Archive for 2021

The pandemic has seen record numbers of us undertaking DIY projects or getting tradesmen in to improve our homes. Our enthusiasm shows no sign of abating either, with the waiting list for builders stretching into next year. Anna Manning, an Associate in our conveyancing team, agrees this trend is likely to continue and adds some…

A home buyer on an internet forum asked, “What is the pettiest thing your seller has removed?” Most replies are light-hearted: a loo roll holder, the curtain rails, a basketball hoop from above the garage door. Some tell a different story of buyers moving in and discovering missing kitchen units or damage from ripped-out features.…

Read time: 2 mins What is a settlement agreement? A settlement agreement is a legally binding document between an employer and an employee which settles any employment-related claims the employee may have against their employer, for example, in respect of unfair dismissal or discrimination. Settlement agreements can be used in situations where a dispute has…

During the coronavirus (Covid-19) pandemic, employers are obliged to take reasonable steps to protect their employees and workers from harm, including the risk from coronavirus, and that will usually involve carrying out a risk assessment dealing specifically with coronavirus, and reflecting public health regulations and Government guidelines. Risk Assessment As part of that risk assessment,…

If your home is leasehold, you could soon find it cheaper and easier to extend the term of your lease. This will usually make your property more valuable and, depending on how many years your lease has left, it can also make it easier to remortgage and more marketable when you come to sell. As…

Covid-19 has encouraged us to do more online, and this is especially true of the property sector. From estate agents offering virtual viewings to solicitors working remotely, the accelerated use of digital technology has helped us move home safely despite the pandemic. ‘This trend is unlikely to end with the pandemic,’ says Anna Manning, an…

In most places, the property market appears buoyant with prices continuing to rise. Although good news for many, this could make it more difficult if you are looking to get onto the property ladder. If affordability is an issue, one possible solution is to pool resources and to buy with friends or a partner and…

Cohabitation is a term used to describe two people who are in a relationship with each other and are living together but who are not married. There is no such thing as a ‘common law marriage/relationship’. The legal rights of cohabiting couples are very different from those of married couples or civil partners. This is…

What do I mean by mental capacity? Mental capacity is a complex subject but, at its most simplistic, it can be defined as our understanding of a given concept, situation, or predicament. It refers to our ability to be able to weigh up the pros and cons of a situation and make an informed decision.…

Preparing for your divorce appointment – what do I need to bring with me? In order to assist clients with their initial divorce and finance appointments, I thought it useful to list some of the things that would be helpful for the solicitor to have at that first divorce appointment. This is not an exhaustive…