Author: Laaibah Bhatti

Have you ever lied on your CV?

Posted on by Laaibah Bhatti

Lying on a resume can result in a maximum jail sentence of 10 years under the Fraud Act 2006.

Although in reality a 10 year jail sentence is unprecedented for a false CV. Rhiannon Mackay in 2010 was jailed for 6 months following lies in her CV which resulted in her getting hired as a capital projects administrator in the NHS. However her case involved the falsification of past employers and references.

It is important to note that the majority of lies on a CV will not result in a jail sentence. A falsified B in GCSE French when applying to be a Car Salesman in Bromley will, most likely, not result in criminal proceedings or even gross misconduct.

The job board CV-Library stated that around 50% of job-seekers admitted to lying on their CV’s . Evidently all those who lie on their CV’s do not get caught but is it worth the risk?

An employee lying on their Curriculum Vitae  (CV) counts as fraud under false representation. As a result, the employer has the right to terminate their contract for gross misconduct.

If the original CV contained falsehoods the employer may be exempt from being sued by the employee. If the employer can prove he/she would not have originally hired the employee if the CV were true then the employer can, in certain circumstances, avoid liability in wrongful termination proceedings. Thus the employer could violate an employee’s legal rights by (for example) firing them because of their gender/race and yet not be liable in legal proceedings. This is called the ‘after acquired evidence’ theory.

If you’re an employer or employee and have any queries over any aspect of employment law please do not hesitate to contact us. 

Empowering the next generation. Careers event 2023.

Posted on by Laaibah Bhatti

In today’s rapidly evolving world, the importance of early exposure to career opportunities cannot be emphasised enough.

As a forward-thinking business, we recognise the significance of reaching out to young minds and that’s why we participated in a school’s careers event to inspire and educate students.

We believe that educating children about different professions, industries, and the skills required for success is crucial in helping them make informed choices about their future.

Pupils had the opportunity to hear first-hand advice from Kanchana Kumari and Ilinca Mardarescu about all the different career paths open.

Both Kanchana and Ilinca had set up a stall where students could ask questions and gather information about setting foot in the world of law. This allowed both the students and professionals to interact with each other as well as gain a deeper understanding.

We were so impressed with the students’ enthusiasm at Slough & Eton Business and Enterprise College and thank them for their hospitality.

We are proud to be part of a collaborative effort between educational institutions, professionals, and the community to support the wider career development of students.

For any inquiries for events please contact imardarescu@astonbond.co.uk or call our friendly team on 01753 486777

Day at the Royal Windsor Racecourse

Posted on by Laaibah Bhatti

At Aston Bond, we firmly believe in the power of work events. From team-building activities or networking events, these gatherings provide a great opportunity to enhance collaboration and foster professional relationships.

This week, our team had the chance to attend the Royal Windsor racecourse.

From the moment we stepped foot into the racetrack, we felt the electricity in the air. There was a vibrant atmosphere with the crowd buzzing with excitement and anticipation.  

The racecourse environment was a unique blend of excitement, elegance, and positivity.

The interactive nature of the venue encouraged all our team members to come together, collaborate, and bond.

Placing bets on races created a sense of shared excitement among us all with the seasoned pros of our group teaching those who had never been before.  We felt a stronger sense of unity and cooperation as we cheered each other’s horses on and shared in the experience.

For those fortunate enough to witness the sport of horse racing first hand, it is a lifelong experience to remember. As indeed is any event, big or small, which helps a team bond look out for each other, both in and out of the workplace.

The right way to sign a contract

Posted on by Laaibah Bhatti

Signing a contract is a crucial moment in any business or legal transaction. It represents a binding agreement between parties and outlines their rights, responsibilities, and obligations.

However, signing a contract should not be taken lightly. It requires careful consideration and attention to detail to ensure that all parties are protected and that the terms of the agreement are clear and enforceable.

In this article, we will discuss the essential steps for signing a contract.

1.Read and Understand the Contract

Before signing any contract, it is essential to read and understand its contents thoroughly. Pay close attention to the terms, conditions, and clauses outlined in the agreement. If there are any sections that are unclear or confusing, seek clarification from the other party or consult a legal professional. Understanding the contract is vital to protect your interests and avoid potential misunderstandings in the future.

2. Seek Legal Advice if Necessary

In complex business transactions or legal matters, it is wise to seek legal advice from a qualified professional. A lawyer can review the contract, identify potential risks, and provide guidance on any necessary modifications or additional clauses.

3. Get a copy of the Signed Contract

After signing the contract, make sure to obtain a copy for your records. Retaining a copy of the signed agreement is essential for future reference and potential legal disputes. It serves as evidence of the terms agreed upon by all parties involved and provides a reliable source of information if conflicts arise.

4. Do you have the Mental capacity?

To enter into a contract, a person must have a mental capacity sufficient to understand the nature and consequences of their actions. If mental capacity is absent, the contract is voidable by the person lacking capacity.

For example, a contract signed while heavily intoxicated, cannot be considered valid as the signee did not possess the capacity to consent at the time.

5. Negotiate and Discuss Terms

If there are terms or clauses in the contract that you are uncomfortable with or that require further clarification, engage in open and honest discussions with the other party. Negotiation is a common practice in contract agreements, and both parties should have a chance to express their concerns and find mutually acceptable solutions.

Signing a contract is a significant commitment, and it is crucial to approach it with care and attention to detail. By following the steps outlined above, you can ensure that the terms of the agreement are clear, your interests are protected, and both parties are entering into a binding contract with full understanding and consent.

6. Date signed

The “signature date” is important as it is evidence of what day a party has signed. Since a contract is formed between at least two or more signing parties, it’s possible that both signing parties sign on the same date or on different dates.

At Aston Bond, we specialise in all sorts of contracts – be that advising on or drafting from scratch. If you would like an initial consultation to discuss your requirements, you can reach us at 01753 486777 or info@astonbond.co.uk. 

Are you prepared for the the UK’s hottest summer?

Posted on by Laaibah Bhatti

UK heatwave on the way as Met Office confirms July temperatures may hit ‘high 30s’.

As temperatures soar and heatwaves become increasingly frequent and intense, the effects of extreme heat can cause discomfort in our everyday lives.

Employers and businesses face a unique set of challenges as they strive to maintain productivity to ensure employee well-being.

By understanding the potential implications and adopting appropriate measures, employers can create a safe and supportive work environment that fosters employee well-being and productivity even in the face of scorching temperatures.

So here’s exactly how you can help your employees:

  • Provide a comfortable work environment: Ensure that the workplace has proper ventilation, such as fans or air conditioning systems.
  • Hydration facilities: Encourage employees to stay hydrated by providing a supply of cool drinking water or allowing employees to have water bottles at their workstations.
  • Breaks and rest areas: Encourage regular breaks in shaded or air-conditioned areas to give employees a chance to cool down. Provide designated rest areas where employees can relax and escape the heat during their breaks.
  • Flexible dress code: Relax the dress code policy during extreme heat, allowing employees to wear lighter and more breathable clothing. However, maintain appropriate professional standards and ensure that the relaxed dress code doesn’t compromise safety or hygiene requirements.
  • Education and awareness: Provide information and training to employees about the signs of heat-related illnesses, such as heat exhaustion and heatstroke. Educate them on preventive measures, like staying hydrated, taking breaks, and recognizing the importance of seeking medical attention if necessary.
  • Allow for flexible working times: employees who rely on public transport may prefer to arrive earlier (when cooler) and leave earlier when tubes and buses are not as busy.

At Aston Bond, we believe It is important for employers to recognize and address the impact of heatwaves on their employees and businesses. By taking proactive measures to support their workforce during intense heat, employers can help maintain employee well-being, productivity, and overall job satisfaction.

For any employment queries please get in touch with Ilinca Mardarescu our head of employment solicitor on 01753 486777 or imardarescu@astonbond.co.uk

What happens if YOU die without a will?

Posted on by Laaibah Bhatti

Losing a loved one is already a challenging experience, and dealing with the legalities that follow can add additional stress to an already difficult time.

One crucial aspect that individuals often overlook is the importance of having a will.

Unfortunately, many people pass away without having a will in place, leaving their estate subject to the rules of intestacy.

This is called dying intestate.

The deceased’s living relatives are placed into an order of priority. This dictates who inherits the money, property, and assets in the estate, and in what proportion.

For example, where there is a spouse or civil partner and no children, that spouse or civil partner will inherit everything.

If there is both a surviving spouse and children then the surviving spouse receives a statutory legacy of £270,000, anything else above this is split 50% to the spouse and 50% to the children and if more than one in equal shares. Any assets that are owned jointly pass automatically to the surviving joint owner.

In the event of there being no spouse or children or grandchildren, the estate passes to the deceased’s parents. Should there be no parents alive then the estate will pass to the siblings of the deceased or their nieces and nephews should their siblings have also sadly predeceased.

Other relatives may have a right to inherit if the person who died intestate had no surviving spouse or civil partner, children, grandchildren, great grandchildren, parents, siblings or nieces or nephews. This would be grandparents, uncles and aunts or cousins in priority order.

In the event that someone dies without any living relatives left to inherit their estate, it goes to The Crown. That means the estate is then dealt with by The Treasury Solicitor.

There are many potential complications and unintended consequences which could arise due to not having a will in place.

This includes:

  • Delays and Expenses:

The absence of a will can result in delays as the court appoints an administrator to oversee the distribution process. This may lead to increased costs, including legal fees, and prolonged probate proceedings.

  • Unintended Beneficiaries:

The estate passing under the rules of intestacy may mean your estate being distributed to relatives you may not have intended to inherit. Close friends, charitable organizations, or individuals outside the family may miss out on receiving any part of your estate.

  •  Family Disputes:

Intestate succession can sometimes create disagreements among family members, especially when the distribution of assets does not align with their expectations. This can strain relationships and lead to costly legal battles.

Make a will today!

Writing a Will shows that you have considered what you want happening when the time comes. A Will empowers your family and loved ones to act swiftly with your own wishes. Without a Will, any wishes you have verbally expressed during your lifetime may not be upheld, as your estate must be distributed according to the rules of intestacy.

If you would like to make a Will, contact our Wills and Probate Solicitor Lara Thomas at lthomas@astonbond.co.uk or call 01753 486777.

Top 10 factors that can delay your conveyancing process

Posted on by Laaibah Bhatti

Buying a home can be a stressful and time-consuming process.

In order to help you further understand the process and the problems that can be encountered throughout, we’ve put together this list of the top reasons for delays in the conveyancing process, along with advice on how to avoid them where possible.

Delays in the Conveyancing Process

The conveyancing process can be held up by many things, and it’s important to note that often these are out of the control of your conveyancer.

Typically, delays in the conveyancing process are caused further down the property chain, usually when waiting for information from other parties involved in the transaction.

  • Searches – whilst conveyancers are responsible for numerous searches, they have to coordinate many of these with the relevant local search providers. How quickly the search providers are able to respond can vary dramatically and is outside of your conveyancer’s control.
  • Chains – in most cases, buying and selling property is linked to further sales. One transaction is dependent on the other. If one part of the chain runs into complications, this impacts everyone, and delays are incurred throughout the entire chain.
  • Property information – planning consent, building management papers, leasehold details, and title deeds are just some of the documents that can be needed before ownership is able to be transferred. The process of obtaining them can all take time.
  • Your seller- If your seller has a major change in their circumstances, it could significantly delay your purchase or cause it to fall through entirely. Common reasons for delays and collapses include the seller changing their mind, the seller’s new property falling through, or the seller falling ill, losing their job, or splitting up with a partner.
  • Land registry- When you buy a home, the change of ownership must be registered on the Land Registry. This isn’t usually anything to worry about, as you’ll already have secured the property.
  • The survey-  Getting a house survey is a vital part of the home buying process. In some cases, however, a poor survey report can result in buyers revising their offers downwards or even pulling out of the purchase entirely. If your survey does unveil serious issues, take your time and listen to expert advice before going through with the purchase.

At Aston Bond, we have won several awards for our services and consistently receive excellent feedback from our clients.

To find out more about our conveyancing services, call us now on 01753 486777 or email Kulbir Conner our Residential property solicitor on kconner@astonbond.co.uk .

My work experience story- Benjamin Amoah

Posted on by Laaibah Bhatti

Completing working experience at Aston Bond was a great learning experience. My day to day generally consisted of admin work with the occasional client meeting throughout the week.


As an aspiring Solicitor, I was aware that admin work would take up a large part of the first few years of my career. Working with Nicola Darby, Aston Bond’s paralegal, I was able to get a hands-on idea of what this would be like. My week work experience with Aston Bond was thus a very practical and useful experience.


I would thoroughly recommend work experience at Aston Bond to any student who is eager to pursue a career in law, and is interested to gain a broad insight into the profession. From challenges locating relevant documents to sitting in on client meetings the team at Aston Bond was always friendly and professional.


The firm has a generally relaxed style which I believe will put any others who have work experience here at ease. Everyone was approachable at any time if I had any queries.


My outlook on the world of law and knowledge on what being a solicitor consists of has considerably increased due to this enriching and intriguing work experience.


Thank you to all the staff at Aston Bond for the opportunity and for such a positive experience.


Benjamin Amoah

Commercial vs residential

Posted on by Laaibah Bhatti

At Aston Bond, we have specialists in both residential and commercial property conveyancing, but do you know the difference?

Commercial properties are intended for business activities, such as offices, retail stores, hotels, warehouses, and industrial facilities. Whereas residential properties are designed for individuals and families to live in. They provide housing accommodations for private use.

Residential properties also prioritize features that cater to comfortable living. They typically offer separate rooms, kitchens, bathrooms, bedrooms, and living areas, aiming to create functional and cozy living spaces for occupants.

While commercial properties are designed to meet the specific needs of businesses and often feature larger floor plans, open spaces, and specialized infrastructure. They may include amenities like loading docks, elevators, parking lots, and commercial-grade utilities.

Commercial properties are also subject to specific regulations and codes related to business operations, safety, accessibility, fire protection, zoning restrictions, and commercial leasing agreements while residential properties are governed by regulations focused on housing standards, building codes, health and safety requirements, tenant rights, and rental agreements.

It’s important to note that there can be variations and overlaps between commercial and residential properties based on specific local regulations. That’s when we step in. Our team of expert solicitors can guide you swiftly through any conveyancing process with ease.

Please contact 01753 48777 or info@astonbond.co.uk

How to protect your families future

Posted on by Laaibah Bhatti

Planning for the future is not just about your own well-being; it’s also about ensuring the financial security and protection of your loved ones.

As a loving and responsible family member, it’s natural to want to protect your loved ones and ensure their well-being in the future. This involves careful planning and proactive measures.

In this article, our Private Client team will explore essential steps and considerations to help you navigate the estate planning process and safeguard your family’s future.

  1. Create a detailed will

A Will is a legal document that sets out instructions for who will inherit your estate after you die.

It includes how you would like your possessions to be distributed; who should bring up your children and what sort of funeral you would like.

A Will is essential to secure your future and, if arranged properly, can help protect your family assets for your loved ones. It is something all of us should have in place.

What should I include in my will?

Funeral wishes – do you wish to be buried or cremated? Including this in your Will avoids your loved ones having to make the decision.

Executors – who do you trust to administer your estate? They can be family or friends (including those inheriting) or they can be professionals.

Guardians – if you have children under the age of 18 who will they live with

Personal belongings – do you have any personal items that you would like to leave to anyone specifically? The answer can be no.

Fixed Cash Gifts – would you like to leave someone a specific amount? This could be a small amount left to grandchildren.

2. Create a comprehensive Estate plan

Estate planning is essential to make sure your wealth is protected for you and your family. By structuring your assets in an efficient way, you can make sure everyone is provided for in the future.

Every family is different and every estate is unique. We understand this and create a bespoke plan that works for you and what you want to achieve.

3. Communicate your plan

You should discuss your financial and estate plans with your family members and share important information such as the location of legal documents and contact details of the professionals involved.

4. Create an LPA ( lasting power of attorney)

A Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA) is a powerful legal document that can play a significant role in protecting your family’s future. It allows you to appoint trusted individuals (known as attorneys) to make decisions on your behalf should you become unable to do so yourself.

It empowers trusted individuals to make decisions on your behalf, ensures your wishes are respected, avoids court proceedings, minimizes family disputes, and provides peace of mind for you and your loved ones.

Protecting your family’s future requires careful consideration, planning and action. That’s why taking proactive steps today will provide invaluable peace of mind and ensure a secure and stable future for your loved ones.

For more information please contact us on 01753 486 777 or email our Private Client solicitor on lthomas@astonbond.co.uk.