Question 1

Do you submit the visa application on my behalf?

Accepted Answer

We prepare and review your application so that you can submit confidently. Where regulated representation is required we refer to a qualified immigration adviser.

Question 2

How long does the support take?

Accepted Answer

Most visa preparation matters complete within two to four weeks depending on the route and supporting documentation.

Question 3

Can you help if my application has been refused?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We can review the refusal letter, identify weaknesses and help you prepare a stronger fresh application or referral.

Question 4

Do you help with the Innovator Founder endorsement?

Accepted Answer

We help you prepare a robust business plan and supporting material to approach an endorsing body.

Question 5

Can you advise on intra-company transfers?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We cover the Senior or Specialist Worker, Graduate Trainee and other Global Business Mobility sub-routes.

Question 6

Do you work alongside our tax advisers?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Immigration, employment and tax planning interact, and we coordinate with your existing advisers.

Question 7

When can I apply for ILR?

Accepted Answer

Most routes require five years of continuous lawful residence; some routes such as Innovator or partner of a British citizen vary. We confirm eligibility in writing.

Question 8

Will absences from the UK affect my application?

Accepted Answer

Absences over 180 days in any 12-month period can affect continuous residence. We assess your travel history precisely.

Question 9

Do you support dual citizenship matters?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We can explain the implications and prepare your naturalisation application accordingly.

Question 10

How long does a sponsor licence application take?

Accepted Answer

Most decisions arrive within eight weeks of submission, though priority service can shorten this where eligible.

Question 11

What if we already hold a licence?

Accepted Answer

We provide ongoing compliance reviews, audits and pre-renewal preparation so you remain inspection-ready.

Question 12

Do you help draft job descriptions for sponsored roles?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We help you align the role with the appropriate SOC code and skill threshold.

Question 13

What is the minimum income requirement?

Accepted Answer

Family routes have specific financial thresholds. We confirm the current requirement and the evidence accepted to demonstrate it.

Question 14

We do not have many photos together. Will that be a problem?

Accepted Answer

Caseworkers look at the totality of the relationship evidence. We help structure a balanced bundle covering communications, cohabitation and shared responsibilities.

Question 15

Can children be included in the application?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Dependent children can usually be included or applied for alongside the principal applicant.

Question 16

Do you arrange certified translations?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We coordinate with trusted translation providers and verify certification meets Home Office standards.

Question 17

Can you work from documents I have already gathered?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely. We audit, reorganise and complete what you have so nothing is duplicated or missing.

Question 18

Do you handle digital submissions?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We can prepare uploads sized and named to caseworker conventions.

Question 19

What is a child arrangements order?

Accepted Answer

A court order made under section 8 of the Children Act 1989 setting out where a child lives, when they spend time with each parent, and other practical arrangements.

Question 20

Do I need to attend court?

Accepted Answer

Not always. Many matters are resolved through mediation or written agreement. If court is required, we help you prepare thoroughly so you can present your position clearly.

Question 21

How long does the process take?

Accepted Answer

Straightforward matters can resolve in a few months. Contested proceedings often take six to twelve months depending on the court's timetable and the complexity of the issues.

Question 22

Do I have to try mediation first?

Accepted Answer

In most cases yes. You will usually need a MIAM certificate before applying to court, unless an exemption applies (for example, domestic abuse).

Question 23

Can you represent me in court?

Accepted Answer

BLS is a legal consultancy. We prepare your documentation and support you throughout, and can refer you to authorised solicitors and advocates where formal representation is required.

Question 24

Who can apply for a non-molestation order?

Accepted Answer

'Associated persons' — including current or former partners, family members, and people with whom you share (or shared) a household. Section 62 of the Family Law Act 1996 sets out the categories.

Question 25

How quickly can protection be obtained?

Accepted Answer

In genuinely urgent cases the court can hear a 'without-notice' application within 24 hours. A return hearing is then listed within a few weeks so the respondent can attend.

Question 26

What evidence is required?

Accepted Answer

A clear, dated chronology of incidents, any supporting evidence (messages, photos, medical notes, police references) and a witness statement in your own words.

Question 27

Is there a fee?

Accepted Answer

There is no court fee for a non-molestation application. Legal aid is available in many cases; we can also help you prepare your own application if you are self-representing.

Question 28

What if the order is breached?

Accepted Answer

Breach of a non-molestation order is a criminal offence. Call the police immediately and keep evidence of the breach.

Question 29

Who can apply for an occupation order?

Accepted Answer

Different sections of the Family Law Act 1996 apply depending on your relationship to the respondent and your legal interest in the property. Section 33 covers those with a legal right to occupy; other sections cover cohabitants and former spouses.

Question 30

What test does the court apply?

Accepted Answer

The court considers the 'balance of harm' test and the core criteria — the housing needs of all parties, financial resources, likely effect on the parties and any relevant children, and conduct.

Question 31

How long does an occupation order last?

Accepted Answer

Typically up to six months, with the possibility of extension. The court will set the length based on the circumstances.

Question 32

Can it be combined with a non-molestation order?

Accepted Answer

Yes. In many domestic-abuse cases both orders are applied for together on Form FL401.

Question 33

How long does a no-fault divorce take?

Accepted Answer

There is a minimum period of 20 weeks between the application being issued and the conditional order, plus a further 6 weeks before the final order can be applied for. Straightforward divorces typically complete in 7 to 8 months.

Question 34

Do I need to give reasons for the divorce?

Accepted Answer

No. Since 6 April 2022, you only need to confirm the marriage has broken down irretrievably. Blame is no longer relevant.

Question 35

Can we apply jointly?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Joint applications are often quicker and less contentious. You can also switch from joint to sole later if needed.

Question 36

What about our finances?

Accepted Answer

Divorce and financial remedies are separate processes. We recommend addressing financial matters via a consent order or financial remedy application before the final order is made.

Question 37

What factors does the court consider?

Accepted Answer

Section 25 of the Matrimonial Causes Act 1973 lists the factors — including income, assets, needs, standard of living, ages, contributions, and the welfare of any children under 18.

Question 38

Do I have to go to court?

Accepted Answer

No — most financial matters resolve by agreement, formalised in a consent order. Court proceedings are usually a last resort or where disclosure is disputed.

Question 39

Is my pension included?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Pensions are a matrimonial asset. Options include pension sharing orders, pension attachment and offsetting.

Question 40

What is a clean break?

Accepted Answer

An order that severs financial ties so neither party can make future financial claims against the other. Often preferred where practical.

Question 41

What are the formatting rules?

Accepted Answer

FPR Practice Direction 22A sets out formatting: numbered paragraphs, first-person, chronological, statement of truth, correctly headed and paginated.

Question 42

Can BLS sign the statement for me?

Accepted Answer

No — a witness statement is your evidence and only you can sign the statement of truth. We prepare and refine the draft with you.

Question 43

How long does drafting take?

Accepted Answer

Typically five to ten working days depending on the complexity and evidence involved.

Question 44

Should I incorporate as a limited company or LLP?

Accepted Answer

It depends on tax, liability and investor expectations. We talk you through the trade-offs in our consultation.

Question 45

Do you handle the Companies House filings?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We prepare and submit the incorporation paperwork on your behalf.

Question 46

Can you help with founders' equity vesting?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We design vesting schedules and shareholders' agreements that protect everyone involved.

Question 47

Can you turn around an urgent contract review?

Accepted Answer

We offer expedited review where capacity allows. Tell us the deadline at booking.

Question 48

Do you negotiate on our behalf?

Accepted Answer

We provide negotiation strategy and drafting; commercial negotiations remain with you, with us supporting in the background.

Question 49

Do you create reusable templates?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We build template libraries so your team can transact consistently.

Question 50

Do you prepare data-room indexes?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We build organised, investor-ready data rooms from your existing documents.

Question 51

Can you maintain documentation over time?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We offer ongoing documentation reviews on a retained basis.

Question 52

Do you help with privacy notices?

Accepted Answer

Yes, including website privacy notices and internal data handling guidance.

Question 53

Can you act as our registered office?

Accepted Answer

We can advise on registered office and service address options through trusted partners.

Question 54

What happens if we have missed filings?

Accepted Answer

We help you bring records up to date and respond to Companies House correspondence.

Question 55

Do you maintain digital registers?

Accepted Answer

Yes, we can build and maintain registers in a format that suits your team.

Question 56

Do you provide AML training?

Accepted Answer

We prepare bespoke briefings and materials tailored to your team and risk profile.

Question 57

Can you carry out a compliance health check?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We benchmark your current position against the obligations that apply to you.

Question 58

Do you support data protection compliance?

Accepted Answer

Yes, including records of processing, DPIAs and data-subject request handling.

Question 59

How are sessions structured?

Accepted Answer

We agree objectives, prepare a working note and deliver a written summary with recommendations after each session.

Question 60

Can you work on retainer?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Monthly retainers give you steady access to our consultants.

Question 61

Do you work with non-UK founders?

Accepted Answer

Yes, where the matter relates to UK operations or expansion.

Question 62

Is a Letter Before Action required?

Accepted Answer

The Practice Direction on Pre-Action Conduct expects parties to exchange information before issuing court proceedings. Failing to do so can lead to cost penalties.

Question 63

How long should I give for a response?

Accepted Answer

14 days is common for straightforward debt claims. More complex disputes or those covered by a specific protocol may require 30 days or longer.

Question 64

What if they ignore the letter?

Accepted Answer

You can then consider issuing court proceedings. The letter forms part of the evidence you followed the pre-action process.

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