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.

A residential leaseholder's right to manage is under review by the Law Commission. Submissions closed 30 April 2019 and the outcome is now awaited.

A co-ownership deed has been added to the Purchase of Land guide, setting out the arrangements between tenants in common. Read more...

The Domestic Violence Orders publication has been expanded to include additional information about Legal Aid funding, some new precedent letters, and ready access to the Legal Aid Agency forms. Read more...

By Lawyers have amended the Partnership Agreement and the Limited Partnership Agreement precedents to include a new clause for the distribution of profits. Other amendments have also been made. 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...

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.

At By Lawyers we love to hear from you. After all, our philosophy is focused on practical materials to assist practitioners to get the job done and to enjoy practice more. At the bottom of each matter plan we have included a hyperlink to Comments & Suggestions. Clicking on the link will open a form which users can fill out and submit. The form will require your name and email but that is simply so we can respond to you personally. Is there a precedent you need? A topic to be discussed? A point of view to be expressed? Share with us. We would love to hear from you!

By Lawyers has published a new publication: Trusts. With a comprehensive commentary and precedents, the Trusts publication deals with establishing a new trust, amending an existing trust, and bringing a trust to an end through vesting or termination. 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 rush of applications to avoid the coming fee rise sees probate registries accepting applications noting that inheritance tax forms will follow. This is but a brief respite and will end once the new fees are introduced.

The library of precedents within the financial settlements publication in family law has been increased in order to assist solicitors when preparing documents for financial settlement proceedings. Read more...

From 1 March 2019 the time limit for filing stamp duty land tax returns and making payments was reduced from 30 days to 14 days. This affected residential and commercial properties. Please note the 30-day limit continues to apply where a further return is required.