Tuesday 25 August 2015

Domestic abuse fund now up and running

From 24th August 2015 local authorities will be able to bid for a share of a £3m fund set up to support the victims of domestic abuse.

The fund is now inviting bids for work in 2015 to 2016, led by local authorities working in partnership with service providers.

The full information can be read on the Family Law news page and it details that ‘successful applicants must demonstrate how they will support innovative and cost-effective proposals to deliver accommodation-based services for victims of abuse, and for services to help them access such support. They should also set out how they will further the development of local strategies on tackling domestic abuse and help create sustainable and long-term approaches to providing support for victims.’

It is hoped that the fund will ‘address any gaps in the provision of specialist accommodation-based support, and to provide support for victims seeking to access these services.’

Monday 17 August 2015

Pension savings in the UK

I have recently read an interesting article in the Telegraph regarding pensions and the top places in the world to receive one.  The Melbourne Mercer Global Pensions Index has reviewed the top places, and here is their top 8:

1) Denmark
2) Australia
3) Netherlands
4) Switzerland
5) Sweden
6) Canada
7) Chile
8) UK

Denmark came out on top as schemes are well funded, with good benefits and consumers are protected effectively.

The pension reforms in the UK have been happening for the last three years and are still continuing for smaller businesses - meaning that eventually all employees will automatically be enrolled in a pension scheme.  Though it seems the UK has a little way to go to encourage everybody to proactively think about retirement.

In April 2015 in the UK, we also saw those retiring given free reign to spend their pension savings with one argument being, that a relaxing of the rules allows savers a greater freedom in their later life.

So where do we come in to all of this?  Well, here at Hopkins Law we have a number of people ask us just how these new pension rules affect how individuals can pass pension assets to their family.

Any pension policyholder dying before the age of 75 has the option of passing their pension savings (assuming they have some left!) to anyone they choose.  Their ‘nominated beneficiary’.

Anybody who has any assets should make a Will, so if this is something you think we could help with, please have a chat with our friendly Wills team, just give us a ring on 029 2039 5888 or email our specialist consultant Lynn Wheeldon.

Tuesday 11 August 2015

Volume of calls to National Family Mediation service doubles in the past year

National Family Mediation have in the past year, seen the number of calls to their helpline significantly rise.  With its helpline taking on average 3,400 calls per month from January to June 2015. In contrast the same period last year saw 1,600 calls each month.

NFM CEO Jane Robey commented:
“Couples are increasingly self-researching their options, and this is reflected in the huge increase in calls to dispute resolution specialists…our experience tells us people are cogitating, calculating and considering their next move.  Our experts are helping more families in crisis than ever before and it’s a challenge to meet the soaring demand.’’

Please remember that we offer free advice clinics.  We appreciate that, at times, you may not know whether a solicitor can help you, or how much it might cost.  This is exactly why we have introduced a 'free clinic' at each of our South Wales offices so that you can pop in, pick our brains, and then see if you want to take the matter further.  To discuss all matters relating to Divorce, Separation, Children, Finances and Civil Partnerships pop into our Cowbridge Free Advice Clinic runs on a Thursday from 2pm - 6pm.

Wednesday 5 August 2015

BAAF - British Association for Adoption & Fostering announce changes

Following from an upbeat post of mine published on 21st July, relating to the positive statistics released on adoption successes in Wales. It has sadly been announced this week that the BAAF has now closed in England and alternative providers are being looked at for Wales.

Some of its functions in England have already transferred to the children’s charity and adoption agency - Coram and to a new entity - CoramBAAF Adoption & Fostering Academy.

The following functions will be provided by CoramBAAF:
- Research
- Policy & development
- Membership administration
- Professional advice & professional development
- Publications
- National adoption register for England
- National adoption week
- Adoption activity days

BAAF Wales will continue to trade on a limited basis for a brief period to allow consideration of options to transfer services and staff.

I will keep a close eye on developments relating to this news and if you have any questions regarding the legal aspect of adoption then please contact me.