The idea of writing a will can be a difficult consideration for many people. Yet perhaps what is more distressing is the thought of leaving loved ones without the financial security you would have wished…
Changes to probate fees: soaring fees and upfront payments could leave many in financial hardship
From April 2019, there will be changes to probate fees in England and Wales, the government has announced. The changes, which will see a new fee structure implemented, are said to leave many out of…
What the changes to stamp duty mean for first time buyers of shared ownership properties
Chancellor Phillip Hammond announced during the 2018 budget that first time buyers in shared ownership homes will no longer have to pay stamp duty land tax on the first £300,000 of homes that cost up…
Hutchinson Thomas expertise recognized in Legal 500
Law firm Hutchinson Thomas, which has offices in Swansea and Neath, has achieved top tier ranking in one of its key practice areas and has been recommended in seven others in the latest Legal 500…
Legal action over non-disclose of Huntington’s disease could shake up patient confidentiality
Major changes to patient confidentiality could be on the horizon as a woman brings a case against a London Hospital after its failure to disclose her father’s hereditary disease before having her own child. The…
The little-known property law that can prevent you getting a mortgage
Existing and would-be homeowners have been warned that a little-known conveyancing law could prevent them securing a mortgage on a property – and affect its marketability when they sell. Adrian Morley, a specialist in residential…
Why new energy laws may slash the value of your property
Many homeowners and landlords are unaware that new laws designed to make homes and commercial premises more energy efficient could have a negative impact on the value of their properties, Rob Howells, a specialist in…
New legislation that could prevent you from re-claiming legal aid
People suing for personal injuries such as ‘whiplash’ will no longer be able to claim back the legal costs after a court case, when a new law is passed in April 2020 – will this…
Why franchising could be the right option for you
It can represent an efficient way to quickly grow an existing business – or a low risk way of becoming your own boss. Franchising is growing rapidly in the UK, with good reason. The UK…
A high-profile ruling but heterosexual civil partnerships are still illegal
A recent high-profile ruling by the Supreme Court case stated that restricting civil partnerships to same-sex couples is discriminatory – but heterosexual couples still cannot enter into civil partnerships, as this remains illegal until the…