Blog Posts

Implacably hostile – could this be you?

Sarah Lightfoot-Webber discusses what it means to be implacably hostile, and how you can find solutions that are in the best interests of your child

May 23, 2022

Writing Wills Online

Our wills and probate solicitors discuss writing your Will online

May 3, 2022

Securing access for a commercial property

Our commercial property solicitors explain the key issues when negotiating an access agreement for a commercial property

April 22, 2022

More opportunities for Commercial Landlords to Recover Rent Arrears

Landlords now have more options to recover rent arrears from tenants with three major restrictions in favour of tenants now removed.

April 14, 2022

Shining a light on secret and half secret trusts

Our wills and probate solicitors explain secret trusts and how they might be used in making a will.

March 29, 2022

Looking for specialist Independent Legal Advice (ILA) solicitors?

We have been providing expert ILA services on a nationwide basis for a significant number of years.

March 16, 2022

Planning for your financial lasting power of attorney

Our wills and probate solicitors highlight issues to discuss with you solicitor before they can draft your financial lasting powers of attorney.

March 10, 2022

Resolving a family dispute over choice of school

Our family law solicitors outline the approach to resolving a family dispute over choice of school

February 7, 2022

Do I need a letter of wishes alongside my will?

Making a will is an important part of lifetime legal planning, but do you need to put all your wishes in your will?

January 14, 2022

Do you need a freezing injunction to prevent your spouse getting rid of marital assets?

Our family law solicitors take a look at why you may need an urgent freezing injunction to prevent assets disappearing.

December 16, 2021

Commercial Property Rent Arrears

Get Ready for Binding Arbitration

December 14, 2021

Valuing a private company or family business in a divorce settlement

Our family law solicitors look at how private businesses are valued and dealt with in divorce.

November 15, 2021

Introduction to Shared Ownership Staircasing

Learn more about Staircasing and what it means for you

November 8, 2021

Notices Seeking Possession: Reversion to Pre-Pandemic Notice Periods as of 1 October 2021

Details of the new regulations coming into force on the 1st October 2021

October 1, 2021

Compensation for injury in a cycling accident

Our personal injury solicitors are experts in helping you make a claim for a cycling accident.

September 28, 2021

Selling your Shared Ownership Property

Do you have permission to sell on the open market?

September 9, 2021

A Summary of the Social Housing White Paper

The Charter for Social Housing: Social Housing White Paper was published on 17 November 2020.

September 3, 2021

Common probate mistakes and how to avoid them

David Roper explains the most common mistakes made by executors and how to avoid them.

July 26, 2021

Do adult children living at home have rights over the matrimonial home in a divorce?

With an increase in the ‘boomerang’ generation, Sarah Lightfoot-Webber looks at the rights of adult children living at home during a divorce

July 23, 2021

Is there a duty on employers to prevent racial harassment from third parties such as customers, patients or even fans?

‍It was not going to be long before media reports of the inevitable online abuse of Messrs. Rashford, Sancho and Saka surfaced.

July 12, 2021

Whiplash reforms and what it means for road traffic accident victims

Article outlining the whiplash reforms which are due to come into force on 31 May 2021 and what they mean for road traffic accident victims seeking compensation

July 12, 2021

Can we finalise our divorce before the house is sold?

Sarah Lightfoot-Webber explains what additional considerations need to be taken if you are considering finalising your divorce before the matrimonial home is sold.

June 1, 2021

It’s complicated – changes to marital status and making a will

Our wills and probate solicitors explain the different legal rights afforded to married couples, civil partners and couples who are cohabiting

May 26, 2021

Why you need to act quickly on your Business Interruption Insurance claim?

Behind every Business Interruption Insurance (“BII”) claim is a very human story...

May 24, 2021

Arrangements for children after a same sex divorce or separation

Our family lawyers discuss the rights for same sex couples and their children following separation or divorce

May 14, 2021

Compensation for injury or illness while working in healthcare

According to the Health and Safety Executive there are 1.6 million workers in Great Britain suffering from work-related ill health.

April 20, 2021

Guide to preparing for family mediation

Sarah Lightfoot-Webber takes a look at what to prepare before attending your first family mediation session.

April 14, 2021

Electrical Installation Condition Report

“Watt” landlords should consider in light of the upcoming requirements coming into effect on 1 April 2021.

March 30, 2021

Further Extensions to the “Winter Truce” Period

The commercial eviction ban has been extended until 30 June 2021.

March 25, 2021

Should I sign a Pre-Nuptial Agreement?

Family lawyer Sarah Lightfoot-Webber looks at the considerations when signing a Pre-Nuptial Agreement.

January 5, 2021

How could the change in regulations for cladding affect leaseholders and building owners?

Cladding: Since the Grenfell Tower fire, the regulations surrounding fire safety, particularly regards cladding, have changed. Sian Meredith explores how these regulations could affect leaseholders and building owners.

December 18, 2020

Should I use a Reservation Agreement when buying or selling property?

Reservation agreements (also known as lock out or exclusivity agreements) are being touted by government and various commentators in the property industry as an essential requirement in the house buying and selling process in order to add greater certainty and reduce abortive transactions.

December 2, 2020

Construction industry injury claims rise to new heights

Our personal injury solicitors explain how they can help you get compensation if you were injured on a construction site.

November 25, 2020

Do I need to start my divorce prior to Brexit?

Sarah Lightfoot-Webber takes a look at why you may benefit from issuing divorce proceedings prior to the UK’s exit from the EU on 31 December 2020.

November 20, 2020

Are future earnings taken account of in a divorce settlement?

Our family lawyers look at how a spouse’s future earning capacity is treated in divorce.

November 12, 2020

The Power of Attorney Refund Scheme

The scheme will be ending on 1st February 2021 and your claim for a refund must be made by then.

November 9, 2020

Residential Landlord and Tenant Update – October 2020

November 2, 2020

Regaining possession of a rental property during the Covid-19 crisis

Our civil litigation lawyers outline the process private residential landlords must now go through to regain possession of their property due to new Covid-19 rules

October 29, 2020

Industry Shocked As Banks Continue To Release Large Estate Funds Without Grants

The legal professional press and on-line “twitterati” have been vociferous recently about the attitude of banks and financial institutions when one of their customers has died.

October 28, 2020

What can I do if I think my relative’s attorney is abusing their position?

A blog which discusses your options if a dispute arises between you and your relative’s attorney, including the issuing of court proceedings to have them forcibly removed from their post

October 21, 2020

Agreeing time with your children following separation

Sarah Lightfoot-Webber takes a look at how to decide and agree what time you and your former partner spend with the children.

October 14, 2020

Will the New Shared Ownership Model Work?

On 08 September 2020 Housing Secretary, Robert Jenrick, made further announcements in respect of the government’s proposed investment into affordable housing.

October 5, 2020

New Residential Possession Proceedings Guidance

New guidance has been Released in Relation to Residential Possession Proceedings

September 25, 2020

Leasehold Homes Scandal Intensifies

The leasehold homes scandal intensifies as CMA pursues enforcement action against private housing developers

September 22, 2020

In May 2020, organ donation changed to an ‘opt out system’

"One donor has the potential to donate up to nine organs"

September 15, 2020

Making sure your home can pass to the family or friends you choose

Our Wills and probate solicitors guide you through the key considerations relating to property when making a Will

September 8, 2020

Residential Possession Proceedings

New Notice Periods after 29 August 2020

September 3, 2020

Residential Landlord and Tenant Update – August 2020

Can landlords now proceed with court action?

August 21, 2020

Love knows no boundaries, but divorce must consider them

Sarah Lightfoot-Webber takes a look at cross-border divorces within the UK in light of the recent Supreme Court decision of Villiers v Villiers [2020]

July 30, 2020

New legislation on video-conferencing and making wills

One of the things the Covid-19 pandemic has highlighted is how out of date are many of our laws and the way we practice them, and how inconvenient they are during a pandemic when we have to socially distance ourselves.

July 29, 2020

Land Registry agree to accept electronic signatures

Digital signatures appear to be a work in progress with further modification likely.

July 20, 2020

Help to Buy: Changes to Help to Buy Equity Loan scheme

The new equity loan scheme is available to first time buyers only and it will run for two years (1 April 2021 – 31 March 2023).

July 17, 2020

Can I avoid letting my property to “DSS” tenants?

Bill Dhariwal asks whether, in view of a recent change in the law, landlords and letting agents must cease refusing to let properties to “DSS” tenants

July 16, 2020

Injured in an accident involving a delivery driver?

Delivery driver accidents in the pandemic

July 15, 2020

What are estate rentcharges?

What're the impacts of Estate Rentcharges on conveyancing transactions?

July 13, 2020

New Stamp Duty Holiday Announced – Your Questions Answered!

Your Questions Answered!

July 10, 2020

Varying maintenance payments due to Covid-19 hardship

Sarah Lightfoot-Webber looks at how we can help you with spousal and child maintenance variations during the Covid-19 pandemic.

July 6, 2020

The ‘blame game’ is ending!

The Divorce, Dissolution and Separation Bill has now received Royal Assent, but what does that mean for you?

July 2, 2020

Commercial Landlord and Tenant Update including the Six-month Deadline for Pursuing Past Tenants and Guarantors

The government has further extended the restrictions on the ability of landlords to recover rent arrears from commercial tenants under business leases.

June 30, 2020

Making a Will after your spouse or partner has died

We explain the importance of making a new Will after your loved one’s death, to protect your financial position now and provide for your loved ones on your own passing.

June 24, 2020

Settling a dispute about matrimonial finances during the pandemic

Sarah Lightfoot-Webber looks at how we can continue to help you achieve financial separation from your spouse during the pandemic.

June 15, 2020

What is Flexible Furlough?

The government’s furlough scheme has been extended from 01 July 2020.

June 11, 2020

Why are Non-UK Residents Buying Property in the UK?

June 9, 2020

Covid-19 – A Quick Guide for Residential Property Landlords and Letting Agents

May 27, 2020

Commercial Rent Recovery – options for commercial landlords during Covid-19

May 27, 2020

How do we get back to work during a pandemic?

The government has published guidance to encourage us back into the workplace.

May 19, 2020

Can I claim for Covid-19 business losses through business interruption insurance cover?

May 11, 2020

Do furlough agreements with my staff need to be in writing?

May 1, 2020

Could carelessness on social media land you in Court?

Have you been accused of posting something defamatory on social media? If so, this article explains what you need to do to limit the chances of being sued.

May 1, 2020

Useful guidance on how hearings will be conducted during the pandemic

April 27, 2020

Can you terminate a business contract due to the Covid-19 outbreak?

April 17, 2020

Key Employment Law Changes in April 2020

Don’t be caught out by changes to employment law due this month, Bill Dhariwal highlights the key reforms

April 16, 2020

How can I get legal documents witnessed during the Covid-19 outbreak?

How are legal documents such as deeds and wills to be signed and witnessed during the covid-19 pandemic? Bill Dhariwal sets out the various options.

April 8, 2020

Family, children and Coronavirus FAQs

Our family lawyers look at some of the frequently asked questions relating to family issues and the coronavirus

April 2, 2020

Position of Commercial Landlords During the Covid-19 Outbreak

The Coronavirus Act 2020

March 31, 2020

Who decides on my care arrangements if I have no power of attorney?

David Roper explains who has the legal right to make care decisions in the absence of a power of attorney

March 31, 2020

A Modern World Calls for Modern Wills

March 31, 2020

Changes to Help to Buy Equity Loan Scheme

The Government’s 2018 budget revealed that there will be changes to the current Help to Buy Equity loan scheme starting from April 2021.

March 31, 2020

Covid-19 – Impact upon Residential Landlords

The Coronavirus Act 2020 and further government guidance have introduced a number of tenant friendly measures in order to lessen the impact of the pandemic.

March 30, 2020

New Government Guidance Issued to Home Movers During the Covid-19 Outbreak

The government have announced in their recently published advice on home moving during the Covid-19 outbreak

March 27, 2020

Should I exchange contracts on my property transaction during the COVID-19 outbreak?

March 20, 2020

Coronavirus – A Checklist for Employers

Preparing for the coronavirus pandemic

March 9, 2020

Flood Risks and Buying Your Home: A Guide for Property Buyers in England and Wales

The Law Society have updated their practice note on flood risks.

March 2, 2020

The Legacy of Grenfell Tower – Cladding and your Legal Rights.

The types of cladding associated with the Grenfell tragedy and the ongoing repercussions for leaseholders

March 2, 2020

Staircasing: A guide to purchasing more shares in your Shared Ownership property

February 21, 2020

Residential Property Law – likely developments in 2020

The government has promised an ambitious programme of legal reform for the residential property sector in 2020.

January 29, 2020

New Standards and Regulations for Solicitors

The legal services market is changing fast. The main regulatory body for solicitors, the Solicitor’s Regulation Authority (SRA), is introducing new standards and regulations in order to keep pace.

October 31, 2019

Making a will after a second or subsequent marriage

We advise making a will or reviewing any existing will whenever your circumstances change significantly – and certainly in the event of engagement, marriage or divorce.

October 9, 2019

A Friendship based in Bricks and Mortar

Lesley Price FCILEx Head of New Homes & Shared Ownership and, Bill Dhariwal, Managing Director, at Lawcomm Solicitors give their thoughts on the modern trend of non-couple co ownership and whether this can be a viable option for buyers struggling to fund a sole purchase.

August 19, 2019

Tax planning for your inheritance

This is a highly complex area of law and you should see a specialist solicitor who specialises in inheritance tax planning.

August 6, 2019

Legacy of Grenfell Tower – Cladding and your rights

Kerry Leigh Upton discusses what types of cladding were associated with the Grenfell tragedy and the repercussions

July 18, 2019

Wills & Probate: Digital Assets

Trying to fit Victorian laws into modern concepts

July 10, 2019

The Impact of Future Leasehold Reform

There are changes to regulations in our sector

July 8, 2019

Hearing the Voice of Children when Parents Separate

Will the courts listen to children when parents separate? Children do not usually have to go to court, but their needs are paramount.

June 24, 2019

Getting vacant possession for redevelopment

A commercial landlord who wants a tenant to leave in order to redevelop must prove that they have a viable scheme and genuinely intend to carry it out.

May 2, 2019

Thinking of getting a divorce?

Representing yourself may sound like a good idea, but...

April 23, 2019

No Fault Divorce

What does it mean for you?

April 11, 2019

Raising enquiries; what does it all mean?

An explanation of the title checks we carry out on your New home.

April 4, 2019

I need to go onto my neighbour’s land to repair my property, but they have refused consent – what rights of access do I have?

Property dispute, neighbour dispute, access to neighbouring land, party wall, boundary dispute, surveyor, mediation.

March 27, 2019

Valuing an Estate for Probate

When someone dies, all the assets in the estate will need to be valued as early as possible – firstly for the probate court and secondly to calculate any inheritance tax.

March 14, 2019