Family Law Solicitor Michele Noy clarifies the shared custody position during Covid-19. Despite some initial confusion the Government has made clear that children of parents who are separated can move between households during the coronavirus restrictions. However, parents should be mindful of their own particular circumstances
Covid-19 outbreak – Advice for home Help to Buy customers
Homes England has issued advice for Help to Buy: Equity Loan customers on how they can proceed with purchasing a home during the Covid-19 outbreak. It says that many people are worried because the situation seems so uncertain. In response, it has published a document containing the answers to some frequently asked questions. These are some of the main issues covered:
COVID-19 – Wills and Probate Specialists classified as Key Workers
Wills and Probate specialist lawyers have been classified as Key Workers by the Ministry of Justice
Pilot scheme could make home buying ‘quicker and less stressful’
A digital questionnaire designed to make home moving ‘cheaper, quicker and less stressful’ is now being tested in a pilot scheme. The Buying and Selling Property Information (BASPI) has been developed by the Home Buying and Selling Group, an organisation made up of property specialists including solicitors, estate agents and mortgage advisers.
Government to provide cheaper homes and end leasehold abuses
The government has pledged to provide more affordable homes and to clamp down on leasehold abuses on newbuild properties. The measures were announced in the Queen’s Speech
Gardener unfairly dismissed despite drink-driving conviction
A gardener was unfairly dismissed after he was convicted of driving under the influence of alcohol, a tribunal has ruled.
Shared ownership scheme to help people on to housing ladder
The government wants to introduce a package of measures to help people on lower incomes get on to the housing ladder. It’s reviewing a new national model for shared ownership to make it easier for people to buy more of their own home, including allowing
The Government’s proposed changes to probate fees have been scrapped in U-turn.
Described in the Law Society’s Gazette as an ‘Inherently unfair’ probate fee hike, the Law Society has welcomed the government’s U-turn on a probate fee hike
Help to Buy scheme to start allowing 35-year mortgages
Homeowners buying a property under Help to Buy are now allowed to take out 35-year mortgages. The government has moved to close what it describes as a loophole, which has seen purchasers using the scheme facing difficulties and uncertainty if they wanted to take out a mortgage with a term of more than 25 years
Extended rights for pregnant employees and new parents
Pregnant women and new parents are set to receive extended legal protection against being made redundant after they return to work. The move is part of the government’s ‘Good Work Plan’