Law For Life

What happens when a customer refuses to pay, a supplier breaks their agreement, or a business relationship turns sour? And how can you protect yourself before a commercial dispute becomes a costly legal battle?

In this episode of **Law for Life**, Chris Gregg is joined by **George Smith from the Litigation Team at Franklins Solicitors** to explore some of the most common legal problems facing businesses, including unpaid invoices, late payments, broken contracts and difficult customers.

From chasing outstanding debts and issuing formal letters of claim to understanding your rights when a contract is breached, George explains the practical steps businesses can take to resolve disputes and recover money they're owed.

The discussion covers:

- **Unpaid invoices and debt recovery:** What to do when customers ignore payment reminders, and when to involve a solicitor.

Chris also shares his own experiences of chasing unpaid invoices, while George offers practical guidance on how businesses can avoid common mistakes and deal with disputes effectively.

Whether you're a business owner struggling with unpaid bills, concerned about a contractual disagreement, or simply want to protect your business from future problems, this episode offers valuable insights into your legal options.

**Law for Life** is brought to you by **Franklins Solicitors**, helping individuals and businesses understand the legal issues that affect everyday life.

#LawForLife #FranklinsSolicitors #BusinessLaw #DebtRecovery #UnpaidInvoices #BreachOfContract #CommercialDisputes #LegalAdvice #SmallBusiness #BusinessOwners #ContractLaw #Litigation #LatePayments #BusinessProtection #Mediation

In this episode of Law for Life with Franklin Solicitors, we take an in-depth look at divorce and separation with Zoe from Franklin Solicitors.

From the first 30 days after separating to the final divorce order, Zoe explains what couples need to consider and how the legal process works.

We discuss no-fault divorce, what happens if one person doesn't want the divorce, how long the process takes, whether you can continue living together and what happens if you decide not to divorce at all.

We also explore some of the biggest questions around finances, including the family home, bank accounts, pensions, inheritance, hidden assets and debts. Zoe explains why a 50/50 split isn't necessarily the final answer and why having a legally binding financial consent order is so important.

We also look at dating during divorce, protecting assets with pre-nuptial agreements and the importance of getting the right legal advice for your individual circumstances.

#LawForLife #FranklinSolicitors #Divorce #Separation #FamilyLaw #NoFaultDivorce #DivorceAdvice #FinancialConsentOrder #FamilySolicitor #LegalAdvice

Flexible working and working from home have become increasingly important issues in the workplace, but what are the actual rights of employees and what do employers need to do when a request is made?

In this episode of *Law for Life*, Chris is joined by Sarah Marshall from the employment team at Franklin Solicitors, alongside trainee solicitor Rebecca Hudson, to take a closer look at the current rules around flexible working and the changes that are proposed for autumn 2027.

Sarah and Rebecca explain how employees can currently make a flexible working request from their first day of employment, the types of arrangements that can be requested and the eight business reasons an employer can currently rely on when refusing a request. They also explain how flexible working can be different where an employee has a disability and may be entitled to reasonable adjustments under the Equality Act.

The conversation then looks at the proposed changes, including a new reasonableness test for employers refusing requests, the requirement to meet with employees to discuss their proposals and possible alternatives, and the potential for employees to bring a claim to an employment tribunal where an employer has not properly followed its statutory duties.

There is also practical advice for both sides of the workplace relationship. Employees are encouraged to think carefully about what they are asking for, explain why the arrangement would help them do their job and remain open to alternative solutions. For employers, the focus is on having appropriate policies and processes in place, educating managers and considering how flexible working arrangements could operate across an entire team.

From performance management and fairness between colleagues to balancing individual circumstances with the needs of a business, this episode provides a useful overview of what flexible working means in practice and what employers and employees should be thinking about as the rules continue to evolve.

If you have questions about flexible working, employment rights or how the changing legislation could affect you or your business, Franklin Solicitors' employment team can provide professional legal advice.

#LawForLife #FranklinSolicitors #FlexibleWorking #EmploymentLaw #WorkingFromHome #EmploymentRights #HR #Employers #Employees #WorkplaceLaw

Franklins solicitor Eddie Bell joins Chris Gregg to discuss an important but often overlooked aspect of making a will: protecting vulnerable beneficiaries.

They explore how trusts can be used to protect inheritances for children under 18, people with disabilities, and beneficiaries who receive means-tested benefits. Eddie explains the differences between discretionary trusts, disabled person's trusts and life interest trusts, and how trustees can help manage money while protecting a beneficiary's interests.

The conversation also covers choosing suitable trustees, letters of wishes, protecting against mismanagement, inheritance tax considerations, lasting powers of attorney and what happens to a trust when a vulnerable beneficiary dies.

As every family's circumstances are different, professional legal advice is recommended when deciding how best to protect a vulnerable beneficiary.

#LawForLife #Wills #Trusts #Inheritance #EstatePlanning #VulnerableBeneficiaries #Disability #InheritanceTax #LastingPowerOfAttorney #FranklinsSolicitors

Can separated parents take their children on holiday without the other parent's permission? What happens if an ex refuses to hand over a passport? And what are your legal rights when it comes to travelling abroad with your children after a separation?

In this episode of Law for Life, Chris Gregg is joined by Zoe Hail from Franklin Solicitors to answer the most common questions about child arrangements and holidays. They explain when consent is needed, how child arrangements orders affect travel, what to do if a parent refuses permission, and the legal options available if disputes arise.

Whether you're planning a summer holiday or simply want to understand your rights, this episode provides practical guidance to help separated parents navigate what can often be an emotional and challenging situation.

If you need advice on family law matters, the Family Law team at Franklin Solicitors is available to help.

#FamilyLaw #ChildArrangements #SeparatedParents #FranklinSolicitors #LawForLife #FamilySolicitor #ParentalResponsibility #ChildCustody #UKLaw #LegalAdvice #Parenting #SchoolHolidays #CoParenting #Podcast #ChrisGregg

If you own a business, inheritance tax is probably not something you think about every day. But planning ahead can make a huge difference to the future of your company and your family.

In the latest episode of Law for Life, Chris is joined once again by Franklin Solicitors' Eddie Bell to explain Business Property Relief (BPR) and its agricultural equivalent, Agricultural Property Relief (APR). These valuable inheritance tax reliefs have been in the spotlight following recent government changes, and understanding how they work could save business owners and their families a significant amount of money.

The discussion begins by explaining exactly what Business Property Relief is and why it exists. Introduced around 50 years ago, BPR was designed to stop successful family businesses being forced to close or sell simply because a large inheritance tax bill became payable when the owner died. Instead, qualifying business assets can receive either full or partial relief from inheritance tax, helping businesses continue trading for future generations.

The episode explores the major changes introduced following the 2024 Budget and explains the current rules now in force. Eddie outlines how the level of relief available depends on the type of business asset involved and explains the new £2.5 million threshold for full relief, replacing the government's original proposal of £1 million. The conversation also looks at how married couples can transfer unused allowances between each other, providing potentially £5 million of fully relieved business assets.

Chris and Eddie discuss who can actually benefit from Business Property Relief, whether you're a sole trader, partner or shareholder in a private limited company. They also explain why company directors who don't own shares may be missing out on valuable tax advantages and why the structure of your business can have a significant impact on inheritance tax planning.

The podcast also tackles some of the more complex areas, including why property investment companies generally do not qualify, how excessive cash held within a business can affect relief, and the important distinction between property investment and property development. Listeners also learn why shares listed on the Alternative Investment Market (AIM) no longer receive the same generous tax treatment they once did.

One of the key messages throughout the episode is the importance of obtaining professional advice. Business Property Relief can be incredibly valuable, but the rules are detailed and often depend on individual circumstances. Eddie explains how accountants, financial advisers and solicitors frequently work together to ensure business owners make the most tax-efficient decisions while remaining fully compliant with HMRC requirements.

The conversation also covers practical estate planning, including how wills, trusts and lifetime gifting can all play an important role in reducing inheritance tax. Eddie explains why simply leaving everything to a spouse may not always be the most tax-efficient solution and how carefully drafted trusts can preserve valuable reliefs while providing flexibility for future generations.

Finally, the episode highlights the importance of succession planning. Beyond saving tax, every business owner should consider who will take over the business, how ownership will transfer and what arrangements should be in place to ensure the company continues to operate successfully if the unexpected happens.

Whether you're a sole trader, company director, shareholder or planning for the future of a family business, this episode provides a clear introduction to one of the most valuable inheritance tax reliefs available.

Listen now to discover how Business Property Relief could help protect both your business and your family's future.

Tia from Franklins Solicitors joins us to go through some of the biggest mistakes business owners can make and what the legal consequences can be.

Employment law is changing again, and for employers it can feel like the rules are constantly evolving. In this episode of Law for Life, the Franklin Solicitors podcast, employment law specialist Georgia Harris joins us to explain the latest developments surrounding workplace harassment and the impact of the Employment Rights Act.

Georgia breaks down the legal definition of harassment under the Equality Act, including harassment related to protected characteristics, sexual harassment, and the protections available to employees when inappropriate conduct creates an intimidating, hostile, degrading, humiliating or offensive working environment.

The discussion explores the existing legal framework, the introduction of the preventative duty requiring employers to take reasonable steps to prevent sexual harassment, and the significant changes that are now arriving through the Employment Rights Act. These include new whistleblowing protections relating to sexual harassment, the enhanced requirement for employers to take all reasonable steps to prevent harassment, and the return of employer liability for harassment carried out by third parties such as customers, clients and members of the public.

Georgia explains what these changes could mean in practice, why employers should start preparing now, and the practical measures businesses can take to reduce risk. Topics include workplace policies, staff training, reporting procedures, risk assessments and the importance of creating a safe and respectful working environment for employees.

Whether you're a business owner, manager, HR professional or employee, this episode provides a valuable overview of an area of employment law that is becoming increasingly important for organisations of all sizes.

For tailored legal advice relating to employment law, workplace policies, discrimination, harassment or HR matters, contact the Employment Law team at Franklin Solicitors.

#EmploymentLaw #Harassment #WorkplaceHarassment #EmploymentRightsAct #HR #HumanResources #BusinessAdvice #LegalAdvice #FranklinSolicitors #SexualHarassment #Whistleblowing #EmploymentRights #WorkplacePolicies #EqualityAct #BusinessOwners #Management #HRCompliance #UKEmploymentLaw #LawForLife #WorkplaceCulture

In this episode of Law for Life with Franklin Solicitors, Chris is joined by George Smith, Head of Litigation and Dispute Resolution, for a practical discussion about neighbour disputes, nuisance issues, and common legal challenges homeowners and residents may face.

The conversation covers a wide range of everyday litigation scenarios including barking dogs, nuisance pets, blocked driveways, rubbish disputes, CCTV privacy concerns, overhanging trees, easements, shared access issues, fencing and boundary disputes, trespass, and legal responsibilities between neighbours.

George explains when informal communication should come first, when councils may become involved, where mediation can help, and when legal action such as injunctions or court orders may be necessary. The discussion also looks at property rights, nuisance law, privacy considerations under UK GDPR, land boundaries, adverse possession, tree preservation orders, and the duty of care landowners may owe to neighbouring properties.

A useful and accessible look at how litigation law applies to everyday disputes and how problems can often be resolved before reaching court.

#LawForLife #FranklinSolicitors #Litigation #DisputeResolution #NeighbourDisputes #PropertyLaw #BoundaryDisputes #CCTVPrivacy #ParkingDisputes #LegalAdvice #UKLaw #EnvironmentalProtectionAct #Solicitors #Homeowners #PropertyDisputes #LawPodcast #ChrisGregg #FranklinSolicitorsPodcast

In this episode of *Law for Life*, the Franklin Solicitors podcast, the spotlight is on one of the biggest shifts in UK employment law in recent years. Georgia Harris from the employment team joins the discussion to break down the Employment Rights Act and what it means for both employers and employees.

The conversation explores the key changes coming into force, including the reduction in qualifying service for unfair dismissal claims, the removal of compensation caps, and the extension of claim time limits. There’s also a clear explanation of what actually counts as unfair dismissal, the different types of claims, and how these differ from redundancy.

The episode then moves into practical territory, looking at how businesses may be affected and why more disputes could be resolved through settlement agreements. Georgia explains how these agreements work, what they include, and why independent legal advice is essential before signing anything.

Whether you're employing staff or working within a business, this episode offers a straightforward and informative guide to navigating these upcoming changes and understanding your rights.

#EmploymentLaw #UnfairDismissal #UKLaw #HRAdvice #BusinessSupport #LegalAdvice #FranklinSolicitors #WorkplaceRights #EmploymentRightsAct #Podcast