Blogs

Civil partnership bill expected to become law before the end of the year

For couples who dislike the idea of traditional marriage, but would like full legal recognition of their relationship, the news that opposite-sex couples will soon be able to enter into civil partnerships will be welcomed. This move is designed to address the imbalance that allows same-sex couples ....

Children and divorce – how to co-parent them through the pain

As you might expect, children often find their parent’s divorce a time of great sadness that inevitably brings a huge number of changes into their lives. They are likely to suffer a range of emotions ranging from disbelief to anxiety, anger and distress; research has shown that the first year or ....

I’ve been served with a section 215 notice, what do I need to do?

These notices are part of the provisions contained in the Town and Country Planning Act 1990, and give a local planning authority (LPA) power in certain circumstances to require that land or buildings are cleaned up or repaired if they consider their condition adversely affects the amenity of the a....

How to bequeath your personal possessions

The chances are that you will have personal possessions that you’d like to be handed on to your family and friends when you die. For example, you may want family jewellery to go to your daughter, a piece of furniture to a cousin, or a particular book or picture to be given to a close friend. If t....

How do Section 278 Agreements work?

Highway infrastructure is often a critical component of any proposed new housing development, and these agreements, which form part of the Highways Act 1980, are used to make changes to an existing public highway. The need for highway agreements is often identified within a Section 106 Agreement o....

Will your digital legacy live on? Tips on dealing with your virtual assets

Writing a Will has traditionally been about who will inherit your tangible assets - your money, property and personal possessions. Today, the chances are you’ll also need to consider what should happen to your digital legacy. Many of us now rely heavily on technology to maintain our day-to-day af....

Equity release – the questions we’re frequently asked

Figures from the Equity Release Council show that those aged over 55 are relying more than ever before on the wealth tied up in their houses. Whilst downsizing to a smaller property might be the answer for some, moving home can be a stressful and costly process, and there’s a widespread shortage ....

Can you ever have a ‘good’ divorce?

Yes, you can. Whilst it might sound like a paradox, it is possible to have a civilised parting of the ways following the irretrievable breakdown of a marriage. That’s not to say that it will be easy; ending a relationship never is, but there are steps you can take to minimise the pain and suf....

Setting up home with a partner – the legal advice couples need

Deciding to move in together is an exciting time. These days, many couples live together before they get married, or choose not to get married at all. However, one of the most important things to be aware of is that, contrary to public opinion, ‘common law marriage’ doesn’t actually exist i....

Equity Release – the myths dispelled

Homeowners aged over 55 who purchased their property a few years ago are likely to find that it’s risen a lot in value. If they don’t want to downsize to release the cash, equity release is a way of giving them access to their money while they continue to live in their home. A growing....

Freeholders and lease extension – fulfilling your obligations whilst safeguarding your rights

Many leasehold properties were built in the housing booms of the last century, meaning that their leases are fast approaching the point where there is less than 80 years left to run. It’s at this point that these properties become more difficult to sell, and consequently freeholders can expect to ....

Can divorce be a “meal ticket for life”?

England, particularly London, has long been dubbed the “divorce capital of the world” as English courts have in the past had a reputation around the world for awarding generous payouts to the financially weaker party in a divorce; financial awards made in other European countries are generally m....