Our views.

The Supreme Court has yesterday ruled that under UK equality law, the terms “man,” “woman,” and “sex” refer to biological sex, not gender identity. This decision has significant consequences for employers, particularly in relation to workplace policies, hiring, and inclusion initiatives. Background: How did we get here? The Supreme Court case arose initially from a Scottish law which was intended to improve female representation on public boards. However, that law…

A new Skills and Employment Survey, carried out by researchers from Cardiff, Oxford, Surrey, and University College London, offers valuable insights into how the world of work in the UK is evolving. The study, funded by organisations such as ACAS, gathered responses from 5,450 individuals through a combination of online and in-person interviews—the first such survey since 2019. Changing experiences in the workplace One of the most striking findings is…

Today is National Pet Day, and it’s all about celebrating the joy, loyalty and unconditional love our furry, feathery (or even scaly!) companions bring into our lives. For many, pets are more than just animals – they’re family. But how are they treated when it comes to family law and financial remedy proceedings? So, how do the courts view pets? It might come as a surprise to many devoted pet…

The new year brings fresh excitement, and as we move into spring—a season of new beginnings—it’s the perfect time for couples to start thinking about taking the next step and buying a home together. Whether you’re planning to cohabit for the first time or are already living together, moving in together is a big and exciting milestone. But alongside all the excitement, it’s also important to consider the legal practicalities…

Applying for planning permission is a crucial step in property development across the UK. In simple terms, development includes any building, engineering, mining, or significant changes in how a building or land is used. Since conveyancers are not usually involved in the early planning stages, some key legal aspects can be overlooked. Failing to consider these legal factors can lead to unexpected costs, disputes, or, in extreme cases, the demolition…

From the 8th April 2025, the Ministry of Justice is implementing increases to 171 court and tribunal fees in line with changes to the Consumer Price Index (CPI). Most fees will rise by 3.2%, while a smaller number will see an increase of 13.5%. For family law matters, the key fee changes are as follows: If you are considering making an application to the Court, you may wish to do…

On 17th December 2024, the Law Commission released the much-awaited Scoping Report titled Financial Remedies on Divorce and Dissolution. The aim was not to make recommendations on how the current law should be changed but to identify existing issues, assess whether reform is necessary, and consider potential methods for future reform. At present, most decisions in financial remedy cases following the breakdown of a marriage or civil partnership are based…

With spring half-term just around the corner, it’s a great time to start thinking ahead. For separated parents, school holidays present an opportunity to spend quality time with their children, but they can also come with their own set of challenges. With some careful planning and a willingness to be flexible, it’s possible to create arrangements that work for everyone. Every family is unique There’s no one-size-fits-all solution when it…

Purchasing a property at auction can be an exciting opportunity, often presenting buyers with the chance to secure a bargain. However, it’s crucial to understand the process and potential risks involved before raising your paddle. Unlike traditional property purchases, when the auctioneer’s hammer falls, contracts are immediately exchanged, legally binding the buyer to complete on a set date—typically with a non-refundable 10% deposit of the purchase price payable upfront. If…

Romantic relationships in the workplace can be a tricky issue for some employers—balancing the right to privacy while ensuring that any impact or difficulties arising from a romantic relationship, or its breakdown, are professionally and sensitively managed. Most relationships at work tend not to cause significant issues. However, if problems do arise, employers ought to be prepared to address them, as they could result in tribunal claims. Employers may be…

This year, Family Mediation Week runs from 27th to 31st January 2025. The focus is on raising awareness about how family mediation works and the benefits it offers to separating families. It encourages separating parties to communicate effectively and helps create a positive future for their family. What is Family Mediation? Family mediation is a process in which an independent, professionally trained mediator assists separating couples in reaching agreements regarding…

One of the most frequent questions we hear from clients is: How quickly can a transaction be completed? This question is particularly significant for individuals purchasing newly built homes, as these transactions often involve unpredictable timelines and tight deadlines. While we strive to meet deadlines and work as efficiently as possible, buying a newly built property is a complex process. The conveyancing process for new builds requires a deeper understanding…

When planning your Will, you may come across the term ‘No Contest’ clause, also known as a ‘Forfeiture Clause.’ But what does it mean, and why might it be worth considering? Simply put, a ‘No Contest’ clause is a provision you can include in your Will to discourage beneficiaries from challenging its validity or disputing your wishes. If a beneficiary contests your Will and their challenge is unsuccessful, they could…

While the Christmas break is, for many, a time to enjoy the festivities and family gatherings, it can also be a time when cracks in relationships begin to show. Underlying issues that might typically be overlooked can come to the forefront, leading some couples to consider separation or divorce. As a result, solicitors often see an influx of enquiries in the New Year as people seek advice on their options….

The festive season is in full swing, with many couples planning to pop the question or hoping for a sparkling ring under the tree. For those who say yes, and begin the new year engaged, 2025 will be focused on planning their wedding. Engagements and wedding planning, while romantic and exciting, come with significant costs. Amidst an ongoing financial pressure within the current economic climate, many engaged couples are now…

As 2024 comes to an end, we can reflect on the significant political and economic changes that have shaped workplaces nationwide, setting the stage for a transformative 2025. Key issues like unfair dismissal rights, extended claim limitation periods, trade union rights and sexual harassment preventions are poised to dominate the headlines in the new year. So, what can we expect? Employment Rights Bill We must of course commence with the…

The employee, Jones, worked as a part-time administrator for a blinds and curtains company since 2021. Whilst handling multiple complaints from a particular customer, Jones sent an email intended for her colleague, the Installations Manager, asking “Hi Karl, can you change this, he’s a t**t so it doesn’t matter if you can’t”. Jones inadvertently sent this email, by clicking reply, directly back to the customer instead of forwarding it to…

If you have commercial property to sell, you can maximise your returns by doing the hard yards before putting the asset on the market. The more potential problems that you and your solicitor can identify and head off at the outset, the better chance of a smooth sale and a decent price on the deal. Here are some vital things to keep in mind… How to prepare After getting a…