Achieving a Stress-Free Property Move

Buying or selling a house is a thrilling prospect, but let’s be honest, it can also feel a little daunting. Navigating the legalities and potential pitfalls can add unnecessary stress to what should be an exciting time. The good news is, whether you’re taking your first step onto the property ladder or moving onto a […]

Refusing an Inheritance

Understanding Disclaimers The recent court case, White v Williams [2025] EWHC 115 (Ch), has highlighted a common problem in dealing with Wills: what happens when someone doesn’t want their inheritance? This case, involving the estate of the late Elfed Williams, highlights the potential for ambiguity and dispute when informal communications are relied upon to establish […]

Unpacking the Government’s Commonhold Revolution

What the White Paper Means for You The Government’s recently released white paper outlining significant reforms to commonhold ownership signalled its intention to move forward with legislation as quickly as possible. The reforms aim to empower leaseholders and provide a viable alternative to the often-problematic leasehold system. This move sparked considerable discussion within the property […]

The Unforeseen Reality of Intestacy

Dying Without a Will We often hear about the importance of having a Will, but what happens when life takes an unexpected turn and there isn’t one? It’s a scenario far more common than many realise. Here, the law steps in, but its framework—known as the rules of intestacy—can lead to outcomes that might surprise […]

The Alarming Rise of Property Fraud

Is Your Home at Risk? The dream of homeownership is a cornerstone of British life. But what if that dream turned into a nightmare, not through leaky pipes or noisy neighbours, but through the insidious and devastating crime of property fraud? Sadly, this is a growing reality in the UK. So, homeowners need to be […]

Switching from Joint Tenants to Tenants in Common

Usually, couples who buy a house together do so as joint tenants. This means they both own the whole property, and ownership automatically transfers to the survivor when one dies. However, circumstances may lead couples to consider changing ownership to ‘tenants in common’. And how you hold a property can have significant legal and financial […]

Tying the Knot and Tying Up Loose Ends

Inheritance Tax and Your Spouse or Civil Partner For many couples, marriage or civil partnership celebrates love and commitment. However, beyond this emotional bond, we often overlook vital legal and financial implications, especially inheritance tax (IHT). Understanding these implications is essential for ensuring your assets pass to loved ones as you wish and for easing […]

Choose Your Executors Wisely

An Executor’s Responsibility is Not to be Taken Lightly Planning for the future is never easy, but it’s crucial to ensure your wishes are respected and your loved ones are protected. A key part of this planning involves appointing executors in your Will. Executors are responsible for administering your estate after you’re gone, which requires […]

Why You Need Lasting Powers of Attorney, Whatever Your Age

It’s easy to think serious illnesses or accidents only happen to others. But unexpected events can occur at any age, potentially leaving us unable to make decisions for ourselves. This is where Lasting Powers of Attorney (LPAs) become essential, and everyone, regardless of age, should consider them. LPAs aren’t just for older individuals; impairment can […]

The Key to Your Dream Home

The Process of Buying a House Embarking on the journey to homeownership in the UK? While the idea of cosy evenings and decorating dreams is appealing, the reality involves careful planning and execution. Here, we’ve set out a clear roadmap, outlining the key steps to make your house purchase as smooth as possible. Laying the […]

Court Upholds Mother’s Best Interests in LPA Decision

A Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA) is a vital legal tool that allows you to appoint someone you trust to make crucial decisions for you if you become unable to do so. This provides peace of mind for you and your loved ones. However, the recent case of Norfolk County Council v CA and others […]

You Have a Will, But Do You Have an Up-To-Date Asset Log?

Why a Log is Crucial for Your Estate You may have already taken the responsible step of creating a Will. This ensures your wishes are known and has given you peace of mind. But having a Will isn’t the whole story. Creating and maintaining an up-to-date, detailed asset log is a crucial, often overlooked task. […]

Supporting Decision-Making When Capacity Varies

Oldham v KZ and the Challenges of Fluctuating Capacity The recent case of Oldham Metropolitan Borough Council v KZ & Ors [2024] EWCOP 72 (T3) highlights the intricate legal challenges surrounding fluctuating capacity. This case, concerning a young deaf man with intermittent capacity, underlines the difficulties faced by the Court of Protection and legal practitioners […]

Supreme Court Clarifies Success Fees in Inheritance Disputes

A Family Divided: Hirachand v Hirachand [2024] UKSC 43 The Supreme Court’s recent decision in Hirachand v Hirachand [2024] UKSC 43 significantly impacts “no win, no fee” agreements, also known as Conditional Fee Agreements (CFAs). This ruling has important implications for law firms and clients, particularly regarding success fees in inheritance disputes. Background of the Case […]

Supporting the Next Generation

The Best Ways to Support Your Family Financially Want to give the next generation a financial head start? You’re not alone. Recent research from Savills shows that families funded over £9 billion worth of property purchases in 2023. Furthermore, a study by the Institute for Fiscal Studies found that over an eight-year period, around 30% […]

Make a Will Your Priority in 2025

Protecting your loved ones is a year-round responsibility. However, the New Year offers a unique opportunity to ensure your family is looked after by making a Will one of your top priorities. While joining a gym and adopting healthy eating habits are undoubtedly worthwhile, making or updating your Will should be at the top of […]

From Fish Fingers to Fortune

Charity Wins in Unusual Will Case A recent High Court case involving a Will written by hand on the back of two food boxes (one that had contained Young’s frozen fish and the other Mr Kipling’s mince pies) has resulted in a significant windfall for a charitable organisation. This unusual case highlights the importance of […]

Is a Will Trust Right for You?

Protecting Your Family and Legacy Planning for the future can be daunting, especially concerning your loved ones. How can you ensure they are provided for after you’re gone? Establishing a Will trust is becoming increasingly popular, but is it the right choice for you? What is a Will Trust? A Will trust functions as a […]

Lack of Capacity and Undue Influence in Oliver v Oliver

Family Feud Leads to Overturned Will A recent decision in the High Court case, Oliver v Oliver [2024] EWHC 2289 (Ch), highlights the complexities of inheritance disputes, the critical importance of testamentary capacity, and the absence of undue influence, even when a solicitor drafts a Will and a medical professional witnesses it. Background of the […]

Need a Notary? Understanding This Essential Legal Service

Have you ever wondered what a notary public actually does? You may be surprised to learn that it involves more than just stamps and signatures! Notaries are highly trained legal professionals who provide peace of mind by verifying your documents and ensuring they meet legal requirements wherever you need them. Who Needs a Notary? Individuals […]