Due to ‘wild behaviour’ from some of the shop floor staff we stopped holding works’ Christmas parties a few years ago. This year, however, marks a milestone anniversary for us and we are considering whether to reinstate ‘The Xmas Do’. The big question is whether we hold it on or off the premises, in or out of normal working hours, bearing in mind that there is now more responsibility on the shoulders of employers for the behaviour of employees. Would we have less liability if it was held on or off site?

Our plans to divorce were going along quite amicably, until we came to the question of who gets to keep our two beautiful cockapoos. Now things have become quite vitriolic and I am wondering whether it is a good idea to continue along the route of a quick no-fault divorce. Will a judge decide the custody of my two best friends based on which of us can best meet their emotional and physical needs, or do I need a divorce solicitor to help me fight for them?

My wife has left me for another man after 35 years of marriage. We have no children. The house and mortgage are in joint names, but we have always had separate bank accounts and I have always paid all the household expenses. My wife has always worked but I don’t even know how much she earned as her money went into her own bank account. I am a sole trader with a property maintenance business but am currently not working as the split has affected my mental health. We don’t have children.

I made an Enduring Power of Attorney (EPA) many years ago, however I am seeing all over the media about how important it is to put in place Lasting Powers of Attorney (LPA). Is this necessary if I have an EPA? What is the difference between the two?

If you or a loved one are in a care home or hospital in Wales and need to be detained for your own safety, you will probably hear the term ‘Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards’ (DoLS). It is however important that you understand what DoLS are and how they can help you?

I have worked for the same SME company since I left school 45 years ago, working my way up to the senior position I now hold. In recognition of the part I played in a successful business expansion programme in 2013, I received shares in the company. Now I want to retire and am keen to sell my shares. However, before I do this I would like some advice about the best way to go about it and ensure I get paid the market value for them. Can you give me some pointers?

My son has been sectioned following a bit of a breakdown. His family and I are all confused about what happens next. Does he need to get legal advice/representation and if so, where do we go for it and does he have to pay?

The village Methodist church where my grandparents purchased a double plot and are buried is to be sold at public auction. Sale details state the purchaser will be required to take on the adjacent Burial Ground on a 999-year lease and they must fence it off. They will be responsible for the upkeep of the burial Ground and the Methodist Church ‘will retain a right of access for burial purposes and the visiting of graves’. I regularly visit my grandparents’ grave and hoped when my time came I could be laid to rest there with them. Now I am worried about future access to the plot and ongoing maintenance of the churchyard. Can you provide any clarity?

I have a rare medical condition which took fifteen years to diagnose. That was eight years ago and even though my life expectancy was affected by it I am still doing ok. I have, however, recently concluded it is time to ‘put my affairs in order’ by making a new Will and setting up a Power of Attorney etc. After talking it over with my family I have decided I would like to leave my body to medical science. So, my question is, should I put that in my Will?

Natalie Holloway joined the firm at the end of September, following the retirement of solicitor, Andy Howarth. Based at GHP Legal’s Oswestry office, Natalie has more than ten years’ experience in mental health law and has been a member of the Law Society Mental Health Accreditation Scheme since 2016.