his before I married him. Since moving into the house I have always worked and contributed to the mortgage and bills. After he left, as well as paying all the bills I continued to pay half the mortgage into his bank account. He agreed to pay the rest and also gives me money for the children.

Q:    I have a couple of disputes going on; one with the Water Board and one concerning an online purchase.  They are not massive disputes, but they are each worth a few thousand pounds.  Is there anything I can do to keep my legal costs down?

Q:    My mum and stepfather decided to get divorced after 12 years of marriage. I think being home together during the past year highlighted that they had little in common. Mum moved in with me and my stepfather stayed in the marital home, which was his before they married. He promised mum a financial settlement and was going to remortgage the house to pay her, but then he died from COVID before the divorce was finalised. Both had wills leaving their respective estates to their respective children. What will happen to his money now? Can mum make a claim on his estate?   

Q:    My commercial tenant abandoned his shop and disappeared when the first coronavirus lockdown hit in March. Using the CRAR procedure I am now considering instructing bailiffs to seize goods from the premises to cover the accrued rent arrears. Due to COVID-19, are there any specific legal issues regarding this?

A Senior Solicitor-Advocate who represents mental health clients across the region has welcomed today’s announcement that virtual assessments have been outlawed in determining whether a patient should be detained under the Mental Health Act, but says clearer guidance is needed about how to carry out face-to-face assessments safely.

Q:    I split from my ex 2 years ago. He moved out and I stayed in the home we shared. We were not married but we bought the house together and I have paid for everything on my own since he went. However, his name is still on the mortgage, despite him not paying a penny since we split. If I sell the house will he still get 50%?