Once in a while something happens or might happen which is so serious that you need the full force of the law to protect you. For example, this may be to keep someone violent away from you, to stop your neighbour undermining your house or to stop a former employee revealing confidential information. We are experienced in obtaining injunctions, and speed is often vital.

Contact: Rosemary Wood or Claire Broadhurst

Alcohol and Entertainment Licensing

We have specialised in this field for many years. We are aware of local specialist requirements and whether you are buying a pub, opening a supermarket or organising a concert we would be very pleased to assist you. One very peculiar point which arises locally is that four months' notice of a music concert must be given under the Derbyshire Act.

Contact: Timothy Oaks

Neighbour Disputes

Few other legal problems will cause quite as much damage to your peace of mind. Neighbour disputes can fester for years if they are not resolved. An early inspection of the title documents is often essential. Wherever possible we prefer to resolve such disputes with the minimum of hostility. After all, the other side will still be your neighbours. If that does not work then vigorous action may be required.

Contact: Rosemary Wood

Divorce and Cohabitation

The breakdown of a marriage or a relationship is all too common. If it happens to you then you are likely to find it is one of the most lonely, vulnerable and painful times in your life. We offer a sympathetic, discreet and expert service in all aspects of this field, including the financial issues which are such an important part of the work.

It is fundamentally important that you obtain specialist advice at the earliest possible moment, especially if a financial settlement is being offered to you.

Contact: Rosemary Wood or Claire Broadhurst

Children and Family

This includes the difficulties which may arise between parents as to where the children should live, how often visits should take place, and specific issues about the division or rights and responsibilities. There may be problems relating to the care of the children which involve social workers and other third parties.

We have considerable experience in this field and offer an expert service. We are members of the Law Society Children's Panel.

Contact: Rosemary Wood, Claire Broadhurst

Debt Collection

Bad debts have a poisonous effect on any business. If your business makes a profit of 10% on its turnover then one bad debt of £1000 will need sales of £9000 just to cover the loss incurred, and the profit is gone forever.

We have seen too many cases where the client has delayed in the hope that something will turn up and then the debtor has disappeared or gone bankrupt. When a debtor's business is on a downward slide the sooner action is taken the better. There are many ways of collecting debts. We will advise on the most cost effective in your case.

Contact: Timothy Oaks

Employment

Whether you are the employee or the employer, it is most important that you obtain advice as soon as possible, and preferably before you do anything you may regret. In general, employers must be reasonable and be able to prove it, while ex-employees must present their claims to the Tribunal no later than 3 months after the end of their employment.

Contact: Timothy Oaks

Personal Injury

Accidents can happen to anyone. If you are injured, for example in a motor accident or at work, then the sooner you seek advice the better. We also assist with claims to the Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority. You must be aware of the time limits. These are 3 years for a normal personal injury case and 2 years for a claim to the CICA. Injury claims can be complicated to set up and should not be left to the last minute.

Contact: Timothy Oaks

Criminal and Motoring

You will probably assume that you will never need this part of our service. In practice it is frighteningly easy to become involved in criminal proceedings either by making a momentary mistake while driving, by knowing the wrong person or by being in the wrong place at the wrong time. Suddenly your reputation, your career and your freedom may be at stake.

We deal with all types of criminal cases, including murder and other very serious offences. We are members of the local Duty Solicitor scheme and appear in the local courts regularly.

If you are about to be interviewed by the police then you need to speak to a solicitor at once. The Buxton police station has day and night telephone numbers for us. If we are not available then the Duty Solicitor service should be contacted.

We have specialised in motoring cases for many years. If you are facing disqualification on points or for speeding, then we may be able to help you. In simple cases we can give fixed price inclusive quotations.

Contact: Timothy Oaks