The landmark decision that established the test for testamentary capacity.

As the first steps when opening a matter are so important, we have reviewed this section of our commentaries. Read more…

AI prompts are transforming the way legal documents are drafted. When crafted with technical precision, prompts can greatly enhance the utility and credibility of AI-generated content, especially when the AI relies exclusively on data contained in client matters, without incorporating outside sources. Read more...

The rise in later-life divorce – often referred to as silver splitters – is an increasingly visible trend in family law. This article explores key legal issues and practical considerations for practitioners handling later-life divorce, particularly in high-net-worth cases. Read more…

By Lawyers has published new precedents to help practitioners assist landlords renting properties under assured shorthold tenancies. The new precedents advise landlords on the proposed changes contained in the Renters’ Rights Bill. Changes to their ability to seek possession are outlined, together with additional obligations that the Bill seeks to bring into force. Read more ...

The Leasehold Reform (Ground Rent) Act 2022 is in force from 30 June 2022. The Act restricts ground rents on new residential long leases to an annual nominal rent of a peppercorn. Any landlord who contravenes the Act can be fined up to £30,000. The property guides have been updated to reflect these changes.

The Employment guide has been enhanced with sample documents for clients to use during a disciplinary process. Recent caselaw has been added to the commentary. Read more...

The By Lawyers Criminal Offences App has been updated to reflect new sentencing guidelines for blackmail, kidnap, and false imprisonment, and for those convicted of offences involving taking vehicles without the owner’s consent.

The Core Practice Management Standards of the Conveyancing Quality Scheme commenced today. These standards help to clarify the scheme requirements and assist firms to implement the necessary policies, procedures and plans.

Following a subscriber request, we have published a new Scope of work – Deferred payment scheme. Read more…

There is a newly added section in our commentaries, offering a streamlined summary of the key steps legal practitioners follow throughout the legal process. Read more…

From 20 April 2020 existing statements of truth for estates will be replaced by the new grant of representation application forms. Old-style Statements of Truth received after that date will be rejected by the Probate Registries and practitioners asked to submit the appropriate new form instead. The implementation of the new forms is part of HM Courts & Tribunals Service’s drive to streamline its systems thereby enabling bulk scanning. This in turn is expected to reduce errors and speed up their processes. The new forms which may be found on the matter plan are: PA1A – Probate application – without a will PA1P – Probate application – with a will PA8A – Application to stop, or extend a stop on a grant of representation (Caveat)

Part of our series of common legal questions and their answers, we look at the Law Society’s code for completion by post. Read more...

The landmark decision that established the creditor duty in corporate insolvencies.

To assist practitioners acting in trusts matters, a new precedent Trust Deed Review Checklist has been added to the matter plan in the By Lawyers Trusts publication. Read more...