Family Mediation – How to Make the Most of Your Time with Councillors

The process of separation and divorce is a difficult one, no matter how unhappy you might be or how bad your relationship is. It’s important to realise the fact that mediation is an important step in divorce, and that it can help sort out many practical issues such as where your children will live, how often you will see them and who will take responsibility for financial obligations. Here are a few tips as to how to get the most out of your family mediation, and what to do if there are any questions about the process.

Be sure to listen. It’s the only sure-fire way of getting what you want out of a situation – argue your point with reason and listen, care and consider the alternative viewpoint. You’re likely to enable a greater degree of flexibility and allow others to see your point of view, also.

Also understand what acceptable demands are, and don’t go into mediation sessions with unreasonable requests. Be diplomatic, and understand if people don’t always take your viewpoint. The mediator’s job is to make sure there is common ground – so use their knowledge, understanding and impartiality.

As much as you shouldn't be demanding in your requests, you should also make sure that you have a definitive idea of what you want to get out of your mediation sessions. Are you worried about custody battles? Finances…the role of your child’s grandparents? Make sure you are thorough with your arguments – remember to keep lists and cover all topics if given the opportunity.

One of the most important things to remember is that mediation is collaborative, not adversarial. It’s about finding a solution that all parties in a relationship can live with. If that takes time, so be it, but it is vital that you find methods of making the most out of your sessions. It’s a chance to put things right, understand the reasons things went wrong and look to find an amiacable solution for all involved.

Burt Brill and Cardens Solicitors offer family mediation and are a specialist divorce solicitor in Brighton. Contact them today for more information and to discuss the ways in which they may be able to help you. 

A Century of Home Ownership and Renting

Infographic by Office for National Statistics (ONS)

Irish Passengers and Self Service Immigration

In a recent development in the aviation world, Irish and EU passengers using Dublin airport will now be able to trial a self check immigration service at border control.

The 'e-gates' will be used for a period of 6 months - a time period in which other airports around the world will closely watch and decide on whether they feel such a system would work across the board.

The machines will match their face automatically to the one on the passport - freeing up local Garda and border control staff so they can focus on other border control duties. There is a view to 'providing a more secure and efficient means for clearing passengers through immigration control' and making everyone's lives a lot easier.

Of course, it is said that the new technological developments will strengthen the border protection at Dublin Airport, however only time will tell if this system can be adopted throughout the whole of the EU.

If you have any concerns or queries regarding immigration and the law in Ireland, Gibson & Associates are immigration solicitors based in Dublin.

Planning Permission For Pinewood Studios Looking More Likely

Pinewood Studios in Buckinghamshire has been home to a number of high-profile movies over the decades - not to mention the entire James Bond franchise.

Now, as part of a recent expansion programme, the studios are hoping to double in size, investing £200 million in a comprehensive 'Hollywood' style regeneration in order to become the leading film location in Europe. It is claimed the development is necessary, and is claimed will bring 3,000 jobs and up to £150 million a year for the UK economy.

An attempt to get planning permission failed last year - with one of the reasons being a high number of planning application objection letters being filed for the development and the local 'Stop Project Pinewood' gaining momentum in the area. This time around, however, objection letters have been reduced by over a third and the South Bucks district council will decide today on whether to give the green light and grant planning permission for the development.

How to Stop Residential Boundary Disputes

The UK is a small country, and with a relatively large population, there are a huge amount of people to fit into a very small space. In some of the most built up areas, this can cause boundary disputes between neighbours which can often be difficult to resolve amicably. In addition, people tend to be possessive and emotional when it comes to their property - it is important to try to 'get along' - here are some tips to implement.

One of the most important things is trying to learn how to negotiate without using your heart. Use your head - try to reason and make sure you see your neighbour's issues and problems with the situation. Some people might be more amicable if they realise you're not out to mislead them. 

Planning authorities and local councils may be able to connect you with a Boundary Adviser, who can learn your circumstance, act as a mediator and also give expert planning advice as to how to resolve the dispute. They're often people with a number of years experience in the industry, and can guide you through any legal processes involved. In addition, you may want to get in touch with the British Institute of Chartered Surveyors, who have a specific boundary demarcation team.

Understanding how your property boundaries are marked out is vital. If you have a dispute, it is essential to know your facts and gain a documentary of evidence. Take photos and mark out how the dispute has occurred. Once you know the facts, it'll give you a better chance of sorting out any problems with professionalism and reasoning rather than hot-headedness.

A lot of disputes which occur are often not as serious as first seemed. It's important to find out whether the boundary violation is simply a mistake...sometimes, just being calm, considerate and understanding helps to resolve a lot of issues.

If you require any more advice regarding boundary disputes or property law in general, contact a specialist planning solicitors such as Brighton solicitors Burt Brill and Cardens who can aid you in your disputes. 

Infographic - Health and Safety at Work

Work Accidents Infographic – An infographic by the team at Gibson & Associates

10 Holiday Disasters and How to Avoid Them

It's safe to say, the last few years have been turbulent ones for the travel industry. Record fuel costs, a more discerning traveler and bad press have all contributed to more than its fare share to troubles. Here are 10 holiday disasters we've seen over the last few years, and how best you might be able to plan a holiday to avoid them.

Carnival Triumph - Cruise Line Disasters

First there was the Costa Concordia. Then, the cruise company Carnival hit tough times. In February, an engine room fire cut all the generators in the ship - leaving it stranded with no power and hence no sanitation and extremely poor living conditions. As recently as yesterday, a fire broke out near the berth where it was docked, and on 3rd April it broke free on its moorings and smashed into another ship. Safe to say, Carnival are quite keen to get people back onboard

Natural Disasters: Typhoons, Hurricanes or Tsunamis

This will be a familiar one to visitors of the Tropic or the Caribbean. Imagine being evacuated from your holiday and stranded due to a deadly natural disaster. Of course, we all know the worst case scenario such as the 2004 Boxing Day Tsunami in which thousands were killed. To try to avoid natural disasters, go at the right time of year and do your research first before committing to travelling to these regions

The Icelandic Volcano - Ash Clouds

So there wasn't really any concrete way of avoiding this one, but the 2010 Icelandic volcano eruption ruined thousands of people's holidays after grounding flights back to their destinations. Coach and train travel was laid on, but this often left people miles away from their homes.

Diseases and Infections

Last year, 24 year old Aimee Copeland fell off a zip-wire and sliced her leg, subsequently catching a potentially deadly infection requiring the amputation of her arms, one leg and one remaining foot. Deadly infections while on holiday are not common, but more likely if injured and the skin is exposed. If injured abroad, ensure first aid care is administered immediately.


Scam Artists

Holidays and trips away can be completely ruined by scam artists - who operate in all corners of the world and capitalize on unfamiliarity and apprehension towards certain cultures. The best advice here is to do your research, and of course, know how to spot a scam. Be aware of how to get out of situations as fast as possible.

Travel/Airline going Bankrupt

This has happened more and more in recent years, as holiday and airline operators find it increasingly difficult to deal with enormous prices of fuel and transportation. In 2008, Zoom Airlines went bankrupt citing increased financial pressure - leaving hundreds of people stranded in the USA and Canada. Where possible, be skeptical about budget airlines who offer 'to good to be true' promises.

Being Arrested

In many cultures, it is illegal to do things you wouldn't think twice about at home. Jaywalking is a common offence, for example. Make sure you do your research about the specific legal practices of the cultures you are visiting.

Political Unrest

The riots in Bangkok, for example, proved to be a real danger to travelers around the work visiting Thailand. Political unrest, especially in many developing nations, can almost certain ruin your trip. Seek advice from those already there, check social media and get in touch with the authorities first if you are thinking of travelling to a volatile area.

Getting Really Lost

Getting lost can sometimes be fun - connecting you to the people and the landscape of the place you're visiting. If you're really, properly lost however, it can be rather more intimidating. Especially if you're alone. Pack maps, guidebooks and bottles of water to sustain you if you do find yourself off the right track.

Missed Flight

This isn't really a disaster in the conventional sense of the world, because there's always alternative options. However, it might feel like it at the time. Be prepared to pay up for another ticket, but at first go to the airline's ticket desk and see what they could do. You never know, you may catch them on a good day.

The main points that come out of all this boil down to the same thing. Do your research, arrive in good time, and be considerate to local customs.

If you need advice about the legal and insurance aspects of travelling, Burt Brill and Cardens solicitors offer holiday accident compensation and other forms of professional and expert advice regarding personal injury reimbursement.