A new guide, Electronic Signing and Witnessing, has been added to the Reference Materials folder in all By Lawyers matter plans. Read more…

Following some recent user feedback, the File Closing Checklist has been re-organised to enhance the logical sequence of the precedent. By grouping the items for review such as matter considerations, finance considerations, and file logistics, the improved layout will assist practitioners to complete these very important forms as part of their risk management strategy

Off-payroll legislative reform comes into force 6 April 2021 for medium to large businesses. For further details see the Contracts for employment section in our Employment Law – Non-contentious commentary.

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...

Legal Aid Regulations have been amended to exclude payments made under the Windrush Compensation Scheme as income or capital in determining the eligibility of legal aid.

The landmark decision that established the ability for children to consent to medical treatment.

Part of our series of common legal questions and their answers, we look at the difference between holding a deposit as stakeholder or agent for the seller, and holding to order on the sale of land. Read more...

Legislation has now come into force that changes tenancies in Wales. Read more...

Two special conditions have been added to the Library of special conditions found in the C. Contract folder of the Sale of land matter plan. These relate to the buyer reimbursing the seller for the costs of searches or reports and the buyer’s responsibilities where a property is sold subject to a tenancy agreement.

The Sale of Property, Purchase of Property, Mortgages and Leases guides have been enhanced with the inclusion of guidance around the Safe Harbour Standard which is being introduced by HM Land Registry. The standard is designed to assist practitioners in meeting the strict requirements for verifying client identification and provides practical clarity in this area.

The Criminal commentary has been enhanced with information about the new technology and case management platforms being introduced in police stations, prisons and courts. More detail has also been added around the practical aspects of hearings, including video and telephone hearings. New guidance leaflets for clients Enclosure – Checklist for client going to court, Enclosure – Information sheet – Magistrates’ Court process and Enclosure – Information sheet – Crown Court process have been added to assist practitioners in preparing their clients.

Discussion of trust of land claims has been added to the Financial Remedy guide, enabling family law practitioners to gain an appreciation of the case law and process in this area. Covering an overview of trust law, a number of key cases and practical points to consider when dealing with disputes and making applications to court, this section of the guide will help practitioners when encountering this complex area. More informaiton is also available in the Freehold Property Disputes guide.

By Lawyers have published an article with a summary of the options for signing documents when meetings are not possible. Practitioners may find this useful due to the government ‘lockdown’ measures during the COVID-19 pandemic. The article can be found here.

In response to a subscriber request, By Lawyers have published a New Build Contract for Sale. We would welcome any feedback subscribers might have.

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.