Standing Order vs. Direct Debit

Standing orders and direct debits are easier ways of making regular payments such as household bills. As they are automated setting up payments through a standing order or direct debit means customers don’t have to go through the hassle of making the payments every month. They are mostly used for monthly payments but can be set at any interval; whether weekly, quarterly or annually.

What is a Standing Order?

A standing order is an instruction to your bank. If you are setting up a standing order payment you are instructing your bank to pay someone a set amount at a specific time. They can be used to pay an individual, a business or another organisation. Standing orders are fixed amounts, meaning they cannot be changed month on month. If the terms have to be changed (whether the amount, the recipient’s account details or the frequency of the payment) then it has to be cancelled and another one set up to replace it. In most cases a payment made by standing order will take three days from leaving one bank account to arriving in another.

What is a Direct Debit?

Rather than personally instructing your bank to make a payment, with a direct debit you are giving the authority to take a payment to an organisation, with two of the most common examples being energy providers and loan companies. The organisation can make changes to the payments, or they can vary month on month, although customers have to be made aware of these alterations. Unlike a standing order, therefore, the size of the payments can be variable. The transfer of funds from one account to another is instantaneous.

Direct debits are not as risky as they might sound. You might be wondering if organisations could get away with taking higher sums, or more frequent payments, than they should. In reality, this is very unlikely. Only certain organisations are approved to set them up and they are carefully monitored. A bank will reimburse a customer any disputed payments while an investigation, where necessary, takes place.

What are the Key Differences?

Even though standing orders and direct debits can be used for similar things there are some key differences. A customer controls a standing order while the organisation they are paying controls a direct debit. While amounts remain the same continuously for standing orders, they are variable in the case of a direct debit.

Which Should You Use?

The answer to this question depends on their purpose. Standing orders are useful for anything that remains the same every month, such as some loans, rent and mortgages. They can also be used for a one-off payment. Direct debits are the most appropriate choice for bills such as gas, electricity, water and phone bills that may vary depending on usage.

Tips

It is important that you keep an eye on your standing orders and direct debits as you don’t want to be paying for something once the term of agreement has passed. You should look out for discounts for paying via direct debit, something that is often offered, especially by utility companies. Organisations know a direct debit payment is guaranteed so they will offer discounts to encourage customers to use them. It is also cheaper for them and payments are instantaneous.

Andrew Marshall ©

Different Areas of Law in the UK

Law is a complex a wide reaching area. Law is essentially a system that consists of rules which govern what people are, and are not allowed to do, as well as consequences for those who fail to abide by the law. Punishments are dependent on the type of crime and severity of the crime that has been committed.

Like in any country, in the UK there are many different types of law. This article looks at five of these. It is far from an exhaustive list as that could never be covered in one article.

Criminal Law

Criminal Law is the area of law that is related to criminal offenses having being committed. This covers a huge range of offenses; anything from murder to fraud and driving over the speed limit. The most serious crimes within criminal law are instances of serious physical abuse. The most serious criminal offences carry strong punishments, in some cases leading to someone spending the rest of their life in prison.

Family Law

As the name suggests, family law is an area of law relating to family. The most obvious area here is divorce. Any legal aspect around the break-up of a relationship is covered, including the splitting of assets such as property and finances. Decisions regarding children after a separation is another area that comes under this umbrella of law. This includes deciding which parent will primarily care for children thereafter, the rights of each parent to see their children, and where one parent must pay child maintenance to the other. Civil partnerships, including the dissolution of civil partnerships, are also covered here as are adoptions.

Employment Law

Anything related to being employed or employing people is covered under employment law. There is a set of regulations that employers must adhere to when employing people, during their employment and when ending an employee’s role in their organisation. This includes not being able to discriminate against someone for any reason, and supplying good working conditions as are dictated by employment regulations. People cannot be sacked without good reason, and depending on the length a member of staff has been with the company and the nature of their dismissal, sufficient warning may need to be given. There are also rules around redundancy; there must be an adequate reason for the redundancy and if employment has lasted longer than two years redundancy compensation must be paid. In most cases this equates to one week’s pay for every year someone has been with the company.

Estate Law

This area refers to someone’s estate after they die, including their finances and their assets. This begins before someone dies when a will is written. It is important this is written according to the law otherwise there is a danger of it being challenged at a later date. At the end of someone’s life estate law involves their wishes being followed and the execution of their will.

Real Estate Law

Legal aspects around property are covered under real estate law. This generally refers to buildings and land. This includes people’s homes and commercial real estate, from shops and offices to factories and farmland. When someone is buying or selling a home they must make sure they adhere to real estate law. This is also the case when renting a home or letting one out.

Andrew Marshall ©

Lester Aldridge is a law firm who cover a wide range of different areas of law.

Children and Divorce Report: Are Its Findings a Reality?

A report has been published that suggests that family breakdown is just as devastating to children today as it was in the past. The report states that although divorce is more common and more accepted now it doesn’t make it any easier for children of the divorcing couple. The paper, which was produced by a team of academics, argues that family breakdown is consistently associated with psychological distress into adulthood of those whose parents separated during their childhood. It says that despite it becoming more common it has not reduced the mental scars and that a stable family background is crucial for a child’s wellbeing.

Reporting on this paper the Daily Mail claimed, “the findings undermine the claims of politicians, lawyers and activists who have argued for years that divorce causes no harm to children if parents part amicably and without conflict”.

I will, in the remainder of this article, argue that this statement is not so black and white and that although divorce can have a profound impact on children, it doesn’t have to and doesn’t in all cases.

There is no doubt that divorce can be harmful to children. If they no longer see one parent, or only see one parent sporadically, then it can not only be upsetting but it can also have a more psychological effect, potentially having an influence on their behaviour and development. Similarly, if can be troubling for children if they see their parents constantly in conflict with one another or if they are lied to by one parent about the other. This, though, does not mean that family breakdown must have such an impact. While the findings of this report state that the psychological wounds can be profound, this does not prove that this is the case in all circumstances. It only appears to be looking at the very basic fact that divorce has an impact on some children, with some continuing to suffer well into adulthood.

I would, like many others, argue that parents staying together “for the sake of the children” does not always work. Not only does this lead to unhappy parents but unhappy children too. Children can sense if parents are in conflict with each other and where this is the case they are not living together as a family in the real sense. A family unit does not work if a husband and wife do not get along. The biggest impact on children is often said to be due to an absent parent, something this report appears to acknowledge. If a child remains in regular contact with both their Mother and Father then a large part of the psychological damage can be avoided. Divorce dealt with in the right way is better than an unhappy couple remaining together; living in one house but living in misery and conflict.

After a separation it is possible for both parents to remain close to their children, and in the majority of cases this is what happens. The problems do not occur when parents separate amicable and both continue to have a healthy relationship with their children to the same extent as it does when they are both bitter towards one another or one parent loses contact with a child. Whatever the circumstances of a divorce, children may feel a sense of loss and be sad for a period of time. This is, though, very different from suffering serious psychological harm indefinitely. In my opinion there is no doubt that an amicable breakup where the feelings of children are taken into account is preferable to parents remaining together in an unhappy marriage. The report referred to above as well as some articles written about it have looked at the subject from a very simplistic point of view and only seem to have covered how divorce can affect children and not how it affects them differently depending on the circumstances.

Andrew Marshall ©

Divorce Solicitors London - It is possible for parents to divorce while limiting the impact on children.

Reasons Children Can be Taken Into Care

The number of children taken into child care in the UK has risen recently. Sometimes the authorities are accused of too easily taking children into care but in the majority of these cases they are being removed from unsafe environments for their own safety. Circumstances whereby child care is considered the best option includes situations of abuse, neglect, abandonment, parents being incapable of looking after their children, parents with addictions and children being offenders.

Physical Abuse

When there are instances of physical abuse towards children it is imperative that they are immediately removed from their environment. If parents are involved in this abuse then they are removed for their safety and parents will be dealt with by the legal system. Children may also be taken into care if parents are implicit in abuse by others, are aware of the abuse but have ignored it, or are seen to be putting their child into dangerous situations. This can include where a single parent has a partner with a history of abuse, whether toward children or adults.

Mental Abuse

While physical abuse is more obviously harmful, emotional abuse can be just as serious. In fact, it is the more common reason of the two for children being removed from their primary carer. Mental abuse includes being insulted and being made to feel worthless due to the actions of parents. It can lead to depression as well as behavioural problem, having a significant impact on a young person’s life, especially if it has been occurring over a long period of time.

Neglect

Neglect is where children are not cared for properly, whether they are being completely ignored or simply not being cared for the way that they need to be. As well as emotionally difficult it can also be unsafe, especially for small children who need to be supervised closely. This can include anything from not being fed properly, which has obvious ill effects on their health, to not been given attention, something which is more likely to impact their behaviour. Poor behaviour in some children is a cry for help with many children diagnosed with behavioural conditions due to being neglected by their parents.

Abandonment

This covers parents who have literally abandoned their children in the case of leaving them in the street or at school, for example, as well as where parents have died or been sentenced to time in prison. In all of these cases parents aren’t there to look after their children and they have to be taken into child care. Sometimes they are taken on by other relatives, such as their grandparents or aunties and uncles, while in other cases another suitable home has to be found.

Parents Incapable of Looking After Children

There are wide ranging reasons for parents being incapable of looking after their children. Mental or physical illness making it impossible to carry out parental responsibilities is one reason, but there are many other circumstances that will be deemed a reason for children having to be taken into care.

Addictions

If parents are addicted to drugs or alcohol it severely limits their capability of being a good parent. It can make it dangerous for children to be around, for example in cases where parents turn violent. Even where this isn’t the case, though, parents may be incapable of doing everything that is required in looking after children.

Children Become Offenders

In some, but not all circumstances, children can be taken into care if they have committed a criminal offense, particularly where it has become an on-going problem. Parents can be seen to blame, especially where they are not willing or able to prevent these instances from happening. A lack of discipline or lack of attention can be reasons given.

One the face of it increasing numbers of children being taken into care is a worrying trend. However, as some of the above reasons highlight, there are many circumstances where children are better off in care.

Andrew Marshall ©

For more information visit Child Care Law

The Benefits of Renting a Home

In the UK we very much live in a culture of wanting to own our own home. It is something that has become an aspiration for the majority of those who do not already own their home, something that isn’t the case to the same extent throughout the rest of Europe.

In the economic downturn over the last few years it has become more difficult for many to reach this aspiration, especially for those looking to become first time buyers. Over the long-term property prices have risen drastically and since the economic problems began it has become tougher for people to acquire mortgages. From bordering on irresponsible in the early 2000’s, mortgage lenders have become much more cautious, making it more difficult to obtain a mortgage and meaning a higher deposit is required. Having to rent a home, though, is not the end of the world. Here are some of the benefits that renting has over owning your own home.

No Long-Term Commitment

Purchasing a home requires a long-term commitment, something that is not the case when renting. Buying will most likely require a deposit of thousands of pounds while committing to a mortgage that is usually a six-figure sum. You are committing to a long-term contract with a mortgage provider, perhaps over twenty, twenty-five or even thirty years. Renting, on the other hand, will rarely require a contract of more than six months, while a deposit is more likely to be a few hundred pounds rather than tens of thousands of pounds.

Simpler If Circumstances Change

Anyone’s circumstances can change. You might change your job where relocation is required. You may find your financial circumstances change and you need to move somewhere cheaper or if you are starting a family you might need extra space. These are all things that will require having to move home, something that is a lot simpler if you are renting. If you own a home and need to sell and buy another one then there is a lengthy process to go through. Your current home will need to be put on the market and you’ll need to wait for the right buyer who is willing to pay the right price. You will then have to find a new home and negotiate on that. This all leads to having to go through legal processes and great expense. Having to move from one rented property to another is much easier. You will just need to give a short period of notice to your current landlord and find somewhere else to rent.

There Is Less Risk

If you own a home you are at the mercy of property prices. If your own property decreases in value and you wish to move you are going to lose out financially. Although rental prices change over time, they are less likely to be as significant.

There Is Less Responsibility

Landlords may apply certain rules that lead to a little less freedom but renting means the landlord is responsible for a lot of things that you need to worry about if you own your home. If something breaks, for example, then they will either have to employ someone to fix it or do it themselves. Renting also means you don’t have the cost of any work that needs to be done.

Owning your own home clearly has some advantages. If you want to make alterations you can and you might benefit long-term from the investment. There are, though, also many benefits to renting. It can be a lot simpler while moving in the future is less stressful.

Andrew Marshall ©

For more information on renting property visit Flats to Rent in Wimbledon

Ways of Protecting Your Home From Noise

Do you live by a busy road or near a railway line? You might be wondering if there are things you can do to block out the noise. One way of doing this is to use earplugs but you might find they are not particularly comfortable or that they irritate your ears. There are, though, a number of things that can be done to limit the amount of external noise that comes into a room.

It is important to identify the noise first and, more importantly, where it is coming from, meaning you will be better placed to prevent it. In the case of road traffic, for example, it will be easily identifiable, but sometimes it isn’t so simple. Some people believe they are hearing external noises when it is internal; that is to say problems in their ears such as tinnitus. Assuming this is not the case, below are some ways of protecting against noise coming into a home or room.

Double Glazing Windows

The majority of noise that comes into a home is through windows and doors rather than through walls which are thicker and more solid. In regard to windows, upgrading from single glazing to double glazing can make a big difference in the amount of noise coming through, as well as keeping warmth in.

Window Shutters

Window shutters can have much the same benefit as double glazing by providing an extra level of noise protection. Whether you have single or double glazing there is still a small amount of space between the frame and the opening of a window. Wooden window shutters are particularly effective at keeping this noise out, with solid shutters being preferable if the sole purpose of them is to keep the noise to a minimum. Wood is very effective in keeping out noise and investing in double glazing (if you don’t have it already) as well as window shutters will significantly reduce noise.

Insulation

If noise is consistently a major problem then you may wish to go as far as to improve the insulation of your home or certain rooms. At the extreme end is professional sound proofing, which is fairly expensive. Other things that can be done include adding dry wall between the two boards that typically make up a wall in modern homes or to use foam-like insulation as you usually find in lofts.

Towel Under the Door

If noise through a door is the problem, for example in an apartment block, then simply placing a towel at the bottom of the door will deaden the noise coming through the gap at the bottom. This could prevent low level noise from coming through or simply quieten the noise you can here. This might be sufficient to make the difference between getting a good night’s sleep and lying awake.

Carpet

For those living in flats where noise from the flat below is a problem, having carpet is much more effective at preventing you from hearing noise than wooden flooring is. Even using a mat can help a little, although that is unlikely to completely block noise out.

External noise is something that many find a problem. There are things you can do to prevent this being an issue though. If it is unrealistic for you to keep noise out you could use other sounds to prevent external noise from frustrating you. You can use a fan or music for this effect.

Andrew Marshall ©