nsalliance.ie

Probate Law

Drafting a Will It is not a legal requirement to make a Will, but it is crucial for you to understand that if you do not make a valid Will that the Succession Act 1965 will decide who benefits from your Estate. A valid Will can ensure that proper arrangements are made for your loved ones and that your property is distributed in the way which you intend after you die (this is subject to certain rights of spouses or civil partners and children), and in a tax efficient manner. Obtaining a Grant of Probate (or Grant of Administration) If a person dies having left a Will, the executors appointed under that Will may apply for the issue of a Grant of Probate. Once the Grant of Probate issues, this will allow the Executor named in the Will to administer the Estate in accordance with the wishes of the Testator (the person who executed the Will). Succession Act entitlements and Probate disputes It is very important therefore that you engage a solicitor at the very earliest indication that there may be a dispute regarding the terms of a Will

Property Law

Buying your House The biggest single purchase in most people’s lives is their family home. It is important that you are left in a “safe pair of hands” that can guide you through the process. The Member Firms of the National Solicitors Alliance recognise the importance of fully explaining to their clients the legal issues arising when they are purchasing a house, such as the importance of ensuring there are documents to prove compliance with planning permission, fire safety legislation and building regulations. Selling your House Whilst you might think that it is easier for your solicitor to act in the sale of your house rather than a purchase of a house, this is not often the case. There have been a series of significant changes over the last ten years in relation to the way property is registered in Ireland and the manner in which sales of property are carried out. Landlord and Tenant Residential leases and commercial leases set out the terms of occupation of a property by a tenant. In negotiating a lease, it is important that the covenants relating to the repair of the property are clearly understood and the costs they may impose must be proportionate to the value of the property. Property Disputes The Member Firms of the National Solicitors Alliance have solicitors across the country who can assist you with your property disputes. They will be able to advise you in relation to the many important matters that a trusted solicitor can bring to your attention that you might otherwise overlook.

Personal Injury Law

Road Traffic Accidents The solicitor will also need to ascertain which insurance company the other driver is insured with (if not already known). If they have no insurance, then your solicitor will explore whether the Motor Insurers Bureau can be pursued in the claim. Medical Negligence Medical misadventure is a complicated area of law. Your solicitor will review your medical records and obtain the opinion of a suitable expert, before proceedings can be instituted, to confirm whether or not your doctor was in breach of one of the many duties of care to you, resulting in some form of medical misadventure or personal injury due to medical malpractice.

Family Law

Separation A separation agreement is something that a couple can enter into if they can both agree on the terms upon which they will live separately. Once the agreement is drawn up, and both sides are consenting, the agreement will become a legally binding contract detailing the parties rights and obligations towards each other. This is called a deed of separation. Judicial Separation An application to the courts for a decree of judicial separation can be made by either party when the couple cannot agree to the terms of their separate living. Divorce An application to the courts for a decree of judicial separation can be made by either party when the couple cannot agree to the terms of their separate living. The ground most commonly relied upon where a decree is granted is the final ground, as neither party has to be shown as being at fault.

Employment Law

Have you been dismissed? If you feel that your employer had no justification for terminating your employment, then you may have grounds for wrongful dismissal or an unfair dismissal case. In certain special circumstances, this can also apply where you have technically quit your job because the treatment has been so bad, which is called “constructive dismissal”. Are you facing bullying at work? Workplace bullying such as name-calling, teasing, and harassment often goes unchecked. The fear of speaking up to a bully at work, especially if they happen to be your manager, can be overwhelming. If you are being affected by this and your workplace is not following standard protocols about bullying and harassment claims, you could have grounds for a claim of bullying at the workplace. Have you been discriminated against at work because of a disability? If you feel that you have been affected by this situation at the workplace, you should speak to an experienced employment solicitor now. Our employment solicitors have the invaluable experience and knowledge to help you determine whether you have a strong claim and if so, how best to defend your rights.

Business / Commercial Law

We offer legal advice and assistance in the following domains: Setting up a business Closing a business and Liquidation Commercial disputes

Criminal Law

Road Traffic and Drink Driving Offences There are a variety of motoring offences which carry penalty points, a fine or imprisonment depending on the severity of the offence committed. Most motoring offences are heard in the District Court. More serious road traffic matters are sent forward to the Circuit Court for trial, such as careless driving or drink driving causing death. Assault, Disorderly Conduct and Violent Crime It may be that at some stage you will make or receive a telephone call to indicate that you or a family member or a friend has been arrested for a particular crime. It is imperative that you contact your solicitor as soon as possible to ensure that you or your family member or friend are appropriately represented in the criminal justice system. Corporate Offences The rules and regulations governing the conduct of business and the conduct of the individuals in business are extremely complex. It is crucial if your business is the subject of criminal prosecution for a corporate offence, that you obtain advice from your solicitor as soon as possible in order to protect your business and its reputation.