1. Missing the deadline

One of the biggest mistakes claimants make is failing to submit their claim within the strict time limits.

• Most employment tribunal claims must be made within three months less one day from the date of the incident (e.g., dismissal, discrimination, or unlawful deduction from wages)
• For redundancy pay and equal pay claims, the deadline is six months
• Claimants must also notify Acas (Advisory, Conciliation and Arbitration Service) through Early Conciliation before submitting a claim, which can extend the deadline slightly.

Avoiding this pitfall:

• Act quickly, seek legal advice early, and start the Acas Early Conciliation process as soon as possible to preserve your right to claim.

2. Failing to engage with Acas early conciliation

Before submitting an Employment Tribunal claim, claimants must go through Acas Early Conciliation to try to resolve the dispute without a tribunal hearing.

• If you fail to complete this step, the tribunal will reject your claim.
• You need to obtain an Early Conciliation Certificate from Acas before proceeding.

Avoiding this pitfall:

• Contact Acas as soon as possible and ensure you receive the Early Conciliation Certificate before filing your claim.

3. Poorly drafted ET1 form

The ET1 form is the official document submitted to start a tribunal claim. Mistakes in this form can result in rejection or a weak case.

• Failure to clearly state the legal basis for the claim (e.g., unfair dismissal, discrimination, wage disputes).
• Not providing enough detail about key dates, events, and how the employer breached employment law.
• Mixing up different claims without explaining them properly.

Avoiding this pitfall:

• Clearly outline the legal basis for your claim, include key dates, and provide a factual and structured explanation of what happened. If unsure, seek legal advice or help from a trade union.

4. Claiming against the wrong employer or individual

Many employees mistakenly file a claim against the wrong employer entity. For example:

• The company name on the ET1 form must match the legal name registered with Companies House.
• If you work for a franchise, ensure you are claiming against the correct business owner.
• In discrimination claims, you can also name individual employees responsible for the unfair treatment.

Avoiding this pitfall:

• Check your employment contract or payslip for the correct legal employer name. If unsure, consult Companies House or seek advice.

5. Failing to provide evidence

Employment Tribunal claims require strong evidence to succeed. Many claimants weaken their case by:

• Not gathering emails, text messages, witness statements, payslips, or contracts.
• Relying on verbal statements without documentation.
• Submitting evidence too late in the process.

Avoiding this pitfall:

• Collect all relevant evidence before submitting your claim and organise it in a clear way.
• Keep copies of all correspondence with your employer.

6. Not understanding tribunal costs and risks

Employment Tribunals do not usually require claimants to pay legal costs, but:

• If the tribunal finds your claim frivolous, vexatious, or unreasonable, you may be ordered to pay costs to the employer.
• If you fail to comply with tribunal directions, your claim could be struck out.

Avoiding this pitfall:

• Only bring a claim with a genuine legal basis, follow tribunal deadlines, and cooperate with requests for evidence and hearings.

7. Underestimating the complexity of tribunal procedures

Tribunals have strict rules about:

• Case management orders (directions from the tribunal about what evidence must be submitted and when).
• Preliminary hearings (if there are legal issues to resolve before the full hearing).
• Witness statements and cross-examination during the hearing.

Many claimants struggle with legal arguments and procedural rules without professional help.

Avoiding this pitfall:

• Read the tribunal’s guidance carefully, seek help from Acas or an employment lawyer, and prepare thoroughly for hearings.

Conclusion

Making a successful Employment Tribunal claim requires careful attention to detail, adherence to deadlines, and strong evidence. Many claims fail due to avoidable mistakes such as missing deadlines, filing incomplete forms, or not engaging in Acas Early Conciliation. By preparing properly and seeking legal guidance where needed, claimants can improve their chances of success.

If you are considering making a claim, consult Acas, a trade union, or take expert legal advice to ensure your case is well-prepared and stands the best chance of success.

This article was brought to you by Kidd Rapinet’s employment solicitors. You can book an appointment with any of the employment lawyers across our other offices in Aylesbury, Canary Wharf, Farnham, High Wycombe, Maidenhead or Slough, using the form provided or seek support from ACAS, or trade unions

These materials and content have been prepared for the benefit of their viewers/readers. They are intended for marketing purposes only and are of a general nature and do not constitute legal advice applicable to any particular facts or circumstances. Kidd Rapinet LLP and/or the author(s) accept no duty of care, responsibility or liability for any loss or damage which you or any third party may suffer as a result of any reliance or use by you or them of these marketing materials and content, except to the extent it is not legally possible to exclude such liability. If you require legal advice on your own situation, please contact us so we can discuss how we may assist.

The post Common pitfalls in making an application to the Employment Tribunal appeared first on Kidd Rapinet.

Sadly, this is a situation we hear about regularly.  The relationship has ended but parents still have to communicate about day to day things for their children such as school,, holidays, medical appointments, weekends, after school clubs and so on.

Firstly, not every disagreement between separated parents is a legal issue.  Parents will inevitably have different approaches to bedtime, homework, discipline, screen time and routines.

When the inconsistencies turn to unreliability, stress or an unworkable situation

If one parent is repeatedly late for handovers, cancels contact at short notice, refuses to communicate constructively or uses the children to pass messages between the adults, the situation can become extremely difficult.

Keeping a record of what is happening can be helpful. This does not mean documenting every minor disagreement, but keeping a factual note of significant incidents, missed arrangements or problems can help establish whether there is a genuine pattern.

Distinguishing being difficult to controlling

There is an important distinction between an ex-partner being difficult, unreliable or argumentative and there being domestic abuse.

Domestic abuse can take many forms, including physical violence, threats, intimidation and coercive or controlling behaviour.

If a parent is frightened of the other parent, feels controlled by them, or believes that they or the children are at risk, this needs to be treated as a safeguarding issue rather than simply a failure to communicate.

In those circumstances, getting appropriate legal advice is particularly important.

Does contact have to continue in exactly the same way?

Not necessarily.

There is no single arrangement that works for every family.

Depending on the circumstances, parents may agree different handover arrangements, communication methods or schedules.

For example, where direct communication is causing repeated conflict, communication might be limited to practical matters and kept in writing.

In some circumstances, supported or supervised contact may also need to be considered.

The appropriate arrangement will depend on the individual circumstances and, above all, the children’s welfare.

What if the other parent simply refuses to cooperate?

This is one of the most frustrating situations for parents.

A carefully agreed parenting arrangement is of limited practical value if one person continually refuses to follow it.

Where parents cannot reach agreement, mediation may sometimes help. A mediator does not make decisions for the parents, but provides an independent setting in which they can try to resolve disputes and reach their own agreement.

Mediation will not, however, be appropriate in every case, particularly if there are concerns about domestic abuse or an imbalance of power.

If arrangements cannot be resolved, the family court can become involved.

“Do I have to keep being flexible?”

Flexibility can be extremely helpful for children. But flexibility should not mean that one parent is expected to accept constant disruption.

A parenting arrangement needs to be realistic.

Parents may therefore want to agree practical details such as:

• Where handovers will take place
• What happens if someone is running late
• How much notice is needed to change arrangements
• How school holidays will be divided
• How parents will communicate
• What happens if a child is ill

The more that can be agreed in advance, the fewer opportunities there are for arguments later.

For a parent who feels exhausted by constant conflict, the answer is not to try harder, but may be to change the way the arrangements are managed.

That could mean clearer boundaries, written communication, mediation, a different handover arrangement or, where necessary, seeking a formal court order.

Separation is difficult enough for children without making them responsible for the adults’ disagreements.

The aim is not to create a perfect relationship between two separated parents.

Sometimes the realistic goal is simply to create a system that works, protects the children from unnecessary conflict and allows both parents to get on with their lives.

This article was brought to you by Kidd Rapinet’s family solicitors. You can book an appointment with any of the family lawyers across our other offices in Aylesbury, Canary Wharf, Farnham, High Wycombe, Maidenhead or Slough, using the form provided.  Please use the links provided to find more information on divorce or separation, child arrangements and other areas of family law.

These materials and content have been prepared for the benefit of their viewers/readers. They are intended for marketing purposes only and are of a general nature and do not constitute legal advice applicable to any particular facts or circumstances. Kidd Rapinet LLP and/or the author(s) accept no duty of care, responsibility or liability for any loss or damage which you or any third party may suffer as a result of any reliance or use by you or them of these marketing materials and content, except to the extent it is not legally possible to exclude such liability. If you require legal advice on your own situation, please contact us so we can discuss how we may assist.

The post I can’t cope with the behaviour any longer – how am I supposed to co-parent? appeared first on Kidd Rapinet.

You will be confident in dealing with clients sensitively and professionally, providing clear and practical advice while maintaining the highest standards of client care.

• 2 years+ PQE in Wills and Probate work necessary
• Experience handling Wills, Probate, Estate Administration and Lasting Powers of Attorney
• Excellent client care and communication skills
• Ability to manage your own caseload effectively
• Experience building and maintaining client relationships
• A collaborative and approachable team member

Requirements/Desirables:

• A minimum of 2 years’ experience in a Wills and Probate/Private Client Solicitor role
• Possess a thorough understanding of professional integrity and client care
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook) & Partners for Windows
• Strong analytical skills and the ability to provide clear, practical advice
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively with internal colleagues

At Kidd Rapinet, we are committed to attracting talented individuals and pride ourselves on providing a supportive and inclusive environment. Our staff are given the best opportunities to take ownership of their career and their professional development.

Send your application to Jan Duffy – jduffy@kiddrapinet.co.uk

Job Type: Full-time, Permanent

• Private Client: 2 years (necessary)

Licence/Certification:

• Solicitor (UK) Practising Certificate (or equivalent) (required)

Work Location: In person

Benefits:

• On-site parking

The post Private Client Solicitor – High Wycombe appeared first on Kidd Rapinet.

The team will talk about their roles informally and answer questions from the Butterfly House Education Room.  This event is free to Florence Nightingale Hospice patients, their families and interested members of the local community

Date:  Wednesday 7th October 2026

Time:  13.00 – 15.00 hours

Venue:  Florence Nightingale Hospice – Butterfly House, Kingswood Park, High Wycombe, Bucks HP13 6GR.

The post Life Planning Seminar – 7th Oct 2026 appeared first on Kidd Rapinet.

For separating parents, deciding where the children will spend Christmas or the summer holidays can be difficult enough, but sometimes the simple everyday arrangements are just as important.

When a couple separates, conversations about the children often focus on the big questions: where will they live, how often will they see each parent, and who will have them for Christmas and school holidays?

In reality, however, it is often the seemingly small details that cause the greatest friction.

Who does the school run? Who takes the children to football or netball practice? Who helps with homework? What happens when one parent is working late? And what if there is a school event on a day when the children are supposed to be staying with the other parent?

For families adjusting to life across two homes, creating a practical routine can be one of the biggest challenges following separation.

There is no automatic 50/50 split when co-parenting

There is no automatic rule that children must spend exactly 50 per cent of their time with each parent. Instead, arrangements should be based on what is in the child’s best interests.

For some families, a genuinely shared arrangement may work perfectly well. For others, it may be impractical.

Parents may live some distance apart, have very different working patterns, or have children whose school, friendships and activities are firmly based in one particular area.

A parent who commutes to London, for example, may find a 7.30am school drop-off difficult, while another parent may have more flexibility because they work locally or from home.

Then there are after-school clubs, sports, music lessons, homework and children’s social lives to consider.

A practical arrangement might involve children staying with one parent on certain school nights and the other parent having them for alternate weekends. Another family may find that several overnight stays during the week work better.

The important thing is to consider how the arrangement actually works in everyday life, rather than simply how it looks on paper.

So who does the school run or the after school clubs when you separate?

Parents should consider travel times, work commitments, childcare arrangements and the children’s own routines.

It can also help to agree what happens when something goes wrong. A child may become ill, a parent may be delayed at work or a train may be cancelled.

Having a contingency plan can prevent a minor problem from becoming a major argument.

Holidays can create a whole new set of problems

Once the term-time routine has been agreed, parents still need to consider school holidays.

Christmas can be particularly difficult. Both parents may understandably want to wake up with their children on Christmas morning, but there are only so many ways of dividing one day.

Some families alternate Christmas each year. Others divide the day between households, although this needs to be practical and should not leave children spending hours travelling between homes.

Birthdays, Mother’s Day, Father’s Day and school holidays can also require careful thought.

Agreeing arrangements well in advance can remove a great deal of uncertainty, particularly where parents have already experienced disagreements about dates or plans.

What if parents cannot agree on child arrangements after separation?

Not every separating couple will be able to reach an agreement themselves.

Where communication has broken down, mediation may provide a way for parents to discuss arrangements with the help of an independent mediator. It is not suitable in every family situation, but where appropriate, it can help parents focus on practical solutions rather than arguments about what is “fair”.

If agreement remains impossible, the family court can be asked to make a decision.

The court’s focus is the welfare of the child, rather than which parent feels they should have more time.

And what about what the children want?

As children grow older and become more mature, their wishes and feelings can become increasingly relevant.

That does not mean that a child simply gets to choose which parent they live with. However, an older child’s views about travelling between homes, attending school, maintaining friendships or continuing activities may need to be considered.

Putting the children first after separation

Separation inevitably brings change, but a predictable routine can give children a sense of security.

Knowing where they will sleep, who will collect them from school and when they will next see the other parent can make the transition between two households much easier.

The best arrangement is not necessarily the one that looks perfectly equal on a calendar. It is the one that is realistic, sustainable and puts the children’s needs at its centre.

For parents facing separation, perhaps the most useful question is therefore not “What am I entitled to?”, but “What arrangement is going to work best for our children?”

Sometimes, the answer to that question is as simple — and as important — as deciding who is doing the school run on Tuesday morning

This article was brought to you by Kidd Rapinet’s family solicitors. You can book an appointment with any of the family lawyers across our other offices in Aylesbury, Canary Wharf, Farnham, High Wycombe, Maidenhead or Slough, using the form provided.  Please use the links provided to find more information on divorce or separation, child arrangements and other areas of family law.

These materials and content have been prepared for the benefit of their viewers/readers. They are intended for marketing purposes only and are of a general nature and do not constitute legal advice applicable to any particular facts or circumstances. Kidd Rapinet LLP and/or the author(s) accept no duty of care, responsibility or liability for any loss or damage which you or any third party may suffer as a result of any reliance or use by you or them of these marketing materials and content, except to the extent it is not legally possible to exclude such liability. If you require legal advice on your own situation, please contact us so we can discuss how we may assist.

The post Who is doing the school run on Tuesday? Co-parenting after separation appeared first on Kidd Rapinet.

The challenge offers walkers a choice of 7, 10.5, or 18.5 mile routes through some of the most beautiful countryside surrounding the Chilterns, with people taking part for all sorts of reasons – from enjoying a personal challenge to walking for or in memory of someone special.

“The weather couldn’t have been better for the hike” said Gurvinder “coupled with the stunning views I really enjoyed taking part in the challenge”

Supporting Rennie Grove Hospice is something particularly important to Gurvinder who makes a point of getting involved in other events throughout the year.  She takes part in ‘Make a Will’ month each year, as well as supporting other events and fundraising activities for the hospice and other charities within the local community.

“It’s always a pleasure to support Rennie Grove Peace Hospice and the incredidble work they do” added Gurvinder

Congratulations to all who took part to raise funds in the 3 Peaks Challenge.

The post Sponsorship and Support for Rennie Grove Peace Hospice 3 Peaks Challenge appeared first on Kidd Rapinet.

1. Decide whether divorce is the right first step

In England and Wales, divorce is now a “no-fault” process. You do not need to prove that your spouse has behaved badly or that the marriage has irretrievably broken down because of adultery, unreasonable behaviour or separation.

One or both spouses can apply for a divorce, and there is no need for both parties to agree to the marriage ending.

However, before starting the application, it is sensible to think about the wider picture. Divorce legally ends the marriage, but it does not automatically resolve financial arrangements or decide where children will live.

2. Pull together key information including documents related to your finances

Before making an application, gather the key information you will need. This includes your marriage certificate, details of your spouse and information about any children.

More importantly, start collecting documents relating to your finances. Think about your property, mortgages, savings, pensions, investments, businesses, debts and income.

This can feel intrusive, particularly if you have never dealt with the family finances yourself. But having a clear picture of the matrimonial finances early on can make the next stages considerably easier.

3. Consider the practicalities of shared parenting and how this may look

In most cases you do not need a solicitor or court to decide matters surrounding your children.  It is important for you to jointly discuss practical arrangements:  where the children will live, how they will spend time with each parent, school arrangements, holidays and important occasions.

How you will deal with breaking the news to them isn’t something you have to think about immediately.

4. Think carefully about the finances

This is often the most important part of the process — and the area where people can make costly mistakes by moving too quickly.

The divorce application itself does not divide your assets. Financial arrangements need to be dealt with separately.

You may need advice about the family home, maintenance, pensions and other assets. In many cases, a solicitor will help you obtain financial disclosure from both parties before advising on what would represent a fair settlement.

Do not assume that because an asset is held in one person’s sole name, it automatically belongs to that person following divorce. Equally, do not assume that everything will simply be divided 50/50.

5. Start the divorce application

The divorce application is generally made online. Once issued, the application is sent to your spouse, who will normally need to acknowledge it.

There is then a minimum period before the divorce can progress to the conditional order, followed by a further waiting period before the final order can formally end the marriage.

This means divorce is not an overnight process. The waiting periods can actually provide useful breathing space to deal with the financial and practical issues that accompany the end of a marriage.

Your divorce checklist

Before you begin, consider:

• Do I have my marriage certificate and the necessary personal details?
• Do I understand my financial position, including property, pensions, savings and debts?
• Have I considered immediate arrangements for the children?
• Do I need advice about financial support or the family home?
• Have I considered whether mediation or another form of dispute resolution could help?
• Have I taken legal advice before agreeing to a significant financial arrangement?

Finally, remember that starting divorce proceedings does not mean you have to resolve everything on the same day. A good solicitor should help you understand the process, identify the decisions that need to be made and, importantly, distinguish between what needs immediate attention and what can wait.

Divorce is both a legal process and a major life change. Getting the right advice at the beginning can help you protect your position, avoid unnecessary conflict and move towards the next chapter with greater certainty.

This article was brought to you by Kidd Rapinet’s family solicitors. You can book an appointment with any of the family lawyers across our other offices in Aylesbury, Canary Wharf, Farnham, High Wycombe, Maidenhead or Slough, using the form provided.  Please use the links provided to find more information on divorce or separation, child arrangements and other areas of family law.

These materials and content have been prepared for the benefit of their viewers/readers. They are intended for marketing purposes only and are of a general nature and do not constitute legal advice applicable to any particular facts or circumstances. Kidd Rapinet LLP and/or the author(s) accept no duty of care, responsibility or liability for any loss or damage which you or any third party may suffer as a result of any reliance or use by you or them of these marketing materials and content, except to the extent it is not legally possible to exclude such liability. If you require legal advice on your own situation, please contact us so we can discuss how we may assist.

The post How do I begin the divorce process appeared first on Kidd Rapinet.

Our High Wycombe office is seeking a capable Conveyancing Solicitor to join our dynamic residential and commercial conveyancing team.

About the Role:
The successful candidate will be responsible for managing a varied caseload of property transactions from instruction through to completion.

Key Responsibilities:

• Handling all aspects of conveyancing transactions
• Managing files independently from inception to post-completion
• Drafting, reviewing, and negotiating legal documents and contracts
• Conducting legal research and ensuring compliance with relevant property laws and regulations

• Liaising with clients, estate agents, lenders, solicitors, and other third parties
• Providing clear and practical legal advice to clients
• Maintaining accurate case records and ensuring deadlines are met
• Building and maintaining strong client relationships

Requirements:

• Qualified Solicitor with a valid practising certificate
• Minimum 1.5 year PQE and experience in residential and commercial conveyancing
• Strong knowledge of property law, conveyancing procedures, and legal regulations
• Ability to manage a caseload efficiently and work independently
• Excellent communication, organisational, and interpersonal skills
• Strong attention to detail and analytical ability
• Proficient in legal drafting and legal research

What We Offer:

• Supportive and professional working environment
• Opportunity for career progression
• Exposure to a broad range of property matters
• Competitive salary based on experience

How to Apply:

Please submit your CV and a brief cover letter outlining your interest in the role to jduffy@kiddrapinet.co.uk

Job Type: Full-time, Permanent

Work Location: In person, High Wycombe[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]

The post Conveyancing Solicitor Vacancy, Full-time, High Wycombe appeared first on Kidd Rapinet.

The post Vacancy for an experienced Residential Conveyancing Paralegal and or legal secretary appeared first on Kidd Rapinet.

Firstly, we would like to say that you do not have to navigate this alone.  This is not just about physical violence, often control can be a pattern of behaviour designed to isolate, intimidate or control another person. It might include monitoring your movements, controlling finances, restricting contact with family and friends, making threats about the children, or leaving you feeling as though every decision you make has to be approved by someone else.

You do have options when it comes to coercive behaviour from your partner

One of the most damaging effects of coercive control is that it can make people believe they have no options. That is simply not true.

Seeking legal advice does not commit you to starting divorce proceedings or ending a relationship immediately. Often, the first meeting is simply an opportunity to understand your rights, discuss your concerns in complete confidence, and explore what a safe plan could look like. There is no judgement, no pressure and no expectation that you have all the answers.

Safety – arranging legal meetings and communications to protect privacy

For many people, safety is the first priority. We understand that every situation is different. We will work with you to ensure meetings can be arranged in ways that minimise risk, communication methods can be adapted to suit your circumstances, and careful consideration will always be given to protecting your privacy. If there are immediate concerns for your safety or that of your children, there are legal protections available that we can discuss with you, where appropriate, and put in place quickly.

I’m worried about my children with a coercive partner if I want to leave

Children are often at the heart of these situations. Parents frequently worry that speaking to a solicitor will make matters worse or lead to conflict. In reality, the law places the welfare of children at the centre of every decision. Our role is to help protect both you and your children while guiding you through the legal process as calmly and safely as possible.

Will I be left without any money leaving a coercive partner?

Financial concerns are another common reason people feel trapped. If your partner controls the household finances, you may wonder how you could possibly afford to leave. The law recognises that financial control can form part of coercive behaviour, and there are legal processes that can help ensure financial matters are dealt with fairly during separation or divorce. Understanding your legal position is often the first step towards regaining independence.

Taking the first step to leave a coercive partner

Perhaps the biggest hurdle is making that first call. Many people tell us they delayed seeking advice because they worried they would not be believed or thought their situation was “not serious enough”. The reality is that coercive control can be deeply harmful, even where there has never been physical violence.

No one should feel frightened to ask questions about their future. No one should feel they have to remain in a relationship because they fear the legal process more than their current situation.

We understand that behind every legal matter is a person who may be frightened, uncertain and overwhelmed. Our role is not simply to advise on the law. It is to listen, to provide clear and compassionate guidance, and to help you make informed decisions at a pace that feels right for you.

Taking the first step can feel overwhelming, but it can also be the beginning of reclaiming your independence. Whatever your circumstances, you deserve to feel safe, to be heard, and to know that support is available. Reaching out for confidential legal advice is not a sign of weakness—it is often the first step towards a safer future.

Although general information can be helpful, every family situation is unique. Obtaining tailored legal advice at an early stage can help people understand their position, avoid common mistakes, and make informed decisions during an already difficult time.

This article was brought to you by Kidd Rapinet’s family solicitors. You can book an appointment with any of the family lawyers across our other offices in Aylesbury, Canary Wharf, Farnham, High Wycombe, Maidenhead or Slough, using the form provided.  Please use the links provided to find more information on divorce or separation, child arrangements and other areas of family law.

These materials and content have been prepared for the benefit of their viewers/readers. They are intended for marketing purposes only and are of a general nature and do not constitute legal advice applicable to any particular facts or circumstances. Kidd Rapinet LLP and/or the author(s) accept no duty of care, responsibility or liability for any loss or damage which you or any third party may suffer as a result of any reliance or use by you or them of these marketing materials and content, except to the extent it is not legally possible to exclude such liability. If you require legal advice on your own situation, please contact us so we can discuss how we may assist.

The post You do not have to face coercive control alone appeared first on Kidd Rapinet.