All
The importance of pre-nuptial agreements
Pre-nuptial agreements are often dismissed as being “unromantic”. However, research from the Marriage Foundation shows that they neither increase nor reduce the risk of divorce. At Attwaters, we understand that separating seems unimaginable when you are happily engaged, but we do strongly recom....
Continue reading The importance of pre-nuptial agreements....
Making gifts as an attorney or deputy
Gift-giving is a common estate planning that can reduce the value of an estate for Inheritance Tax (IHT) purposes and ensure assets are used according to the donor's wishes during their lifetime. However, gift-giving needs to be carefully planned and dealt with cautiously. If you are an attorney or....
Continue reading Making gifts as an attorney or deputy....
How to make use of Taper Relief for Inheritance Tax
As well as being the UK’s least popular tax, Inheritance Tax (IHT) is known by many as a thicket of exemptions and complexities. Anyone who has ever been involved in estate planning will know that navigating tax-free allowances, IHT exemptions and lifetime gifting rules is not simple. This post d....
Continue reading How to make use of Taper Relief for Inhe....
Advantages of eco-friendly homes
In recent years, eco-friendly homes have increased in popularity, with 76% of potential buyers looking for homes with sustainable features according to Confused.com Energy. In our latest Private Wealth Guide, we featured luxurious homes in Essex and Hertfordshire that don’t compromise on sustaina....
Continue reading Advantages of eco-friendly homes....
The importance of trusts in wills
We understand that it can feel overwhelming putting your affairs in order. There are many factors to consider when making a will, so it can be tempting to disregard using trusts due to the common assumption that they are complex. However, they are a valuable way of managing your assets that should ....
Continue reading The importance of trusts in wills....
How to stop the clock on village or town green status
Under longstanding legislation, local residents can claim usage rights over open spaces they use for recreational purposes. This rule, known as village or town green status, can seriously hinder plans for future development of land over which such usage rights are being claimed. However, the pen....
Continue reading How to stop the clock on village or town....
The legacy of wealthy philanthropists in Hertfordshire and Essex
In this year’s Private Wealth Guide, we dug deeper into the philanthropists who have used their wealth for good, helping to make Hertfordshire and Essex the thriving counties they are today. In our Hertfordshire Guide, we spotlighted John Apthorp CBE, who died recently in July 2024 after dedicati....
Continue reading The legacy of wealthy philanthropists in....
Leasehold reform – commencement dates announced
As you know, the Leasehold Enfranchisement team at Attwaters has been closely monitoring new developments in leasehold law for several years now. The highly anticipated Leasehold and Freehold Reform Act 2024 (LAFRA) gained Royal Assent earlier this year; however, the vast majority of the provisions....
Continue reading Leasehold reform – commencement dates ....
How changes to Inheritance Tax reliefs could impact you
October saw one of the most anticipated Budgets that many of our clients have faced in recent years, with much speculation on the future of Inheritance Tax (IHT). And, as expected, Chancellor Rachel Reeves did indeed announce changes to both Business Property Relief (BPR) and Agricultural Proper....
Continue reading How changes to Inheritance Tax reliefs c....
Landowners beware of land thieves (otherwise known as squatters, trespassers and land grabbers).
It is extremely important that landowners understand in what circumstances unscrupulous people can steal control and ownership of their land, and/or gain legal rights over it, without having paid for that ownership or those rights. Tina Dobbs, Senior Associate, in our Commercial Property Department....
Continue reading Landowners beware of land thieves (other....
Ockenden report – Shrewsbury and Telford Hospital NHS Trust
Here at Attwaters Solicitors we have been following the progress of the Ockenden Report with much interest. The campaigning by the affected families has been truly inspirational. The long-awaited report examining the failures of the maternity services provided by Shrewsbury and Telford....
Continue reading Ockenden report – Shrewsbury and Telfo....
Should I wait to extend my lease?
Although the Leasehold and Freehold Reform Act became law in May 2024, most of its provisions haven’t yet come into effect. To wait or not to wait? One of the main questions our Leasehold Enfranchisement team is currently being asked by clients is whether or not it makes sense to wait u....
Continue reading Should I wait to extend my lease?....
The Leasehold and Freehold Reform Act 2024: Your guide to the reforms
The Leasehold and Freehold Reform Act, which became law on 24 May 2024, is a long-awaited piece of legislation designed to make it easier and cheaper for leaseholders to extend their lease or purchase the freehold of their building. Despite the Act already being law, no commencement date has yet be....
Continue reading The Leasehold and Freehold Reform Act 20....
Read this before taking your 25% tax-free lump sum
With speculation swirling about the Labour government’s first Budget, it is unsurprising that rumoured cuts to pension taxation are causing concern amongst savers. Currently, it is being speculated that Labour will reduce the maximum tax-free lump sum amount to just £100,000, down from the curre....
Continue reading Read this before taking your 25% tax-fre....
Landlord/tenant law in practice: how courts interpret the Landlord and Tenant Act 1954
The Landlord and Tenant Act 1954 (LTA 1954) provides business tenants in England and Wales with what is called ‘Security of Tenure’. Unless the parties to a tenancy/lease contract out of these ‘Security of Tenure’ provisions, tenants have the right to renew their lease on substantially the ....
Continue reading Landlord/tenant law in practice: how cou....
Understanding settlement agreements: A guide for small businesses employers
As a small business owner, navigating the complexities of employment law can often feel overwhelming, especially when it comes to managing difficult employee situations. Whether you are facing a redundancy situation, disciplinary issue, or potential litigation, one legal tool that can provide a res....
Continue reading Understanding settlement agreements: A g....
Elevating Attwaters Solicitors: The Legal 500 recognises exceptional solicitors
The Legal 500, a highly respected legal directory, released its latest rankings, and it’s exciting news for Attwaters! With the Legal 500 Solicitors announcement still fresh, we’re thrilled to share that our Clinical Negligence team has been ranked in Tier 3. Above all this recogni....
Continue reading Elevating Attwaters Solicitors: The Lega....
Ground rent issues and Labour’s Renters’ Rights Bill
We have been closely following the progress of the government’s Renters’ Rights Bill, which was recently introduced to Parliament. In this blog, we will be delving further into the impact that the proposed legislation will have on flats with long leases (for example, where individuals have p....
Continue reading Ground rent issues and Labour’s Renter....
Renters Rights Bill will be in place “around summer next year”
It is the government’s hope that the Renters Rights Bill, a landmark piece of legislation designed to outlaw no-fault evictions, will be in place by summer next year. This is according to Housing Minister Matthew Pennycook, who said to BBC Breakfast: “We hope [the legislation] will make very qu....
Continue reading Renters Rights Bill will be in place “....
Securing your business legacy: The role of Wills, LPAs, and trusts in passing on a business
As a business owner, planning for the future extends beyond your retirement or exit strategy. Ensuring that your business is passed on smoothly and efficiently in the event of your death or incapacity is crucial to maintaining its value and continuity. This requires careful consideration of your Wi....
Continue reading Securing your business legacy: The role ....
