Guy Williams Layton is the successful union of several highly respected firms that have been providing legal services throughout the North West for many years. We currently have offices in Liverpool City Centre and at Heswall on the Wirral.
We firmly believe that our size allows us to be small enough to really care about our clients and our service but large enough to offer high quality legal advice and support.
We are committed to adapting to the changing needs of the legal market whilst preserving the best aspects of true personal service. To ensure that we are in the best position to do this we invest substantial resources in the effective use of technology.
We are proud of the fact that in spite of the economic and social challenges that have affected the UK over recent years, we have retained the continuing loyalty of our clients and colleagues. This gives us the stability and confidence to continue working with our clients to achieve their aims, whether business or personal, and to pursue our own quest for excellence in all we do.
Founded in 1867
50 people in their team
We have extensive experience in writing and negotiating leases as well as the legal management of investment properties through the grant of licences for assignment, underletting and alterations.
We give extensive advice to both landlords and tenants on all aspects of the law relating to leases. We also deal with dilapidation claims on behalf of both landlords and tenants during the course of the time of a lease and at its termination. We advise property developers with their joint venture requirements through the medium of joint venture agreements and special purchase vehicles.
We have a depth of knowledge in acting for the financers of investment property, both in short-term finance and longer term. We advise, document and administer bridging loan transactions and longer term financing including mezzanine finance and the various means of providing securitisation.
Our services include-
Our philosophy in any dispute is to:-
Dispute resolution can be as informal as without prejudice discussions, correspondence or meetings. However, if that does not achieve a satisfactory outcome, the three most common options are as follows:-
Mediation
The parties attend a meeting where the mediator helps each side to clarify and understand the issues on both sides and tries to broker a mutually satisfactory solution. The mediator does not judge or arbitrate on the issues but will try to guide the parties to avoid unreasonable viewpoints or objections. The Courts now expect all parties to seriously consider mediation before and during Court proceedings.
Arbitration
Sometimes a contract can impose a duty on the parties to resolve any dispute by way of arbitration. Otherwise, the parties can agree voluntarily to arbitrate. This may be quicker and cheaper than Court proceedings but the main advantage is usually that the arbitrator has direct and extensive experience and knowledge of the area of business from which the dispute arises.
Litigation
Court proceedings should in most cases be a last resort as they can be extremely costly both in terms of time and money and carry a risk of having to pay the costs of the winning party. However, if it is necessary to take a matter to Court we are always conscious of the need to employ every possible procedure to achieve as rapid and cost effective solution as possible.
We have many years of experience in dealing with civil and commercial litigation at all levels.
At Guy Williams Layton we understand that, following bereavement, the family will require support and assistance at a very difficult time. We offer a friendly and approachable service in a supportive manner. We will guide you through the process.In addition we can help to minimise tax (where possible) and plan to protect and maximize your assets.
The head of Department is Jane Hogg a Partner in the firm and she is assisted by Ian Ritchie and Gwen Collins in the Liverpool Office and by Peter Marsh a Partner in our Heswall Office.
Our services include:-
1. Obtaining the Grant of Probate or Letters of Administration
2. Administration of Estates
3. Tracing Beneficiaries
4. Deeds of Variation and post death planning
5. Capital Gains and Income Tax advice
A Trust is an arrangement where you can put assets or money to one side for the benefit of others. These assets are held by someone called a Trustee. It is usual to have more than one Trustee looking after the assets.
Trusts can be created to ensure loved ones can be protected especially if they are young or disabled or vulnerable. They can also be used to ensure that a particular asset can ultimately be received by a particular person or for tax planning purposes.
At Guy Williams Layton we have specialised advisors who are members of the Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners (S.T.E.P.) a specialised body dealing with this area of law.
Partners at Guy Williams Layton have acted as Trustees on behalf of clients and also advise Trustees of many other Trusts. This includes the creation of the trusts, their administration and winding up where necessary.
There are different types of trust but they fall into two main categories:-
We provide administration services for Trustees in the preparation of annual accounts and tax returns and liaise between Trustees and professional advisors on the continuing appropriateness of investments bearing particularly in mind the obligations of Trustees under the Trustee Act 2000 and other relevant legislation.
Making a Will allows you to control what happens to the assets which you have accumulated during your lifetime.It also enables you to protect your family and friends and control who should look after those dearest to you.If you do not make a Will you will die intestate which means that strict legal rules apply as to how your money and property is distributed.
Your husband or wife may not receive all of your assets as these are limited by Statute as to the amount they can receive under the Intestacy Rules. Complicated Trust provisions may come into effect. If you are not married or in a civil partnership then your partner will not figure under the Intestacy Rules.
By making a Will you can ensure that your wishes are fulfilled, can avoid disputes arising following your death and you can also address the following matters:
1. Your funeral wishes
2. Chose your Executors
3. Make gifts of personal belongings
4. Make monetary gifts
5. Create Trusts to protect your children or someone with a disability
6. Inheritance Tax planning
Making a Will can be a simple way of looking after the people who are important to you.
If you have already made a Will it is important that it is updated and it reflects the changes to your personal circumstances.
We can also offer home visits if clients are unable to attend at either our Heswall or Liverpool offices.
