The Wills commentary has been enhanced to include detailed discussion of the processes involved in the witnessing of a will using video-link. Precedents for client instructions, a practitioner’s checklist and an attendance note have been created, as well as example wording for a will attestation clause. We invite you to explore this updated publication. Comments and feedback are always welcomed

With the recent publication of the Law Commission report, clearly moves are afoot in the residential leasehold world to balance out the disparity between the rights of landlords and those of their tenants. Time will only tell what is finally put on the platter for general consumption on that planet. But let us travel deeper into the universe and visit planet ComZog, commonly known on Earth as the commercial leasehold world. Read more...

As commentators are suggesting that wills signed during the coronavirus pandemic may be more open to challenges, a new Will Execution Attendance Note precedent has been added to the Wills matter plan to assist with Larke v Nugus requests. The attendance note when coupled with the retainer instructions prompts practitioners to consider and briefly note the situation surrounding the taking of instructions and the execution of the will. These documents, readily completed at the time, will assist practitioners should a request for information ever arise in the future. The opportunity has also been taken to add a precedent To Do List – Wills to the guide in order to assist practitioners with file management.

The By Lawyers Private Child Arrangements guide has been reviewed and updated to ensure that the commentaries and precedents are in line with current law and practice. The extensive review took a practical approach to cover all aspects of procedure, with a focus on practical tips that will help solicitors and conveyancers confidently run a private children matter. The commentary covering witnesses has been expanded. We invite you to explore this updated publication and to consider the wealth of assistance the guide offers for solicitors and practitioners.

The By Lawyers Mortgages Guide has been reviewed and updated to ensure that the commentaries and precedents are in line with current law and conveyancing practice. Read more...

The Financial Remedy commentary has been updated to include a straightforward appreciation of the different types of pension funds. The aim of this new section of commentary is to better assist practitioners in dealing with pensions in financial settlement matters including more detail on pension sharing orders, attachment orders and offsetting.

The commentary in the Mortgages guide now includes an analysis of the applicability of regulation of private lending under the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 (Regulated Activities) Order 2001 and the Consumer Credit Act 1974 and Financial Conduct Authority’s Consumer

Both the Wills and Probate publications have been augmented with a treatise on challenging the validity of a will. This includes an appreciation of The Non-Contentious Probate Rules 1987 which apply where there is no challenge or question as to the validity of a will. Read more...

Two new precedents have been incorporated into the expansive Sale and Purchase of Business publication. Read more...

Several practitioners have been in touch about their preference for using the STEP provisions when drafting wills. In order to assist those practitioners By Lawyers have drafted three new precedents. Read more...

Following a user request last week we have drafted a new precedent with a variety of additional enquiries that a purchaser may ask on those less than common occasions. Read more...

The Transfer of Equity guide is now live and found in the Conveyancing publication. The guide provides commentary to take a practitioner through the practical steps involved in advising clients on the transfer of their share in a property, including tax implications, lender’s requirements and, where applicable, landlord’s consent.

The By Lawyers commercial lease guides have been updated to include guidance, templates and letters for licence applications, including food, entertainment and alcohol related licences, for commercial properties.

The Financial remedy guide has been enhanced to include recent case law and additional guidance on protecting the family home

From 1 August 2025 a new chapter for arbitration began in England and Wales, as the Arbitration Act 2025 officially came into force – bringing with it a suite of practical reforms designed to modernise the framework and reinforce London’s position as a global hub for dispute resolution.