Your Guide to Top Legal Advice on Family Law in 2024

Your Guide to Top Legal Advice on Family Law in 2024 No matter how amicable, separations are emotionally charged and stressful. Having children within or out of wedlock complicates matters further. Navigating the complexities of family law is difficult at best. It is crucial, therefore, to have immediate access to important information such as your rights and liabilities relating to your situation. Here is your very own guide to family law and how a good team of family law solicitors can help you. What is Family Law? Family law is an area of legal practice that is fairly wide in its scope and includes a spectrum of situations ranging from inheritance and succession planning to separation, custody, and child protection There are two primary reasons why family law is significant. First, since it is family, almost every situation is emotionally potent. Second, the scope of family law extends well beyond relationships and custody to property settlement, will disputes and more. With a competent and knowledgeable family law solicitor by your side, dealing with such situations becomes easier. Why do you need Family law Solicitors? Family lawyers are not only equipped with the knowledge about the various laws and practices relating to spousal support, custody access and so on but they also have a network that can help with the challenging situations that arise as a result of separation, mediation,  This network can be effectively leveraged for guidance, dispute resolution, and more. You can save yourself the trauma of a long and draining legal battle. There are of course specialities within family law too. For instance, a solicitor may specialize in divorce cases or deal only with custody and access issues. But if you are looking for a long-term solution, your best bet is to sign up with a solicitor firm like Walsh and Partner which is competent to address all areas of family law and can guide you in decision-making on the various matters that may crop up. How to choose the best family solicitors in Ireland? If you want the best outcome of your family dispute, it is extremely important for you to choose your family lawyer carefully. How would you do this? Well first and foremost, the lawyer must have your interests at heart. Aside from that, here are a few things you should look for in your firm of family law solicitors  . Experience and specialization – apart from the total number of cases handled, look specifically for cases similar to yours that the firm has handled. If, for instance, you are looking for child custody solicitors look for the number of child custody cases handled by. Ask how they handle out-of-court settlements. Answers to such questions will help you determine their expertise. Client Focus – Is the lawyer able to explain the law in simple terms? Are they a good negotiator? Answers to these questions can help you determine whether or not the family lawyers you choose will be able to meet your needs. Fees – Lawyers can be expensive and court cases long drawn. This can drain you not just emotionally but financially too. Before signing up your firm of family solicitors, therefore, it is prudent to understand their fee structure and get an estimate of the total expenditure you will incur. Typically, family solicitors charge by the hour. Some are willing to agree on a flat fee for a case while others work for contingency fees. Whatever model you choose, be sure to ask about any additional costs and hidden charges that may not have been mentioned upfront. Family Law in Ireland Like any other region, family law in Ireland has evolved with its social structure. However, Irish law is a little more complex because of the differential way in which it treats married and unmarried couples. While this may be true of other legal systems as well, it does not deter from the fact that such differential treatment makes family law practice complex. So if for instance, you were looking for separation agreement solicitors the advice you would get and the laws that apply to you as a couple would depend upon your marital status and that of your significant other. Custody cases are even more complex, And then there is the whole spectrum of estate planning, inheritance and so on. All in all, handling family matters in Ireland can be complex not to mention taxing. Your best bet for an equanimous resolution that is acceptable to all concerned is to seek guidance from a family law solicitor. At Walsh and Partner, we have a strong team of experienced and knowledgeable family law solicitors who can help you navigate turbulent waters easily. Write or call us now. Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Get in Touch

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Your 2024 Guide to finding the best Property Conveyancing Solicitors in Ireland

Your 2024 Guide to finding the best Property Conveyancing Solicitors in Ireland Conveyancing is a five-stage process that includes the pre-contract or scouting stage followed by the contract, post-contract compliance, completion, and post-completion stages. Of these, the contract and compliance stages are critical. A buyer or seller, or even a real estate dealer can land into deep trouble if these two stages are not handled correctly. That’s why, you need a solicitor or conveyancer to help you through these stages. And, you need one who is not only knowledgeable about the law but also adroit enough to understand your specific needs and advise you on the best course of action. It is therefore worth investing the time and effort in selecting the best property conveyancing solicitors in Cork or wherever you happen to live. How would you do that? Take a look: Scouting Well, yes obviously you need to scout around a bit. But where to look? You are probably asking yourself questions like, does my conveyancer need to be local? Should I use the solicitor recommended by my estate agent? Can I find good conveyancing services online? Well, let’s put your mind to rest. Should your Conveyancing Solicitor be Local? Until not so long ago, the mindset was to have a local solicitor who can address all your legal needs. The reasoning was that since s/he is local, you can visit as frequently as you like to clarify your doubts and misgivings. When it comes to property deals though, your solicitor may need to visit the property, and if the property is not within the city, this can be expensive. So, think carefully and choose wisely. Can you find your solicitor online? Well, again, why not? But then again, online firms market aggressively and you risk being taken in by false claims. Barring that though, the internet is a veritable storehouse of information and services competing with one another. You’ll find solicitors offering terms as diverse as 100% upfront payment to a flat fee for every service. What you need to bear in mind however is that cheap solicitors are not necessarily the best. They are also likely to have several hidden costs. Remember also to check the services offered and see if they align with your needs. You’ll be well advised to hire your solicitor firm on a small but regular retainer so that they always have your back. Solicitor or Licensed Conveyancer? Without going into technicalities, a solicitor has comprehensive knowledge of law .You might think a conveyancer is a specialist, and in a way, they are because they focus only on property law. However, solicitors have a wider scope of knowledge such as business law, family law, succession law, and so on which a conveyancer may not. So, depending on whether you are looking for legal assistance for a specific deal or a more comprehensive advisor, go ahead and take your pick. Now that you are done scouting here’s a checklist of things you should look for in property law solicitors. Conveyancing Checklist Surfing the internet can be overwhelming. Most people just end up clicking on the first few search results and picking one of the top three or five thinking they are the best. But that’s not always true, not because they are not good service providers but because they may not be aligned with your needs. Here, therefore, is a quick checklist of questions you must ask before you hire land transaction solicitors. Are they conveyancing specialists or do they serve other areas of law too? Will you have a dedicated service provider whom you can call directly? How digitally advanced is the firm? Can you reach out remotely over chat, messaging and so on? Do they provide case-tracking functionalities? What are their service terms? Do they guarantee success? Do they have an association with property agents, financers, and so on to provide single window service? Do they have fixed working hours or can you reach out whenever you need them? Are there any hidden costs apart from the fee charged? Wrapping up In summation, remember that the solicitor or conveyancer you select should be aligned with your needs and requirements. When considering your requirements, it pays to be a bit futuristic in your approach so that you have all bases covered from the get-go. So, don’t limit yourself and don’t go blindly with a solicitor your agent or someone else recommends. Take the time to check for yourself before signing up. At Walsh and Partners, we service not only conveyancing deals but also offer a host of other legal services ranging from agriculture and farm law to will probate right up to personal injury claims and business law. Want to hire house purchase solicitors? Reach out now. Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Get in Touch

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Road Traffic Accident Claims

Road Traffic Accident Claims If you are injured in a road traffic accident in Ireland, you can claim compensation for your injury. Connect with our accident claims team to know more. What type of accidents do Walsh and Partners deal in? Some of the types of claims we at Walsh and Partners have dealt with include: Car accident claims Cycling accident claims Motorcycle accident claims A structural survey can cost you anywhere between €300 to €500. Pedestrian accident claims You can reach out to our personal injury solicitors to help you with further details. Why Walsh and Partners? We help you discover the true value of your claim and the best way to secure it. We are concerned not just with the claim value but also about providing you with all the support you need. We strive to get you the best claim value as early as possible. Best of all, we have a No Win – No Fee policy. How does it work? Here’s what you need to do: Step 1 – Are you Eligible? In general, you have a road traffic accident claim in Cork and the rest of Ireland if: The accident was not your fault or only part your fault. You sustained an injury as a direct result of the accident The accident occurred within the statute of limitations which is two years in Ireland. Step 2 – Assessment Once you are sure you have a claim, you must apply to the Personal Injuries Assessment Board (PIAB) of Ireland. To bring an application you will need to obtain a report from a doctor commenting on your injuries arising out of the accident and you will have to send a letter of claim to the other driver/insurer setting out details of the accident The PIAB will review your case and perhaps request further reports and assessments before suggesting an amount for compensation. Step 3 – Claim If you are dissatisfied with the amount suggested by the PIAB, you can issue legal proceedings for an additional claim amount. Walsh and Partners will take care of this process for you while you focus on recovery. What Our Clients Ask Us 1. Do I have to go to court for a road traffic accident claim in Ireland? Not necessarily. If both you and the other party accept the amount suggested by the PIAB, then there is no need to go to court for your road traffic accident claim in Ireland. The claim may also settle with the other driver’s insurer. 2. How much does it cost to settle road traffic accident claims in Dublin? At Walsh and Partners, we have a No Win No Fee policy. That means you only pay the agreed amount if you win the claim. If for any reason, you do not get a claim, no fee will be charged. 3. Is there a time limit to making road traffic accident claims in Ireland? Yes. It is called the statute of limitations. For road traffic accident claims in Cork, Dublin or elsewhere in Ireland, the statute of limitations is two years from the date of the accident. 4. What should I do if I am diagnosed with an injury or illness after the statute of limitations expires? Unfortunately, claims for road traffic accident compensation in Ireland can only be made up to two years from the date of the accident. It is therefore extremely important that you contact your personal injury lawyer as soon as possible. Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Get in Touch

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10 Tips for First Time Property Buyers in Cork

Top 10 Tips for First-Time Property Buyers in Ireland

Top 10 Tips for First Time Property Buyers in Ireland It’s a big step and a formidable one too, not just because of the price or budget but because of the regulations and complexities involved. That’s why you are probably looking for Property Solicitors in Midleton or elsewhere in Ireland. However, buying a house for the first time doesn’t have to be as daunting as it is made out to be. True, there’s a lot to consider, but with a little planning and these ten tips for first-time property buyers in Ireland, it should be simple enough. So here goes: 1. Determine your Budget It’s always a good idea to set a budget and stick to it. After all, you are investing your hard-earned money. Many people begin saving up early and earmark investible assets specifically for certain purposes such as buying a house. Still, few have the resources to pay the entire price upfront. So, as a first step let’s put that thought to rest. Get an estimate for the kind of house you want and what it would cost. Then add in the various overheads like stamp duty and taxes. Next, look at the various financing options for the amount over and above what you have. 2. Overheads when Buying Property in Ireland It’s kind of hard to determine the overhead costs of buying a house because they’re usually expressed as a percentage of the value of the property. You can however consider 15 to 20% of the property value as a good guesstimate of overheads. Here’s a quick rundown of the possible overheads: You’ll need to put down at least 10% of the property value as a deposit. As per Ireland laws, the required stamp duty for residential property valued below €1 million is 1%. Anything over and above this would be charged at 2%. VAT is deductible from the price of newly constructed properties. A structural survey can cost you anywhere between €300 to €500. If you opt for a mortgage you’ll likely need to pay for a mortgage protection policy. While these requirements are subject to change, any good property solicitors in Cork can help you with the latest numbers. Apart from these fixed costs, there are also some recurring costs to consider, such as the EMI for the mortgage, home insurance, maintenance costs, and so on. You should factor these in early on. 3. House Hunting Take your time with the next step – finding the perfect adobe for you and your family. Shop around not only for the perfect home but at the best price. Apart from the space within the home, some of the more important but easily overlooked factors to consider when buying a house include: Connectivity Neighbourhood Security Potential for value appreciation Within the house, of course, you’ll consider things like size, layout, and if you are superstitious, things like the house or street numbers. 4. Get a Survey Once you have zeroed down a few houses you like, it’s advisable to have a structural survey conducted. It’s not a legal requirement, but your mortgage provider will most likely ask for one anyway. So, go ahead and get the mortgage valuation report ahead of time. Besides, the report will serve a few other purposes too. For one, with a mortgage valuation report in hand, you can negotiate the value of the property better. Second, it will save time in processing your loan. Third, and most importantly, any flaws and anomalies in the property will come to light. 5. Close the Deal This is a two-step process. First, you’ll express your interest and make an offer to the homeowner. When making the offer, remember that most of the above-mentioned overheads will be computed basis this agreed price. Some people prefer to survey this stage rather than after shortlisting a few properties so that’s something to think about. Both have their pros and cons. For instance, what if you elect to do it at the time of making an offer and the report reveals some serious issues in the property? You’ll have to go to the drawing board so to speak. At this stage, it is advisable to consult a solicitor for buying a house in Cork and most other cities in Ireland. 6. MoU Property is a big investment and you’ll need time to liquidate your assets. Loan disbursement can also take time. To ease the minds of both parties, property buyers and sellers in Ireland usually enter into a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) where they lay down the terms of payment agreed upon. Typically, an MoU will mention the agreed price of the property, the terms of payment, the period over which the buyer must make full payment to the seller, and what would happen if either party backs out of the agreement. While an MoU is technically not a legal document, and you don’t need a conveyancing solicitor in Cork to draft it, it is an important document and must be drafted with care. In case of dispute, it serves as proof of understanding between the parties. It may also be considered legally binding under certain circumstances. 7. Financing Options Apart from mortgages, the government also supports first-time home buyers in Ireland through their First Time Buyer, Help to Buy, and Help to Build schemes. There are also a few other financing options such as Right to Buy and Rent to Buy, which you might want to explore. You can talk to property solicitors in Cork, Middleton, Dublin, or wherever you live to understand the different options and help you with the process. 8. Completing the Purchase Having signed the MoU and explored financing options, it’s time to get your finances in place. Liquidate the assets you have earmarked for this purchase. Put in your loan or grant applications along with all the necessary documentation. The sale deed will be drafted once the entire payment has been completed. You’ll need to consult conveyancing solicitors near you to draft and execute the sale deed, but before that, you have to

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Best Employment Law Solicitors Ireland

EMPLOYMENT LAW SOLICITORS IRELAND

EMPLOYMENT LAW SOLICITORS CORK AND MIDLETON, IRELAND Walsh and Partners LLP  are experienced employment law solicitors in Cork City, Midleton and Dublin, Ireland. We are happy to act for and provide legal assistance to employees and employers who require representation or advise on employment law matters.   Employment Law Solicitor Cork and Midleton Employers: From an employers point of view, there are a number of employee related considerations that need to be taken into account when running a business. When an employment issue or industrial relations issue arises it needs to be well-managed in order to avoid any damages or costs to the business or employer. The team here at Walsh and Partners LLP can provide legal advice on precautionary steps that can ensure these situations are minimised, if not avoided entirely. Where a dispute does occur, we can provide you with the expertise and knowledge in a swift manner to ensure any costs are kept to a minimum. At the core of our ethos here at Walsh and Partners LLP, is our ability to work closely with clients and truly understand the nature of their employment issues. We will always keep you up to date and never leave you wondering what the next steps are. Our proactive approach is what makes us one of Ireland’s leading employment law firms. The team will always keep you up to date with any new developments in Irish employment law and will assist with any employee related issues or ad-hoc requirements that may arise.   Employment Law Advice Ireland  Employees: As skilled employment law experts, we have represented many employees at the Labour Court and before the Workplace Relations Commission. These cases have covered a vast range of disputes. If you are an employee who requires representation or employment law advice, the team here at Walsh and Partners LLP will be happy to assist in any way we can. Listed below are just some of the areas where we can help: The drafting of procedures, policies and employment contracts, Discrimination and equality issues, Unfair dismissal, unfair selection for redundancy or employment termination, The rights and duties of employees, The rights and duties of employers, Drafting of documents to cover workplace policies such as bullying, sick leave and disciplinary matters. Maternity disputes and entitlements, Compliance with health and safety regulations, Setting up incentive programmes and share options for employees, The management of outsourcing and subcontractors, Management of grievance procedures such as bullying and stress in the workplace, Representation of both employers and employees at the Workplace Relations Commission, at the Labour Court and in any other courts in Ireland. Redundancy package management, Employee entitlements such as parental leave, maternity leave and adoptive leave.   Employment Lawyers, Cork, Midleton and Dublin Please note that the list above is by no means exhaustive, we invite you to get in touch with us to discuss your own unique situation. The legal experts here at Walsh and Partners LLP are on hand to provide you with the very best legal advice and representation. Contact us at our Cork, Midleton or Dublin offices for further information. You may also be interested in learning more about employment law in the blog section of our website: Dismissing an employee Workplace relations Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Get in Touch

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