A new build warranty is taken out by the developer.  With a builder’s warranty on your new home, you can confidently enjoy your new building without worrying about the cost of structural repairs if something ends up going wrong in the early years of ownership. The most well-known providers of new home warranties are the National House-building Council (NHBC) which is the most common provider covering 70-80% of the new build market, Local Authority Building Control (LABC) and Premier Guarantee. 

Families can agree to use arbitration from the outset or even after court proceedings have started.  It can be used to resolve disputes about finances and child arrangements.

Appointing an arbitrator has a number of advantages over relying on the court procedure. It is often much speedier than the court process, as appointments are listed at the participants’ convenience not dependent on the court’s timetabling powers.

The process is private and confidential, whereas the court system is becoming increasingly transparent.

Parties get the benefit of a specialist arbitrator who is reserved just to deal with their case. At court, numerous hearings are listed for one judge to deal with each day, meaning the judge doesn’t always have much time to hear everything.  Also, by selecting the arbitrator, the parties know they will have a judge who is a specialist in that area of law.

Arbitration also provides continuity as the arbitrator remains on the case until it reaches a resolution so they are able to have more personal involvement in the case and can find a bespoke solution for the family.

An arbitrator’s decision is binding so the parties know they will have closure to their dispute.

The Land Registry is considered to be conclusive evidence of ownership of a property. This means that the person or entity listed as the owner in the Land Registry is legally considered to be the owner of the property, and their ownership rights will be recognized by the government and courts. However, it's worth noting that this may vary depending on the jurisdiction, and in some cases, additional legal steps may be required to establish ownership.

Equity release enables homeowners aged 55 and over to access tax-free cash from their home value. The amount is determined by the homeowner's age and home value. Options include a lump sum or a series of smaller lump sums, depending on the product selected.

Equity release isn't suitable for everyone, just like other financial products. However, it can be beneficial for some individuals by releasing the money locked in their property, such as for home renovations, gifting to family, or paying off debts. Consider carefully before using your home to secure additional debts.

Equity release plans must be repaid upon the death of the last borrower or if the borrower enters long-term care. Early repayment is possible but may incur an Early Repayment Charge (ERC) penalty.

Yes, local authorities can bring prosecutions against parents for offences found in sections 443 and 444 of the Education Act 1996. That being failure to comply with a school attendance order or failure to secure regular attendance at school of a registered pupil.

Section 444 of the Education Act 1996 makes it an offence if a child is absent from school without authorisation.

Failure to ensure a child’s regular attendance at the school at which he/she is a registered pupil is a criminal offence under the Education Act 1996.