The Grounds for Divorce in the United Kingdom

Posted on June 3, 2013 by admin

Sometimes, couples are meant to be and sometimes, they are not. The Government of the United Kingdom respects the right of couples and individuals involved to file a divorce but only if they have a legal reason to do so. Here are a few grounds for divorce in the United Kingdom.

1. Married for At Least One Year
In England and Wales, couples could only divorce if they have been married for at least one year. On average, most couples in the United Kingdom last for more than five years, making this rule a minimum requirement.

2. Scotland Residence
In Scotland, couples must have lived in Scotland as a couple for a year and they must consider Scotland their principal place of residence.

3. Adultery
By law, adulterous behaviour is only when the complainant proves their partner has had sexual intercourse by actual admission or through circumstantial evidence. The sexual intercourse must be done only with the opposite sex. The complainant must find it intolerable to live with the spouse.

4. Unreasonable Behaviour
If the spouse only committed adultery through sexual liaison and not intercourse, then unreasonable behaviour is a ground for divorce. Unreasonable behaviour is also when the partner has behaved in a way that the complainant feels it is unreasonable to live with them. This may include interest, cultural or religious differences.

5. Desertion
When a partner has divorced the complainant for at least two years, they can agree to make a defended or undefended divorce. If the partner has left the complainant for five years, they can use an undefended divorce without the approval of the other party.

Posted in Law | Tagged , , , , , , | Leave a comment

UK Drivers Are Required to Have Car Insurance

Posted on May 16, 2013 by admin

If you’re new in the United Kingdom and you just bought a new vehicle, you cannot drive it if you don’t have a basic liability insurance. In the United Kingdom, a driver could either provide “accident pot money” to the court to pay for any liabilities they might face or they must have an insurance policy protecting the vehicle and the driver of the car they can possibly collide with in the future.

By increasing your insurance policy to greater heights, you could increase your chances of earning driver’s incentives either from the government or your insurance company for avoiding accidents throughout the year.

In the United Kingdom, the basic liability insurance is the third party insurance. This handles the injuries you do against others and the damages to their properties. The third party insurance will not cover the injuries and damages you’ve sustained in the same accident.

The insurance that would cover you for that is a third party insurance with damages. It will guarantee that your car will get repairs and be replaced along with the other party’s vehicle as well.

UK’s comprehensive insurance cover includes everything from fire, theft, accidental damage, malicious damage, personal accident, medical expenses for your injuries, loss and damage, and partial to full car parts replacement.

Posted in Law | Tagged , , , , , | Leave a comment

Some Strange Laws Existing in the United Kingdom

Posted on March 25, 2013 by admin

Everything bizarre and strange does not only happen during the night; it could also happen inside the courtroom. The UK’s very old legal system, which is tuned and refined to adapt to the current society’s needs, also have some laws the protect or defend strange events or cases. Here are some of them.

1. The Plague Bans You A Taxi Ride
The law prohibits anybody who is infected with the bubonic plague the right to ride a taxi around the city. Cab drivers should ask their passengers If they have smallpox or the bubonic plague to ensure their personal safety and the safety of their vehicle’s premises for the next customer.

2. Any Man Over 14 Should Have Longbow Practice Supervised by the Local Clergy
Believed by many as a law that prepares young boys to become reserve soldiers in the old constitution of the UK, any boy aged by 14 is taught to shoot a bow and arrow and improve their skills. The law is believed to be made during the UK’s dark ages.

3. Taxmen Have Right to Information
It is illegal for a UK citizen to be dishonest with the tax collector, but UK citizens are allowed to withhold information from their tax collector.
The confusing law had baffled many UK citizens and historians, but it is usually seen as a law that protects the constitution’s right of inquiry but was made to defend the citizen’s right of privacy.

Posted in Law | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment

Honest Drivers Paying £118 Premiums for Fraud Whiplash Claims

Posted on March 13, 2013 by admin

The UK government and the Ministry of Justice found that a 20% decrease in road traffic and a 60% increase in car accident and whiplash injury claims to be a contradicting sentiment. The results, announced by the Association of British Insurers (ABI), indicate that UK drivers have “the weakest necks in Europe”, according to ABI spokesperson Malcolm Tarling.

According to UK insurance company Aviva, UK drivers are paying an additional £118 annually because of fraudulent and exaggerated whiplash compensation cases. The insurance company said that claims management companies and personal injury lawyers have played great roles in increasing the payouts of many whiplash victims from October 2008. Aviva encourages that victims directly make a claim to their respective insurance companies to slash at least £1.5 billion in insurance expenses.

Insurance companies are unable to question most whiplash compensation and personal injury claims because of the high legislative costs. Instead, they pay victims out of court with a settlement dictated by the claims expert or personal injury lawyer, which normally pays out £750 to £14000 for most whiplash injuries. The out of court settlements are smaller compared to paying legislative costs for claim inquiry.

To combat the ABI’s situation, the Ministry of Justice and the UK government unveils new claims guidelines, including increasing the Small Claims Court’s compensation amounts from £1000 to £5000 to reduce the expenses of the insurance industry. New claims guidelines, such as a minimum speed threshold for whiplash injuries and an independent medical board will also reduce the number of fraud claims.

However, personal injury lawyers say that the new guidelines are unfair for victims. The Small Claims Court works effectively for product or service disputes, but for it to compensate victims at a maximum of £5000 will leave many victims undercompensated. The new guidelines prevent victims from having proper legal counsel. It can also leave them vulnerable to predatory insurance companies who seek to reduce their overhead costs.

 

Posted in Law | Tagged , , , , , , | Leave a comment

A Guide to Unfair Competition Law in the United Kingdom

Posted on March 13, 2013 by admin

Business is a tight competitive market; one day your business might boom, the next day it might not be the same outcome as you first thought. However, some entrepreneurs use laws and technicalities to pursue their interests at the expense of healthy economic competition. If you’re a new entrepreneur, here are a few things that you need to remember.

The United Kingdom prohibits agreements, arrangements and practices concerned with conspiratorial activity between businesses that could prevent or distort competition, for example, domination. If a company fixes selling prices or makes an unconventional trading condition, they can be punished. Companies that engage in such activities by Chapter I or Article 101 can have the Ministry of Justice punish them through the following:

-They can face fines of up to 10% of group global turnover (profits)

-All provisions, such as contracts, purchases and property ownership, is automatically considered by the government and legislation as void and unenforceable. These include patents and products developed and discovered by a company or conspiring companies.

-Companies would be publicly shamed and must compensate for all companies and customers affected by the committed breach.

Participating in Cartel activities is considered the most serious form of anti-competitive behaviour. This involves price-fixing, hoarding, market sharing, bid-rigging and implementing embargos.

Imposing exclusivity, excessive predatory or discriminatory pricing in different consumer and company classes or refusal to provide supply or provide access to essential facilities without proper reason is considered an anti-competitive behaviour.

 

 

 

Posted in Law | Tagged , , , , , | Leave a comment

PPI Claims: Why Bank Campaign Advertisements for PPI Claims Won’t Work

Posted on February 18, 2013 by admin

The Financial Services Authority considered having the banks shorten the deadline for PPI claims if they can implement a countrywide campaign to encourage customers to make a PPI claim. However, experts say that this cannot work; given the banks’ track record when it comes to supervising consumer complaints, banks may even try to reduce or hassle customer complaints.

7139299-uk-sterling-money-notes-and-coins

One reason, according to experts, is the great influx of PPI claims coming in once the deadline is set. The Financial Ombudsman Service handles 11,000 claims on a weekly basis. UK bank call centres add more than 10,000 in the number of claims. These amounts could double or even triple in an instant should banks push for the deadline.

Experts also say that the advertising campaigns of claims management companies have done very well in doing this task. Banks will only spend additional expenses for their efforts. Claims management companies may have taken a chunk of the PPI compensation package, but it does not mean they got it without doing anything in exchange.

Consumer groups fear that banks may use this to their advantage by further reducing consumer compensation. The potentially great number of PPI claims may have banks process the claims in a swift hurry, which could compromise the proper compensation a customer deserves.

Posted in Finance | Tagged , , , , , | Leave a comment

Credit Cards: Using Them Properly To Boost Your Credit Scores

Posted on February 11, 2013 by admin

Your credit score is very important when it comes to getting financing because lenders would provide you a good deal with any financing if you have a high enough credit score. Your credit card is a good tool to increase your credit scores, but if you’re not careful, it could place you into deep debt. Here are a few things you need to keep in mind when using your credit card.

1. Note Down Everything

Majority of credit card users would make purchases with their cards until they max out their spending limit and the reason they do such is because they do not know how much they’ve already spent with their card. By noting down everything, you have more control over how much credit you spend using the card. This will help you make smaller purchases with your credit cards.

2. Spend Only What You Could Pay For

Why it would be a great advantage to spend less from your card is because you can pay for it in full by the end of the month. Paying in full can boost your credit scores easily. So spend only for what you can pay for in full.

A quick reminder: If you often settle for the minimum fee, you could easily get into debt. Most cards have an interest rate of 3.5% or higher. Even without interest, this rate can fully increase your bills in a few years if you’re careless.

3. Pay On Time

Lenders are very particular when it comes to customers who pay on time. They can also report to credit bureaus about your financial discipline. So make it a habit to pay for your credit cards on time, and in full.

4. The Greens Make It

Using your money or debit card instead of your credit card is advised because the money used with the credit card is only borrowed and not completely yours. As much as possible, make use of your credit cards only when you need to make a necessary purchase or emergency funds.

Posted in Finance | Tagged , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Increasing NHS Risk Pool May Be Signs of Suffering Medical Service Quality

Posted on January 24, 2013 by admin

The United Kingdom, well-known for its world-class medical services, may lose its title as experts see that the NHS Wales risk pool increase by £15.2 million as a sign of lacking quality. However, the legal industry says that the longer life expectancy and new technology that can help claimants is one factor. The medical industry itself says that the lack of motivation in many medical professionals due to government budget cuts and the higher costs of no win no fee claims are eating away at the risk pool.

NHS-logo

Legal representatives state that a medical negligence claim for cerebral palsy can earn £4 million in the past, yet today it can get £10 million in compensation. Health boards and hospitals are inclined to provide new specialist technologies, therapies and prescriptions, which are more expensive, for the betterment of the victim, as per their responsibility to help victims have a better health.

However, other experts say that the short funding and lack of incentives in the medical industry makes things worse for many medical professionals. Many are demotivated, which affects their work ethics and quality directly. The Welsh Conservative Health Board had confirmed this to be a factor; patients must take caution in undergoing a crucial medical operation nowadays.

According to analysts, no win no fee claims companies have increased in number, but they are not to blame as they are the patient’s only chance of getting compensated and a better life after the injuries suffered as a result of a doctor’s carelessness. However, authorities are also working on ensuring that everyone is properly compensated and balance is retained between compensation and quality.

 

Posted in Lifestyle, Other | Tagged , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Bridal Make Tips From A Professional Wedding Make Up Artist In Manchester

Posted on January 22, 2013 by admin

Many brides to be worry about how their bridal make up is going to look on their wedding day. They know that it’s important that their bridal make up lasts all day and they want it to look different to the make up look that they wear everyday. They also know that they want to have lovely photos of the big day to always treasure so it is also important that their bridal make up stands out.

There are some bridal make up tips that will help you to apply perfect bridal make up. It’s worth practicing and experimenting with different bridal looks. This is important as you will feel confident on your wedding day and you will know that you have the right products and tools available. You could also consider booking a make up lesson with a bridal make up artist, it will save you money as you won’t need to book a bridal trial as well as on your wedding day.

Bridal Eye Make Up Tips

When it comes to applying your bridal eye make up I always recommend that you do your eye make up before you apply your foundation base. This will ensure that your make up base is clean and it saves time having to re-do it. As a bridal make up artist in Manchester I think it’s imperative that you have good quality make up brushes. You should have 3 eye make up brushes, one to apply the colour on your eyelid, one to blend in a darker shade of eye shadow and one to blend in a lighter shade of eye shadow along your brow bone.

bridal make up artist manchester

Tips are one thing but achieving the perfect bridal look is all about knowing what you want.

Check your bridal make up look in the mirror once you have finished to make sure you are happy with the final look.

Bridal Make Up Artist Techniques To Help You Create A Flawless Make Up Base

The bridal make up base is key as it will perfect your skin and hide any imperfections. It is worth spending time applying foundation with a brush and investing in a good primer. This will ensure that your foundation lasts all day long.  Make sure that you have the right foundation shade, your skin tone changes in winter and summer so it is important to check that the one you have isn’t too light or dark.  The best way to check if it is the right one is to test two shades on your jawline, the one that disappears is the correct one. You should also bear in mind if you are considering a spray tan that you would need a darker foundation shade.

If you have blemishes that you are self conscious about, use a quality stick concealer after you have applied your foundation. Concealor is also great if you have dark circles under your eyes. Focus on the corner of your eyes as this is the darkest part. Buffing powder on top of your foundation will take away any shine and set your make up base. If you have dry skin or you want to keep a radiant look simply dust a small amount of powder onto your t-zone.

How To Choose A Lipstick Shade And Apply It Correctly

If you’re looking for a make up artist in Manchester, they should tell you that it’s a good idea to pick a blusher and lipstick colour that is slightly darker than you are used to, so it stands out in your photographs. To apply your blusher smile in the mirror and place a small amount onto the apples of your cheeks. Use the foundation brush to blend in any edges. Before you apply your lipstick use a lip scrub or lip balm to condition your lips. Use a lip liner that is the same shade as your lipstick and use it to give the lips more definition, perfect the shape and stop any feathering.

Apply your lipstick using a lip brush so you can create a stain and create the right shape, then apply a second coat from the bullet for maximum impact. If you would like to give the illusion of fuller lips place a small amount of lipgloss in the centre of your mouth. Avoid placing it all over your lips, as this will dislodge your lipstick.

Posted in Lifestyle, Other | Tagged , , , | Leave a comment

Rape as a Capital Crime in India: Emotion or Objective

Posted on January 4, 2013 by admin

The death of the 23 year old gang rape victim named “Damini” by Indian protesters died last Saturday in a hospital in Singapore where doctors said she peacefully passed away had further sparked the ire of Indian protesters and lawmakers nationwide about how the government handles cases of rape in the country. Rape is a common crime in India, having over 375 cases in 2011 and over 600 in the last year, a 125% increase in the number. Most suspects of rape are even the lawmen themselves, the police and policymakers.

Lawmakers in India are reviewing laws that could make rape a capital crime. By capital crime, this means that rape can have lifelong sentences or can have suspects and criminals executed. But according to some experts, this might be a bit “over-the-top”.

The emotionality of Indians even reached the legal sector. An association of Indian lawyers with over 7,000 members refused to defend the accused and called on their members to refrain from defending the accused. While it might be seen as emotional, it serves a dual purpose; without objectivity during the hearing, how can lawyers defend the suspects who the lawyers condemn as well in the first place. Clearly, everyone was emotionall-attached to the situation.

Is considering rape as a capital crime in India an act of emotion or objectivity? Is it time for India to finally realize itself and tear away the last remnants of male dominance to achieve citizen equality? Or is it just reacting due to the emotion and pain caused by the abuse of women?

Posted in Law | Tagged , , , , , , | Leave a comment