I bought my council flat which has suffered cracking and other damage from mine workings underneath.

The council got a mining report but will not share it with us. I got my own done through the Coal Authority but the results did not come up to what my insurance claim is.

There was then a third examination done which came up with a different result, to do with a water course, and I have been told it is the council's responsibility. I am 66 and have had two heart attacks, and this long- running episode is telling on my health. The law is basically that if there is damage caused by mine subsidence, the liability is with the mine owner (see your title deeds to see if it spells out a right of compensation) or failing that, the Coal Authority.

If this can be proved by expert evidence then you can claim directly against the appropriate body, and if they fail to pay up, you can take your case to the Lands Tribunal for a ruling.

If the cause is something else then it is more complex as you are an owner, but if you require to rely on your insurance, then it should be the damage sustained, not the cause, that is the basis of the valuation of the claim. Girlfriend wants divorce

My girlfriend and I would like to get married. She is separated from her husband who has moved abroad. There are no children and no matters outstanding.

Can she divorce without having to first track him down to get his consent? Yes. The situation is not too unusual I have a similar case ongoing now.

You need to make reasonable inquiry to find his address, but if that is unsuccessful, you may ask the court to allow the divorce writ to be served on him either by newspaper advertisement (here, not abroad) or posting of the court papers on the walls of the court.

If he does not reply in three weeks, the divorce can proceed. Parking dispute was solved!

I WAS pleasantly surprised this week to read in your column the response to my inquiry regarding parking charges and court costs.

For your information, the car park company has cancelled all parking charge notices due to a number of factors in my favour.

I know there are others who are in a similar situation regarding this particular car park and will have found your response most helpful. Thanks. I didn't print this one just to wallow in my own glory, but the message is clear: If you have a legal worry or feel you have not been treated properly, it is worth doing something about it not least writing to the Evening Times! Can I claim for suit damage?

I had some cold coffee spilled by a waiter on a new suit at a wedding function. I had it dry-cleaned and although the stains appear to have been removed, I feel some of the life has been taken out of the suit. Could I be entitled to claim for a new garment? Yes, but only if you can prove by expert evidence the suit is no longer of a satisfactory quality. I suggest you contact your local trading standards office, and/or take the suit to a professional tailor for an expert report on it.