The By Lawyers Trusts guide has been reviewed and updated to ensure that the commentary and precedents are in line with current law and practice. The extensive review takes a practical approach, drawing on our considerable experience to cover all aspects of procedure, with a focus on practical tips that will help practitioners confidently run a Trusts matter to completion. Commentary has been expanded covering the creation of a trust including gathering information, transferring assets to the trust and registration of the trust. New precedents have been included: Enclosure for clients explaining the rights and duties of a trustee Deed of novation of contract to a trust Receipt for trust asset Letter to insurer giving notice of assignment of pension or insurance policy Deed of assignment of chattels to a trust We invite you to explore this updated publication and to consider the wealth of assistance the Trusts guide offers.

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.

By Lawyers have just released a Staff Office Procedures Manual which comprehensively covers a wide range of issues that arise in running legal practices. Useful for all firms, whether start-up, breakaway or well established, we have tailored the manual to help firms run their office day to day. With an emphasis on training and compliance this is an ideal way to ensure that everyone is aware of office policies. Areas which are covered include: Recruitment and induction policies Working procedures such as hours of work, dress code, a code of conduct and training policy Health and Safety Equality and Diversity Internet, email and mobile phone policy Staff leave including for jury service Drugs and Alcohol Bullying and harassment Whistleblowing Disciplinary procedures Conflicts of interest, confidentiality and intellectual property rights Security and cyber-security Guidance on a whole range of other office procedures from anti-money laundering to undertakings Firms can seamlessly implement these office procedures as their own with a view to later development and enhancement or use them as the basis for refreshing and enhancing existing procedures already in place.

The By Lawyers Purchase of Land Guide has been reviewed and updated to ensure that the commentaries and precedents are in line with current law and conveyancing practice. The extensive review was performed by our author Marcella King. As with all our authors, Marcella takes a practical approach, drawing on her considerable experience to cover all aspects of procedure, with a focus on practical tips that will help solicitors and conveyancers confidently run a purchase matter to completion. The commentary has been expanded: Undertakings are explained in more detail. The unregistered land section has been improved. Adverse possession claims and procedures are discussed in greater detail. A new section on finance and funding draws together all the financial aspects of the transaction, including mortgages, taxes and help to buy funding. Issues surrounding short term lets, for example Airbnb, are discussed. The section about pre-exchange searches has been expanded. The process by which contracts are exchanged has been amplified, including a worked example of using Formula C. Post-completion tasks are discussed in greater detail. The retainer instructions have been updated. The to do list has been updated. The summary of the conveyancing process has been updated. The matter plan now includes new precedents: New and amended possible enquiries, including a set specifically for new build properties. A letter sending the help to buy ISA declaration to clients, and a link to the declaration itself. An access undertaking for use when buyers would like access to the property between exchange and completion. We invite you to explore this updated publication and to consider the wealth of assistance the guide offers for solicitors and conveyancers acting in residential purchase matters.

The Property information form TA6 has been updated. The changes are in relation to Japanese knotweed, flood risk, radon and septic tanks.

Relevant commentaries on Capital Gains Tax also include the upcoming changes to Private Residence Relief and Letting Relief. Also remember from April 2020 capital gains tax on the disposal of residential land is payable within 30 days of completion. Private residence relief is available for the years the home was owner occupied plus the last 18 months, even if not occupied by the owner. This 18 month period is reducing to 9 months from April 2020. Where part or all of the property has at some time in the period of ownership been let as residential accommodation letting relief is available. However from April 2020 letting relief will only be available where the owner is also living in the property.

Our author has recently reviewed the probate publication providing several new precedents and amending the commentary. Additional automation was also added to some of the precedents to increase flexibility and efficient usage.

The commentary on the completion of the declaration of trust panel in transfers has been expanded to assist practitioners to correctly complete the panel. Read more...

A summary of the rules and responsibilities for client money has been included in the Practice Management guide. They are expressed as a straightforward and easily understood appreciation of the essential obligations and professional responsibility when handling client money.

UK By Lawyers author Robin Charrot of Evolve Family Law has just completed a comprehensive review of the Divorce publication. He notes that the Divorce, Dissolution and Separation Bill was introduced June 2019 and has passed through a second reading in parliament. Whilst the actual introduction date is as yet unclear, he forewarns there will be a need for significant changes to the Family Procedure Rules to enable the legislation. By Lawyers is keenly watching the progress of these changes and will update the publication again as and when they come into effect.

Japanese knotweed has been highly problematic for sellers, buyers and lenders for many years. Its invasion can affect not only the structure of a property but also its value. Thanks to the success of specialist treatments and the availability of indemnity insurance fewer purchasers are withdrawing from sales due to its presence, and the reduction in purchase price sought has significantly reduced. It is believed that Japanese knotweed will be under control by 2040.

As a result of an overhaul of our dispute guides, we have added several new precedents for non-court-related dispute resolution processes.

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.

Whoever you're representing, the By Lawyers Criminal Offences App is the tool to use when advising a client, including the uncommon common law offence of Misconduct in public office.

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.