Can you protect your IP if someone copies your business idea?
The short answer is no—you cannot legally copy an idea. Under intellectual property (IP) law, ideas themselves are not p
What happens to intellectual property when a company is dissolved?
A company will be struck off the register if it fails to submit annual returns or otherwise fails to comply with formal
What the SkyKick UK Ltd vs. Sky Ltd Decision Means for Brand Owners
The recent judgment in the SkyKick UK Ltd vs Sky Ltd case has significant implications for brand owners, particularly in
Stamp Duty Changes March 2025: What you need to know.
From March 2025, changes introduced in Rachel Reeves’ Budget, mean more people will be paying tax when they would not ha
Resolving title problems when selling commercial property
If you are selling your commercial property, you should expect your buyer to carry out extensive due diligence before ex
Effective Succession Planning for Family Businesses
Family businesses form the backbone of our economy, yet a staggering 69% of owners lack a detailed succession plan, and
Contempt of court in family proceedings
When a family dispute reaches the court, emotions can be intense, as all other options for resolution have typically bee
Review Business Governance Post-Budget: Essential Health Check
Several measures announced in the Autumn Budget will affect businesses, and this serves as a timely reminder to review a
Logistics issues for commercial premises – keeping goods moving
The way goods and materials are bought and sold in the UK has changed beyond recognition over the last 25 years, with th
Understanding squatters’ rights
A squatter may sometimes be able to claim ownership of property if certain conditions are met. Also referred to as adver
What to look out for when buying a coastal home
For many people, living by the sea would be a dream come true. But it pays to be aware of the implications of coast livi
How do I extend my lease?
If you own a leasehold property, the number of years remaining on the lease will gradually drop. Once it falls towards 8
Landlords Face New EPC Minimum Rating Requirement
The new Under Secretary for Energy Security and Net Zero, Miatta Fahnbulleh, has confirmed that the government intends t
Government hopes to ban no-fault evictions by summer 2025
The government has introduced a Renters’ Rights Bill, which aims to provide greater for security for renters, and a ‘lev
Common mistakes with employment contracts
Employers are legally required to give employees certain key information at the start of the job in what is called a wri
5 tips for avoiding Wills disputes
Wills disputes can be damaging to family relationships as well as draining an estate of funds and causing lengthy delays
Understanding Green Leases for Commercial Property
The idea of ‘green’ leases for commercial property is rising up the agenda as policies push all parts of the economy tow
What to do if you suspect copyright infringement
With more goods being traded online, and ideas and creations being so easily available to view globally, it is not surpr
Arbitration in Family Law: A Solution for Divorce Issues?
When going through a divorce or deciding child arrangements after a relationship breakdown, there are various routes to
Do I have to agree to a prenup?
If you've received a prenuptial agreement (commonly known as a ‘prenup’), hopefully, it doesn't come as a surprise. Thes
Employers Guide to ACAS, mental health and reasonable adjustments
Employers are increasingly aware of the importance of supporting employees’ mental health for many reasons, including im
Understanding Dismissal Types: An Employer’s Guide
It is always disappointing when an employee does not perform as anticipated, or when the relationship has turned sour, a
Packaging – is your supply contract tightly packed?
If you rely on the supply of packaging from a third party, there is a lot to consider. Does the quality meet your brand
Departing employees and non-compete clauses; an employer’s guide
An employee builds up valuable knowledge and contacts during the time that they work for you. This knowledge can include
Can you claim interest on money owed to your business?
If your business is owed money, the impact on cash flow can be considerable. Since interest rates have improved you coul
Back to school – 6 checks for your charity to do at the start of the new academic year
As a child, the first few days of September always brought about mixed emotions. Whilst there was the obvious sadness of
What will happen to my house when I die?
If you are a property owner, you need to know what will happen to it in the future. Passing on a house is not always str
Easements on commercial property – a guide for beneficiaries
Easements are valuable rights that allow you to use neighbouring land in particular ways, for the benefit of your own pr
How will a potential bankruptcy be treated in my divorce?
In the year ending 30 April 2024, one in 463 adults in England and Wales entered insolvency. Financial pressures can oft
Leasehold Reform Act benefits for flat owners
How will flat owners benefit from the new Leasehold and Freehold Reform Act? The Leasehold and Freehold Reform Act recei
Are electronic contracts the best way forward?
With the rise of the digital era and advances in technology, we have seen and will continue to see growth in the use of
How do you make a Will for someone else? Statutory Wills explained
If someone has lost the ability to make their own decisions, it may be possible to have a Will drawn up on their behalf.
Negotiating funding for your management buyout (MBO)
Buying into and taking over a business you know well can be an exciting prospect. A management buyout (MBO) offers an e
High street rental auctions – a guide for landlords
The Levelling Up and Regeneration Act 2023 will give local authorities new powers to hold rental auctions of empty high
Future Earnings and Divorce Settlements: What to Know
If you are contemplating getting divorced then your future financial security is likely to be a key concern, particularl
The role of CAFCASS in a court case about child arrangements
The Children and Family Court Advisory and Support Service (CAFCASS) works with families who need to go to court to sett
Six reasons why you may need a cohabitation agreement
Moving in together is an important and exciting step in a relationship. Whether you are moving into a house or apartment
Surrendering a lease for commercial premises
If your business requirements have changed, and you need to get out of your current lease, a surrender can be an attract
The power of a letter before action in a business dispute
If you are involved in a business dispute, then it is sensible to try to resolve the matter as quickly and cost-efficien
Solar panels – what is the legal position?
According to standards organisation MCS, more than 183,000 solar panel installations took place in 2023. We answer some
Do you have a policy for keeping in touch during family leave?
Returning to work from family leave can be a significant adjustment for some employees. As well as the practical conside
Reform of holiday rights: what employers need to know
Calculating holiday allowance for employees who work irregular hours can be tricky. In an effort to simplify things, an
What is the role of the Court of Protection?
The Court of Protection (CoP) fulfils a vital role in assisting individuals who no longer have the ability to manage the
Understanding Declarations of Trust for Property Protection
If you have an interest in a property but your name is not on the title deeds, a declaration of trust can offer protecti
Removing a Partner Accused of Professional Breach
If you are a member of a partnership and one of your partners has been accused of breaching professional standards, this
Inheritance Act Claims – Secure Your Financial Provision
If someone has died and has not made any, or reasonable, financial provision for you from their estate, you may be able
Are Fake Football Shirts Infringing Football Clubs’ Intellectual Property?
Football is a global phenomenon, attracting millions of fans to stadiums every week. Even Hollywood celebrities are gett
First Time Buyers: 5 Essential Tips for a Successful Home Purchase
Buying your first home is an exciting time, but it can also be daunting. We outline our five top tips for first time buy
Is a postnuptial agreement part of your family business succession plan?
The 2020s have been called ‘The Great Wealth Transfer,’ as £1 trillion of wealth built up by the ‘baby boomers’ is expec
How are gifts treated in divorce or dissolution of a civil partnership?
The Government’s 2022 English Housing Survey reported that 27 per cent of first-time buyers used gifts from family or fr
Understanding Parental Alienation: A Guide for Families
Every year, April 25th is Parental Alienation Awareness Day. It's a day that might not stand out on many calendars, but
Promotions and grading; an employer’s guide to the risks
Giving employees clear pathways and opportunities for promotion will help to improve performance and keep staff committe
Calculating ‘loss of profit’ in a business dispute
If you are involved in a business dispute which has reached the point of discussing loss of profit, then it may be more
Handling LPA Issues: What To Do If Your Attorney Passes Away
Having a Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA) in place gives you the security of knowing that someone will be able to deal wi
Vespero. Scotland’s first ‘tequila’ launched – but there’s a sour twist…
Many of us remember the Tequila song, assuring us that tequila makes us happy (at least until the hangover arrives). Yet
Secure your brand’s future and WIN a trade mark application worth over £1500
Are you in charge of a business? Would you like to protect your brand and enhance you reputation? If YES, in support of
The 5 most common causes of Wills disputes
Over recent years, the courts have reported an increase in cases brought after a dispute has arisen over a Will. We look
What’s the latest for AI and data protection?
AI is slowly becoming a part of our lives whether we have stopped to think of it or not. From smart homes to voice devic
What can delay exchange of contracts?
If you are buying or selling a property, it can be frustrating to find that the exchange of contracts has been delayed.
How to deal with a dispute arising from an indemnity
As a business owner you may well have been given the benefit of an indemnity in any of your commercial agreements. Inde
Spring 2024 employment law round up
This year is a busy one for employment legislation, following a few quiet years. The Government has supported several pr
A landlord’s liability for a commercial tenant’s activities
The most successful commercial landlords take an active approach to managing their properties, and there is more to this
FAQs on Trade Marks
Navigating the legal waters of trade mark registration can be complex, but it's crucial for protecting your brand. Ever
Challenging a gift to charity made in a will
Finding out that your loved one has decided to leave a gift of money or property to a charity in their will can sometime
How to Stop IP Infringement in Online Marketplaces
As businesses thrive through online marketplaces, the risk of intellectual property (IP) infringement also increases. It
New Powers of Attorney Act 2023 becomes law
A new bill aimed at speeding up and simplifying the registration of Lasting Powers of Attorney has been passed by Parlia
Leasehold and Freehold Reform Bill aims to make leasehold fairer
The government has announced that it intends to make it cheaper and simpler for leaseholders to purchase the freehold of
Freehold v Leasehold. Make sure you know what you are buying.
If you are thinking of purchasing a property, it is vital you know what tenure it is as this can affect both its value a
A tenant’s guide to business leases and ‘contracting out’
If you take a lease of business premises, your landlord may ask you to ‘contract out’ of statutory rights that apply to
New rules for flexible working requests from 6 April
The right to request flexible working has been around for over 20 years, and in that time eligibility to the right has b
Facing a Notice of Threatened Opposition? Safeguard Your Trade Mark Rights.
As a business owner, receiving a Notice of Threatened Opposition from a third party can be unsettling. It is important t
Data Protection Day is here – time to review your policies?
You are forgiven if you are not aware that Data Protection Day falls on the 28th January of each year. The terms ‘GDPR’
CHOOSE MEDIATION TO AVOID THE STRESS OF DIVORCE
January is always a busy time for Family Lawyers, as couples who have 'kept it together' for Christmas but then head for
Allegations of bullying at work; how should employers respond?
Most employers will try to protect staff from bullying in the workplace, but sometimes it is hard to know what to do abo
An employer’s guide to taking grievances seriously
Dealing with employee grievances properly can require a great deal of time and effort, but a prompt investigation could
The Importance of Reviewing Contracts Before Signing
Businesses enter into contracts all the time whether they are conscious of this or not. Whether you tick a box that says
Common Mistakes to avoid in Business Contracts
Contracts are the lifeblood of businesses, setting out exactly how they interact with suppliers, employees, customers, a
How to pay Inheritance Tax
If you are dealing with the estate of someone who has died, you may need to pay Inheritance Tax (IHT). Some or all of th
No Fault Evictions Checklist
It is still up for debate whether the long-awaited abolition of “no-fault” evictions will happen this year. Whilst we al
What to do if your former partner is not complying with a child arrangement order?
A child arrangement order (sometimes referred to as a CAO) is a court order which provides for a child to spend time wit
Commercial service charges – a tenant’s guide
Commercial tenants will know that the rent they pay is only one part of the overall cost of occupying their premises. A
Adverse possession explained
Adverse possession, sometimes referred to as squatting, can give someone legal ownership of land if they have occupied i
Avoiding disputes with distributors
Selling your goods in a new and unfamiliar market can be a risky and costly venture, but entering into a distribution ar
New Year, New Will
Have you made any new year resolutions? Perhaps one of them should be to make sure that you have a Will and that it is
Updated Acas guidance on sickness absence management
On average, each employee in the UK took 5.7 days off due to sickness in 2022, according to figures published by the Off
Effective Tips to Resolve Christmas Arrangements for Separated Parents
December brings for children the excitement and anticipation of Christmas. But for separated parents it can bring additi
Is it possible to divorce a person who lacks mental capacity?
Anyone contemplating divorce or dissolution of a civil partnership will have many things to consider, but you are likely
Defending a negligence claim against a property professional
If you are a professional working in the property sector, you may at some point face a claim from a disgruntled client c
8 reasons to use a Probate Practitioner for obtaining Probate and administering an estate
Winding up an estate can be complex and time-consuming, but there are also other valid reasons why you might want to use
What are your rights when a commercial tenant goes bust?
In challenging economic conditions, commercial property landlords must be prepared for tenants to hit financial difficul
Government grants of £7,500 available for heat pumps
The government is promoting the installation of heat pumps in homes to replace boilers, with vouchers being offered to h
What can you do if your supply contract is terminated without your agreement?
As a supplier you rely on the contractual relationships with your customers for many reasons. As well as helping to for
Can I get a divorce in England or Wales?
You may have read in the news of many wealthy international divorces occurring in England, such as the divorce of the Du
Unclaimed estates list reveals over £1 billion of estate assets waiting to be inherited
The government’s unclaimed estates list has exceeded £1 billion in assets. This is money and property left by individual
Documenting short-term occupation for commercial landlords
No commercial landlord wants their property empty. A vacant unit costs money in repair, insurance, and business rates,
Strategic tips when you need to enforce a judgment for payment
After obtaining a court order, there are several legal strategies to enforce a judgment debt. The most effective approac
Trade mark Ownership: Should You or Your Business Entity Be the Owner?
You may already know that a trade mark is a legal symbol representing your unique brand, product, or service. It’s cruci
How can businesses protect their IP following the termination of an employee?
When it comes to protecting intellectual property (IP), business owners are constantly on their toes to ensure that thei
First time buyers? How to help your child buy a property
Stepping onto the property ladder can be a challenge for first time buyers. We take a look at how parents can help their
Guide to direct access arrangements for children
Being separated from your child can be heart-wrenching, and yet some parents have to overcome some significant hurdles t
Protecting your Digital Assets for Future Generations
In our increasingly digital world, the issue of digital assets after an individual's death has emerged as a complex and
Can I amend our divorce settlement due to a chronic health condition?
During a divorce or dissolution of a civil partnership, there are a number of factors that must be taken into account wh
Employers’ guide to dyslexia in the workplace
The British Dyslexia Association estimates that one in ten people have dyslexia. Employers are encouraged to explore way
Top tips for preparing to sell your commercial property
In a bumpy market, it pays to be well-prepared before you put your commercial property on the market. Your solicitor wil
Grounds on how you can challenge a Will
There are a number of ways you may be able to dispute a Will if you are concerned about its contents, the way in which i
You can’t predict the future but you can plan for it.
Most people wouldn’t think they will ever suffer memory loss which prevents them from making their own decisions. Today,
How to prepare for care home funding
The issue of care home funding is not simple – you need to consider not only the financial implications or entering care
Third party litigation funding options for a business dispute
If your business is embroiled in a dispute, then tough decisions will need to be made. Taking a claim to court, or defen
Has your employee social media policy kept pace with business practice?
When did you last review or update the policy on social media use for your employees? Does it reflect the way that socia
How to Protect Your Trade Secrets
Trade secrets are valuable assets for all businesses of all sizes. They can give you a competitive edge, help you attrac
How gifts to charities can reduce your Inheritance Tax liability
Many people choose to donate to charities during their lifetime. Lifetime donations and gifts under a Will to charities
Letter of Wishes explained
If you have made a Will, you can also consider writing a letter of wishes to accompany it. We look at the purpose of a l
“Off” licence relaxation extended to 31 March 2025
Without wishing to go back to a time when many would rather forget, everyone will no doubt have their own specific memor
Ed Sheeran Wins ‘Thinking Out Loud’ copyright case
In a major victory for songwriters, Ed Sheeran has been cleared of copyright infringement in a case that could have had
Can Fictional Characters be recognised as a Copyright Work?
In a recent decision, the High Court of England and Wales has ruled that fictional characters can be recognised as copyr
The Trust Register – Do I need to consider it?
Unfortunately, you probably do! The Trust Register was set up to deal with new European Money Laundering Regulations to
Relocation: navigating the risks and pitfalls for employers
Due to changes in ways of working since the pandemic, or in response to the economic slowdown, some employers are downsi
Increase in the Statutory Legacy
The government has raised the amount a spouse or civil partner can inherit if their partner dies without making a Will.
Landlords leaving the rental sector
As tenants struggle to find suitable and affordable properties to rent, the number of landlords is declining as many are
Preventing the dissipation of assets in divorce
Divorce can often stir up feelings of mistrust between former spouses, especially when it comes to considering the finan
How do we deal with our mortgage during a divorce?
With interest rates and the cost-of-living crisis in the headlines on a daily basis, mortgage affordability is a key con
Crypto assets and a divorce settlement
According to a report by Forbes Magazine in September 2022 there are now more than 20,000 crypto currencies worth a coll
What is legal professional privilege and why is it important in a business dispute?
Maintaining confidentiality is crucial when communicating with your lawyer, especially if your business is approaching a
Solar Panels and Commercial Buildings
Commercial landlords are increasingly keen to show that their buildings are sustainable. With energy prices high and co
Avoiding problems with easements on commercial land
If a neighbouring landowner uses part of your land for something, such as access or drainage, it is likely that they wil
What is a commercial lease?
A commercial lease is a legally binding contract made between a landlord and a business tenant. A commercial lease gives
What is the Madrid Protocol system and how does it work?
If you are looking to protect your trade mark(s) internationally then the Madrid Protocol system may be beneficial to yo
7 key benefits of a Shareholders Agreement
A shareholders' agreement is a contract between the shareholders of a company that sets out the terms and conditions of
Tempted by the four-day working week trial for your business?
One story which received a great deal of media coverage earlier this year was the publication of the results of a six-mo
Options for enforcing a judgment for payment
Obtaining a court judgment for payment from a debtor can be a significant relief, especially if your claim was contested
It’s a Barbie World – The importance of protecting your brand
All social media at the moment is ranting and raving about the new Barbie movie. It started as a kids doll in 1959 and n
Contact arrangements for children – indirect contact
Along with the welfare issues to be considered when thinking how to meet your child’s needs, parents who are separating
Is your Will still valid after your divorce?
Lots of people make a Will when they get married. What happens to that Will when the relationship breaks down? Divorce
Valuing a Property for Probate
If you are dealing with an estate administration after someone has died and this includes dealing with their property, y
What happens if you have lost your title deeds and want to sell your home?
If you are thinking of selling your home, you may be concerned if you do not know where your title deeds are. We take a
Can I lose my trade mark?
Hooray! You have made it through the trade mark registration process and you have your registration certificate – congra
Is My Trade Mark Generic?
As a business owner, creating a brand and securing your trade marks are essential. However, sometimes, the process of ap
Trade marks vs Copyright: Understanding the Differences for Your Business
As a business owner, protecting your intellectual property is incredibly important. Two (of many) forms of legal protect
How to protect your intellectual property: key areas you need to know
As a business owner, you create and innovate every day. Whether it's the design of a new product, the development of a p
How AI is Changing Intellectual Property Sphere
The rapid advances in artificial intelligence (AI) in recent years have left many business owners, entrepreneurs, start-
Trade mark update: How to classify NFTs, virtual goods and metaverse services
Brand owners are considering the use of their trade marks and how best to protect them following the UK Intellectual Pro
How to negotiate a turnover rent for retail premises
Turnover rents are increasingly common in retail lettings. In challenging times, they appeal to tenants because both th
Talking ‘off the record’ and settlement agreements
Using a settlement agreement to end an employment relationship can effectively provide a fresh start. To initiate this p
Getting employees back to the office
According to the Office for National Statistics, before the Covid pandemic only one in eight working adults reported wor
Curry Mile Case illustrates Commercial Landlords can’t hide behind tenants
The Curry Mile in Manchester is a vibrant stretch of Wilmslow Road filled with restaurants, cafes, and shops featuring M
Lost Will? What if a Will can’t be found after someone’s death?
Locating a Will after someone has died is not always easy. If you believe that the deceased made a Will, you should do a
How can a business remove a troublesome shareholder?
There are many reasons why shareholders fall out. Most companies in the UK are small owner-managed businesses, which are
What is Nominal Spouse Maintenance and do I need to worry?
During mediation, couples often prefer a "clean break" in their financial settlement, meaning they are free of any furth
Sun’s out, fun’s out(side)!
Summer is here, and that means it’s time to enjoy live music outdoors with friends and a drink in hand, but, before you
Why your terms and conditions may be letting you down
A robust set of terms and conditions are essential for every business, allowing you to clearly outline the products or s
Why do I need a drainage and water report?
For house and flat buyers, a drainage and water report is always recommended and it is also usually a requirement of the
What is an LPA certificate provider and what do they do?
If you are making a Lasting Power of Attorney or LPA, you will need a certificate provider to sign the LPA. We take a lo
Laceys Solicitors advise Renais Spirits ahead of the launch of Renais Gin
Leading Dorset Firm, Laceys Solicitors, has advised Renais Spirits, the brainchild of Alex Watson, ahead of the recent r
Exercising a break clause – top tips for commercial tenants
If you are a business tenant, a break clause in your commercial lease gives you valuable flexibility to move out if circ
Due diligence – ensuring a business acquisition benefits from the contracts
If you have spotted a great business acquisition opportunity and the headline figures look superb, how do you know that
Martyn’s Law – Guidance for Event Organisers
In 2017, the Aryana Grande concert at the Manchester Arena was struck by a horrific terrorist attack that killed 22 peop
Laceys announces record number of promotions in the history of the firm!
Laceys has rewarded nine solicitors with new positions in its latest wave of promotions. This is the highest number of p
Employment law risks when keeping clients happy
The client is king and businesses will usually do anything they can to keep and grow clients, but not everyone is commit
Widow wins 50% share of husband’s £1m estate
A widow who was married to her husband for 66 years but left out of his Will has won her court case requesting a share o
Energy efficient homes hold their value better
Research carried out by the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) has found that despite a fall in the average
Agreeing access arrangements for children – welfare considerations
A relationship breakdown often means a dramatic change in life for all involved and when parents live apart, arrangement
Don’t get caught out by the new UK IPO changes!
Do you have a pending or registered UK trade mark or design? If so, you will want to make sure the new changes do not af
New EPC Regulations only days away
Landlords of non-domestic properties with an energy performance certificate (EPC) rating of below band “E” now have only
Selling spare land on a commercial site
If you own a commercial property which is larger than you need, selling part of it could be a good way to release value.
How to get your paperwork in order before selling your home
If you are planning on selling your home, getting all of your paperwork in order upfront can help you avoid delays later
Changes ahead in capital gains tax rules for divorcing couples
At present, no capital gains tax (CGT) is charged on a transfer of assets between a married couple or civil partners who
Lost your Title Deeds? How to register ownership of your property.
What are Title Deeds? Title Deeds are legal documents which prove the chain of ownership to land or property. They are h
Spring employment law round up
Aside from the typical April updates to statutory rates, it may seem relatively quiet on the regulatory front for employ
Is a prenup part of your wedding planning?
Hotels and wedding venues are busy hosting wedding fairs and gearing up for the wedding season, with everyone focused on
Agreements with highways authorities
If you develop a site and your scheme includes new roads, you will probably want to get them adopted by the local highwa
Resolving a dispute about the breach of a contractual warranty or indemnity
Warranties and indemnities are routinely included in commercial agreements. Their aim is to provide a right of redress w
Problems in performance management
Performance management can be both challenging and time-consuming. The first challenge is to determine whether it is a c
Could a registered trade mark protect your business on social media?
While social media can be hugely beneficial for many businesses, it is not without its problems. Organisations have had
Energy Performance Certificates, or EPCs, explained
We take a look at Energy Performance Certificates, including why you need one, where you can get one and what they mean.
Inheritance claim win for adult child against parent’s estate
In a recent inheritance claim case, a disabled adult won £195,000 from his late mother’s estate after being left out of
Traps to avoid when buying your first commercial property
Many would-be investors are drawn to commercial property. Even in times of economic uncertainty, people like the idea o
Employee monitoring; an employer’s guide
Recent advances in technology mean that there are now numerous ways to monitor employees, including via a webcam on staf
What employers need to know about hidden disabilities
Have you ever spotted someone wearing a lanyard with a sunflower as a means of indicating that they have a non-visible d
Transferring a Property into Joint Names
Due to the blended society we live in, there could be a million and one reasons why the property we live in may only be
Millennials prioritise parents over inheritance
Research carried out by Barclays Wealth has found that nearly a third of millennials would prefer that their parents spe
Step-by-step guide to no fault divorce
Since April 2022, couples have been able to seek a divorce after one year of marriage without having to blame their form
Key lease negotiation points for landlords
Whether negotiating a new commercial lease, or renegotiating an existing one, it is important to plan ahead and be clear
The advantages of mediation to resolve a family dispute
‘All conflicts are capable of peaceful resolution,’ said Nelson Mandela, although it may be hard to envisage this when y
Key time limits for debt recovery claims
Every business will experience problems with late or non-payers at some point during its trading life. This can be time
How to manage Probate property sales
Selling a property is one of the most stressful events we can go through and dealing with this after the loss of a loved
Right to manage v collective enfranchisement?
If you own a leasehold flat, you may want to end your landlord’s involvement in running the property. There are two main
Laceys Licensing team wins ‘Best Support to the Event Industry’ at NOEA National Awards
The National Outdoor Events Association (NOEA) held their annual convention and awards on Wednesday 23th November at The
Who pays private school fees after divorce or separation?
According to the Financial Times the average fee for independent schools is now over £15,000 a year for day pupils and £
Could my marriage be invalid?
Sadly, there are people who have believed they were legally married, only to find out years later their marriage was inv
Enforcing child contact arrangements
Following the breakdown of a relationship, most parents can reach an agreement amicably regarding the arrangements for c
Our employers’ guide to Christmas party fallout
Christmas parties are a great chance for employees to have fun together, and an opportunity for employers to treat their
Posting about a family dispute? You may want to think twice.
It is forecast that, by the end of this year, 90 per cent of the UK adult population will use a social media account at
Key points when negotiating a promotion agreement for your land
If you own land which may have potential for development, or you have already been approached by a developer, the chance
Resolving a shareholder dispute about company strategy
For a business to grow and prosper, it is vital that the people at the helm get on and have a shared vision about key is
Stamp Duty changes September 2022 explained
In September 2022, the Chancellor announced changes to rates of Stamp Duty payable on property purchases in England and
Adoption rights; what employers need to know
According to the charity Adoption UK, there are nearly 3,000 children in care waiting to be adopted. National Adoption W
Who is responsible for organising and paying for a funeral?
After a death, one of the first tasks is to arrange the funeral. This is generally carried out by the deceased’s next of
How does a gifted deposit for a house purchase work?
With house prices continuing to make buying a first home difficult, many people are given money towards the purchase by
Broken Promises: Claiming What Was Promised to You
If you have been promised a gift or other property from a person that has died but this promise hasn’t been reflected in
Challenging gifts made under a Lasting Power of Attorney
If you are acting for an individual as an Attorney under a Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA), the scope for you to make gi
A will with unintended consequences?
A High Court judgment has highlighted what may be seen as a peril of making a will which includes assets whose value may
Laceys endorsed for 7 specialisms in the 2023 Legal 500
Laceys have once again been recommended across seven of the firm’s specialist legal areas in the 2023 edition of the Leg
First time buyer questions answered
If you are planning on buying your first home, you probably have many questions. The process can be confusing and it is
£500 Mediation Voucher Scheme for Couples Considering Separation
With the rising costs of living to contend with, those who are also in unhappy relationships may be putting off separati
How long does an LPA last and can it be ended?
A Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA) gives legal authority to a trusted friend or relative to make decisions and deal with
Employee benefits; pitfalls to avoid
Employee recruitment and retention remains challenging for employers and offering an attractive package of benefits can
Renters Reform Bill: what does it mean for landlords?
The UK Government has announced radical plans to overhaul the private renters’ market, with a new bill designed to shift
Trading Name Dispute – Zara v House of Zana
In the world of intellectual property, trade mark opposition proceedings are becoming more common than ever before, and
Parental Rights in IVF and Assisted Conception Explained
Nearly 60,000 people have benefited from invitro fertilisation (IVF) and donor insemination at HFEA licensed fertility c
Negotiating a senior executive package
Recruiting the right senior executive can be an immense benefit to a company if they bring the right mix of skills, expe
Adding a conservatory or extension to your property?
If you are thinking of adding a conservatory or extension to your property, you need to be aware of the rules and regula
Can I cut my spouse out of my Will?
When you make your Will, you are entitled to leave your estate to your choice of beneficiary. While this means that you
Letting Your Tenant Go: Understanding Underletting Rights
If you are a landlord of commercial property, you will have chosen your tenants carefully. A landlord wants to be sure
Summer 2022 Employment Law Update
This year’s Queen’s Speech was surprisingly light on employment law developments, with the omission of the long-awaited
Trust Registration Service – do the new rules apply to you?
It has been necessary to register all UK and non-UK trusts where they are liable to pay mainstream UK tax (income tax, c
What you need to know about changes to leasehold legislation
Long-awaited reforms to law surrounding leasehold property will start to take effect in 2022 as the government seeks to
Is your Pre-nuptial Agreement strategic business risk management?
Managing risk is an essential part of any business operation and while personal relationships do not often appear high o
Lasting Power of Attorney reforms urgently needed
With the current Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA) system over thirty years old, the government’s consultation on reformin
Can a non-molestation order prevent someone bothering me?
Domestic abuse can impact men and women, of any age or race and is seen across all parts of society. Unfortunately, sta
Employers – let’s talk about pay
The subject of pay is always a hot topic and requires sensitive handling. Employees feel they need more, due to the risi
Redevelopment of commercial property around your tenant
Redevelopment of parts of a building in your portfolio, to create a more flexible layout or perhaps add additional floor
How do I find a lost Will?
A Will is crucial in making sure that an estate passes to the right people after someone dies. But sometimes it can be h
Changes to EPC rules could be expensive for landlords
Energy Performance Certificates, or EPCs, give an energy performance rating for properties, with the most energy efficie
Companies House: Business Name vs Trademark Rights Explained
It is a common misconception that registering a company name at Companies House automatically grants you rights in the n
Ed Sheeran’s “Oh I” vs Sam Chokri’s “Oh Why”: A Legal Clash
It has been another busy few months in the world of intellectual property, with Ed Sheeran in the spotlight once more. S
Commercial property, green space, and The Queen’s Green Canopy
From individual landowners to corporate developers, everyone is being encouraged to play their part in enhancing our env
Investigating employee misconduct – how to get it right.
Employers must ensure they can demonstrate a reasonable belief that an employee is guilty of misconduct before proceedin
Paying Inheritance Tax – what you need to know.
For those dealing with someone’s estate after their death, the Inheritance Tax bill can come as a nasty shock. It needs
Storm damage. Who pays?
With UK weather becoming more extreme, homeowners are having to deal with an increase in damage caused by trees and fenc
Looking to alter or end a Lasting Power of Attorney?
A Lasting Power of Attorney or LPA is a document that gives legal authority to someone to deal with your affairs on your
Meghan Markle files trade mark for ‘Archetypes’ Podcast
Meghan Markle has been in the firing line (alongside Harry) since stepping down as a Senior Royal in January 2020 as she
Laceys Solicitors honour six-year-old lost to brain tumour in fundraising challenge
Laceys Solicitors have signed up to a fundraising challenge for three of the UK’s leading neurological research charitie
Restrictive covenants and development sites
Even the most promising development can be knocked off course if the land is subject to a restrictive covenant. Restric
Spring 2022 Employment Law Update
April is usually the month when the Government introduces new employment legislation, and in recent years, it has announ
No-fault divorce. A smoother path to divorce from 6 April 2022.
Once you have decided that your marriage is over and you have taken the first step towards divorce or dissolution of a c
Sibling battle over £100 million property mogul’s Will
The Will of a wealthy property investor has been overturned by the High Court on the basis that he did not know and appr
Do I need to register my trade mark? How to protect your brand
As a business, you probably have insurance in place to protect your assets, locks on your premises and even security tea
Japanese knotweed and Property – new guidance issued
The Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) has published new advice for professional valuers and surveyors aime
Renewing or extending your commercial lease
When a commercial lease is due to end, both landlord and tenant will consider their business plans to decide whether the
Fair Dismissal: Key Considerations for Employers
The law gives five potentially fair reasons for dismissal. The most commonly used reasons are redundancy, capability and
Buying a house? Laceys guide to property searches.
A property is a big investment and it is important to ensure that there will not be any nasty surprises in the future. S
Which? survey highlights lack of awareness over Lasting Power of Attorney
A Which? survey of 2,000 UK residents found that only one in seven (15%) of people have given someone else power of atto
Receiving an employment tribunal claim: what to do next
As an employer, you may face a tribunal claim from an employee, former employee, or even an applicant at some point. Whi
Thinking of buying a property with a domestic septic tank?
Many properties will be connected to mains drainage but this is not always the case. Have a read of our tips below to co
Securing access for a commercial property
Once a commercial tenant has agreed a lease and moved into business premises, they will rely on having unobstructed acce
What to Expect at FDR Hearings in Divorce Proceedings
If you are applying for a financial order as part of your divorce then the court will list your case in for a financial
Family Mediation: Choose the Type Best Suited to Your Conflict
The phrase one shoe doesn’t fit all is a perfect description of how versatile mediators have to be when helping couples
MEDIATION ACKNOWLEGED AS AN INTEGRAL PART OF THE FAMILY JUSTICE STSTEM
Family Mediation Week 2022 was fittingly launched online on 17th January in keeping with the pandemic-induced trend of m
Why the voice of the child is important in Mediation
Mediation usually takes place between separated parents when they cannot agree on what arrangements should be in place f
OurFamilyWizard – An invaluable aid for co-parenting
Effective parenting communication is crucial if children are to survive unscathed (both emotionally and physically) thei
Don’t rule out Mediation in relation to domestic abuse.
If you have come out of a relationship involving domestic abuse, you will have the challenging task of needing to make a
Return to the workplace: Be aware of an employee’s disabilities
During this transitional period, as employees return to the workplace on a hybrid or full-time basis, employers must be
Should Wills provide for children?
Following the 2017 Supreme Court case of an adult daughter who successfully claimed financial provision from her late mo
Mirror or Mutual Will? Make sure you know the difference.
Many partners like the idea of making their wills together but they may not understand that there is a choice between ma
Buying offices as an investment
The best investment property will be one where the fundamentals are right. It should be in a suitable location, in soun
M&S and Aldi – ‘Caterpillar-gate’ round 2?
M&S are at loggerheads with Aldi for the second time. After ‘Caterpillar-gate’ (M&S’s claim that Aldi’s Cuthbert
Can you really have a clean break after divorce?
Many people mistakenly believe that a divorce severs financial ties between those formerly but that is not automatically
Employment policies and procedures: time for a refresh?
Many businesses are now at the stage where they have planned their longer-term working arrangements for staff, whether t
The Commercial Rent (Coronavirus) Bill and pandemic rent arrears
The current moratorium on commercial landlords evicting tenants, exercising the right to seize goods or taking insolvenc
Implacable hostility over child arrangements or parental alienation?
If you cannot reach an agreement with your former partner about arrangements for your children, one of you may apply to
Resolving a family dispute over the choice of a child’s school
Parents will always strive to do what is best for their children, but for separated parents this can sometimes lead to d
Positive Developments in Personal Data Protection for Businesses
The world of data protection can be daunting for many businesses, and even a cause of stress and anxiety for some. The h
Understanding Carers’ Rights in the Workplace
According to Care UK, three million people in the UK are juggling work with unpaid caring for disabled, seriously ill, o
A legal checklist for new ventures
Whether you are launching a new product, expanding your existing business into new areas or starting an entirely new ent
Senior executive departure – tips for a smooth exit
Despite all your best efforts to recruit and retain the right key executives, sometimes things just do not work out as p
The Covid Vaccination for school children – what if parents can’t agree?
School children aged 12 to 15 years are now being offered the Covid vaccination through schools. For some parents this w
Dusting off disciplinary procedures post Covid
The last 18 months have seen employers turn on a dime to keep their business on track, while guarding the health and wel
Is your workplace sympathetic to the menopause?
In an episode of the Netflix series House of Cards, the American First Lady Claire Underwood opens the door of her huge
Making your commercial property portfolio more sustainable
Growing evidence of climate change has put sustainability firmly on the commercial property agenda. Owners, occupiers,
Landlords and Eviction: no need for gas certificates?
Not exactly. However, a recent case has confirmed that landlords may still be able to use the accelerated procedure unde
Proud Sponsors to the NOEA Convention 2021 #buildbackbetter
Laceys Solicitors are proud to be sponsoring the annual NOEA Convention this year, taking place digitally, 24th November
Acquiring a property title by adverse possession
If you want to sell land, or borrow money to develop it, you must prove that you own it. This becomes a problem if you
Mediation voucher scheme paying couples £500 to divorce out of court extended
Laceys Mediation signed are pleased to announce the The Ministry of Justice Family Mediation Voucher Scheme has receiv
Freezing Injunction: Protecting Marital Assets Effectively
When a relationship ends, disputes over financial settlements can sometimes lead to unacceptable behavior. Typically, th
Valuing a private company or family business in a divorce settlement
Running your own business can be the fulfilment of a lifelong dream, but it also brings stresses and strains which somet
Understanding Obligations of a Commercial Lease
Keeping commercial property insured and in good repair is important for both landlords and tenants, but for slightly dif
Water, drainage, and sewers; out of sight, but not out of mind.
When contemplating our business properties, attention tends to focus on the visible aspects, such as the architectural d
Rights of Adult Children in Divorce: Living at Home
Research by Loughborough University shows a sharp rise in the so called ‘boomerang’ generation of young adults returning
LOCKDOWN PETS – Who gets custody if we split up?
One area that hasn’t suffered from the Covid pandemic is the pet industry with the increase in puppy purchases being a m
Does bad behaviour affect the financial settlement in a divorce?
Within a marriage or civil partnership, the concept of bad behaviour can cover a multitude of activities, from leaving t
Mental Health & Wellbeing
This past year has shown, more than ever, how important it is for us to look after our own, and others’, wellbeing. In r
Don’t let the ‘No Fault Divorce’ delay halt your divorce. Family Mediation can help.
It has recently been announced that there will be a delay to the much anticipated no-fault divorce, which will now come
Ten key negotiating points when taking a new commercial lease
When a landlord and tenant try to settle the terms for a new commercial lease, each party will have clear objectives. T
The future of the workplace and hybrid working
The official government message encouraging people to work from home is expected to end with the final step out of lockd
Residential evictions notice period reduced again
Once again, the eviction notice periods under section 21 and section 8 have changed. However, for the first time since t
Understanding Family-Friendly Employment Rights Post-Covid
While the predicted lockdown baby boom has not materialised and the birth rate is similar to 2020 (down just 0.5%), fami
Legal Considerations for Extending Your Commercial Property
If your business is expanding, you may have outgrown your current premises. Before you start looking for a new site, it
Family Mediation: Confidential Resolutions for Disputes
A recent court case has re-affirmed that in most cases Mediation notes or a Mediation Summary cannot be used as evidence
Employee, worker or self-employed? Comparing status and rights.
The statutory definitions of the three categories of employment status have long been criticised as being unclear, and o