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The deadline for homebuyers to take advantage of the current Help to Buy scheme has been extended to the 31st May 2021. The Help to Buy equity loan scheme enables people to buy a new-build home with a 5% deposit....
The government has announced changes in the leasehold system so people won’t have to pay ground rent, making it cheaper and easier for leaseholders to buy their homes. Other proposals include the right to extend a lease by a maximum of 990 years....
The average sale price of a house in the UK is now £227,826, the country’s highest ever figure, reported Nationwide. House prices grew by 5.8% year-on-year in October 2020, the biggest increase since January 2015. The stamp duty relief...
After a life changing injury, people often require a new home because their existing property can’t be adapted to meet their needs. In personal injury and clinical negligence claims the injured person (the claimant) may be compensated for the purchas...
Members of Parliament met over a video conference call yesterday to discuss the potential extension of the Stamp Duty Land Tax (SDLT) Holiday. The Stamp Duty Land Tax Holiday or Stamp Duty Land Tax Relief scheme was launched on the 8th July last yea...
From high dose chemotherapy and intensive care to running 50 miles in one month, asbestos-disease specialist solicitor Helen Bradley sprints past her fundraising target for cancer care charity Maggie’s. Helen Bradley, a specialist solicitor from Birc...
During 2019/2020 there were around 13.4 million NHS eye tests conducted in England. Even though we’re facing a global pandemic, eye tests are still being carried out. The public are strongly encouraged to attend their regular eye tests. Opticians all...
With the current pandemic placing strains on the NHS, how will existing and future clinical negligence cases be affected? Susan Liver, Medical Negligence Partner at Birchall Blackburn Law, explains: “The claim for pain and suffering is unlikely to be...
The number of amputations performed in England and Wales each year due to an error or omission by a medical professional is very small, but they do happen and the consequences are physically and mentally devastating. If a person suspects that a medic...
Trigger warning: domestic violence, domestic abuse, sexual assault Domestic violence and abuse has increased globally during the pandemic, according to a number of reports. One of the reasons for leaving your home during lockdown is, rightly so, to...
COVID update – We are still working and all our legal services remain open to you All our legal services remain open and available to you but following the Prime Minister’s announcement on Monday January 4 of a third nationwide lockdown we have...
The temptation to write your own will at home to save some money can be tempting. However, as wills are complex legal documents, they have to be written and executed in a certain way and trained professional solicitors will ensure they meet the stric...
Parents of children or young people who lack the mental capacity to make their own financial decisions will not need to pay the court fees to access a Child Trust Fund. Families may need to access their child’s funds in order to support the child’s...
The number of people taking out equity release plans are up by 41% since June this year, according to figures released by the Equity Release Council. There were 10,351 new equity release plans agreed between July and September this year....
In 2017, only 39% of adults in the UK said they had a will in place. This increased to 45% in 2018 and has likely jumped even further this year, according to the latest survey figures from The Law Society....
Family and friends can visit their loved ones living in care homes from Wednesday 2nd December if the visitors test negative for Covid-19. Keeping COVID-19 out of care homes is a priority but families and charities like The Alzheimer’s Society say t...
The Stamp Duty holiday may not be extended beyond 31 March after Rishi Sunak failed to mention any updates in the latest spending review. The review failed to mention any changes on a potential extension for the current stamp duty tax break....
A new Help to Buy Equity Loan scheme will be available to eligible, first-time buyers from the 1st April 2021 year until 31 March 2023. First time buyers can apply for the scheme to a Help to Buy registered homebuilder from 16 December 2020....
A virtual service to remember those who have died or been injured on our roads will be held in Liverpool this weekend on Sunday November 15, at 2pm. RoadPeace NorthWest has organised the remembrance as part of the charity’s World Day of Remembrance f...
TV presenter Kate Garraway recently highlighted the importance of having everything in place with an LPA ‘just in case’. A Lasting Power of Attorney allows you to appoint someone to make decisions based on financial issues and health and wellbeing, s...
Around 54% of adults in the UK haven’t yet got round to making a will, but Wills Week is here again to help people complete their wills whilst also helping a popular local cause. St Catherine’s Hospice is hosting its annual Wills Week from the 9th to...
One beneficial consequence of the Covid-19 pandemic is that more people are walking. This is a huge positive, endorsed by government, local authorities and health advisors who are keen to encouraging us to continue to keep on our feet. The AA motorin...
Under normal circumstances, it is generally accepted that the conveyancing process can take between 6 to 12 weeks to complete but the process can be complicated by many factors, including a pandemic. When it comes to buying and selling a home, the ho...
As drivers return to the roads in larger numbers and road traffic crashes inevitably increase as some drivers continue to ignore their own and others’ safety, we are reminded of the short comings of the UK’s bereavement damages system – writes...
The Ministry of Justice has announced that it will allow Wills to be witnessed remotely by video for the next two years in response to the Covid-19 pandemic. For a Will to be valid it must be signed in the presence of two witnesses....
The fast moving development of digital technology means that it is getting easier and cheaper to gather secret surveillance evidence in personal injury cases, writes Chris Bolton, serious and catastrophic injury specialist solicitor with Birchall Bla...
A family needs the help of former ICI employees in Runcorn and Northwich after their grandfather died from an asbestos-related lung cancer. Christopher Lees, from Sandiway in Northwich, was diagnosed with mesothelioma in February of this year. Mesoth...
Financial institutions are releasing up to £125,000 from estates to bereaved relatives without requiring a grant of probate, according to Solicitors for the Elderly (SFE). The SFE has raised concerns that the practice risks abuse, fraud and inheritan...
It is compulsory in England for anyone aged 11 or over to wear a face covering on public transport and whilst visiting an NHS facility – and from July 24 this was extended to inside shops too. Wearing a face mask helps stop the spread of corona...
It has been a difficult time for families who have not only had to cope with the death of a loved one but to do so under coronavirus restrictions. Probate is the entire process of administering a deceased person’s estate, e.g....
With immediate effect the Chancellor has announced a temporary cut to Stamp Duty Land Tax (SDLT) on the first £500,000 for all property sales in England and Northern Ireland. The SDLT holiday will last until March 31 next year to help boost the prope...
We believe that our legal services are essential services, especially during periods of uncertainty and major change, which is why we have never stopped working since the Covid-19 lockdown began. We had to work a little differently, close our physica...
An ex-NHS auxiliary nurse is asking for help from former hospital staff in Cheshire and Staffordshire who can remember the presence of asbestos in two of the regions’ hospitals during the 1970s and 1980s. The mother of two and grandmother was recentl...
During any period of uncertainty it is human nature to seek to put plans in place that will provide some peace of mind if life does take a different turn. It is no surprise then that during the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak and lockdown we have see...
With the vast majority of us spending a lot more time in our homes and gardens it is inevitable that our minds will turn to some of the many outstanding jobs on our household ‘to-do’ lists, which we normally never find time to start and f...
Since the start of the Government lockdown, we have seen an increase in the demand for our Wills service, which is only natural during this uncertain period. Not only are people looking to secure their family’s financial future during a worrying time...
It started with thorough handwashing, progressed to closing schools and pubs and then finally as of Monday 23rd March 2020 the UK seemed to grind to a halt after Prime Minister Boris Johnson’s address to the Nation. Amongst other things, that histori...
The short answer to this question is no. Many of us are stepping outside once a day to make the most of our exercise regime during this difficult time. It is a good time to remind ourselves how to observe the law and keep safe when it comes to pedest...
No matter how old your children are, it’s always a good idea to keep their knowledge fresh. Whether they’ve just started nursery or they’re in their last year of school, there’s always something about road safety you can teach your kids – even...
Rob Jones, Associate Solicitor for our Serious & Catastrophic Injury team, discusses the nationwide campaign to encourage drivers not to use their mobile phones on the road. Last year the National Police Chiefs Council ran a national campaign to...
Although prenuptial agreements may sound like an unromantic topic to talk about, they are arguably the best way to ensure there is as little conflict as possible over property and financial assets should your marriage come to an end. What is a prenup...
UK weather can be unpredictable. Severe weather conditions can arise when least expected and be extremely dangerous if you’re on the road. Driving is a risky business at the best of times – 5 people die on UK roads every day – so hazards such as dark...
Snow can cause chaos on the roads. Black ice, dark nights and fog can all hinder your visibility and driving. But it is also one of the ‘most wonderful times, of the year’… so with more people hitting the roads than usual over the winter...
It is not unheard of for a marriage to have broken down and for both parties to agree that divorce is the best choice. You may wonder if you need an expert divorce lawyer to assist you through the divorce process....
The average house price in the UK is £235,298, according to the latest available data from the official UK House Price Index – a year-on-year increase of 2.2%. However, if you’re looking to maximise the value of your property, there are...
If your marriage has broken down and you’re thinking of divorce, it is important to understand what happens during the divorce process. ‘Divorce’ refers to the official ending of your marriage contract. There are several other matters that will need...
If you’re house-hunting then you’ve more than likely come across the words “chain.” This will include, but isn’t limited to, no chain, upward chain, onward chain, short chain and long chain. The average property chain length is hard to determin...
Over half of over 55s who own leasehold properties in England and Wales would consider extending their lease or buying the freehold, according to Key. Leasehold properties account for approximately 25% of property sales in England and Wales. If a pr...
If you believe your marriage has broken down and you’re looking into divorce, it is important to know what the grounds for divorce actually are. In the United Kingdom, there is only one legal ground for divorce, which is the ‘irretrievable breakdown...
You may have heard a lot about Health and Welfare Lasting Power of Attorneys (LPA), but have you considered making a Financial one? There are two different types of Lasting Power of Attorneys, Health and Welfare and Property and Financial affairs. ...
Now that the festive season is over, it’s back to work for many of us. Some 595,000 people have suffered from work-related stress, depression or anxiety, resulting in 15.4 million working days lost due to illness. So can you sue your employer f...
If you’re ready to take your first step on the property ladder and become a homeowner, there are a few factors you need to take into account. From assessing your finances to making a successful offer, here are some of our best tips and advice for fir...
Around 67% of the UK population are regular users of social media – that’s over 45 million people! The majority of us are active on our accounts every single day. Sometimes we can’t even go hours without checking it, posting on our timelines, s...
New Year’s Eve is a fantastic chance to throw a party at home and catch up with your loved ones. Some of you may choose to hit the town for the ultimate night out of the year. Whatever you end up doing to celebrate the beginning of the new dec...
This month we cover remortgages, Brexit’s effects on the housing market, the most affordable ‘expensive’ cities, gazumping and much more. Homebuyers call for anti-gazumping laws Some 80% of homebuyers wish for the government to outlaw ‘gazumping’ in...
The conveyancing process differs from case to case, but generally there is an order to it. Here’s a rough breakdown of what you can expect from conveyancing, whether you’re a buyer or seller! The Conveyancing Process for the Seller You agree the sale...
From this week, couples of the opposite sex will be able to register their intent for a civil partnership. After a hard-fought campaign and legal challenge spanning half a decade from the Equal Civil Partnership Campaign Group, with campaigners Dr Re...
With marriages gradually declining over the decades, living together without saying “I do” has become the choice for many. People may prioritise saving up for a house deposit, travel or education over marriage, as the costs can add up. According to...
With the festive season in full swing, there are lots of people out doing their Christmas shopping. More people means it’s busier and more chance of an incident on the roads. There has been an alarming increase in the incidence of pedestrians s...
Social media usage is growing by the day, and so is it’s impact on our relationships. Since social media’s launch in the early 2000s, it has gone from strength to strength and changed the way in which we interact with the world....
As part of our new Moving to… series we take a look at some of the most popular areas to live in. We’ll cover the local property market, food & drink, education, transport, culture & attractions and much more. This month we head to the small...
The Christmas period is a time of heightened emotions whether positive or negative. It is a magical time of year for children, and a season filled with good food, friends and family. But if you and your partner have separated, it can be a very isolat...
Last year, an average of 73 people were killed per day on Britain’s roads. The stats come from a report conducted by insurance provider Ageas and the Road Safety Foundation. They highlighted the 40 riskiest roads in the UK which had a minimum of one...
A Will is a very important document – so where should you keep it? There are plenty of options and no legal requirements as to where you keep your Will. However, some options are better than others. When deciding where to keep your Will, you...
Here at Birchall Blackburn Law, our Private Client Team is excited to again take part in the annual Wills Week campaign in support of St Catherine’s Hospice. Wills Week this year runs from 11th to 15th November and, as always, appointments are bookin...
‘Remember, remember the 5th of November, gunpowder, treason and plot!’ Winter is on the horizon, the long nights are drawing in and toffee apples are springing up in supermarkets. There’s a lot of Autumn excitement around this time of year with Hallo...
Young drivers face a lot of pressure to be the safest on the road. While experience may have a part to play in why they are more likely to be involved with road traffic collisions than their older counterparts, studies suggest that young drivers seem...
Put simply, conveyancing is the act of transferring property from one person to another. It’s essentially the legal ‘legwork’ involved in home ownership; starting when an offer on the property is accepted and ending when the new owner receives the ke...
As part of our new Moving to… series we take a look at some of the most popular areas to live in. We’ll cover the local property market, food and drink, education, transport, culture and attractions and much more. This month we take a closer at look...
This month we cover the fastest growing property markets by region, the latest on the leasehold scandal, England’s most expensive streets and more… Liverpool and Leicester are among the fastest-growing property markets Some of the fastest-growing re...
Presently, there are over 1,600 different cryptocurrencies in the world. Bitcoin is by far the most popular cryptocurrency at the moment, with 32 million Bitcoin wallets set and 7.1 million active Bitcoin users. What happens to a person’s cryptocurr...
Have you ever been to a funeral and thought “Does my own funeral have to be religious if I’m not religious?” Non-religious funerals are still very much the real deal. Here, we detail a few ways you can have an alternative non-religious funeral....
This month we look at the improvements to the Funeral Expenses Payment claims process, the UK’s favourite funeral song, the rising importance of Lasting Powers of Attorney and much more… Faster access to funeral financial support for bereaved familie...
Two weeks after the clocks go back, there are around 278 more road traffic collisions than in the two weeks before. That amounts to around 20 more incidents per day¹ – a figure that can be reduced if we take the right safety measures. ...
A new job, being closer to family, upsizing or even downsizing…there are so many reasons why people move house. In fact, the average British homeowner moves home every 23 years, according to the latest research by Savills Estate Agents. You may...
The new school year is well underway, so that means the kids are back in the playground at break times. Children are naturally energetic, playful and less able to identify risk. Unfortunately injuries are bound to occur from time to time....
Not only does commercial property account for 13% of the value of all buildings in the UK, the actual value itself was £883 million according to latest data. So, the question is, what’s the best way to go about preparing for the sale of your commerc...
As part of our new Moving to… series we take a look at some of the most popular areas to live in. We’ll cover the local property market, food and drink, education, transport, culture and attractions and much more. This month we take a closer at look...
Making a will has many advantages. However, many people die without leaving a valid will and this then poses two big questions: • “Who is entitled to deal with the estate?” and • “Who will inherit?” When someone dies without making a Will, it isn’t a...
Many people mistakenly believe if they write a Will, that’s all they need to do. However, as life goes on, personal and financial circumstances can change, which may affect the terms of your Will. The law sets out the rules which govern the validit...
From January to March this year 162,270 new houses were built by private developers, with plenty more on the way later this year. There are several reasons to opt for a new-build house, especially if you’re a first-time buyer. Here are just a few of...
Nine in ten of the UK population has moved home in the last 30 years, according to recent data from Master Removers. Moving house means lots of packing – and lots of packing means lots of planning. Here are some of our favourite pro packing tip...
This month we take a look at the latest property news including the city with the strongest growth in house prices, the new landlord ‘blacklist,’ the PM’s stamp duty pledges and more… Liverpool, Nottingham and Cardiff house growth strongest in...
Fanatical about finance tech? Crazy about the creative industry? No matter what career path you want to pursue (or are currently on!), there is a location for everyone in the UK. We’ve hand-picked five of the top twenty cities deemed some of the best...
What is an LPA? The gov.uk website defines an LPA as: “a legal document that lets you (the ‘donor’) appoint one or more people (known as ‘attorneys’) to help you make decisions or to make decisions on your behalf. This gives you more control over w...
If you have recently been diagnosed with dementia, or this has happened to somebody close to you, it can seem scary at first and the future can seem very uncertain. At some point though, you will want to consider what kind of support is required so t...
Co-parenting isn’t always straightforward, and sometimes circumstances may arise in which you no longer feel that your child is safe spending time with their other parent alone. In this instance, you may still want your child to spend time with their...
When you make a Will for the first time, it is more than likely that you will need to change it in the future, due to changes in your personal circumstances, and/or changes in the law. It is important to review your Will at least every two – t...
From mobile apps to conveyancing dashboards, online solicitor services are fast becoming the norm. There are a lot of advantages to using an online conveyancing solicitors including saving time, accessing information quickly and clear and concise lan...
As part of our new Moving to… series we take a look at some of the most popular areas to live in. We’ll cover the local property market, food & drink, education, transport, culture & attractions and much more. This month we go to the beautif...
The new Guardianship (Missing Persons) Act 2017 will came into force on Wednesday 31st July. This new law is designed to end the difficulties currently faced by the families of missing persons. It is estimated that 180,000 people every year are repor...
We all know we should make a Will. But for many of us, we’re not really sure why we should. This means that the vast majority of us put off doing it until much later in life, which can sometimes be too late, especially if we are lacking capacity to d...
Birchall Blackburn Law has announced the promotion and appointment of specialist property solicitor, Jennifer Gadsdon to Partner. With the promotion of Jennifer, Birchall Blackburn Law’s specialist property team continues to strengthen its expertise...
When starting the divorce process one party will commence proceedings and will be known as a Petitioner. To start divorce proceedings an application is made which is known as a petition. The Petition will need to be sent to the Court and a fee will...
The starting point is to ask yourself whether the injury was caused by a collision incident that was somebody else’s fault. At the scene, the other person (who will usually have been a driver) might have tried to blame you. They might have said “it...
July has seen lots of news in the property market. This month we found that first-time buyers are purchasing bigger homes, what’s going on with the leasehold reforms and much more… Wales is the most affordable place in the UK to rent a home Wa...
Over 55s can earn an average of £109,659 if they downsized from a detached three bedroom home to an apartment or bungalow, according to a recent study by Lloyds Bank. If you live in the South East, you could see a potential average “equity windfall”...
Many people can be unsure about what happens after someone dies when it comes to dealing with their estate. It can be a very emotional time, and dealing with solicitors and legal documents can seem daunting and confusing. In this blog, we discuss wh...
A deed of variation means that if a beneficiary would like to, they can choose to redirect what has been left to them in a Will to someone else. If you wish to change a person’s Will after their death, you will need a deed of variation to do so....
As part of our new Moving to… series we take a look at some of the most popular areas to live in. We’ll cover the local property market, food & drink, education, transport, culture & attractions and much more. This month we start our journey...
During 2019/2020 there were around 13.4 million NHS eye tests conducted in England. Even though we’r...
With the current pandemic placing strains on the NHS, how will existing and future clinical negligen...
The number of amputations performed in England and Wales each year due to an error or omission by a...
Trigger warning: domestic violence, domestic abuse, sexual assault Domestic violence and abuse has i...
COVID update – We are still working and all our legal services remain open to you All our legal serv...
The temptation to write your own will at home to save some money can be tempting. However, as wills...
During 2019/2020 there were around 13.4 million NHS eye tests conducted in England. Even though we’r...
Read More
With the current pandemic placing strains on the NHS, how will existing and future clinical negligen...
Read More
The number of amputations performed in England and Wales each year due to an error or omission by a...
Read More
Trigger warning: domestic violence, domestic abuse, sexual assault Domestic violence and abuse has i...
Read More
COVID update – We are still working and all our legal services remain open to you All our legal serv...
Read More