I HAVE several children, and a grandchild who is disabled. I wish to make provision for this grandchild by setting up a trust with some of my money. I believe that my other children will be unhappy that I have favoured one member of the family. Will creating a trust be effective or can other children claim a share of the money?

The trust is ideal. Once you create the trust and the money is transferred to it, that money is no longer part of your property so not part of your estate when you die, and therefore your other children have no claim on it, even in their legal rights.

I WORK nightshift, and park my car in the company’s car park which has a cctv system. One night recently the system crashed. When I finished my 12-hour shift I noticed that two of my tyres had been slashed. I had to call out a tow truck. I asked my company for compensation for the inconvenience and the additional time I had to spend at work sorting things out. They have refused without an explanation or apology.

The employer has a general duty of care, but I doubt that it extends to ensuring that your car is totally safe, especially if the car park is open to passers-by. The CCTV would be regarded as additional voluntary security rather than an essential requirement. Check if there is any mention in your contract of employment, but if not, I don’t think there is enough to make a formal claim.

I HAVE discovered that I fathered a child who is now nine. I know where he and his mother live. Can I go round and see him? I would not cause trouble or try to take the boy away or anything.

I would advise you not to turn up unannounced. Chances are you don’t have any legal rights to him without getting a court order, but in any event, the legal test for contact is not parentage, but what is in the child’s best interests. Suggest you make contact by phone or letter first and ask if you may see your son. Gauge by the reply if you should then see a solicitor.

I PURCHASED a crossword solver for £25 three months ago. The LCD panel has stopped working and contacted the manufacturers. They advised me that the LCD is not covered by the warranty. How can this be as it is the main part that is necessary for use?

They are 100% wrong. You as a purchaser have a legal warranty covered by consumer law that cannot be watered down or limited by any issued or contractual warranty. If the crossword solver ( I never knew there was such a thing on earth) is not working, then the sellers whether they be the manufacturers or a shop, are obliged to have it repaired at no cost to you, failing which you are entitled to your money back. The item is not of satisfactory quality and the passage of three months doesn’t change that. Consult a local solicitor, CAB or trading standards office.