List of unclaimed estates shows why everyone should make a will
Every day, people in the UK die without having left a will, and it can create huge problems, as we have discussed on this blog before. Making a will is often seen as a tricky subject to discuss, either because it feels morbid, or because people don’t want to appear as if they are angling for…
Changes to DMA Law: business as usual
From 1st February 2017, DMA Law will be operating its business as a limited company (DMA Law Limited) rather than as a partnership. There will be some slight practical changes – our partners will now be known as directors and shareholders of the company, for example – but as far as you, our clients, are…
New laws for 2017 – ‘Road tax’ is changing
There are new laws for ‘road tax’ taking effect from April 2017 – DMA’s Gavin Lucas explains what’s happening and how you could be affected. First of all, we should perhaps point out that there is no such thing as ‘road tax’, the tax that we pay as vehicle owners is actually vehicle excise duty (VED). So,…
Don’t let debt ruin Christmas: DMA Law’s tips for avoiding and handling debt
There is a huge amount of pressure on families at Christmas: the average cost of technology-packed presents is going up far more quickly than our wages. However, it is crucial not to be lured into excessive debt just for the short-term pleasure of Christmas – it’s not worth ruining the whole of next year just…
Celebrating 20 years at DMA Law: Tracey Rogers
DMA Law’s Tracey Rogers is celebrating a staggering 20 years at DMA Law. She agreed to mark the occasion by answering a few of our questions! What career did you want to follow when you left school? I always wanted to me a nursery teacher, but decided I didn’t like kids! (Despite then going on to have…
The important lessons to learn from the Kardashian robbery
When socialite Kim Kardashian was robbed at gunpoint in Paris this week, it naturally made headline news around the world. She had a lot of very expensive jewelry taken and reports suggest it was an incredibly traumatic incident. She didn’t attract sympathy from all corners: many were quick to point out that a) the idea of owning (and wearing)…
The new £5 note – what you need to know
The new £5 note came in to circulation as of 13th September 2016, and the old one will soon cease to be legal tender. No need to panic, though – you don’t need to rush out immediately and get rid of your old five pound notes! DMA Law’s Gavin Lucas looks at the new note –…
DMA Law grows and adds new offices by joining forces with Giles Hunter Partnership (GHP)
DMA Law has added new offices and staff to its roster by amalgamating with the Giles Hunter Partnership (GHP). The move will see GHP operating as part of DMA Law. DMA already had offices in Darlington, Chester le Street, Consett, Sunderland, Peterlee, Hartlepool, and now includes the GHP offices in Chester le Street and Consett…
Digital wills: how will you pass on your online and social media accounts?
Have you ever stopped to think about how many of your possessions, photos, and memories are stored digitally? Whether it’s on social media such as Facebook or Twitter, or via digital music and video services, such as Apple, Sony, Amazon or Google, large parts of our lives are stored and accessed online. That’s before you…
DMA Law staff anniversaries
We have another four staff celebrating anniversaries at DMA Law in August. Well done everyone! Julie Mathieson – 22 years, partner Rachel Bland (profile and picture coming soon) – six years Marc Hewitt – three years, criminal department