Legislation allowing video-witnessing of wills comes to an end

Legislation allowing the video-witnessing wills has ended, leading to an increase in inheritance disputes. The temporary legislation was introduced during the pandemic, but, due to “special circumstances no longer applying” the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Justice, Lord Bellamy, has announced its end. Inheritance disputes have been a major consequence of the legislation with many […]

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Rise in joint mortgages. Have you protected yourself?

Recent analysis from Halifax highlighted that two thirds of first-time buyers are now buying a property with someone, with 63% of mortgage completions now in joint names. With this in mind, it is increasingly important to draft a legal document, with the help of a professional solicitor, to ensure all parties are protected in case […]

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Rise in the number of inheritance disputes entering UK courts

Increasing asset prices and a rise in dementia cases are contributing to a surge in the number of inheritance disputes heading to court in England and Wales. Here we share some advice on how to avoid a dispute over inheritance. Similarly, read our latest guidance on contested probate, where we answer the frequently asked questions […]

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UK government set to drop forced mediation plan for separating couples

Proposals for mandatory mediation sessions for separating couples in England and Wales are set to be scrapped after objections from dispute professionals. The mandatory mediation sessions were deemed a good idea by ministers to help reduce pressure on the family justice system and cut court delays. However, many family dispute professionals spoke out about their […]

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73% of home sellers more motivated to sell in 2024, research reveals

New research* has found that selling a home in 2024 is a key priority for many in 2024. While 38% of home sellers admitted to having put off their plans to move, 73% are now more motivated to do so in 2024. In conjunction with this, the latest Bank of England data revealed that mortgage […]

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Join us for a free legal talk

From wills, to ways to protect your assets join our partners, Maria James  and Catherine Crabtree, for a free legal talk on finding the right solutions for you and your family. Following the success of our wills and probate library talk back in November, we are pleased to announce that we will be hosting another […]

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Latest ONS statistics show marriage rates drop below 50%

The proportion of people aged 16 or older in England and Wales who are married or in a civil partnership has dropped to 49.4%, according to the latest statistics from The Office for National Statistics (ONS). This is the first time ever that this figure has dropped below 50%. According to the report, couples living […]

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Financial Worries Top List of Concerns For Divorced Parents

A new YouGov survey has revealed that divorced parents say financial matters are the biggest challenge they face in managing their children with their ex-spouse. A quarter of divorced parents said financial matters were their biggest challenge (as a co-parenting challenge). Also featured on the list was contact or visitation matters, parenting styles, holidays, dealing […]

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Is a 99% mortgage scheme a good idea?

Rumours of a prospective 99% mortgage scheme ahead of the Spring Statement on 6 March. The scheme, reportedly supported by Rishi Sunak and Jeremy Hunt, would allow borrowers to put down a 1% deposit on their first home. Along with the extended mortgage guarantee scheme, this is another step foorward for first-time buyers to get […]

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Surge in mortgage applications and increase in buyer demand

Promising news for the property market, with an increase in mortgage applications, property listings, and buyer confidence. According to recent reports, there has been a near 20% increase in mortgage application submissions and the average price of properties entering the market has risen by 1.3% to £359,748 – the largest January increase since 2020. This […]

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