tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28176451517330943762024-02-19T00:49:50.024-08:00McKeag and CoSolicitors Firm in Newcastle providing quality legal advice on family, child custody, divorce and separation. We offer help at the Police station and at criminal court. We deal with car accident claims and help with medical accidents. We can also help with your will or if you wish to buy or sell a property. We are Professional and Friendly. Contact us today.McKeag & Co Solicitorshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03577478557257222756noreply@blogger.comBlogger23125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2817645151733094376.post-40055332274486857892016-08-13T06:12:00.000-07:002016-08-13T06:12:08.777-07:00What does Parental Responsibility mean?<br />
The statutory definition of “Parental Responsibility “includes the “rights, duties and responsibilities of the parent”.<br />
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The Court held in a 2015 case that warring parents are too often focused on their rights and overlook or minimise their duties and responsibilities. The Judge went on to state that Parental Responsibility is much more than a legal concept but a fundamentally important reflection of the realities of the human condition and the very essence of a parent/child relationship. It signifies both parents’ duties to their child. <br />
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This case related to a situation where the children refused to spend time with their Father and the Mother did not assist by exhibiting hostility towards the Father in the presence of the children. <br />
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No matter what the age of the child, parents should not shirk their responsibility by sheltering behind a child’s refusal to do something. <br />
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Parenting, particularly of headstrong teenagers, is very tough, but parental responsibility did not shrivel away in relation to such children and they have to do their level best to ensure compliance by the children.<br />
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This article is for information only.<br />
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If you require help or legal advice please contact us on 0191 213 1010 or on family@mckeagandco.com<br />
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We can speak to you on the phone for 20 minutes at no charge.<br />
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We also offer fixed fees.<br />
<br />McKeag & Co Solicitorshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03577478557257222756noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2817645151733094376.post-91412756218600445262016-08-05T06:09:00.000-07:002016-08-05T06:09:02.330-07:00I am going to Court on my own as I cannot afford a solicitor – can I take someone with me for support?<br />
Yes you are allowed to take someone with you for support. <br />
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This person could be termed “A McKenzie Friend” and they can:<br />
• Provide you with moral support;<br />
• Take notes;<br />
• Help with case papers;<br />
• Quietly give you advice on any aspect of the conduct of the case.<br />
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A McKenzie Friend cannot:<br />
• Act as your agent in relation to the proceedings.<br />
• Manage your case outside of court, for example by signing documents on your behalf.<br />
• Address the Court, make oral submissions or examine witnesses.<br />
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A McKenzie Friend should not have any personal interest in the case, they should understand their role and understand the importance of confidentiality.<br />
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Normally a McKenzie Friend would be allowed into Court unless fairness and justice does not require, so unless there was a valid reason then there should not be any objections to their attendance with you in Court.<br />
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At Newcastle Family Court you can also ask for assistance from the PSU who can also help you with filling in court forms.<br />
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This article is for information only.<br />
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Please contact us if you require help or detailed legal advice on 0191 213 1010 or on family@mckeagandco.com.<br />
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We will speak to you on the phone for 20 minutes for no charge.<br />
<br />McKeag & Co Solicitorshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03577478557257222756noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2817645151733094376.post-63021967771195287812016-07-27T06:06:00.000-07:002016-07-31T04:27:53.131-07:00What is involved with Hair Strand Drug Testing?What are the benefits of Hair Strand Drug Testing?<br />
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There is a unique long window of detection covering a period of months with hair stand drug testing. In comparison to other testing such as blood or urine where the time period can be as little as a couple of days.<br />
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Drugs remain locked in hair for as long as the hair is there. Drugs will remain in the hair almost permanently. This means that for example 12 centimetres of hair can show drug usage over the past 12 months.<br />
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The testing can determine which specific drugs have been used.<br />
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Hair strand testing allows for sectional month by month analysis so that trends and patterns of drug usage can be seen.<br />
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Simple and quick sample collection, involves just a sample of hair being taken. Whereas blood and urine testing can be more invasive.<br />
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This testing is commonly used and accepted as evidence in cases involving children in the Family Courts.<br />
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This article is for information only. If you require help and legal advice please contact us on 0191 213 1010 or on family@mckeagandco.comMcKeag & Co Solicitorshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03577478557257222756noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2817645151733094376.post-72968781416994327002016-07-19T06:04:00.000-07:002016-07-31T04:27:39.672-07:00I don't want my partner to see our children as we have just split up<br />
Should both parents have contact with the children upon the breakdown of a relationship?<br />
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It is a growing principle in family law that contact should not be refused between parent and child unless absolutely necessary in the child’s interests. It is important that children have a meaningful relationship with both of their parents unless it is not safe or would be against their welfare. This is a principle that is upheld by the Courts.<br />
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If an agreement is unable to be reached between the parents directly then legal advice can be sought.<br />
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A family solicitor would attempt to agree acceptable arrangements so that both parents would spend time with the children. A family solicitor may also recommend alternative methods to resolve the matter such as Mediation or Parenting After Parting.<br />
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Mediators are trained to help resolve disputes between separating couples and assist the parties in reaching an agreement. The aim of mediation is to resolve family disputes without going to court. <br />
Parenting After Parting is a service which can provide advice on contact matters and aid separating couples in coming to an agreement. This course can be attended separately. <br />
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Finally, if none of the above methods are successful then an application could be made to Court for a Child Arrangement Order, which will set out the arrangements for the children including who they will live with and who they shall spend time with. <br />
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<br />McKeag & Co Solicitorshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03577478557257222756noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2817645151733094376.post-16457592989151781002016-07-11T05:58:00.000-07:002016-07-31T04:27:11.378-07:00I have made an application to family court for my daughter - what do I do now?You have made an application to Court for a Child Arrangements Order – what happens now?<br />
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A referral will be made to CAFCASS (The Children and Family Court Advisory and Support Service). CAFCASS are a non-departmental public body in England set up to promote the welfare of children and families involved in family court. <br />
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CAFCASS will undertake safeguarding checks with the Police and the Local Authority on all parties. The CAFCASS officer will also have discussions with all parties usually over the telephone. A short letter will be provided to the Court in advance of the first hearing with all information received and any recommendations for moving forward. <br />
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A First Hearing Dispute Resolution Appointment (FHDRA) will be listed. All parties and the CAFCASS Officer will attend this hearing and be directed to attend in advance of the hearing to enable discussions to take place. <br />
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The FHDRA is the first time the matter is before the Court. It is hoped that an agreement could be reached with the assistance of CAFCASS. If this is not possible then directions can be made to help the resolution of the application which can include whether any detailed assessments should be carried out, any expert involvement or whether the parties should file detailed statements. The interim arrangements for the child will also need to be considered at this stage.<br />
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This article is for information only.<br />
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If you need help and detailed advice contact us on 0191 213 1010 or on family@mckeagandco.com<br />
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<br />McKeag & Co Solicitorshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03577478557257222756noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2817645151733094376.post-47535551921155340272016-07-03T05:56:00.000-07:002016-07-31T04:26:37.650-07:00Do you need a DNA test in family court proceedings?There is a DNA Testing Pilot Project in place for orders needed in family court proceedings.<br />
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With the restrictions in Legal Aid Funding over the past few years, this can often leave no way of funding the cost of DNA, alcohol and drug testing in private law children matters. The outcome of these tests can often be fundamental to the resolution of the arrangements for the child.<br />
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From 23 November 2015, funding has been introduced to allow CAFCASS (Children and Family Court Advisory and Support Service) to pay for DNA tests to establish the paternity of a child in the family courts. This funding is only available in the following circumstances:<br />
1. An application has been made for Child Arrangement Order;<br />
2. A decision cannot be made by the Court as to what the arrangements should be for the child(ren) unless the dispute about paternity of the child(ren) is resolved; and <br />
3. The parents are prepared to co-operate with the DNA testing.<br />
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CAFCASS will manage this testing and are required to provide the results to the Court within 6 weeks of the Order being made.<br />
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There is currently no similar provision for Drug and Alcohol Testing but watch this space…….<br />
<br />McKeag & Co Solicitorshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03577478557257222756noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2817645151733094376.post-47733310546779708402016-06-25T05:52:00.001-07:002016-06-25T05:52:32.899-07:00What protection is available from a violent partner in the Family Courts?<br />
If you need protection from a violent partner or family member then an application can be made for a Non Molestation Order. <br />
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If there is risk of immediate harm then an application to Court could be made on an emergency basis without giving notice to the former partner (“Respondent”). If the Order was made without the Respondent being present then there would be a return hearing listed in which his/her position could be provided to the Court but the Applicant would have the protection of the Order in the intervening period.<br />
A Non Molestation Order would prohibit the Respondent from being violent, threatening or harassing towards the Applicant. It would also prohibit the Respondent from contacting the Applicant by any means whatsoever (including by telephone, text message or electronic communication). The Order would further forbid the Respondent from attending at the Applicant’s home and in certain circumstances from going within a defined distance of the Applicant’s home. <br />
The Non Molestation Order would be effective when served upon the Respondent. A copy would also be provided to the Police Station.<br />
Breach of a Non Molestation Order is a criminal offence and the Respondent would be arrested if they breached the same. The Applicant would contact the Police, who would hold a copy of the Order if they felt there had been a breach.<br />
If the separating couple lived together and both parties had a legal right to occupy the property in which they lived (ie. Joint tenants or joint owners) then consideration should be given to applying for an Occupation Order as well. An Occupation Order would prevent the alleged violent partner from residing in the property which the separating couple had previously lived in together. <br />
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This short article is for information only.<br />
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Please contact us if you need help and detailed advice on 0191 213 1010 or family@mckeagandco.comMcKeag & Co Solicitorshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03577478557257222756noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2817645151733094376.post-47485128906029241152013-11-19T00:58:00.000-08:002013-11-19T00:58:07.724-08:00Gosforth - Community Spirit - Road Safety AwarenessThank you to the Gosforth Community who are joining with us to support @Brake Road Safety Awareness Week. <br />
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We have had a great response from local businesses and our community schools.<br />
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Let's keep Newcastle's roads safe.<br />
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Thank you all.McKeag & Co Solicitorshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03577478557257222756noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2817645151733094376.post-74891781007617641882013-11-15T01:19:00.002-08:002013-11-15T01:19:32.040-08:00PIP Breast Implants<span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;"><div class="introduction" id="story_continues_1">
A French court has ordered a German
company to pay compensation to hundreds of women who were fitted with defective
breast implants. </div>
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TUV Rheinland, which awarded EU safety certificates to the French implant
manufacturer, "neglected its duties of vigilance", the court said.<br />
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It is suggested that some 400,000 worldwide have been fitted with PIP implants; some 40,000 in Britain.<br />
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If you have any medical concerns about PIP implants please speak to your Surgeon or General Practitioner.<br />
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Our specialist team may also be able to assist you - <a href="http://www.mckeagandco.com/">http://www.mckeagandco.com/</a><br />
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</span>McKeag & Co Solicitorshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03577478557257222756noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2817645151733094376.post-25490329855061640322013-11-15T01:14:00.001-08:002013-11-15T01:14:38.941-08:00Road Safety Week - 18th-22nd November 2013<br />
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<span class="845365509-12112013"><span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">Every 30 seconds someone, somewhere in the world, is killed in
a road traffic accident.</span></span></div>
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<span class="845365509-12112013"><span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;"></span></span> </div>
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<span class="845365509-12112013"><span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">In the North East, statistics from The Institute of Advanced
Motorists (IAM), show that serious road accidents are on the
increase.</span></span></div>
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<span class="845365509-12112013"><span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;"></span></span> </div>
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<div align="left" dir="ltr">
<span class="845365509-12112013"><span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">The impact that road traffic accidents have on the injured
parties, the families of the injured parties and the driver concerned is
immeasurable. We need to raise awareness about the part we can all play to
prevent these avoidable incidents.</span></span></div>
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<span class="845365509-12112013"><span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;"></span></span> </div>
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<span class="845365509-12112013"><span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">McKeag and Co, are supporting Brake -
the road safety charity and their Road Safety Week campaign. Please show your
support to our community by displaying Brake's posters/flyers.</span></span></div>
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<div align="left" dir="ltr">
<span class="845365509-12112013"><span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;"></span></span> </div>
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<div align="left" dir="ltr">
<span class="845365509-12112013"><span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">Together we can make our community a safer
place.</span></span></div>
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<span class="845365509-12112013"><span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;"></span></span> </div>
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<span class="845365509-12112013"><span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;"></span></span> </div>
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<span class="845365509-12112013"><span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;"></span></span> </div>
<div align="left" dir="ltr">
<span class="845365509-12112013"><span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://www.roadsafetyweek.org.uk/">http://www.roadsafetyweek.org.uk/</a></span></span></div>
<div align="left" dir="ltr">
<span class="845365509-12112013"><a href="http://www.mckeagandco.com/">http://www.mckeagandco.com/</a></span></div>
McKeag & Co Solicitorshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03577478557257222756noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2817645151733094376.post-69375083852264112112013-11-06T05:43:00.001-08:002013-11-06T05:51:45.895-08:00Pay £198 million or spend another 10 years in jailIn the news today is one of the largest ever confiscation orders believed to have been made in the British Isles and Europe.<br />
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It was handed out to Curtis Warren who was convicted in 2009 for plotting to smuggle cannabis into Jersey. At the time he was sentenced to 13 years imprisonment but he is due to be released from Belmarsh prison in January.<br />
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He will only have 28 days to hand over £ 198 million otherwise he will be facing another possible 10 year sentence. <br />
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The State of Jersey's Law Officers' Department said the order followed an extensive investigation into the financial affairs of Curtis Warren, one of Europe's most notorious organised criminals. <br />
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At one point Warren was alleged to be laundering £ 10m to £15m per week from smuggling drugs.McKeag & Co Solicitorshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03577478557257222756noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2817645151733094376.post-78255866920363496772013-11-04T04:31:00.003-08:002013-11-04T04:31:28.751-08:00Behind the veilKen Clarke has again opened the debate on whether witnesses should be allowed to wear veil's in Court whilst giving evidence, stating that it is impossible if a Defendant is "in a kind of bag". <br />
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The former barrister said that a Judge and Jury need to be able to see a Defendant's face in order to properly assess whether they were telling the truth. <br />
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His comments follow a trial in September where a Judge ruled that a Muslim woman should be allowed to stand trial wearing a full - face veil but ordered that she had to remove this to give her evidence.<br />
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The Prime Minister has now also waded into the debate advising that he would consider issuing guidance to Judges on when they can ask people to remove their veils. <br />
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We would be interested to hear your views if this - email <a href="mailto:lisa.bowes@mckeagandco.com">lisa.bowes@mckeagandco.com</a>McKeag & Co Solicitorshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03577478557257222756noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2817645151733094376.post-81368988250156857032012-03-02T04:02:00.000-08:002012-03-02T04:02:46.922-08:00McKeag & Co Solicitors raise more than £5000 for Will Aid<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-field-code: " MERGEFIELD Firm_Name ";"><span style="mso-no-proof: yes;">McKeag & Co</span></span> Solicitors of <span style="mso-field-code: " MERGEFIELD Town ";"><span style="mso-no-proof: yes;">Gosforth</span></span> has raised over £5000 for charity, by writing Wills for local clients as part of November 2011’s Will Aid campaign. Will Aid clients were offered a basic Will and asked to make a donation instead of paying the firm’s usual fees. The money raised is shared by Actionaid, Age UK, British Red Cross, Christian Aid, NSPCC, Save the Children, SCIAF, Sightsavers and Trocaire.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-field-code: " MERGEFIELD Firm_Name ";"><span style="mso-no-proof: yes;">McKeag & Co</span></span> has participated in the Will Aid scheme since 2002 and this year’s fantastic result brings their grand total to almost £18,000. The funds raised are being put to work by the Will Aid charities to make a real and immediate difference to the lives of the people in need in the UK and all over the world.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-field-code: " MERGEFIELD First_Name ";"><span style="mso-no-proof: yes;">Conrad</span></span> <span style="mso-field-code: " MERGEFIELD Surname ";"><span style="mso-no-proof: yes;">Cairns</span></span>, lead Will Aid solicitor at the firm, commented on the success of the campaign: </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">“Having a Will is so important to make sure that you know exactly what will happen to your belongings or who will look after your children after you are gone.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Will Aid is a very effective way of raising money for important causes and writing your Will at the same time. We have written over 70 Wills through the Will Aid 2011 campaign and we are hoping to take part again in 2012.” </span></i></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Will Aid Campaign Manager, Shirley Marsland, said:</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">“<i>The Will Aid charities are so grateful for the generosity and hard work of the team at </i><i><span style="mso-no-proof: yes;">McKeag & Co</span></i><i>. This has been the most successful campaign to date and overall we expect to raise over £2 million. The Will Aid charities will be able to put the money raised to immediate use. </i></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Christian Aid's Legacy Officer <personname w:st="on">Ruth Tormey</personname>, visited the firm to present their Will Aid certificate and said:</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">“The support of McKeag & Co. is greatly appreciated by Christian Aid. Will Aid is very important to Christian Aid as not only do we receive a significant amount in donations but the campaign also provides an opportunity for people to leave Christian Aid a legacy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Legacy gifts are crucial in enabling our work to eradicate poverty and change the systems and structures which cause it. Legacies of all sizes are incredibly valuable to Christian Aid – last year our income from legacies could have more than paid for all our work in Latin America and the <place w:st="on">Caribbean</place>.”</span></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2xaUkL4XqkgW82JvQ38suVDwdh4aRgR82hIsw2LwddnbXUpQ0p1LugsxDEEcuKnpfkx9CwSiYp2MYu1S-mYjkAePoFQYz_MTmFpG056rW8oh5uQ-2O8oxL5GPFfHzdifZ_O2zifu4yFpJ/s1600/Will+aid.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2xaUkL4XqkgW82JvQ38suVDwdh4aRgR82hIsw2LwddnbXUpQ0p1LugsxDEEcuKnpfkx9CwSiYp2MYu1S-mYjkAePoFQYz_MTmFpG056rW8oh5uQ-2O8oxL5GPFfHzdifZ_O2zifu4yFpJ/s320/Will+aid.JPG" uda="true" width="320" /></a></div>McKeag & Co Solicitorshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03577478557257222756noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2817645151733094376.post-17268094173206531002012-02-16T02:05:00.000-08:002012-02-16T02:05:13.620-08:00Many victims of crime to miss out on compensationThe Justice Secretary Kenneth Clarke has announced plans to reform the current Criminal Injuries Compensation Scheme.<br />
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Under the government funded schemes victims of a crime can make a claim for compensation for physical and mental injuries suffered. The new proposals will however mean that those who suffer from what will be classed as minor injuries, will not be entitled to claim.<br />
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The proposed reform has come under critisism as the definition of 'minor injuries' appears to include sprained ankles, broken toes and fingers, bruised ribs and even dislocated jaw. <br />
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Further changes to the scheme are aimed at preventing those who have been previously convicted of crimes from claiming for injuries caused by a criminal act committed against them, except in exceptional circumstances.<br />
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One proposed change will may well be welcomed is the requirement that all convicted criminals will have to pay a set amount into the scheme to boost the funds available.McKeag & Co Solicitorshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03577478557257222756noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2817645151733094376.post-19036101188373059032012-02-02T04:55:00.000-08:002012-02-02T04:55:47.784-08:00Selling fast! - McKeag & Co Rose Ball 2012<strong>Just a reminder about our McKeag & Co Rose Ball which is being held on 28th April 2012 at The Gosforth Marriott Hotel.</strong><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><strong>On the first day of sale 70 tickets were sold so book early to avoid disappointment!! </strong></span>McKeag & Co Solicitorshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03577478557257222756noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2817645151733094376.post-5668653404118254682012-02-01T03:35:00.001-08:002012-02-01T03:35:40.466-08:00McKeag & Co Rose Ball 2012<span style="font-size: small;"> <strong>McKeag and Co will be hosting the First Annual Rose Ball in aid of MacMillan Cancer Support and AvMA on 28th April 2012 at The Gosforth Park Marriott Hotel. </strong><br />
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<strong>Tickets cost £45.00 per person and price includes a Champagne Reception, Three Course Meal, including wine, and live entertainment from The Aaron Bayley Band, Ian Kendall, Close Table Magician and cocktails from 'Zestmixology'. </strong><br />
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<strong>Tickets are now on sale!!!! To purchase either go to enquiries @mckeagandco.com or telephone 0191 213 1010.</strong></span>McKeag & Co Solicitorshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03577478557257222756noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2817645151733094376.post-8284454671649615832012-01-24T01:29:00.000-08:002012-01-24T01:29:53.355-08:00Group litigation ahead for PIP impantsFollowing the recent news in the media regarding the dangers of PIP breast implants, personal injury Solicitors have seen a number of women seeking advice on possible action. <br />
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Whilst the Government have offered to replace those implants which were fitted on the NHS those whose operations were done privately are unsure of the options available to them.<br />
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A number of national firms are considering group litigation.McKeag & Co Solicitorshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03577478557257222756noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2817645151733094376.post-59975409659743094582011-09-21T08:51:00.000-07:002011-09-21T08:51:01.399-07:00Happy Birthday!<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">McKeag & Co would like to wish a Happy Birthday to our Lynsey Scott who works in our Conveyancing Department.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">We all hope you have a lovely day.</span>McKeag & Co Solicitorshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03577478557257222756noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2817645151733094376.post-89110221208010383892011-09-16T01:50:00.000-07:002011-09-16T01:50:38.019-07:00Switching the cameras on in the Court room<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Changes are to be introduced to allow television broadcasting in Court. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;">The move is expected to start with broadcasts from the Court of Appeal before spreading into the Crown Court although filming for now will be limited to the Judge's summary only.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;">The changed is hoped to bring more awareness to the public of how the legal system and sentencing works however there are fears that this is the first step towards full coverage of criminal trials.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;">Broadcasters will no doubt be keen to cash in on sensationalised trials but will the result be more 'Judge Judy' than Justice?</span>McKeag & Co Solicitorshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03577478557257222756noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2817645151733094376.post-37735450286853477642011-09-14T08:57:00.000-07:002011-09-14T08:57:09.055-07:00Does the gap between sexes still exist?<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">According to an article published today on The Lawyer website, the answer is yes.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;">Figures in The Lawyer UK's annual report suggest that the number of female equity partners in the UK's largest firms is decreasing. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;">In 2010 - 2011 even the firm with the largest proportion of female partners only had a percentage of 20%. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;">So despite a number of large firms improving their policies on family care and maternity/paternity issues, it seems that the top law positions still remain out of reach for most female practitioners. </span>McKeag & Co Solicitorshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03577478557257222756noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2817645151733094376.post-38442896938107538062011-09-12T01:25:00.000-07:002011-09-12T01:25:52.919-07:00Hurricane Katia causes weather disruption in Scotland and the North of England<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">We are facing a blustery day here in Gosforth as the aftermath of Hurricane Katia</span> <span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">moves towards Scotland and Northern England.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;">Gales are expected to reach up to 60 - 65mph this afternoon with heavy rain expected in Scotland. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;">The MET office has issued an amber alert and has warned of travel disruption and possible damage to trees and buildings. </span>McKeag & Co Solicitorshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03577478557257222756noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2817645151733094376.post-340896889903082132011-09-09T03:31:00.000-07:002011-09-09T03:32:14.716-07:00Government announce plans to ban referral fees<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The Government has today announced plans to implement a ban on referral fees in personal injury claims. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The announcement has been welcomed by the Association of British Insurers who say that the practice of paying referral fees in exchange for personal injury claims has led to rising insurance premiums.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;">Aswell as hoping that the changes will bring down insurance premiums, the Government see the ban as a step towards ending the so called 'compensation culture'. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;">The move has however come in for criticism from lawyers who are concerned about the impact that the ban will have on the profession, particularly at a time when they are already facing the introduction of Alternative Business Structures.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">As of yet there is no timescale in place for implementing the ban. </span>McKeag & Co Solicitorshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03577478557257222756noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2817645151733094376.post-33835049523502559942011-07-19T03:52:00.000-07:002011-07-19T04:24:05.825-07:00Welcome to Our New Website<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdVpYgb3zGRqCRq-mgiYIMAKlhb1bORT99Sg3kmI8SJ5gK0JmO1XRJKQoAhrvfuOyrI_T_ejKaIRekMVlWSS18noXnZ82_0w5W8rosLIaATZozZG-jHP1hgv4LKlmBmenKP0EL7fSJRnRX/s1600/McKeag4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdVpYgb3zGRqCRq-mgiYIMAKlhb1bORT99Sg3kmI8SJ5gK0JmO1XRJKQoAhrvfuOyrI_T_ejKaIRekMVlWSS18noXnZ82_0w5W8rosLIaATZozZG-jHP1hgv4LKlmBmenKP0EL7fSJRnRX/s320/McKeag4.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: small;">Welcome to the new website of McKeag and Co Solicitors, Newcastle upon Tyne. We are proud of our strong local client base here in Newcastle, but the practice has grown over the years. We have developed a national reputation and receive instructions from both private and commercial clients all across England and Wales. We are recommended annually in the “Legal 500” the directory of top legal forms in the country.<br />
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We believe that we offer the traditional professional standards and personal service of a high street practice, coupled with the use of technology and a forward thinking approach to provide our clients with a quick and efficient solution to whatever problems and matters they may instruct us on. We are also committed wherever possible, to deliver our services in the most environmentally friendly way.<br />
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<span style="font-size: small;">If you would like to know more about the services that we offer please contact us on <b>0191 2131010</b>.</span></span></div>McKeag & Co Solicitorshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03577478557257222756noreply@blogger.com0