The Leasehold Reform (Ground Rent) Act 2022 is in force from 30 June 2022. The Act restricts ground rents on new residential long leases to an annual nominal rent of a peppercorn. Any landlord who contravenes the Act can be fined up to £30,000. The property guides have been updated to reflect these changes.

We have published a new commentary, A summary of the key obligations of the Anti-money laundering guidance for the legal sector which sets out the essential information that practitioners need to know to ensure that they comply with the requirements of the Money Laundering, Terrorist Financing and Transfer of Funds (Information on the Payer) Regulations 2017. The new commentary can be found in the Compliance requirements folder on every By Lawyers matter plan. The goal of By Lawyers is take the intimidation out of the law and ensure that our clients enjoy practice more. As a result, all By Lawyers commentaries are published with a focus on providing a sensible appreciation of law and practice in England and Wales.

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

As part of a government effort to strengthen the UK’s financial crime protections, the change signals a new era of accountability for law firms.

New AI prompts help practitioners to draft accurate wills and pre-emptively compile details in the event of challenge.

The rise in later-life divorce – often referred to as silver splitters – is an increasingly visible trend in family law. This article explores key legal issues and practical considerations for practitioners handling later-life divorce, particularly in high-net-worth cases. Read more…

The landmark decision that established the test for testamentary capacity.

Part of our series of common legal questions and their answers, we look at how to apply for a standard grant of representation. Read more...

Part of our series of common legal questions and their answers, we look at the difference between owning a property as joint tenants or tenants in common. Read more...

As alternative dispute resolution processes creep towards becoming mandatory, we have published an article which can be used for in-house learning and development, or for clients to read and gain an understanding of the terminology and requirement to take part. Read more...

The new Data Protection and Privacy publication discusses the rapidly evolving area of data protection law since the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and Data Protection Act came into force in 2018. Read more...

A folder of new precedents for clients who are commencing or operating small businesses has been added to the Purchase of Business, Companies and Partnerships guides. The new library of precedents provides a suite of documents which practitioners can provide to their clients who own and operate small businesses, to assist them with the day-to-day running. These documents can be provided to clients both when they are setting up or purchasing a new business and when required for existing businesses. The documents are general in nature so they can be customised and amended as required for the needs of different clients. The precedents are designed to apply across various sectors, whether traditional storefront retail or online and whether supplying products or services. These new precedents are: Agreement for supply of goods and services Credit application Data protection policy for a business Dispatch and delivery policy Director guarantee Liability waiver and consent Returns and refunds policy Example tax invoice Terms of trade Website terms of use for advertising and booking personal services Website terms of use for downloadable online products Website terms of use for physical products The new If required - Library of precedents for small business clients folder is located in: Purchase of Business matter plan - in folder H. Mid-transaction Companies matter plan – in folder B. Setting up a company Partnerships matter plan – in folder D. General business This practical material was added to these existing By Lawyers publications in response to requests and suggestions from By Lawyers users. The precedents provide practitioners with additional tools so they can better assist their clients with all aspects of their business. We invite you to explore these new precedents. Comments and feedback are always welcomed.

The Powers of Attorney and Advance Decisions guide has been enhanced with a fuller discussion of lasting powers of attorney including the roles and responsibilities of certificate providers and the process involved with objecting to registration. Commentary on enduring powers of attorney has been expanded with discussion of the registration and objection processes.

The By Lawyers Residential Lease commentary has been updated to reflect changes to capital gains tax payment deadlines. A short note regarding income tax has also been added.

With the threat and uncertainty surrounding the coronavirus many practitioners will be asked to prepare documents that assist clients to manage their affairs should the need arise. By Lawyers commentary and precedents for Wills, Powers of Attorney and Advance Decisions (Living Wills) are available online to assist practitioners in responding to these requests. Read more...