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Insights

When Should I Review My Will? Part 1

Posted on 07th November 2023 in Probate & Wills, Later Life Planning

The importance of making a Will which reflects your wishes is therefore paramount but, after making your Will, when should you consider reviewing whether it still reflects your wishes particularly if your circumstances have changed.   

Posted by

Sue Halfyard

Partner & Chartered Legal Executive

Insights

Public rights of way over private land: what are they?

Posted on 01st November 2023 in Rural Property & Countryside Matters, Property Litigation

One of the joys of living in the southwest is the access to the countryside that can be enjoyed. Many people will make regular use of the network of paths and trails - for the morning dog walk, for a lengthy weekend ramble or perhaps for something as simple as a shortcut to school – without ever giving their existence much thought.

Posted by

Joanne Young

Senior Associate & Solicitor

Insights

Can a Financial Consent Order Be Signed by a Lasting Power of Attorney?

Posted on 31st October 2023 in Family Law, Later Life Planning

A Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA) can be put into place by a donor (the person appointing the LPA) at any stage of their life and it allows the LPA to make decisions about both the donors property and financial affairs should they lose the mental capacity to make those decisions themselves.

Posted by

Sophie Charlton-Rigg

Paralegal

Insights

A Parent’s Perspective of Bringing a Group B Strep Claim

Posted on 30th October 2023 in Medical Negligence

In this article, written with a mother whose son suffered from a GBS infection shortly after birth, we look at what it is like to bring a case where your child has been affected by GBS.

Posted by

Simon Mansfield

Partner and Solicitor

Insights

What is a ‘Letter of Claim’?

Posted on 26th October 2023 in Dispute Resolution

If you have a claim against someone, it is important that you send a letter to the prospective defendant setting out full details of your claim. This is called a ‘Letter of Claim’ or “Letter Before Action”. 

Posted by

Jack Matthews

Trainee Solicitor

Insights

An Improved Housing Health and Safety Rating System Is in the Offing

Posted on 26th October 2023 in Dispute Resolution

The majority of people involved in the rented housing sector (both private and public) in England will encounter the Housing Health and Safety Rating System (“HHSRS”) from time to time.

Posted by

Joanne Young

Senior Associate & Solicitor

Insights

Can I Appoint a Guardian for My Child in My Will?

Posted on 26th October 2023 in Probate & Wills, Later Life Planning

If you have a child or children under the age of 18, you may have thought about appointing a guardian. But what exactly would this entail, both for you and for them?

Posted by

Sophie-Dominique Waddie

Paralegal

Insights

Is a Promise Legally Enforceable? 

Posted on 24th October 2023 in Dispute Resolution

All too often, family members make promises to other family members relating to their property. Further, in reliance on those promises and assurances, those family members suffer some kind of detriment in expectation of receiving the specified property or assets.

Posted by

Martin Laver

Partner and Solicitor

Insights

What’s the Difference Between an Attorney and a Deputy?

Posted on 24th October 2023 in Probate & Wills, Later Life Planning

The day-to-day steps taken by attorneys and deputies are quite similar – but there are some important differences. This question-and-answer document may help to answer some of the more frequent questions people have. 

Insights

Can I Use ChatGPT to Write a Letter of Claim?

Posted on 24th October 2023 in Dispute Resolution

ChatGPT can be a helpful tool to assist with drafting. You provide clear instructions and context for the document you need to draft, and it will come back with some wording which may be a helpful starting point. For parties who want to launch into litigation over a dispute, the temptation can therefore be to try to start that process by using ChatGPT to prepare the letter of claim. However, that can have significant consequences.

Posted by

Jessica Whittick

Solicitor

Insights

Should I Transfer My Home to My Children?

Posted on 24th October 2023 in Probate & Wills, Later Life Planning

For many people, the family home is their principal asset and a question which we regularly get asked by our clients is whether they should give away their property, or whether they should put it into joint names with their children.

Posted by

Naomi Hoare

Senior Associate & Solicitor

Insights

A breast cancer case study

Posted on 20th October 2023 in Medical Negligence

Michelle Beckett reflects on the case of Mrs S, where sadly despite her reporting a breast lump and being seen by her GP on 3 occasions, the appropriate action was not taken until the 3rd appointment and it was argued that this negatively impacted on her long term treatment and prognosis.

Posted by

Michelle Beckett

Senior Associate & Solicitor