Insights

Extension of shared ownership leases by existing owners

Posted on 22nd December 2021 in Affordable Housing

The Governments proposal to reform the shared ownership model is set to include all new leases being granted for 990 years, instead of the current 99 or 125 years.

Posted by

Jenny Lloyd

Senior Associate & Solicitor

Insights

Probate grants averaging nine weeks to be issued

Posted on 21st December 2021 in Probate & Wills

The latest family court statistics for England and Wales show 58,642 grants of were issued between July and September 2021, with a record number of 82% being made through the new digital application system, compared to only 46% in the same quarter in 2020.

Posted by

Gráinne Staunton

Partner & Solicitor

Insights

Hospital required to take action following deaths of four patients after gallstone procedure complications

Posted on 21st December 2021 in Medical Negligence

Within six months of each other, after receiving the same gallstone procedure, four patients died and action has been demanded by a coroner to prevent further deaths.

Posted by

Endurance Arthur

Partner and Solicitor

Insights

Beneficiary witnesses and void gifts in a Will – new rules needed to include cohabiting couples

Posted on 20th December 2021 in Probate & Wills

There are strict rules in place for witnessing Wills. One of these rules is that if the spouse or civil partner of a beneficiary witnesses the Will then the gift to the beneficiary in the Will is void.

Posted by

Sue Halfyard

Partner & Chartered Legal Executive

Insights

Refusal of CIL due to housing providers 106 agreement

Posted on 13th December 2021 in Affordable Housing

In this High Court case the judge stated that "whilst affordable housing is generally desirable in policy terms, it does not follow that more affordable housing is always desirable without limit".

Posted by

Alex McKerron

Associate & Chartered Legal Executive

Insights

West Devon housing tenants could receive money if they downsize

Posted on 13th December 2021 in Affordable Housing

In a move to tackle a shortage of affordable housing for families, West Devon Borough councillors have backed a move which would give those living in rented properties thousands of pounds if they downsize.

Posted by

Stephen Burtchaell

Partner and Solicitor

Insights

NHS report reveals decade of failings in vulnerable mans care

Posted on 10th December 2021 in Medical Negligence

Mr Treacey lived his life in the care of the NHS and social care authorities, but experienced an “unacceptably poor quality of life” and was not kept safe from harm and NHS report has found.

Posted by

Simon Mansfield

Partner and Solicitor

Insights

Can You Bring a Claim Arguing You Should Never Have Been Conceived?

Posted on 08th December 2021 in Medical Negligence

Para-showjumper who sued mother's GP claiming she 'should never have been born' wins landmark case.

Posted by

Michelle Beckett

Senior Associate & Solicitor

Insights

Can you run a workplace raffle or bingo?

Posted on 08th December 2021 in Employment

A great way to simultaneously raise money for your organisation’s chosen charity and boost workplace morale may be to run a raffle, bingo or similar ‘lottery’, and the current festive period may seem like the perfect time to do so. However, you may find there are unexpected rules you have to comply with.

Posted by

Stephen Jennings

Partner and Solicitor

Insights

Couple’s baby died in the womb following mistakes made by maternity staff

Posted on 07th December 2021 in Medical Negligence

As a result of the mistakes which lead to their baby’s death, Mr and Mrs Hawkins have now received a £2.8m pay out which is believed to be the largest payout for negligence relating to a stillbirth.

Posted by

Simon Mansfield

Partner and Solicitor

Insights

Catalogue of errors led to six year old girl dying of sepsis

Posted on 30th November 2021 in Medical Negligence

In July 2017 six year old Coco Bradford died in a Bristol hospital after receiving treatment at the Royal Cornwall Hospital in Truro. An independent report has previously criticised the hospital and those involved as they missed opportunities save the young girl’s life.

Posted by

Endurance Arthur

Partner and Solicitor

Insights

Who gets the house in a divorce?

Posted on 29th November 2021 in Family Law

Separation is never easy, but if you and your former partner own property together, the situation can be even more complicated.

Posted by