Not many of us would have ever heard that a policy of insurance is one of  “uttermost good faith” – this provision is being more and more implied rigidly by insurance companies in the event of a claim.

You may have thought you were insured when you weren’t.

How many of us remember on the renewal of our car insurance to notify our friendly insurer that we or our partner received points for speeding or something more serious over the last 12 months. Failure to notify could lead to being uninsured in the event of an accident and worse could lead to further penalty points on the driving license and even disqualification.

In this country there are over 3 million individuals who have criminal convictions they would rather forget about.  You can’t. If  you or a member of your family has any criminal convictions and particularly for an offence of dishonesty then non-disclosure could invalidate both home building and contents insurance. You have been warned.

We at Letchers Solicitors can help you sort out the problems you may get yourself into – please contact michael.stocken@letchers.co.uk or jane.hemmings@letchers.co.uk

This is a substantial change to the current system. The aim is to filter out those cases which could be settled through Mediation.

Clients attending an Assessment Meeting will not only be provided with information about Mediation, but also assessed for public funding to pay for the mediation process.

Even clients paying for Mediation will find the cost of the process about half that of instructing their own solicitor to pursue an application in the traditional way.

Mediation is quicker, less formal and stressful, the clients keeping control of the process.

Letchers Family Mediation Service has a public funding contract with the Legal Services Commission and will have two Mediators. Michael Stocken who is an Accredited and Recognised Mediator was trained by Resolution in 1998. He has also been trained to carry out consultations with parties children if Mediation clients feel it would be useful to assess their children’s views. Hannah Dominey a family solicitor with Letchers Solicitors is shortly to have completed the first stage of her Mediation training.

Letchers Family Mediation Service can be contacted on mail@letsmediate.co.uk alternatively a contact form can be completed on the Services website of www.letsmediate.co.uk.

Michael Stocken is always available for telephone enquiries on either 01425 471424 or 07767457547.

Sixty well known faces from the local business community turned out for an informal lunch and afternoon of relationship building with like minded individuals in the comfort and splendour of the internationally renowned Chewton Glen.  The second lunch generated just as much interest and again was a huge success.  A great time was had by all.

I have set the lunch up for those at Director/Partner/Business Owner level who have tired of the more structured networking available in the area.  Structured networking has its place but we thought we would try something more informal.  I strongly believe that solid business relationships are more likely to be built by actually getting to know the person and not just the product. By having lunch in such relaxed and beautiful surroundings I hope will allow such relationships to flourish over time.

Our lunches are being held every other month, the next on the 13th January2011.  We are limiting the number of attendees from each category of business for obvious reasons.  Membership is just £50 per annum entitling Members to lunch for £30 and their guests to lunch at £35.  We are non-profit making and all surplus funds will be sent to The Wessex Neurological Unit at S’ton General Hospital.  If you are interested in attending please contact either Ianthe.slinger@letchers.co.uk or julia.fildes@letchers.co.uk.

Seeking early advice from an experienced solicitor who specialises solely in divorce and ancillary matters is my strong recommendation.  It can help alleviate many months of worry.  Having a plan of action and a good idea of how the different methods of dispute resolution actually work can be of real benefit.  It can help you see the way forward rather than the “brick wall” many describe in front of them.

If you need early advice please contact Ianthe Slinger for a without obligation initial meeting on 01425 471424 or at ianthe.slinger@letchers.co.uk

First and foremost children must be told they are loved by both parents and each parent must ensure they make time to spend with the children.  Children will feel a conflict of loyalty and so when they are with one parent the other must encourage them to have a good time.

During break-ups children often feel a sense of guilt, that it is somehow their fault, they caused the problems and that if they had behaved better, or in a different way, their parents would not be splitting up.  Often children hatch plans to try and get mum and dad back together.  This is why honesty is so important.  Children’s questions should be answered truthfully, which will be difficult when talking about possible divorce and whether they may have to move house or schools; but remember, telling the children what may happen in the future is better than ignoring their questions or being untruthful.

Allow the children to express their feelings, whether it is frustration, anger, sadness or blame.  Talk through these feelings and make allowances for unusual behaviour.  Although you will be having a very tough time, try to remember to put the children first.

It is important that you do not denigrate the other parent.  As difficult as it may be, remain positive about your ex-partner in front of the children.  After all, your child is a part of both you and criticising your ex-partner is indirectly criticising your child.  Make sure you don’t use your child as a go-between.  If you need to discuss or raise something with the other parent, do it yourself.

Be aware that children of different ages will require different support and if in doubt talk to a professional.  Most of all remember children require love and honesty.