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Next year (2022) will see the biggest reform of divorce law in fifty years. The Divorce, Dissolution and Separation Act 2020 aims to reduce conflict between couples seeking to legally end their marriage or civil partnership. The changes were announce...
Every year, around 4-5% of people move house in the UK. Moving homes comes with extra costs such as conveyancing, insurance, mortgage fees and estate agency fees. We’re here today to let you know what to expect when it comes to conveyancing costs, wh...
From time to time we all hear news headlines about a claimant being awarded hundreds of thousands and, occasionally, millions of pounds in compensation. Sometimes those stories involve fantastically large sums paid to celebrities after media intrusio...
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. Sites like Facebook a...
Losing an arm or losing a leg is life-changing. The same is true for losing a hand, foot, fingers, or toes. Not only does the victim suffer horrendous pain and loss of function, financial losses are also incurred. The purpose of this article...
Birchall Blackburn Law has been recognised for delivering outstanding customer service to its clients, making the shortlist of The ESTAS – the biggest award scheme in the UK residential property industry. Our Leyland, Manchester, Morecambe, Pre...
At present, there are 500 miles of smart motorways in the UK, with a further 300 miles planned by 2025. Smart motorways are sections of the motorway that use technology to reduce congestion, though they have received a lot of negative press. There ar...
We are supporting a national campaign aiming to change the public’s perception and attitudes towards compensation claims after an injury. A serious injury can happen to anyone at any time, but until it has happened to you or a loved-one there is litt...
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...
Headway UK analysed that every 90 seconds someone in the UK is admitted to hospital for an acquired brain injury (ABI) and every three minutes someone is admitted to hospital with a head injury. Whilst not every one of these was life changing, many a...
Violent crimes accounted for 1.2 million incidents, according to the latest data from the Crime Survey for England and Wales (2020). In many cases, the victim may not know their attacker or, for whatever reason, no one was ever convicted of a crime....
Before the global pandemic, almost 600,000 people suffered from work-related stress, depression and anxiety. However, the way we work could change forever, with many white collar workers employees saying that they prefer a mixture of working f...
Now that lockdown is coming to an end, many of us are expected to come back into the office, at least as part of a hybrid work-from-home/in-office arrangement. The last official statistics have revealed that 595,000 people have suffered from work-rel...
E-scooters are fast becoming a popular way to travel, as they’re cost-effective and eco-friendly. Over 100 rental e-scooter schemes are in operation in cities around the world. Rental e-scooter schemes are currently available in UK cities such as Lon...
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...
The simple answer to whether you can make a compensation claim for an e-scooter collision is ‘yes’ if your injuries are caused solely or in part by the negligence of the rider. However, the law surrounding the use of e-scooters is unclear and many e-...
The widow of a man killed by an asbestos-related lung cancer needs the memories of former Springfield Paper Mill workers in Maidstone during the 1950s and 1960s. Mary Salt’s husband, Keith died in Maidstone Hospital on September 15, 2018. An inquest...
The extension of the Stamp Duty Land Tax (SDLT) holiday and the rising buyer demands has resulted in a property boom for the North West, North East and Yorkshire. Over two-thirds of properties for sale in these areas are listed for less than £250,000...
An estimated 650,208 people were injured in the workplace, according to the last available data from Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations (RIDDOR) and the Labour Force Survey (LFS). Slips, trips and falls accounted fo...
Did you know? The average distance moved by homeowners is 10 miles, according to research from Really Moving. No matter how far you’re moving house, it will inevitably mean lots of packing – and lots of packing means lots of planning. Her...
With so many more people working from home, the jump in interest in countryside properties is said to be caused partly by home-movers looking for more space during the pandemic while they simultaneously work and take care of their families. In the se...
London businesses are set to take over an additional 13 million square feet of office space in the capital over the next five years, according to research from commercial property experts CB Richard Ellis (CBRE). The forecast for commercial space in...
Our offices have reopened We are delighted to reopen our offices to visitors. The health and wellbeing of you and our staff is important to everyone and we will be doing what we can to reduce the risk of Covid-19 transmission. Our Leyland, Chorley, M...
A client with a life-changing equestrian injury is awarded an offer that will make an enormous difference to her future quality of life. Circumstances of the Injury Date: 16th May 2016 Location: South Wales Solicitor involved in case: Robert Jones, S...
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...
After ITV’s broadcast of the heart-breaking yet inspiring documentary Finding Derek, Kate Garraway has been highly praised by law firms and professional bodies across the country for bringing Lasting Powers of Attorney into the limelight. Last year,...
Our Associate Solicitor, Robert Jones, from the Serious Injury team tells us about a client who sought a second opinion for their injury… What happened? I have recently reached a settlement on behalf of a Client (referred to in this article as “D”)....
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...
The Stamp Duty Land Tax (SDLT) holiday has been extended until 30th June 2021, announced Chancellor of the Exchequer Rishi Sunak while delivering the spring Budget. Properties with a value of up to £500,000 won’t be subject to SDLT costs until after...
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 tops the deposit up w...
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...
The average house price in the UK is £250,772, according to the latest available data from the official UK House Price Index – a year-on-year increase of 8.9%. However, if you’re looking to maximise the value of your property, there are...
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...
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...
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...
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. Will enquiries alone have increased by 75% s...
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. However...
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. First-ti...
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. It means that thr...
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. dealing with money, deb...
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...
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...
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...
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. Whilst it is not set in stone that y...
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...
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. ...
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...
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...
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. The r...
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. Why do t...
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. A broken w...
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...
At present, there are 500 miles of smart motorways in the UK, with a further 300 miles planned by 20...
We are supporting a national campaign aiming to change the public’s perception and attitudes towards...
No matter how old your children are, it’s always a good idea to keep their knowledge fresh. Whether...
Headway UK analysed that every 90 seconds someone in the UK is admitted to hospital for an acquired...
Violent crimes accounted for 1.2 million incidents, according to the latest data from the Crime Surv...
Before the global pandemic, almost 600,000 people suffered from work-related stress, depressi...
At present, there are 500 miles of smart motorways in the UK, with a further 300 miles planned by 20...
Read More We are supporting a national campaign aiming to change the public’s perception and attitudes towards...
Read More No matter how old your children are, it’s always a good idea to keep their knowledge fresh. Whether...
Read More Headway UK analysed that every 90 seconds someone in the UK is admitted to hospital for an acquired...
Read More Violent crimes accounted for 1.2 million incidents, according to the latest data from the Crime Surv...
Read More