We’re here for you, every step of the way
For over 80 years, Crane & Staples has provided expert legal advice to the local community and offered the assurance that we are here for them in the times that matter.
In this uncertain and worrying period, that assurance is more important than ever.
Crane & Staples is committed to offering legal services that help provide security and stability to our clients, protecting their families and businesses for the future.
Understandably, as we focus on staying safe and looking after our families, friends and neighbours, legal advice may not be a top priority. However, if you do have any concerns about a new or ongoing legal matter and how the current situation might affect this, our team are available and ready to help you.
Below, we have outlined some of the main queries that you may have about a selection of legal issues at this time.
Our dedicated Family team can offer advice on many topics including:
- Advising on how to manage or vary existing childcare arrangements already in place for separated couples during a lockdown period.
- Advising in relation to maintenance payments, if you are struggling to meet or receive maintenance payments due to a significant change in circumstances as a result of the Covid-19 lockdown.
If you are a parent with existing child arrangements to comply with and are feeling anxious or unsure what to do in these unprecedented times, our Family Team have extensive experience in dealing with these issues and would be pleased to help you.
If you have not yet agreed on child arrangements with your co-parent, please contact us and we can advise a way forward.
Please be assured that we can continue to advise and assist on both ongoing matters and new matters. Court processes are continuing, and many courts are undertaking hearings remotely.
It is our responsibility as lawyers to emphasise the importance of having a valid and up to date Will. In the current public health crisis, we understand that many people will be considering Wills and estate planning. However, in this worrying time, facing these considerations may be a daunting prospect, so it is comforting to know that our team have both the expertise and empathy to help you.
We will be happy to provide you with advice and can use video conferencing software, so the process of making a Will can be done electronically from the safety of your home. Providing you follow social distancing measures, arrangements can be made for the signing of your Wills and we can advise you of the recommendations regarding this.
We can also help you if you have suffered a bereavement recently and need our assistance with the administration of an estate. We understand that these are very difficult and uncertain times and suffering the loss of a loved one only increases worries and concerns during the current public crisis. We can take the burden from you and deal with the estate on your behalf, so you are able to focus on looking after your family.
It is likely that the economic impact of this crisis will cause an increase in commercial disputes and litigation. It would be sensible for every business to check its terms and conditions with suppliers and clients to make sure that all is in order, for instance to ensure that all terms and conditions have been correctly issued and signed. There will also be issues regarding the termination of leases and payment of rent. Our specialist team can help you to make sure your business is in the best position to manage this crisis.
This is a difficult time for employers, who must keep their business healthy, whilst caring for their loyal employees. The Government have offered helped to businesses, such as the Job Retention Scheme. This has raised questions about furlough, lay-offs and redundancy, that our employment lawyers can help you navigate.
Property transactions have been impacted by the uncertainty of the current crisis. Whether you have an ongoing transaction or would like to start the process of buying or selling, we can advise you of the next steps to take, or whether you would be wise to delay the transaction. You can be confident that we will always act in your best interest.
We also assist with Re-mortgages and Transfers of Equities and we can continue to assist, progress and complete on these matters throughout the stay-at-home measures.
We will continue to assist all our existing and new clients with any queries regarding commercial property. There are likely to be issues regarding the terms of leases and payment of rent.
Our advice to landlords and tenants is to have open discussions with one another during this uncertain time. Landlords and Tenants are encouraged to check their lease provisions, and, if unsure on the legal position, speak with a legal professional, in order to get the correct advice and best understand your position.
Our Commercial Team would be happy to speak with both existing and new clients who require assistance and provide them with support and reassurance during this time.
We're here to help
As always, we remain committed to providing expert legal advice to our community, during this challenging time and beyond. Please do not hesitate to contact us by email – law@crane-staples.co.uk, or by telephone – 01707 329333 if you require assistance or have any queries.
We would like to take this opportunity to wish all our clients, professional colleagues and members of the community the best of health and positivity during this period.
We look forward to seeing you all soon and continuing to live up to our motto of ‘providing reassurance through the times that matter’.
To share some joy in this difficult time, please see the video below, showing rainbow artwork produced by the children of some of our staff members.