Many subscribers will have noticed the file cover sheets now include a funny little code at the bottom of the page. This code is called a QR Code and it contains two identifiers that are used to identify the law firm and the matter. Should a firm use the FileMan Information Management system for long term file storage this will assist to streamline the process.

The By Lawyers Domestic Violence publication has been reviewed and updated by our authors as part of our continuing review process. This review saw the commentary in particular enriched with a deeper more practical approach to running such a matter.

A precedent Reservation Agreement has been added to the sale and purchase of land guides. The agreement is designed to bind the parties to an agreed pre-exchange time frame in which the seller will not deal with third parties, and the buyer will either exchange the offered contract or withdraw on discovery of serious adverse affectations through the usual investigations, searches and enquiries. By this means the parties are able, immediately following agreement and issue of the contract, to be confident that the transaction will proceed in the absence of unforeseen and unexpected circumstances.

By Lawyers has a new publication: Companies. With a comprehensive commentary and precedents, the companies publication deals with not only the incorporation of a new company, but also the ongoing running of a company and the hiccups that can occur along the way. The commentary discusses many issues such as: Appointing company officers; Articles of association; Shareholders agreements; Meetings, resolutions and records; Transfer of shares; and Tax. The matter plan provides the many essential everyday precedents as well as the more complex including: Two shareholders agreements, one concise and one extensive; Share certificate; Two agreements for sale of shares: one concise and one extensive; Deed of trust for purchase of shares by a trustee; Library of option precedents; and All of the necessary consents, minutes and resolutions. The new Company publication is available through the Legal Guides tab on the Forms & Precedents button in the LEAP matter.

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...

Additions to the Sale and Purchase of Land commentaries have analysed the law and practice in relation to boundaries to assist practitioners who are called upon to prepare boundary agreements or to seek the determination of a boundary. 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

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.

The commentary has been amended to clarify the process of extension of leasehold estates under the Leasehold Reform, Housing and Urban Development Act 1993 and the consequential statutory reduction of rent to a peppercorn rental which is not open to the landlord to dispute.

By Lawyers is monitoring the increasing emphasis on anti-money laundering in the profession. Read more...

Did you know that the LEAP completion statement can include leasehold apportionments? Read more...

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.

As a result of user feedback, the sale and purchase commentaries now include an appreciation of adverse possession of registered land.

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...