Capital Gains Tax

A tax that is payable by individuals and Personal Representatives where they have made a financial gain on sale of an asset and sometimes when an asset is given away. Usually the taxpayer will be entitled to an annual exemption. The rate of tax varies between taxpayers.

Chattels

This covers such items as personal effects, furniture, jewellery, motor cars etc.

Civil Procedure Rules

Rules governing proceedings in the small claims, county and high courts.

Claimant

Party (whether company, individual partnership, sole trader) suing/bringing a claim against the defendant.

Claim Form

Form commencing proceedings through the court (must comply with the civil procedure rules).

Club

A voluntary association of persons for social or other purposes. it is not a partnership and must sue or be sued in the names of members of the committee on behalf of themselves and all other members.

Codicil

A codicil is an extra document to a Will that complies with the requirements of a Will. It is often used to add some more legacies or change the Executors.

Co-Habitation

Couples who are living together who are not married to each other.

Commissioner For Oaths

This is a person, largely Solicitors, who are authorised to swear that documents are true when they have to be filed with a Court, such as an Oath for Executors or Oath for Administrators.

Compromise Agreement

Legally binding agreement under which the employee gives up the right to bring employment law claims (including unfair dismissal) against the employer (to be valid, the employee must get independent legal advice).

Conditional Fee Agreement

A costs agreement between a solicitor and a client under which the solicitor will only charge the client if the client's legal claim succeeds - sometimes called a "no win - no fee" agreement (see also Success Fee).

Contact Order

An order of the court stipulating the terms upon which a child will see either mother or father or any other person.

Contingency Fee Agreement

In a claim for money, an agreement under which the solicitor charges nothing if the clients' claim fails but takes a percentage of the money won by the client if the claim succeeds.

Contract Of Employment

The agreement between the employer and employee about the terms of employment.

Copyright

The exclusive right of printing or otherwise multiplying copies amongst other things published literary works that is a right from preventing all others from doing so. Copyright in general lasts the lifetime of an author and for 50 years after his death. It extends to original, artistic, dramatic, musical works and to recording, film and broadcasts.

Counterclaim

Any claim a defendant may have against the claimant. The defendant can bring his claim (counter claim) in the same proceedings against it instead of separate proceedings. This is usually added to the defence. there may be a court fee payable.

County Court

The local court which deals with civil claims involving sums of up to £50,000.00.

Courts

Small claims, county and high courts.

Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority (Cica)

A body set up by the government and funded to compensate injured victims of crime.

Csa (Child Support Agency)

The government Department regulating financial support for children.