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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? Is there such a thing as a common law wife or common law husband? The short answer is no, there’s not....
In short, yes you can! Unfortunately, there are an estimated 1 million uninsured drivers on Britain’s roads. However, the good news is, in most instances where you are involved in an accident with an uninsured driver you are able to obtain compensati...
Japanese knotweed, the fast-growing bamboo-like plant that can break through concrete, is predicted to subside over the next two decades. The plant can cut up to 20% off of the value of a property and be a reason for lenders to decline mortgage appli...
Pre-nups might seem unromantic, but are they important to have? Of course, we would never enter into a marriage without thinking it was going to last forever, but do you need a safety net just in case? We take a look at prenuptial agreements,...
If you’re house hunting, especially if you’re looking to buy your own flat, you may have noticed there’s a section called “Tenure.” This is where you’ll find out if a property is being sold under leasehold or freehold terms....
There’s a good chance you will be familiar with prenups, what they are and why it is a good idea to get one. But are you aware of postnups? A postnuptial agreement is very similar to a prenuptial agreement, the only exception is that it is put into p...
Owning your own home is a popular life milestone. But it can be tricky figuring out just how to get on the property ladder in the first place – especially when 52% of prospective first-time buyers struggle with all the financial jargon such as...
Even a minor injury can develop into something more serious if it is not looked after properly and treated carefully. It is important not to dismiss on-going discomfort, pain or restricted movement based on the fact that the injury is small or doesn’...
It might seem like a difficult topic to broach, but talking to your children about your lasting power of attorney is essential. What is a Lasting Power of Attorney? A Lasting Power of Attorney is a document that details who will make important decisi...
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...
Zoopla revealed that the average price paid for property in England and Wales was £310,757 in January 2019! But what does this mean for you? From London to Sunderland, here’s exactly what you can get for around the £310,000 mark in England at the mom...
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. ...
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 Zoopla. You may have found you...
In the last decade hospital admissions for dog attacks rose by 76%, according to figures released by the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Committee. RSPCA figures show that 37 people have been killed by dogs between 1991 and 2016, 28 of which were...
We had a great catch up with Serious Injury Solicitor Antonia Riley from our Manchester office – and we thought you would like to hear about why she chose law as a career and her fantastic taste in films… What inspired you to work in law?...
It is only natural for a person to take an injury more seriously if they can see its impact, but sight alone is not always a good indication of severity. While injuries involving blood and bruising can obviously be serious, there are plenty of exampl...
We regularly see that delays in medical tests, diagnosis and treatment can have life-changing consequences for a patient. In most cases these delays are simply part of normal medical processes and unavoidable. However, on rare occasions the delays ar...
You may not have even heard of cohabitation agreements before. But if you are living with or thinking of moving in with your partner, maybe to take your relationship to the next stage or to test the waters before you take the plunge and get married,...
What makes for a long and happy marriage? It is perhaps one of the biggest questions in life that doesn’t actually have a clear answer. Most people before their wedding day will try and seek wisdom from those who have been married for decades....
Violent crimes accounted for 1.2 million incidents, according to the latest data from the Crime Survey for England and Wales (2017). In many cases, the victim may not know their attacker or, for whatever reason, no one was ever convicted of a crime....
A local family lawyer is campaigning for a change in the law to reduce the fallout from divorce on children, after figures released today revealed the impact of conflict between separating parents. In a new poll, 79% of the population agreed conflict...
Jenna Hogan, trainee solicitor at the Preston office of Birchall Blackburn Law shares the most recent updates on the Solicitors Qualifying Exam and a new route into qualifying from the traditional training contract route: Like most Trainee Solicitors...
Going through medical treatment in hospital is no picnic, but the Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital (NNUH) still invited teddy bears to their wards to help children understand and cope with medical procedures. A member of staff, Sue Phillips, r...
When a relationship breaks down that involves children, conflicts can arise about who the child or children will live with and spend time. If you’re unable to come to an agreement, then a Child Arrangements Order is usually sought. This order determi...
Blue Monday is here again, a day claimed to be the most depressing day of the year. But amidst the January blues, non-stop Brexit coverage and threats of snow, there’s been some cracking stories in the news that you may have missed....
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. With prior planning and a clear vision you can increase your chances of finding your ideal home in you...
So today is national ‘ditch your new year’s resolutions’ day. How are you doing? Is your dry January or Veganuary going well? Or has your hitting the gym 5 times a week gone out the window already? Many times we make resolutions when we’re feel...
Over three million people in the UK are injured in an accident on average every year. If the accident wasn’t the injured person’s fault then they could be eligible to claim compensation. But not everyone knows how, and even if, they can claim compens...
House prices are expected to grow moderately by a nationwide average of 16% over the next five years and a maximum of 19% in some areas, according to the latest report published by CBRE. The West Midlands is expected to see the biggest growth in hous...
You might not think that you and the world’s richest man, Jeff Bezos, have much in common. However, there’s a chance that you could end up facing a very similar problem if you don’t protect yourself and your assets before entering into a marriage....
2019 is well and truly upon us! The Christmas decorations are down, you’ve quite possibly signed up for a gym, and you’re back in the office again. It’s this time of year when we take a look at our lives and consider ways to improve them and thus mak...
Your estate agent told you the conveyancing process should take six weeks, your bank says it usually takes four weeks and your friend who recently moved house said it only took three weeks. You may have been given a number of different answers...
Our office front doors will not be open between Christmas Eve and New Year, but many of our staff will be working throughout the Christmas period and will be happy to help with your queries. ...
Any separation can be difficult. If you are cohabiting but not married, it can seem more confusing about where you stand. It’s thought that 6 out of 10 people mistakenly believe the myth of “common law spouses” and that they are protected in the same...
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 2019, it mi...
It can be an uncomfortable and unpleasant time considering filing for a divorce. If you are considering it, you have to have a reason for wanting to end a marriage, whether you have been married for 12 months or 60 years....
I don’t know about you, but we’re very excited for the start of 2019 and the celebration of the New Year! New Year’s Eve parties, friends, a drink or two and some fireworks are all excellent ways to welcome in 2019....
The average house price in the UK stands at £231,095, according to the latest data from HM Land Registry. The North West saw the greatest monthly property price rise with an increase of 1.2% to £165,007. But the biggest monthly price fall was the No...
Peterborough MP Fiona Onasanya has been found guilty of perverting the course of justice after denying she was behind the wheel when her car was doing 41 mph in a 30 mph zone. Onasanya told authorities that her family’s former lodger, Aleks Antipow,...
We get it. It’s a rush in the mornings. Getting to work on time for that big meeting, dropping the kids off at school on the way, or even just a rush to the supermarket. With the dark mornings and bad weather rolling around, it can add even more time...
Since 1869, Wood Street Mission has provided gifts for local Manchester and Salford children who could miss out on the joy and magic of Christmas. This time of year can be a worrying and difficult time for families struggling to make ends meet...
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...
There are 7.5 billion people on Earth, and more than 1 billion of them use Facebook. That’s a staggering amount, but what is even more staggering is that in the not too distant future there will be more accounts with dead owners than living....
Married and unmarried couples alike can face the breakdown of their relationship. It’s a terribly difficult, upsetting, stressful and uncertain time, especially if you live together and own possessions and/or assets jointly. On the breakdown of a rel...
Our Personal and Serious Injury team are always working hard to help people – from slips, trips, falls, accidents at work through to life changing injuries and often during some of the most difficult times of their lives. But our brilliant Pers...
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...
We bet you can’t wait to move into your new home just in time for Christmas. Are we right? Your first tree in your new house, and the first of many memories to be made with your friends and family....
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...
Towns and City Centres have switched on the Christmas lights to herald the start of the festive season and revellers will soon enjoy celebratory drinks with friends, family and colleagues. The strong message against drinking and driving will have bee...
Many injuries aren’t eligible for compensation – but if your accident was someone else’s fault then you could have a personal injury claim on your hands. The most common claims come from injuries sustained in road traffic accidents and p...
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...
There are certain words in the English language that provoke immediate negative thoughts whenever they are used. Take the examples, “Snake”, “Shark”, and “Bacteria”. The word “ladder” tends to have the opposite effect… The upwardly mobile climb their...
Talking or even thinking about what would happen if you lost the capacity to manage your own affairs can be uncomfortable and distressing. But with 1 in 3 over-65s developing dementia, planning for every scenario is the best way to make sure you keep...
We’re pleased to welcome two more Personal Injury solicitors to the Serious & Catastrophic Injury Team! Antonia Riley joins Birchall Blackburn Law as a Serious & Catastrophic Injury Solicitor. As well as an LLB (Hons) and is a qualified...
Southport, Ormskirk and District Animal Centre received a welcome £445 boost for its vital work to protect neglected animals thanks to a local business networking group. The Southport Business Leaders Network raised the money during one of its monthl...
The typical British response to all but the most catastrophic injuries is a stoic and dismissive attitude to the impact of physical trauma on everyday life. As a culture we encourage people to brush their injuries under the carpet with an “Oh, it’s n...
At Birchall Blackburn Law we provide free initial legal advice on your personal injury claim. If we then decide that you have a decent case, we will act for you on a “No win – No fee” basis so If you recently had an accident through no fault of your...
Applying for a Grant of Probate can be an upsetting process. The role of an Executor is a very responsible one and is not to be taken on lightly. Executors are responsible for closing any bank accounts, paying any Inheritance Tax due, any existing d...
Stacey Ashe, is a Partner at Birchall Blackburn Law and Head of the Client Services team. I recently went to visit her for coffee at the Manchester office to find out more about her role. Q: Hi Stacey, thanks so much for the coffee!...
‘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...
Birchall Blackburn Law took home 5 awards for their exceptional customer service in conveyancing at the prestigious ESTAS Awards hosted in London. The firm bagged, Best Regional Group – Gold, Best in County – Southport, North West...
– Total of £14,667.50 raised by 13 Southport solicitors for Queenscourt Hospice – The funds raised will be used to support the essential palliative care services that the hospice provides for over 1000 local people each year Leading North...
Anyone who watched British cyclists, Froome, Thomas and Yates lead the pack will not have failed to notice that all three of them and their fellow competitors wore protective helmets. Judging from some of the dramatic crashes and pile ups, none of th...
To start this short article, can you answer the following question? Which is the odd one out? a) Using a mobile phone while driving b) Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs c) Tailgating I admit it’s a trick question: they are all extremely...
The North West housing market is leading the way for the rest of the nation as it’s house prices are rising despite the growth rate nationally being at its lowest in 5 years. However, even with house prices in the north west being the strongest in En...
Birchall Blackburn Law conveyancers are celebrating success in the Law Firm Services (LFS) conveyancing awards. The awards were announced on wednesday 19th September during a ceremony at Birmingham’s prestigious Vox Centre. Following a rigorous pro...
An expert predicts that if a ‘no deal’ Brexit negotiation goes ahead, there is a 30% chance of the housing market crashing. Falling House Prices The chief executive of Octane Capital, Jonathan Samuels, explained that a mixture of high inflation, a la...
Buying your first home is more than likely one of the most exciting and stressful things you will have done to date. It may also be the first time many people will have used a solicitor. With the average age of a first time buyer in the UK now being...
A new diagnostic tool that uses artificial intelligence to identify eye conditions could mean faster and more appropriate treatment for patients at risk of losing their sight. Moorfield Eye Hospital in London and the Google Company, Deep Mind has fou...
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...
It is a legal requirement for a patient to give informed consent before any medical treatment can go ahead – without valid consent the medical treatment could be considered an assault or battery. Susan Liver, Clinical Negligence specialist and a part...
What is the Court of Protection? The Court of Protection aims to safeguard those who are vulnerable or lack capacity to make decisions for themselves about their health and welfare or financial matters. The Court is able to appoint an individual to m...
Sepsis is a potentially life-threatening condition triggered by an infection. It is the most common cause of death from infection despite advances in medicine. Sepsis is normally caused by an infection such as pneumonia or flu. Notably, some people a...
I’ve had a serious injury. You may have heard a family member say it. A colleague. A friend. You’ve probably heard it on a TV ad at some point even. You may have even said it yourself. But when someone says “serious injury” what does that actually me...
The process of applying for the legal right to deal with someone’s property, money and possessions after their death is called ‘Probate.’ A ‘Grant of Probate’ is a legal document issued by the Probate Registry which enables the Executors to adminis...
Dog-lover? Us too. There’s nothing quite like heading out on an adventure with man’s best friend in tow, and let’s be honest – those puppy dog eyes are just too heartbreaking to leave them at home. There are approximately 27 million pets...
Most driving laws are black and white – drink driving, driving without a licence, driving without insurance and speeding are all illegal – but what about those grey areas? The ones that are googled time and time again. Creeping up recentl...
House Prices After months of stagnation, the UK housing market is seeing some significant increases in the annual rate of property inflation. With the unexpected spike in property prices seen last month, it has resulted in an all time high for buying...
Sarah McIntyre is a solicitor specialising in wills, trusts, powers of attorney and tax planning and is based at our Preston branch. I recently caught her for lunch to discover what she enjoys most about her work, and why she wishes she could...
Making a decision on whether to buy or lease your business property should not be taken lightly. Jennifer McGowan, commercial property solicitor at Birchall Blackburn Law, explains the pros and cons. Buying your own premises can mean freedom from lan...
Moving day has finally arrived, the removal men and women have loaded the van, and you’re all set to drive to your new address. But when can you get the keys? What is completion? Completion day is the day that money is transferred to the sellers soli...
During the long summer holidays of the early 1980’s one of my favourite morning television shows was Huckleberry Finn and Friends. I don’t recall the storylines but the scenes of Huckleberry Finn and Tom Sawyer jumping into the Mississippi was the s...
Once you have written your Will, you will want to ensure that your wishes will be carried out as you intended So how can you ensure that this is the case and no one challenges your Will? We look at what it means to challenge a Will and what you can d...
When it comes to advanced technology that’s here to make life easier, planet earth is already on it. Only a year ago, research found that the average UK household owns 8.3 digital devices – with technological consumption only set to skyrocket a...
It’s a strangely sunny day in Manchester when we catch up with Leanne Tattam – one of Birchall Blackburn Law’s Personal Injury Associate Solicitors. She specialises in serious and catastrophic injury, working with incredible charities such as H...
Footing a landlord’s dilapidations bill can hit your bottom line hard. Jennifer McGowan, commercial property solicitor at Birchall Blackburn Law, explains how potentially hefty claims arise – and how to minimise them All too often, the first thing ma...
If you’re in an unhappy marriage, should you be allowed to divorce your spouse, or made to stay? That was the decision the supreme court had to come to yesterday (25th July 2018) with the case of Owens v Owens. Tini Owens is in her late 60’s and has...
The seconds, minutes and hours after a road collision are shocking and traumatic but the hardest times can be in the days, weeks, months and years after a life-changing road traffic collision. The emergency response services have done their jobs and...
Birchall Blackburn Law has won a prestigious conveyancing award for the second year running. The Modern Law Conveyancing Awards 2018 have named Birchall Blackburn Law as conveyancing firm of the year – North of England. This is the second time...
Man has conquered the hologram, voice recognition, virtual reality and solar power. We’ve developed technology that has changed the face of society, the workplace, our social interactions and our daily habits. Now we’re entering the realm of technolo...
With millennial’s struggling to reach the bottom rung of the UK housing market now more than ever, it has fallen to the ‘bank of mum and dad’ to give them a boost – but now even they are beginning to feel the pinch....
House hunting can be extremely exciting! It’s a new beginning in a new area and the opportunity for a clean slate. You could be upsizing, downsizing or it could be your first home. But regardless of whether it’s a mansion, or a hobbit hole, your firs...
If you think that the devastating legacy of asbestos is confined to the history books then you are wrong – 2,595 people died in 2016 from the asbestos-related lung cancer, mesothelioma. Every year between 2,500 and 2,700 people continue to die...
Businesses may want to get out of a commercial property lease early for various reasons, such as upscaling and downsizing. Birchall Blackburn Law’s Jennifer McGowan runs the rule over the options. Termination of a lease can be a complex and technical...
Help to Buy is a great government initiative that helps hundreds of people buy their first home each year. But as house prices seem to be almost unreachable, and saving a deposit a mammoth task, many people are buying their first house as a couple....
In the North West: • 96% of people leave important health and welfare decisions to chance • By 2025, more than 13 million people who are at risk of mental incapacity will not be prepared • 73% would like a family member to make medical and care decis...
What is a Lasting Powers of Attorney? The government 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....
According to the Spinal Injuries Association, 1000 people every year in the UK sustain a spinal cord injury (1). Not only can these injuries be forever life-changing, but accessing the support that you need can be an overwhelming task. If you’re cons...
The sun was shining for the Head Injured People (HIP) corporate charity golf day in Cheshire on 28th June. Nestled in the stunning Cheshire countryside, the 18-hole leading championship course at Macdonald Portal Hotel played host to the 15-team golf...
Having found your perfect business premises, it is essential to negotiate the best possible terms for your commercial lease agreement. Here are some top tips from commercial property lawyer Jennifer McGowan. 1. Be prepared to negotiate The lease agre...
Owning your own home is a popular life milestone. But it can be tricky figuring out just how to get...
Even a minor injury can develop into something more serious if it is not looked after properly and t...
It might seem like a difficult topic to broach, but talking to your children about your lasting powe...
If you’re ready to take your first step on the property ladder and become a homeowner, there are a f...
Zoopla revealed that the average price paid for property in England and Wales was £310,757 in Januar...
You may have heard a lot about Health and Welfare Lasting Power of Attorneys (LPA), but have you con...
Owning your own home is a popular life milestone. But it can be tricky figuring out just how to get...
Read MoreEven a minor injury can develop into something more serious if it is not looked after properly and t...
Read MoreIt might seem like a difficult topic to broach, but talking to your children about your lasting powe...
Read MoreIf you’re ready to take your first step on the property ladder and become a homeowner, there are a f...
Read MoreZoopla revealed that the average price paid for property in England and Wales was £310,757 in Januar...
Read More