Thoughts, news, expertise and more...

Liam Payne’s intestacy: Why estate planning matters

Liam, known worldwide as a member of the pop group One Direction, reportedly passed away without having made a  Will, or otherwise known as ‘dying intestate’... 

Property search secrets to finding your dream home

Every year, around 5% of the British population move home - that’s about 300,000 people! But finding your dream home doesn’t have to be hard. Here are some property search secrets!

Getting help for domestic violence and abuse

Get the right confidential help, support and advice for situations involving domestic abuse and violence.

What do I do if I receive notification or hear of an investigation into a hospital or medical professional?

It's distressing to receive an unexpected letter or see a news report about an investigation into medical care.

Advice for first-time buyers: How to get the best for your money

From assessing your finances to making a successful offer, here are some of our best tips and advice for first-time buyers.

Are will writing kits in shops legal?

Is it worth getting a DIY will kit? We explore the pros and cons of writing your own will.

Do I need a divorce lawyer if we agree on everything?

Find out if you really need a divorce lawyer to assist you through the divorce process if everything is amicable.

Medical negligence and informed consent

Without valid consent your medical treatment could be considered an assault or battery. Find out what to do if you find yourself in this situation.

Is there anything I can do to speed up a property chain?

Take a look at how you could potentially speed up a property chain and what happens if someone pulls out of your chain.

The only Preston solicitor recognised by The Law Society for clinical negligence expertise

Andrew is the only solicitor in Preston's city region to hold a Law Society Clinical Negligence Accreditation for his expertise.

Can social media play a role in divorce?

Social media has many advantages, but it also has some downsides. We take a look at how social media can contribute towards divorce.

Why is it important to make a Will?

Making a Will just seems to be one of those things that we never think to tick off our to-do list…even though it can be one of the most satisfying to check off. So why is it important to make a Will? And how do you get started?

Pro Packing Tips for Moving House

The 5-5-5-5 rule and how to pack an essentials box for your new home and are just some of our pro packing tips for moving house.

What happens to your social media accounts after you die?

What happens to our social media accounts and our online life after we pass away? Find out in our latest post...

What are the grounds for divorce?

If you believe your marriage has broken down and you’re looking into divorce, it's vital to know what the grounds for divorce actually are.

Is there any way to avoid Inheritance Tax on property?

There are several ways you can cut your inheritance tax bill - or you may be exempt from paying inheritance tax altogether. Find out more...

What happens during a divorce?

If your marriage has broken down and you’re thinking of divorce, it is important to understand what happens during the divorce process.

Birchall Blackburn Law named as National Conveyancing Firm of the Year 2021

The Birchall Blackburn Law conveyancing team won Conveyancing Firm of the Year – North of England and National Conveyancing Firm of the Year.

How to find the best conveyancing solicitors in Manchester

If you're trying to look for a conveyancer in Manchester, where do you start? Here are our top tips for finding the right one for your needs.

Do you need to apply for Probate if there is a Will?

Is it necessary to apply for Probate if there is a Will in place after someone has died, or Letters of Administration, if there is no Will?

Your Guide to Conveyancing Costs

How much can you expect to pay for conveyancing costs? Can you get an estimate beforehand? What happens if your transaction is cancelled? Find out in our latest conveyancing costs blog.

What are the legal rights of a common-law husband and wife?

So you’re not married, but you’ve lived together for years. You want to know where you stand. So where exactly do you stand?

Do beneficiaries of a will have any rights?

A beneficiary is a person who has been named to inherit in a Will. But what rights and permissions do they have?

Why make a financial LPA?

You may have heard a lot about Health and Welfare Lasting Power of Attorneys (LPA), but have you considered making one for Property and Financial affairs?

Do I have to give my engagement ring back after divorce?

Can I make an LPA if I’ve recently been diagnosed with dementia?

Receiving a dementia diagnosis can be life-changing - not just for the person who has it but also for their friends and family. It means living with uncertainty about what’s to come and trying to make decisions about things like healthcare, money and welfare. 

How long does it take to buy a house?

Buying a house could be one of the most impactful financial decisions you make; so if you are considering buying a home, it is helpful to know how long it could take.

Pets and Wills: Your pet can’t inherit your money but you can protect them in your Will

Pets are family, though they are classed as assets under the law, so they can’t legally inherit anything. But is there a way to make sure you're looked after when you're gone?

Hundreds of children’s surgeries under review after Addenbrooke surgeon suspended

Should I make a prenuptial agreement?

Find out when a prenuptial agreement can be useful and how to go about making one.

What to do when someone dies without a Will

When someone dies without making a Will, it isn’t always clear who can legally deal with their estate, or who will inherit. The people most important to them, which may include you, might not inherit any of the estate. When someone dies without a Will, it is known as being “Intestate”.

Where should I keep my Will?

What does Rachel Reeves’ new budget mean for your estate?

What is the conveyancing process steps for buyers and sellers?

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!

Am I too young to write a Will? Why it’s never too early to plan ahead

Writing a Will is one of the most important, beneficial and surprisingly cathartic things you can do.

Can I write my own cohabitation agreement?

Have you and your loved one thought about what happens if things don’t go as planned? A cohabitation agreements could be just the thing you're looking for.

How to get a no-fault divorce in 2024

Going through a divorce can be difficult but it has become easier and less complicated because of recent changes made in the law. So how do you get a divorce in 2024?

How long does it take to sell a house?

Selling a house involves several stages and can be affected by several factors. Find out how long it takes to sell a house in the UK...

5 help to buy schemes you should know about

Saving up money for your own home can seem daunting. The good news is there are a few options that may help you get onto the property ladder sooner than you expected.

Cutting down on life admin: How Wills in Expectation of Marriage could be the answer

Did you know that a marriage revokes (cancels) your Will? The good news is there is a way around this...

Do I need to update my Will if I get married?

The average married couple seems to share everything – but if one of you were to die without a will, does your estate would automatically pass to the other?

Do I need a Lasting Power of Attorney if I’m married?

If you're married or in a civil partnership is it necessary to get a Lasting Powers of Attorney (LPA)? We explore your future LPA options as a married couple.

Sussex police investigate 105 cases of alleged clinical negligence

Sussex police investigate 105 cases of alleged clinical negligence.

Do I still need a Will after changes to the Statutory Legacy?

The statutory legacy may have increased to £322,000 but it does not change the need for you to have a Will.

How long does it take to buy a house in the UK?

Buying a house depends on a number of factors - but here is a general guide on what to expect when you purchase a property.

Surgical negligence deaths in Brighton investigated by police

Alleged failings in neurosurgery and general surgery between 2015 and 2020 have prompted Sussex Police to investigate allegations of medical negligence.

What are the changes to divorce law in the UK?

Last year, the way people can divorce changed in the UK. Find out here...

Are debts automatically written off when someone dies?

What happens if you die in debt? Which debts are written off? Which ones still need to be paid? Find out in our latest blog.

What is the Stamp Duty Land Tax (SDLT) threshold in England and Wales?

The Stamp Duty Land Tax (SDLT) threshold has risen to £250,000. But do you need to pay Stamp Duty? If so, how much do you need to pay?

Birchall Blackburn Law Shortlisted as one of the Top Property Firms in the UK

Birchall Blackburn Law is nominated for several regional and national ESTAS awards. Find out more here!