Blogs
How to protect your loved ones from inheritance disputes
Inheritance disputes are on the rise, with more than one in five UK adults saying they would consider challenging a will or inheritance if they felt it was unfair or did not reflect the deceased’s intentions. Higher property valuations are adding fuel to potential feuds over estates. Meanwhile....
When separated parents disagree on children’s screen use: practical steps to find a way forward?
When parents separate, differences in approach can quickly move from manageable to problematic. One of the most common areas of disagreement is children’s use of phones, tablets and social media, where even small differences in view can lead to ongoing tension between households. Why separ....
Putting children at the centre of family court: will it work in practice?
Recent focus on placing children more firmly at the centre of family court proceedings reflects a growing awareness of the pressures children face. While the intention is clearly the right one, the key question is how this approach will work in practice within an already stretched system. Th....
The pitfalls of free charity Wills: what should you consider?
Free Will writing services offered by charities can appear to be a straightforward and generous option, particularly where there is no upfront cost. However, these schemes are not always as simple as they first seem. It is important to understand how they work, and the potential pitfalls, before de....
NS&I scandal: What it means for you
National Savings and Investments (NS&I), owned by the government, has admitted to administrative errors which prevented families from accessing their deceased relatives' savings. In some cases, bereaved families have been struggling to access their loved one’s funds and denied payouts for ....
Right to bid versus right to buy: new rules set to impact the sale of community assets
New community right to buy rules could delay the sale of protected buildings and land Pubs, theatres, community centres. These and other Assets of Community Value (ACV) in England could soon be subject to stricter laws controlling their sale and development. In this blog, the Co....
Why it’s so crucial to treat meningitis promptly
The recent meningitis outbreak in Kent has highlighted the dangers of meningococcal disease, which can lead to meningitis. At least 20 young people have been infected and, tragically, two individuals have died. It is thought that the young people were exposed to the disease in a nightclub. Bu....
Knowing the duties associated with being a trustee
Being a trustee is more than a title – it’s a role that comes with a range of legal duties and responsibilities. It is therefore essential to understand what is involved before you accept. What is a trustee? When someone sets up a trust, they must appoint one or more trustees to manag....
Your country escape awaits. Here’s what you need to do first
Are you planning your dream escape to the country? Whilst there will no doubt be an abundance of benefits, there may also be some challenges with your new home. In this post, we break down some of the key things you and your conveyancer need to know about. Rights of access One important l....
How will commercial property reforms impact high street landlords?
The future of local high streets has reached a tipping point – 67% of Britons already believe they are dying. And they could be right: almost 13,000 shops closed in 2024. It is not just retailers that are struggling. The growth of online shopping and economic pressures mean that commercial lan....
From leasehold to commonhold: what does it mean for residential and commercial properties?
Landmark legislation has been put forward to transform the leasehold system in England and Wales. Although the changes are expected to mainly impact residential flats, there could be repercussions for mixed-use buildings too. In this blog, the Residential and Commercial Property teams at Attwaters ....
Selling a shared ownership property back to the housing association
Selling your share in a shared ownership property involves navigating a strict set of rules. In extraordinary circumstances, such as those ongoing in Stratford Halo, where hundreds of residents have been moved out of their homes, residents get a chance to sell their share back to the housing associ....
