As a response to a user request, the matter plan has been amended to include a letter sending a blank form FP8 Notice of Change of Solicitor to a client at the start of the matter, to assist practitioners in ensuring that a signed copy of this is on file should the need arise later in the matter. The user who requested it kindly let us know that it is ‘wonderful to have such amazing speedy support from By Lawyers’. The matter plan also now provides a link to the new interactive PDF version of the form E Financial Statement. The interactive PDF will populate fields, calculate figures and guide practitioners through the form. More information about this form is available from the LEAP Content Blog.

From 20 April 2020 existing statements of truth for estates will be replaced by the new grant of representation application forms. Old-style Statements of Truth received after that date will be rejected by the Probate Registries and practitioners asked to submit the appropriate new form instead. The implementation of the new forms is part of HM Courts & Tribunals Service’s drive to streamline its systems thereby enabling bulk scanning. This in turn is expected to reduce errors and speed up their processes. The new forms which may be found on the matter plan are: PA1A – Probate application – without a will PA1P – Probate application – with a will PA8A – Application to stop, or extend a stop on a grant of representation (Caveat)

Temporary rent concessions for commercial leases – Side letter or deed of variation? A side letter which records the agreed temporary alteration to the existing lease, and which is not intended to have a lasting impact upon the lease terms. Read more...

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.

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...

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.

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...

Pets are family members, and if a relationship breaks down, arrangements need to be agreed and understood.

New commercial law AI prompts have been added to the Companies, Trusts, Partnerships and Joint Ventures guides.

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.

As we enter 2025, the Looking to the Future publication has been updated to assist practitioners with changes anticipated in the next 12 months.

When is payment not payment – has Oakwood Solicitors Ltd v Menzies [2024] UKSC 34 changed the costs landscape? The long-running dispute between a personal injury claimant and his solicitor’s firm has finally ended up in the Supreme Court, with a recent decision hinging on the meaning of the word payment. Read more...

We have created a policy for firms to use within their staff handbooks which promotes the responsible use of AI in law firms, and requires staff to verify the output before use. Read more...

The commentary on Private Child Arrangements has been updated to include comprehensive information and relevant case law concerning 16.4 Guardians. Read more...

Part of our series of common legal questions and their answers, we look at discretionary trusts. Read more...