Manage personal legal affairs

Buying or selling a car or other motor vehicle can involve significant sums of money so it's important to create a legal basis for the deal. A Vehicle sale agreement can be used by private individuals wishing to create a full and final legal contract. It sets out all of the important things to be included such as details of the seller and the buyer, the price and payment terms for the vehicle, all the necessary DVLA information about the vehicle and how to deal with any damage to the vehicle.

When selling a car remember to prepare all the necessary paperwork, including the V5C registration document (logbook), handbook, MOT certificate and service log and warranty, if applicable. You'll need to complete the tear-off portion at the bottom of the V5C registration document and send this to the DVLA, giving the top part to the new owner. It's vital that the buyer is informed of any damage to, or problems with, the vehicle by the seller before the sale goes ahead. For further information, read Buying and selling a vehicle.

When you buy a used car and it turns out to be faulty, your legal rights will depend on who you bought the car from and how the car was described. If you bought the car from a registered dealer you will have consumer protection under The Consumer Rights Act. The Act states that the car must be of satisfactory quality, fit for purpose and be as described in any marketing or promotional materials. If the car fails to meet any of these standards, you will have a right to reject the car within 30 days of purchasing it and claim a refund. For further information, read Returning a used car.

If you're selling personal goods to another private individual, you may want to get things done on a formal basis to ensure the sale is effective, particularly if it's a high value transaction. Using a Sale of personal goods contract means that the sale of your goods is recorded in a legally binding manner, helping to protect your own interests as much as possible. This type of contract should include a full description of what is being sold and the price of the goods together with any delivery charges.

If you're lending or borrowing money on a formal basis, it's a good idea to create a legally binding agreement to ensure that the expectations and requirements of both parties are set out in advance and fully recorded. A Promissory note will essentially create an unconditional promise to have all debts repaid by a certain date. Any repayment terms, including the amount to be repaid, the date by which the debt is to be repaid and whether interest is payable, can be set out in this document.

An Affidavit is a sworn statement of truth. It can be used in many different types of personal or business circumstances. The affidavit must be made voluntarily and under religious oath or affirmation. It must be signed (or 'sworn') in front of a person commissioned to receive oaths (such as a solicitor), who will then also sign the document. An example of when an affidavit is used is when a breeder of dogs makes a statement that the puppies are of a certain pedigree. Affidavits are also used in court proceedings, where a witness is not present at trial or during divorce or probate proceedings. Ask a lawyer if you need a witness statement or statutory declaration, as an affidavit should not be used in this case. For further information, read Affidavits.

Private landlords can rent out their property or home for a short term or duration using a formal holiday letting agreement. Holiday lets can only be for a maximum of three months and the purpose of letting out the property must be as a holiday home. The agreement covers the payment of rent, any obligations on the owner and guests in relation to the property and if any deposits will be taken. For further information, read Holiday lets.

Defamation occurs when something is said or written about an individual which is untrue and damages their reputation, or causes financial loss to a business. Defamation has two categories - libel and slander. Libel is usually a defamatory statement which is written or in a permanent form. Slander is concerned with non-permanent forms of expressions. If you're concerned with any defamatory statements, you should write a formal letter asking them to stop making or publishing defamatory statements. If you're considering court action or making a claim, you should Ask a lawyer. For further information, read Defamation.

Consumer credit is regulated by the Credit Consumer Act and refers to the arrangement between consumers and lending institutions where a credit or hire agreement is provided. Consumers are granted extra protection when they enter into credit agreements with lenders such as the right to pre-contractual information, the right to a 'cooling-off' period and the most relied on protection under section 75 for credit card liability. For further information, read the Consumer Credit Act.