Clinton Davis Pallis

12/10/2020

The Law Society Gazette has highlighted changes to be made by the Probate Registry
However despite the changes it does not change what is happening on the ground namely that applications for Probate are experiencing major delays
We hope this change being introduced by Probate Registry will result in speedy resolution of probate applications and assist in clearing the backlog of applications

Statutory instrument laid today will apply to majority of probate cases.

03/08/2020

https://www.theguardian.com/travel/2020/aug/02/rooms-with-a-view-10-best-uk-coastal-hotels

Take in the seaside air (and some great food) everywhere from traditional resort towns to dramatic coastlines and a Cornish surfers’ beach

28/07/2020

https://www.lawgazette.co.uk/practice/land-registry-confirms-electronic-signature-arrangements/5105173.article

'Last strict requirement' for paper and pen is removed, paving the way for electronic conveyancing.

28/07/2020

The Ministry of Justice announced on Saturday that a statutory instrument allowing wills to be witnessed remotely in England and Wales will be laid in September. The new rules – which will be backdated to 31 January 2020 – will allow testators' signatures to be witnessed using video conferencing software, such as Zoom, Facetime and Skype.

The Law Society said the reforms will 'help alleviate the difficulties that some members of the public have encountered when making wills during the pandemic'.

However, it said the government needs to ensure the legislation is properly drafted 'to minimise unintended consequences and ensure validity'

We feel this can cause problems for those who are shielding. This could well lead to more disputes and costly court cases . The evidence of remote witnesses might not be as convincing as it would be if there wer direct witnesses

Reforms to be backdated to 31 January 2020, when first UK coronavirus case was confirmed.

13/07/2020

We are finding that the delays in Magistrates and Crown Courts is increasing. Cases are put off without notice to us.cases where clients are in prison are not moved along and the prosecution have to seek more time for a prisoner to remain in prison.The criminal justice service is in a complete mess .It basically needs to employ more staff and use digital facilities more creatively.

We have however signed a petition to say we as solicitors will not attend Court cases over the weekend as it will completely disrupt family lives when the court system was not functioning before Covid and Covid has demonstrated the Court system malaise.

Lord chancellor says the professions as well as judiciary back measures to tackle court backlog.

03/07/2020

As a result of Covid 19 the administration of justice has practically come to a halt.We have extensive experience of criminal Courts. We are finding that Court hearings are being postponed with little notice.To assist the running of the Court remote access has increased.

This means that a solicitor can represent a client from their home and if the client is in custody they do not have to be brought to Court.Further remote interviews are operating in police stations which our Mr Pallis and Mr Selby have engaged. Now with the relaxation of the Covid restrictions the Courts are trying to reintroduce personal attendance.

The introduction has been haphazard and no hearing guaranteed.Previously arranged hearings have been adjourned and a massive logjam is developing. The result of which is that hearings are put to even longer dates delaying justice .

Inspectorate says ‘radical solutions’ needed to deal with delays caused by coronavirus lockdown

03/07/2020

Clinton Davis Pallis has been proud to be an integral part of the local community for many years and have always supported local businesses. In Bruce Grove, Tottenham, there will be a celebration of all things local.

The Tottenham Traders’ Partnership will be running a safe-distance family friendly, happy shopper event from 11am to 7pm, with stilt walkers and children’s entertainers, alongside an Etsy market. Holcombe Market will also be open throughout the day with special discounts available on certain products and services.

Markets are also making their comeback. On Sunday 5 July, Stroud Green Market will be returning, whilst the following weekend will see Tottenham Green Market re-open (on Sunday 12 July), with old favourites and new traders with local goods and provisions available

01/07/2020

This highlights one of the real problems caused by Covid
Similar delays are happening in the adult courts

Budget cuts and change in policing strategy blamed for slowing down justice despite fall in cases

26/06/2020

The Government is seriously considering passing a new law to reduce the availability for Jury Trials. The Ministry of Justice had been experiencing problems before Covid 19 in that there were delays in progressing Court cases because the Government did not wish to pay for cases to be heard which has resulted in a queue of Crown Court cases accumulating.

The onset of Covid crisis has exacerbated the delay engineered by the Government and instead of dealing with the delay, maybe by employing more Court staff, the Minister of Justice is proposing getting rid of a fundamental human right namely the right to Jury Trial. It is important that this right is maintained and not diluted.

25/06/2020

We welcome the fact that the Court/Government is attempting to address the delays in Grants of Probate which has caused families a great deal of distress.

The Government has brought in additional staff to deal with a rise in Probate applications. Earlier this week, it was announced that the Courts are stepping up its efforts to deal with Grants of Probate.

Government statistics suggest applications are typically being turned around within five to six weeks with 4,329 grants issued in the week of 15 June. Probate applications dropped to half their normal levels in mid-May, as social distancing measures made it more difficult for solicitors to access their offices and collect Wills.