02ba5058andersonpartnershipsolicitors

Celebrating An Incredible Milestone!

Wed, 19 Mar 2025 10:44:04 GMT

Les Saunders - Marking 40 Years Of Law Society Children Panel Membership

Celebrating an incredible milestone! �� Les Saunders, Senior Partner at Anderson Partnership, has marked 40 years on the Law Society Children Panel, a testament to his dedication and expertise to this area of law.

Appointed to the very first national panel in January 1985, Les has supported countless children and families over the years. He has brought a wealth of knowledge and experience to Anderson Partnership's Care and Family Team. Les's journey is a reflection of the Firm's commitment to providing exceptional legal services in Care and Family matters.

At Anderson Partnership, we understand the sensitive nature of these cases and strive to offer compassionate and effective representation.
With Les's extensive experience and the strength of our dedicated team, we have capacity to assist with a wide range of Care and Family law matters.

If you or someone you know requires expert legal guidance, please don't hesitate to reach out.

Scam Alert

Thu, 13 Apr 2023 14:53:09 GMT

IMPORTANT WARNING - RISK OF FRAUD

An email has been sent to a member of the public from an individual using the name ‘Leslier Saunders’, claiming to be an ‘Attorney at law/Solicitor’ at ‘Saunders & Associates LLP’ or ‘Saunders & Associates Law Office’. The email related to supposedly presenting the recipient as next of kin for a purported inheritance.

The email provides an email address of

saundersesq@gmail.com , a telephone number of ‘+44-133-232-3118’ and a fax number of ‘+44-133-221-5125’. The email also provides and misuses the office address of the genuine Anderson Partnership Solicitors which is regulated and authorised by the SRA.

The SRA does not authorise and regulate a solicitor called ‘Leslier Saunders’ or a firm of solicitors called ‘Saunders & Associates LLP’ or ‘Saunders & Associates Law Office’.

Any business or transactions through ‘Saunders & Associates LLP’ and/or ‘Saunders & Associates Law Office’ or the email address, telephone number or fax number above are not undertaken by a firm or individual authorised and regulated by the SRA.

Fraudsters sometimes impersonate law firms by telephone or email. Please note that Anderson Partnership will never send our bank details by way of an email, nor will we accept bank details by email to make payments. In a Conveyancing matter, we will confirm the details when we send your Completion Statement. Should you receive a telephone call or email that purports to be from this firm asking you to make a payment to a bank or building society account which is different to the details provided to you when you instructed us, DO NOT pay to any other account. Please telephone us immediately on 01246 220737 and no other number. It is good practice to double-check with us before any payment is made in any event.

This firm does not accept liability for any payment you make to an account for which details are sent to you by email.

Anderson Partnership Supporting Future World Cup Heroes

Tue, 29 Nov 2022 11:17:03 GMT

Staveley Miners Welfare U11s - Sponsored by Anderson Partnership

Staveley Miners Welfare U11s (Photograph Used With Permission)

Whilst the rest of us might be stressing over the national squad's performances in Qatar, there are no such worries about this team.

Staveley Miners Welfare Under 11s are sponsored by Anderson Partnership and are currently riding high in the local league table. A great season so far, they recently finished third in a junior football tournament - no doubt undone by the lack of VAR at this level.

Rumours that the Christmas Tree formation is going to be deployed over coming games is pure speculation.

Well done to all the players and everyone associated with the team!

Anderson Partnership Becomes Successor Practice to Shipton Hallewell & Co (Est. 1756)

Mon, 28 Feb 2022 16:49:12 GMT

A new era as Anderson Partnership and Shipton Hallewell join forces

Anderson Partnership welcomes Shipton Hallewell & Co to 71 Saltergate, Chesterfield

In such uncertain times, Anderson Partnership Solicitors has remained resolute in continuing to provide advice and assistance to those that need it. Demonstrating that it remains forward-thinking and with a business model to match, we are pleased to announce that Anderson Partnership is to become the successor practice to Shipton Hallewell & Co from 1 March 2022.

Shipton Hallewell & Co are believed to be the Chesterfield area's oldest law firm, having being established in 1756. Over 255 years of working with clients is reassurement that quality advice and assistance has prevailed.

Both existing and new clients can now benefit from additional expertise that the bringing together of our two firms provides for, all of which will be consolidated at 71 Saltergate Chesterfield.

To enable a seamless integration, telephone and email enquiries to Shipton Hallewell & Co will be re-routed to Anderson Partnership and the same teams will be dealing deal with matters prior to those of 1 March 2022.

Here's to the next 255 years!

Flawless Lexcel Re-accreditation to Law Society Practice Management Standards once again for Anderson Partnership

Tue, 11 Jan 2022 15:44:58 GMT

Well, we did it again! Anderson Partnership has re-affirmed it's commitment to quality and standards via rigorous independent assessment with yet another flawless outcome. This hard-earned accreditation demonstrates the level of care and detail that goes in to ensuring the service that we provide is of the highest standard.

What the report findings said;

"It is the Recommendation of the Assessor that Anderson Partnership be recognised with ongoing Lexcel certification and to Lexcel v6.1 of the Lexcel practice management standard. The Practice is sincerely thanked for its preparation for and engagement with the Lexcel assessment process. Particular thanks to Ashley Barwick for his efforts in facilitating the coordination of the AMV. His attention to detail was meticulous."

"The approach to client care is exemplary."

"The approach in respect of file and case management is excellent."

"human and technology infrastructure has proven to be highly resilient."

"... recognise the need to reconcile.... with the needs of clients but vitally the need to keep a cohesive, aligned culture."

Love Thy Neighbour?

Wed, 18 Aug 2021 14:03:56 GMT

One of the most common reasons people seek legal advice is over a dispute with their neighbours. This can be anything from disputes over the location of the boundary between the properties, noise nuisance by a neighbour or a neighbour carrying out work on or near a shared boundary wall. Our Head of Civil Litigation and experienced solicitor Peter Kidd sets out a magnificent seven reasons why you should seek our legal advice when faced with a neighbour dispute.

Tip One: Deeds are everything

The title documents to a property, or title deeds as they are sometimes known, will set out what rights your property has over your neighbours and your neighbours might have over your property. They will also set out if either property is subject to a mortgage, as a mortgage lender might need to consent to any action you or your neighbour might take as a condition of them mortgaging the property. To understand the deeds, you need to seek the advice of a legal professional with an eye for detail. We have that. We can help you use your deeds as a helpful tool to resolve your neighbour dispute.

Tip Two: Survey the Scene

In a boundary dispute or Party Wall dispute it’s crucial to work with a solicitor who can instruct a good quality chartered surveyor to asses where the boundary is and whether the work falls under the Party Wall Act procedure. As experienced boundary dispute and Party Wall Solicitors we work with a number of local surveyors to represent your interests in any dispute with your neighbour.

Tip Three: Taking that wall down won’t be a party

If work is to be carried out on a boundary wall or structure or excavation work undertaken near your property or your neighbours’, the chances are such work will fall under the procedure set out under the Party Wall Act 1996. This involves strict timescales in serving notices and responses to these and failure to comply with the procedure can leave the door wide open for a claim for compensation or an injunction by the party who suffers damage to their property. Party Wall Act legislation is a niche area of law that requires specialist legal advice. We have a wide experience of Party Wall Act matters and so can guide you through the process with assurance.

Tip Four: Access all Areas?

If your property needs urgent repair work carrying out which can only be done from your neighbour’s land and the neighbour does not consent to the work, you will need to apply to Court for an Order to enter the neighbour’s land and carry out the work. The procedure is set out under the Access to Neighbouring Land Act 1992. We have a wide experience of acting in such applications. You can count on us to provide the necessary expertise and robust representation in Court to achieve the result you need.

Tip Five: Who’s Land is it anyway?

A key component of neighbour disputes can involve one or both parties occupying a piece of land as their own that does not in fact belong to them. If you have occupied a piece of land as your own for ten years or more that you do not own, you may be able to apply to the Land Registry to claim ownership of the land. We can guide you through this process by helping you prepare the necessary evidence you need and then make the application to the Land Registry on your behalf. We have a strong track record of making successful applications to the Land Registry for ownership of land in these kinds of cases.

Tip Six: Mediate early

Neighbour disputes can often become a “money pit” for legal costs as the parties’ legal representatives send correspondence back and forth increasing legal costs but making little tangible progress. A more sensible and cheaper solution is for your solicitor to arrange a mediation with your neighbour, their solicitor, you and your solicitor and a professional mediator to see if a settlement can be reached out of Court to resolve differences. We often recommend this approach to our clients and will work with you and any mediator appointed to obtain a result that protects your interests.

Tip Seven: Look to the future

Any neighbour dispute, if left unresolved, will mean the value of your property is going to decrease or it even may not be possible to sell it. That’s why it’s important to seek legal advice early on to give you the best chance of preserving your property’s value and selling it on in the future by solving your dispute quickly.

At the Anderson Partnership we understand the importance of receiving sympathetic, clear and supportive advice when in a neighbour dispute. If you find yourself in a neighbour dispute call Peter Kidd today on 01246 200737 or e-mail him at peter@andersonslaw.co.uk to put you on the right track.

Building For A Better Summer

Fri, 26 Mar 2021 11:48:11 GMT

The change of the clocks, longer days and relaxation of lockdown rules will mean many people are likely to hire builders and architects to help them build that dream extension or carry out other work to keep their house in shape. All parties involved in this kind of work should consider a number of legal matters to ensure that things run smoothly. Our Head of Civil Litigation and Solicitor Peter Kidd, who has a wide range of experience in building and construction and engineering disputes, shares five top tips for homeowners, builders and architects alike embarking on building projects.

During the last decade I have acted on a number of Building Disputes for Individuals and Businesses ranging from claims in the County Court through to more complex matters in the Technology and Construction Court. I have also represented clients at mediations to resolve matters out of Court. Time and again I have seen the same reasons why parties come to a dispute over a building project. Below are the five most common sources of dispute and how, with the aid of quality legal advice taken at an early stage, you can resolve or avoid a dispute.

1. Get things in writing - building and construction and engineering disputes often arise from confusion over what work the builder and/or architect was to carry out or what the costs were to be for the work carried out. Often the parties will rely on word of mouth, exchange of e-mails or WhatsApp messages to say what was agreed. This can create a lot of uncertainty if a dispute arises. However, if a contract setting out exactly who is doing what and what the costs are going to be is entered into by the parties at the start of the project, this makes things a lot clearer if things go wrong later on.

2. Agree any changes to the scope of work and/or the price of work in writing - another common cause of disputes is if the builder and/or architect is accused of doing extra work or increasing costs without the consent of the homeowner. If there is no variation to the original scope of works in writing, things can often descend into a case of one person’s word against another which means an uncertain outcome in Court. The best way around this is to agree any amendments to the original scope of works for the project in writing and get all parties to sign the written amendment.

3. Take pictures - if you think things are going to end in a dispute, be sure to take date stamped photographs of work carried out throughout the building project. That is valuable information that your solicitor, surveyor, a judge or mediator will need to understand the case after the event.

4. Instruct a surveyor at an early stage- as your solicitor I work alongside suitably qualified building surveyors so they can help us assess whether the work carried out is up to standard, in accordance with the scope of works and done at a reasonable cost. A professional surveyor’s report is invaluable to all parties, the Court and any mediator appointed as evidence of how the work in dispute has been carried out.

5. See a solicitor early on- instructing us as your solicitor at the start of a project, whether you are an architect, builder or customer, is a wise move. We can check any contract documents for the project to see they meet the legal requirements. We can draft a building contract if necessary. If a dispute does arise you can count on our professional experience and clear and wise advice to make sure your interests are protected. If you are an architect, builder or a customer involved in a building dispute or need a building contract reviewing or preparing call me today on 01246 220737 or e-mail me at peter@andersonslaw.co.uk .

Peter Kidd - Head of Civil Litigation

Thu, 18 Feb 2021 15:05:42 GMT

Introducing the new Head of Civil Litigation at Anderson Partnership

Anderson Partnership welcomes Peter Kidd as Head of Civil Litigation and Dispute Resolution

Anderson Partnership Solicitors are pleased to announce the arrival of Peter Kidd as their new Head of Civil Litigation and Dispute Resolution. Peter is a Solicitor with a decade’s worth of experience in Dispute Resolution work and brings with him experience of running cases in the High Court, Technology and Construction Court and the County Court.

He is also highly experienced in negotiating out of Court settlements for clients through mediation and negotiation and boasts a formidable win record in and out of Court.

A lifelong resident of the area, Peter has many professional connections locally and is delighted to be back working in his hometown to help the needs of the local community and clients further afield.

He understands that people who are involved in a dispute are often very stressed so it’s important for them to feel reassured by their solicitor, have things explained to them clearly and be made fully aware of the best and most cost-effective way of settling a dispute. While he would prefer for disputes not to develop and help clients settle cases out of Court where possible, in the event that a Court hearing is required he will represent your interests robustly.

The areas of law Peter can assist you with include:

· Challenging a Will.

· Disputes over the administration of an estate.

· Building Disputes, including Construction and Engineering Disputes.

· Business Disputes, including shareholder disputes, directors’ disputes and partnership disputes.

· Civil or Commercial Landlord and Tenant Matters.

· Professional Negligence.

· Property Disputes including Property Ownership Disputes, Boundary Disputes and Party Wall Act Matters.

· Settlement Agreements.

· Debt Recovery.

Whether your case is large or small Peter can help. So why not contact him today on 01246 220737 or e-mail him at peter@andersonslaw.co.uk

It's Official - Anderson Partnership Practice Management Standards Maintained During Pandemic - Lexcel Re-accreditation

Mon, 11 Jan 2021 10:46:50 GMT

2020 did it's upmost to ruin our health, way of life, jobs and businesses.

Anderson Partnership was quick to protect and adapt the way it provided legal advice and assistance to clients during the pandemic. Our priorities were, and still are, protecting the health, safety and welfare of visitors and staff. Importantly, we do so without restricting the level or standards of service to clients. Following independent thorough assessment, this has been officially recognised. The Firm has been successfully re-accredited to the Law Society's Practice Management Standard - Lexcel.

What the report findings said;

"The approach to client care is most diligent and attentive."

"The approach in respect of file and case management is excellent."

"The robust approach to maintaining business continuity has been proven to work against the back drop of the current pandemic. The effectiveness of the approach is continually reviewed at a strategic level."

"....objectives are measured against key budgetary, organisational and personnel performance indicators."

".....mindful of their responsibilities towards the environment, access to justice and the wider community outside the Firm."

"The Firm’s commitment to Cyber Essential standards necessitates a tight approach to cyber security."

"In terms of their health and well-being, people reported that throughout this pandemic they have felt supported by their manager and colleagues."

"The quality of supervision is most diligent."

"There is creativity in terms of maintaining communication under the current circumstances."

COVID-19 Employment Issues

Fri, 24 Apr 2020 12:09:15 GMT

A Guide For Both Employers and Employees

The Coronavirus COVID-19 pandemic has far-reaching consequences for both employers and employees.

Senior Litigator and Employment Lawyer, Marc Turner discusses a few of the issues here.

Email marc@andersonslaw.co.uk to discuss these and any other issues regarding COVID-19 and employment issues.

Employers’ obligations?

Employers have a legal duty of care to ensure, as far as is reasonably practicable, the health and safety of their employees and anyone else affected by the business (e.g. contractors, workers and the public). Risk assessments should be undertaken, with special consideration to individuals who may be more vulnerable e.g. those with a disability, young people, the elderly, or pregnant women. The extent of the measures taken by each organisation may be dictated by the economic resources available to tackle the present day to day issues arising from the pandemic.

Action to be taken by Employers

Staff should work from home where possible. If your business is one that has been directed to close by the government then it should do so (e.g. restaurants, pubs, leisure centres). Encourage employees to be extra-vigilant with hand washing and using/disposing of tissues etc. Distancing in the office should be maintained and rotas may be introduced to restrict the numbers of staff in the office at one time.

Risks to be considered for staff members:

Can staff work from home in order to follow the latest guidance on social distancing? Allow staff to do so if possible, particularly those in vulnerable groups
Monitor advice and guidance from WHO, NHS, government and ACAS
Consider policies regarding staff returning from affected areas and whether they should self-isolate or not.
Consider particularly vulnerable staff e.g. pregnant, impaired immunity, those on secondments. In particular, consider whether any adjustments can be made to working day for these people so that they do not have to use public transport at peak times
Individuals should report to HR if they have travelled abroad and they should be advised to self-isolate if they are at risk
Remember that any health information is a “special category” of personal data and that individuals should not be singled out to ask to report or for checks because of their ethnicity or nationality
Identify key roles in the business that would be necessary for continuity purposes
Review insurance policies
Apply policies fairly and reasonably e.g. flexible working and sickness absence.
Cancel all meetings face to face where possible and undertake telephone conferences or via social media platforms

Non-attendance by an employee and entitlement to pay?

If an individual does not attend because they are sick with COVID-19 they will be entitled to sick pay in the usual way (either contractual or statutory where applicable).If they cannot attend work because of other obligations/responsibilities, e.g. the school is closed, this should be dealt with in accordance with the usual firm’s policy for time off for dependents in the first instance. Annual leave may be taken for longer periods, and there is the right for parental leave if it is longer (unpaid). Parents struggling with childcare issues can also be furloughed.

If the individual is self-isolating on the basis of medical advice from their GP, Public Health England and/or NHS 111, and because of that isolation is unable to work, then the government has confirmed that the employee will be entitled to statutory sick pay (SSP). This is a temporary measure and will expire on 12 November 2020.

The government has confirmed in the Budget that SSP would be payable from the first day of absence (instead of day 4) and that it would reimburse employers with no more than 250 employees up to 14 days SSP. SSP is currently £95.85 from 1 April 2020. These Regulations have not yet been published and the government has yet to confirm how and when these refunds will be administered. If the individual is shielding then they can be furloughed.

If you pay your staff SSP, there is a risk that an individual who has been told to self-isolate will still go to work to avoid the decrease in pay. It is therefore at your discretion as to whether you pay them above and beyond SSP, for example, full or half salary.

In order to decide on the best course of action, you will need to act in accordance with your Staff Handbook and/or Sickness and Annual Leave policies. If you wish to amend your policies, you should notify your staff in advance. You may not unilaterally change the terms of employment of an employee and care should be taken to obtain the agreement of any employee if you are to alter their contract, even if only upon a temporary basis.

If your policy is not to pay people but individuals come into work anyway, then to compel them to isolate would likely require full pay, because there is an implied right to wages if the individuals are able to work (despite being sent home by their employer). Having a policy that sets out clearly that holiday will be required to be taken, for example, could avoid these issues.

If the individual is not at work but it has been agreed they can utilise flexible working policies to work from home whilst self-isolating or caring for their children, for example, they should be paid as normal.

Employees wish to Return to Work

Employees may express a genuine concern about catching coronavirus and consequently be unwilling to attend work. If this is the case you should listen carefully to the concerns of your employees and, if possible, offer flexible working arrangements. Staff should be allowed to work from home where possible.

Employees can also request time off as holiday or unpaid leave but there is no obligation on employers to agree to this. If an employee refuses to go to work without due cause, you are entitled to take disciplinary action.

Reduced staff requirements due to COVID-19

The needs of the business should be considered on a case by case basis. It is possible to direct staff to take their annual leave at a designated point which may cover some of the problems, although care must be taken to provide the correct notices as required under the Working Time Regulations 1998.

Staff may have short-time working or lay-off provisions in their contracts that can be utilised, although be mindful of the ability of staff to request redundancy payments after a prolonged period of lay off.

You may also wish to make use of the Government’s Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme (“furlough scheme”) and you can find more information about that scheme from the government website. Furloughing staff involves a temporary variation to contract and you should seek advice on this.

Temporary variations to contract might be possible to agree with the workforce, and, in extreme cases, redundancies may be required. If the company envisages making 20 or more people redundant in a 90day period, the collective procedure will come into force.

Other resources:

The government publishes daily updates with the latest COVID-19 updates and advice.
Acas : Guidance for employers and employees from Acas, the Advisory, Conciliation and Arbitration Service, an independent body funded by the Government.
NHS : Health-related guidance from the National Health Service.
Public Health England including, eg, specific guidance for employers, educational and health-related organisations, and an option to receive updates directly.

Buying, Selling or Re-mortgaging Property During The Coronavirus Crisis

Wed, 08 Apr 2020 12:36:43 GMT

Moving in to Week 3 of lockdown, we know that you are all experiencing extreme difficulties. The Coronavirus pandemic has seemingly sent the world into a spin - people fighting over groceries and toilet rolls?

We, as a business, have had to establish a new work-from-home routine. But we were prepared and we are carrying on to provide all of our legal advice and support services regardless.

Take our Conveyancing Department, for example.

We understand that it can be difficult to comprehend what advice to follow in conveyancing transactions, especially during the current crisis. However, it should be made clear that Home Buyers and Sellers do not have to pull out of transactions whilst the country is in Covid-19 lockdown. The Government guidance is clear. But, what we must do, is warn our clients that completing transactions will be more difficult now.

If the property is vacant, parties can continue the transaction. If the property is occupied, parties are encouraged to ‘amicably agree’ alternative dates to move.

During this difficult time we are able to stay connected to our clients by means of telephone communications and email. Our client feedback speaks for itself. We have continued throughout the crisis to offer a full conveyancing service and will continue to do so.

So remember, if you are looking to buy, sell or remortgage, Anderson Partnership are here for you.

Email alison@andersonslaw.co.uk or claire@andersonslaw.co.uk for a competitive quotation or for further information.

Business (almost) as normal...

Thu, 26 Mar 2020 14:19:38 GMT

Globally, we are living in troubled times. It may mean change on an unprecedented scale, but change can sometimes be good. At Anderson Partnership, we are proving that we are adapting to such change.

Whilst the office has been in “lockdown”, our staff have been busy homeworking to ensure that we can continue to provide as normal a service as possible. Here is some feedback that we have received in the last couple of days whilst operating remotely as a business;

" Thank you so much for being here for us!"

“May I just reiterate how pleased we have been with the excellent service you have given us .”

“… for a law firm I will certainly recommend Andersons.”

“…a firm of the highest standard”

“…always impressed us as a firm”

“…credit where credit is due”

10% Discount on Legal Fees for First-Time Buyers

Fri, 28 Feb 2020 16:36:52 GMT

Buying your first home - First Time Buyers Anderson Partnership March 10% Discount*

Buying a new home can be a daunting thought for many first time buyers as there are numerous steps and legal procedures involved which many are unaware of. Here at the Anderson Partnership we ensure our first time buyers receive the best possible conveyancing service and the reassurance they deserve. This includes supporting our first-time buyer clients through traditional property law grey areas, such as:

• Help to Buy ISAs . If you set up an ISA before the November 2019 deadline, you still have until 2029 to use it. Even if you missed this opportunity, it might still be possible to get similar returns with a Lifetime ISA, we are here to help you understand how the bonus is applied, and how that might affect your deposit.

• First Time Buyer Stamp Duty Relief. If you are buying your first property, and it is valued at £300k or less, you won’t have to pay stamp duty. However, for more complex situations, such as if you’re involved in a joint purchase where you are a first time buyer, but your partner has previously been a homeowner, we can advise you on your legal options.

Your legal fees are payable on completion. The only upfront costs are your third-party search fees.

We are pleased to be able to offer a 10% discount in March on our legal fees for first time buyers. Simply call 01246 220737 for a free, no obligation initial chat or email alison@andersonslaw.co.uk

*Promotional offers can't be combined with any other promotion or discount but, our 'no sale, no legal fee' service still stands. This means we will undertake the legal side of your home move on the contractual basis that, if it does not complete, you won't be charged any conveyancing fees. This is particular useful in the current financial climate where house moves and chains fall through on a regular basis. We feel that at a time when every penny counts, no sale, no fee conveyancing is of great help to avoid hefty financial outlay on a sale that doesn't come to fruition. We will just ask you to pay a small sum upfront to cover the cost of initial disbursements. These are fees paid by us on your behalf to third parties. Our conveyancing service also operates on a no hidden charges basis. In other words, the price you see is the price you pay.

Stephen Savage - Funeral and Office Closure

Fri, 07 Feb 2020 10:02:06 GMT

The funeral of our colleague, Stephen Savage, will take place on Wednesday, 26 February at 11.20 a.m. at the Markeaton Crematorium in Derby.

In order for staff here at Anderson Partnership to pay their respects, the office will be closed that day.

Obituary: Stephen Savage 1952 - 2020

Wed, 29 Jan 2020 10:14:47 GMT

It is with great sadness that we must announce the sudden passing of our dear colleague, Stephen Savage.

Admitted to the roll in 1976, Stephen was Head of Civil Litigation at Anderson Partnership, having joined us from Shacklocks of Derby in 2009.

A more hardworking and gracious solicitor of the Profession’s old guard you would struggle to find. He was an individual who went over and above for both clients of the Firm and, for those who benefited from his pro bono work out in the community.

When he did eventually manage to put down his files, he could be found either on the golf course or at Pride Park supporting his beloved Derby County.

Stephen had no plans to retire and was as busy as ever when the news was received. He will be greatly missed by all here at Anderson Partnership.

We offer our sincere condolences to Stephen’s family and those nearest to him.

Anderson Partnership Supporting 'Paws Across the Ocean'

Thu, 16 Jan 2020 10:25:39 GMT

If you have been watching the scenes in Australia, you will know how terrible it has been for everyone affected, including the wildlife which has been devastated.

In their spare time away from looking after our conveyancing matters, Claire Pinder and Alison Hardy are in the process of making joey pouches, bird nests, koala mittens and other snuggly homes for marsupials affected by the bush fires. This is in support of the ‘Paws Across the Ocean’ social media campaign following an appeal by the Animal Rescue Craft Guild of Australia.

Paws Across the Ocean are a UK based group formed to collect handmade pouches and mittens for animals hurt in the dreadful bush fires currently sweeping Australia.

Contact alison@andersonslaw.co.uk or claire@andersonslaw.co.uk for more information

Anderson Partnership - Excellence in Practice Management Standards

Mon, 13 Jan 2020 11:22:42 GMT

Once again, Anderson Partnership have been successful in meeting the criteria of the Law Society Practice Management Standards – Lexcel.

The Firm’s strategic and operational planning to provide for a quality service through dedicated staff continues to be rewarded.

Here’s what our independent assessment report contained…

“The outcome of this assessment is excellent…”

“…the approach to client care is excellent.”

“…client feedback is excellent.”

“…file and case management is excellent”

“…a risk averse approach to business...”

“The approach to risk management continues to be robust.”

“…a clear understanding of the practical implications of GDPR….”

Daniel Milligan gains Law Society's Children Panel accreditation

Mon, 25 Nov 2019 09:55:57 GMT

Anderson Partnership’s Daniel Milligan has become the latest member of our formidable Family and Care Team to receive accreditation to the Law Society’s Children Panel.

Daniel, who has been with the firm since 2010, joins colleagues Les Saunders and Linzi Olney to make up a trio of Anderson Partnership Children Panel members.

Congratulations Daniel!

Let down by a medical professional? The Anderson Partnership can help!

Wed, 30 Oct 2019 15:33:19 GMT

10% Discount on Residential Conveyancing Services For Emergency and Armed Forces Personnel.

Fri, 09 Aug 2019 09:02:50 GMT

We at the Anderson Partnership are proud to support the NHS, Emergency Services and those in the Armed Forces. Therefore, we will offer a 10% residential conveyancing discount upon production of a valid Blue Light Card or relevant ID when you want to sell your house or buy your dream property.

The Anderson Partnership pride themselves in providing a friendly and welcoming service to all their clients.

Contact alison@andersonslaw.co.uk for a conveyancing quotation today.

New ‘No-fault’ divorce law set to end the ‘blame game’

Tue, 16 Jul 2019 10:00:22 GMT

Justice Secretary, David Gauke, recently pledged that legislation for ‘no-fault’ divorce will be implemented as soon as parliamentary time becomes available to end the “blame game” in marital breakdowns. Mr Gauke stated that the new laws represented an attempt to help reduce family disputes and squabbles. “Hostility and conflict between parents leave their mark on children and can damage their life chances,” he said.

Changes to the existing divorce laws in England and Wales would establish a minimum six-month time frame to enable couples to “reflect” on their decision and also abolish the ability to contest a divorce.

With the new legislation, the need for evidence of adultery, desertion or unreasonable behaviour would be replaced by a requirement for a statement of irretrievable breakdown. There would be an option for a joint application for divorce.

Dan Milligan, Family Law Solicitor of The Anderson Partnership Solicitors, said: “Divorce used to be perceived as an adversarial process, but increasingly couples wish to explore mediation and that is the focus of government policy.

What this change will mean for separated couples is that they will no longer have to apportion blame for marriage breakdown (when it is rarely the fault of one spouse only), or else wait for at least two years of separation before they can have a divorce.”

Parallel changes would be made to the law governing the dissolution of a civil partnership. Some critics of the proposition to introduce no fault divorce to UK law believe that making the divorce process easier could be damaging to the sanctity of marriage. The truth is that there can never be a “one size fits all” approach to divorce, which makes the matter of amending divorce law all the more delicate. The infinitely complex nature of relationships means that every marriage breakdown brings with it its own unique challenges.

To discuss any of the forthcoming changes to the divorce law, or to seek any professional advice regarding matrimonial and family matters, please feel free to contact Dan Milligan at The Anderson Partnership on 01246 220737.

1 Reflections July 2019 MS

Linzi Olney gains Children Law accreditation

Mon, 08 Jul 2019 11:38:11 GMT

Linzi Olney, Solicitor within our Care and Family Team, has gained the Law Society's Children Law accreditation.

As a specialist lawyer within the Children Law field, Linzi undertook and demonstrated through rigorous assessment her competence and conduct worthy of achieving the accreditation.

Congratulations Linzi!

Success for Anderson Partnership Netball Team

Mon, 08 Jul 2019 11:12:22 GMT

Congratulations to the ladies of the Anderson Partnership Netball Team.

The Chesterfield Netball Association (60th Year) Presentation Evening was held at the Proact Stadium, Chesterfield on 5th July 2019.

Our team finished as Runners-up in the Division by just a single point, securing promotion to Division 2.

Here's to another successful season!

“Warning over transparency of Estate Agency referral fees”

Mon, 11 Mar 2019 11:29:14 GMT

Referral fees are paid by law firms to estate agents in exchange for recommending business to them. Unfortunately for us these aren’t uncommon and can be considered as a common source of business.

Following the National Trading Standards Estate Agency Team (NTSEAT) survey , it has been revealed that referral via an estate agent was the most popular reason for their choice of conveyancer.

However, it was most interesting to learn that many people who took a recommendation from the estate agent didn’t actually know that their conveyancer paid a referral fee to the estate agents.

At the Anderson Partnership we do not pay referral fees or charge hidden extras.

Whilst there is an expectation that the Government may aim to ban referral fees entirely, it has been emphasised that estate agents will need to be more transparent with clients regarding any referral arrangements.

The government may still decide to introduce a ban on referral fees, but appears to be hoping that creating a more transparent process will deliver more choice for buyers and help them choose their own conveyancer.

The news will be welcomed by firms like us at the Anderson Partnership, who do not pay referral fees, who will be able to compete more evenly in this transparent environment. We pride ourselves that a firm’s reputation is far more important than the size of the referral fees paid.

If you or someone you know is looking for a reliable independent conveyancer, with the experience to make a difference, then please get in touch with us today.

alison@andersonslaw.co.uk