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Experience a whole new world in 3D

April 11, 2022 by Sally

The world is your oyster thanks to the introduction of virtual reality or VR as it’s now commonly known. Thanks to some highly advanced computer technology, a simulated environment is created which transports the user into the 3D world. Here users are able to interact through vision, touch and even smell.

Now it’s possible to have a virtual reality experience in London and immerse yourself inside an exciting adventure.

What games can you experience?

One of the most popular games out there at the moment is Overrun and this game is divided into two exciting segments, the first being Overrun and the second is Overrun stage 2, which features a zombie type apocalypse scenario.

If you’re less inclined to want to encounter a zombie face-to-face there may be the option to experience virtual reality through Strike Team Delta which is more sci-fi oriented. In this game you will be faced with a host of aliens invading planet earth.

Alternatively, there is Toonstrike which is adapted to each player’s skill and confidence level increasing in monsters with each new level you reach.

What can you expect during a session?

If you’re new to virtual reality, think of it as having access to a computer-simulated 3D environment within which you feel like you’re living. Your experience in virtual reality will begin with a demo so that you can get familiar with the setting and how to use the equipment which usually features a headset.

You are transported into this world with an impressive 360-degree view of the environment complete with moving images and audio. Users also have the ability to physically engage while in the environment. This ability is all thanks to the headset that is placed on your head at the start of your session. The VR headset will carefully track your eye movement and as a result adapts the 3D landscape to where your line of sight is.

If you’re looking to experience virtual reality, you could also book as a group for a team building exercise. Enjoy a memorable afternoon teaming up in smaller groups as each session allows up to five players. This means you can get your fellow members of staff to assist you on your next alien adventure or to help fight off an impending zombie apocalypse to save the world.

For standard virtual reality sessions there is a limit of up to 5 people per session, but did you know that for birthday party celebrations you are often able to increase your guest list? Sometimes you are able to invite up to 20 people as part of your birthday celebration and there is unlimited access to the demo area, which means that you can familiarise yourself as much as you want before starting your VR session.

While five of your friends take part in a session there is usually the option to visit an integral nearby lounge which includes a viewing area, so you can watch your guests complete their mission in style. There is also quite often the opportunity to play table games including the likes of table football or pool and you may even be able to take part in a quiz machine while you wait.

Filed Under: Home

Everything you need to know about filing for divorce

April 11, 2022 by Sally

If you’re looking to file for divorce but you have a few questions about this process, this handy guide reveals all there is to know about the procedure.

There are five different grounds for divorce

In order to seek counsel from divorce solicitors in Guildford, one of the parties is labelled as the petitioner and they are the ones who then issue a petition for divorce to their partner. You are able to ask for a divorce as a result of one of five circumstances which are referred to as grounds.

One of the five grounds for divorce could be that your partner has committed adultery during the course of your marriage, and you no longer wish to remain together as a result. Another circumstance that qualifies as grounds for divorce refers to the behaviour of your spouse. If she or he behaves in a manner deemed unreasonable leading to the decision that you feel you cannot remain married to them, this would be considered as grounds for divorce.

Another circumstance which qualifies relates to a separation period. If for example your spouse has been living apart from you for twenty-four months or more, or has deserted you for a continuous period of more than two years it will be considered grounds for divorce.

What is divorce mediation?

Divorce mediation is a process used by couples who choose to separate amicably and wish to use an alternative route to court proceedings.

Is divorce mediation legally binding for couples?

The agreement reached during divorce mediation is considered to be voluntary and made in good faith and is not seen as legally binding. However, this can be changed by applying for a ‘consent order’ from court with the assistance of a family lawyer or solicitor to make it legally binding.

Is mediation always recommended for couples before divorce proceedings?

Mediation is not compulsory as it is purely voluntary. Both parties need to be willing to cooperate and engage with the process in order for it to be successful. During a mediation session, the couple will meet with an impartial mediator to assist in dividing up assets and to sort out arrangements for any children that have resulted from the marriage.

Divorce mediation is not viable if there is a safety risk involved from either one or both parties. Mediation is not advised if there is evidence of domestic abuse or child abuse in the marriage, financial disagreements or claims of bankruptcy.

Is divorce mediation quicker than filing for divorce in a court?

Yes, divorce via mediation is typically quicker than heading to court to finalise your divorce. Mediation helps to resolve conflict and reach favourable outcomes for both parties. The length of time it takes to reach an agreement varies for each client, but typically it can take between one to four sessions. The average divorce court procedure can take anywhere between six months to one year.

To start the process of filing for divorce from your spouse we recommend seeking the assistance of a reputable divorce solicitor. They will be able to offer professional counsel and guide you during the process. They will also be able to assist in making sure you receive a fair outcome and can assist with facilitating the procedure.

Filed Under: Home

Probate solicitors: how to make life easier

March 22, 2022 by Sally

If you have recently lost somebody, you may be feeling overwhelmed by dealing with the deceased’s affairs if you have been named the ‘personal representative’ by them. Being given this responsibility carries pressure that you may not want to have to think about, as well as legal duties that you must fulfil regardless of the grief you are suffering. Finding probate solicitors Portsmouth who can help you to navigate this process is advisable to ensure that everything is dealt with properly and that your loved one’s final wishes are met. In finding the right solicitors, they will be able to take the strain off your shoulders and ensure that the legal processes are carried out in accordance with the law.

What do I have to do?

When a person has passed away, all of their assets are frozen and it is the personal representative’s responsibility to ensure that any debts are cleared and any will that has been left is followed. Depending on the value of the estate, it may be necessary to apply for a grant, which is a deed to show that you have accepted the role. If there is a will, you will then be able to deal with the estate. If there isn’t a will or you are unable to undertake the role, an administrator will be required to apply for a ‘grant of letters of administration’ to gain the power to unfreeze the assets. This is often somebody who is a close relation of the deceased.

Do I really need a solicitor to help me?

Having an experienced solicitor to help you through dealing with probate is definitely a beneficial move. They will be able to ensure that all of the processes are carried out correctly. From the outset, they will be able to assess whether or not you need to apply for a grant. They will also be able to gather the evidence required to assess the assets in the estate. In doing so, they will draft legal documents, settle outstanding debts and ascertain if there are tax issues to be sorted. They will also ensure that the terms of the will are carried out or intestacy rules are followed. Intestacy rules are followed when a will has not been left by the deceased. A solicitor will be able to explain what to do in this situation and any others, ensuring that you do not have to struggle through the legal process at all.

How do I choose the right solicitor?

There are a number of things that you can do to find a solicitor who deals with probate. Check out solicitors’ websites to see what they offer. You may find these by using a search engine, but if you can also get personal recommendations from friends or family, this may also help. On the website, you may also wish to research how long the firm has been established and whether or not they have opening hours to suit your needs. It may also be beneficial to consider where they are based, if you think you may be required to go to their offices.

It is never easy to lose someone, but you can make your life easier by finding a knowledgeable solicitor to help you through these tough times.

Filed Under: Home

What a family solicitor can do to help resolve your disputes

March 22, 2022 by Sally

Unfortunately, sometimes things can happen between you and your family that can cause immense stress, and you may require legal help to resolve it. There are many different types of family issues that family solicitors Emsworth can help with, and they will do it in an unbiased and professional way to help lift a weight off of your shoulders.

Arrangements before marriage

If you and your partner are planning on getting married, you may want to make arrangements before the marriage commences, such as a prenuptial agreement. This sets out which assets are who’s, and what to do with them in the event of divorce. This can really help to alleviate stress for both parties if a divorce was to happen in the future. A solicitor can help you with this by talking to both you and your partner, finding out what agreements you want to make, and writing up the official document correctly and legally.

Divorce and separation

If you and your husband/wife are getting divorced or separated and you can’t come to an agreement, then your solicitor can help you with this. They will do everything they can to help you and your ex-partner come to an agreement, but if you still can’t, they can represent you in court if you wish. Going through a divorce or separation can be an extremely challenging time, so getting help from someone who knows the law and processes can be very beneficial.

Financial arrangements

Finances can be a big cause for disagreement between partners during a separation, so it may be helpful to get legal advice from a solicitor if you are struggling with this. If you are trying mediation, which is when you sit down with each other alongside a mediator to try and reach a financial agreement, they can advise on the arrangements to ensure it’s fair. If the mediation fails and you need to take it further, your solicitor  can help you with applying to the court for a financial order.

Children

If you are experiencing troubles surrounding your children, such as difficulties seeing them, or you and your ex-partner not agreeing about who sees them and when, then it would be a great help for you to get advice from a family solicitor. They can help you with many different legal proceedings such as child arrangement orders, applications for parental responsibility and more. It can really put a strain on you and your children when you can’t come to an agreement, so don’t hesitate to get legal help if you are struggling with this.

Cohabitation

Purchasing a property with someone is a big and life-changing decision, and you want to make sure everything is done correctly, and that you are both protected if the relationship breaks down. A lot of people think that as cohabitants, they have the same rights as married couples, but unfortunately this isn’t the case, and you will have to rely on Trusts law to resolve disputes, which can be a lengthy process. This is why it can be beneficial to receive legal help from a solicitor before you have even purchased the property, so that you both know your rights and can ensure everything is done legally and fairly.

Filed Under: Home

Don’t let your separation take over your life

May 14, 2021 by Sally

When a marriage comes to an end, people usually expect it to be upsetting when they are physically going through the separation. What people are not always prepared for is the high amount of stress that can be caused and the amount of time that it takes to finalise agreements. Using divorce solicitors in Guildford could help to eliminate some of this stress for you and will definitely save you time. Making an appointment to speak to someone is easy and you will be able to ask them any questions that you have about your separation. They will guide you through the entire process and work towards an end result that you are happy with.

Things you can do to reduce stress throughout your separation

Statistically speaking, legally separating from your partner is considered to be one of the most stressful events that you will go through throughout your entire life, alongside the bereavement of a spouse and moving house. It can be all encompassing and more than just a struggle, especially if you have made the decision to go through it alone without the help of any lawyers. Even with legal representation though, you can still expect to experience a high level of stress, so either way it is important to know what you can do yourself to help reduce your stress whilst going through your separation.

For some people, just talking to someone professional or a friend that is unrelated to the situation is enough to help calm them. It is important that you have someone to express your feelings to, so you are not just bottling them up. However saying this, not everyone finds talking helpful and if you really do not want to speak to someone then ultimately it is up to you. There are other things that have been proven to reduce your stress, such as going outside for a walk and enjoying the fresh air. Of course, not everyone has time to fit this in if they have a busy work schedule or children to run around after. A good routine where you allow for time to take care of yourself properly will benefit you too, with the littlest of things making the biggest difference to your stress levels.

Rise above the situation and stay calm

Stress during separations can be caused by all sorts of things. Corresponding with or speaking to your ex-partner can cause stress levels to rise, especially if things are not going the way you would like them to. It is important to remember that any conflicts that you and your ex-partner have are only going to extend the length of the process. Exaggerating your ex-partners behaviour or trying to get “one-up” on them will only lead to more stress eventually as it makes the process more complicated and your lawyer will not be able to represent you to the best of their ability. Being honest with your lawyer is vital, because if they do not have all of the correct information and know the ins and outs of the situation, they may not be able to produce reliable evidence and it may be harder for them to reach the outcome that you want.

Filed Under: Home

Divorce Proceedings – My wife is stopping me from seeing and contacting my children

May 14, 2021 by Sally

Divorce, when children are involved, is often difficult. The high emotions mixed with a real or perceived need to protect children from the psychological fall out can make it a very difficult time. If there was a lengthy period of trying to keep it together for the kids,’ the bottled up resentment (and what could be years of angst) could be unleashed, making this difficult process even tougher.

Sadly, this can lead to the weaponising the kids and the restriction of communication has been used as a method to emotionally hurt one partner by the other time and time again. Due to the wording of the law, this can become a very real problem when carried out by he mother and can leave the father feeling hopeless but there are paternal rights which are legally recognised and enforceable.

The associated frustrations can lead to rash actions, which could be used against you in the future. Try to remain level headed and logical, your right to access can be legally reinstated.

Responsible steps to take

Start with a letter; keep it formal and clear; start with the date from which access was denied, and ask to have the ability to see your children. Ask for a written response and explain that if access is not reinstated you will seek out a Family Solicitors Emsworth. Keep copies of this letter and any that they may be received in the future as they are the foundation of your case.

If there is no response at all, it’s time to apply for an Interim Contact Order. The ICO is obtained by a court but is a formality for most people. It permits you access to your child at set times until long-term agreements are made possible in court at a later date. The restrictions on an ICO are harsh, limiting access to supervised visits in public places, only for a few hours at a time and with no overnight stays. This can feel truly unfair to a father who has done nothing wrong but the courts have to protect children from abuse (even if there has been none recorded) above the rights of the father.

Staying within the limitations of the ICO is important, as breaching it would be used to restrict future visitations. A full hearing can take more than 6-months, longer than a standard ICO; mentioning this at the hearing itself will typically result in the ICO being auto-renewed or ‘ticking over’ until the time of the full hearing, so you will not lose access.

The hearing itself will be heavily influenced by a children and family court advisory and support service report. This is carried out by interviewing family members, teachers, relatives and friends, to establish the context of the relationships of all the parties. It will make recommendations on visitations to the court which is highly likely to be followed. Then, a court order will be issued.

If this order is breached, and access is restricted by the mother, this would result in an abduction case, which would lead to a review of custody and possible prosecution.

Filed Under: Home

Not sure a walnut worktop is right for your kitchen? 5 advantages which you may have overlooked

May 14, 2021 by Sally

So, you have chosen to have a walnut work surface installed as part of your kitchen renovation – good for you!

While it is no easy feat choosing a work surface for your kitchen that will stand the test of time for design and hardiness, walnut is a wood that never loses its natural beauty and is certainly hardy.

However, many people who are new to interior design may be surprised to learn that of all the wooden worktops available, a walnut worktop from the UK is often on the pricey side. And while it is easy to disclude it based on this alone, there are many benefits of having a walnut worktop installed in your kitchen.

In this article, these advantages will be explored, helping you to decide if this worktop is right for you!

Class

It goes without saying, that when you walk into a kitchen that has a walnut worktop, you will be amazed at how much class it brings to the room by itself. A dark, shiny wood that has chocolate undertones, it adds beauty to any room it is in and so, if you are looking to add a touch of class to your home’s decor, a walnut work surface in your kitchen is the way to do it.

Durable

Beauty is fine, but is it a tough wood? In short, yes, it is! Walnut is a hardwood that is resistant to chips, cracks and dents, but can also take the heat of the kitchen. Of course, in order to maintain it correctly, you will need to wipe up any spills and periodically apply varnish.

Individual

Another point to consider about walnut is that it is a very individual wood. While all natural woods have their own beauty, when it comes to staining or varnishing, the results are often similar across woods like oak and beech. But when it comes to walnut worktops, it is very tough to stain 2 pieces and have them look the same – each piece is as unique as a snowflake and this can be a great way to enhance your decor with your own personal touch.

Resistant

Back to functionality; many people are aware of how durable and mould resistant oak is.

Is walnut as durable? Yes, it is; as most of the walnut that is used to make kitchen countertops originates in northeast America, it has had to evolve to cope with harsher climates. This has enabled the wood to become hardier against mould and water, making it the perfect kitchen countertop! But to ensure it retains this natural defence against such things, you will need to varnish it regularly.

Natural hues

If you are a fan of uniqueness or having odd designs which you want to extend to your kitchen, you may be surprised to learn that walnut has a wide range of varying hues.

From darker brown to even a purple tint, this wood comes with some intriguing colours naturally woven into it, making it ideal for contemporary design. Perfect!

Filed Under: Home

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All about me: Sally Stretton

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