For many of the decisions we make in our lives, be they big or small, we know in advance what it will cost. Whether booking a holiday or renewing our car insurance, prices are on display and we can keep an eye on them as make our decisions. So, by the time we get to pay, there aren’t too many surprises.
However, it’s not been that straightforward in other situations, such as getting help from a lawyer.
You’re not alone if you think all law firms are regulated.
Research shows most people think every legal services provider is regulated. Lawyers can help at life’s turning points – buying a home, getting a divorce, starting up a business. With our personal lives and finances at stake, we fully expect legal advice to be expert and properly regulated.
When you first hire a lawyer, they will talk to you about how much their fees will be and about how their fees and other costs will be calculated. They will also give you this information in writing. Your lawyer will explain their charges at the end of your case – and at any time you ask.
Confidentiality clauses (also known as non-disclosure agreements, or ‘gagging’ clauses) are often found in employment contracts for senior executives, or in other commercial contracts.
They are also common in settlement agreements that bring employment to an end if there has been a dispute between you and your employer. They are usually in place to protect legitimate business interests.
You might have heard concerns in the news that confidentiality clauses are being misused to cover up potential crimes such as harassment.
Looking to make a holiday sickness claim? Think you might need legal help?
Holiday companies are cracking down on claims that are made dishonestly and you could go to prison if you make a claim that is not true. But, if you have a genuine claim, you might be wondering how to find a solicitor with the right skills to help you.
Sometimes speaking up is pretty straightforward. If you've ever challenged a queue-jumper in a shop or complained about bad food in a restaurant, you'll know that it felt good to get your point of view across. But some things, like sexual harassment, are much harder to speak up about. These situations can be upsetting – and getting help can be confusing. Here are three top tips if you think you might have a problem:
Did you know that more than 2 million Britons jump on a bike at least once a week?
Bicycle sales are up, along with sales of cycling clothing. More dedicated cycle lanes are being created in our cities, and the NHS extols the health benefits of being a bike rider.
There's never been a better time to get in the saddle. But there's a legal side to cycling that's important to bear in mind.
Here are some facts for cyclists that we at Legal Choices think are good to know.
Problems faced by the ‘Windrush' migrants are putting the UK's immigration system in the spotlight. By law, your right to live and work in the UK must be checked in everyday situations. Banks, landlords and hospitals carry out these checks. But it can be hard to prove you have a right to be in the UK. The ‘Windrush generation' came from Commonwealth countries to live in the UK before 1971. But some of them have recently had trouble showing they have a legal right to live and work here. People often turn to experts for help with problems. Here are some useful facts.
Holiday sickness is in the news again, with more than 9 million Brits having been chased by claims management companies to make holiday sickness claims, ABTA reports.
Most holiday sickness claims are for around £2,000. But before you make a claim, get the facts.
1: Don't make a fake claim
Many holiday makers who make false claims say they got food poisoning at their hotel or resort.
