Blog

From Monday 9th December 2024, HM Land Registry will increase fees for its information services, marking the first rise in over a decade. The fees are increasing by £4 and...

Understand the law on bonfires and fireworks. Stay informed, safe, and compliant during festive and celebratory times.

Rachel Reeves made history yesterday, delivering the first budget from a female chancellor, in a debut that also marked the first Labour budget in 14 years. Starting her speech with...

Do grandparents have rights? In the UK, the law doesn’t automatically give grandparents the right to see their grandchildren. Parents can choose whether or not they want their children’s grandparents...

Criminal law is the most widely known area of legal practice. It ranges broadly from motoring offences to murder and white-collar crimes, such as corruption and fraud. What is criminal...

Conveyancing is the legal part of buying property and refers to the legal transfer of ownership from the seller to the buyer. The main stages of conveyancing are the exchange...

When do you pay conveyancing fees? Your conveyancing solicitor will likely ask for a payment on account before starting their service. If you’re selling your current property and wish to...

What is Stamp Duty? Stamp Duty Land Tax (SDLT) is a mandatory tax that applies when purchasing property or land in England and Northern Ireland. You’re required to pay SDLT...

Case Study Summary Our client was a teenager accused of sexual assault, on a female that he had met through Snapchat. After never having any legal dealings or knowledge, his...

Domestic Violence Awareness Month October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month, a time dedicated to raising awareness about the widespread issue of domestic abuse and highlighting the resources available for victims...

Going through divorce or separation is challenging, especially when there are children involved. If your children are old enough, they might show signs of worry or concern throughout this difficult...

Domestic abuse, also known as domestic violence, is the act of one partner showing a pattern of behaviour that shows signs of wanting to control or hurt the other. In...

When a loved one is diagnosed with dementia, it can be an overwhelming and emotional time for both the individual and their family. As the condition progresses, it’s essential to...

Alzheimer’s disease is a complex and challenging condition that affects millions of individuals worldwide. It is a form of dementia that gradually impairs cognitive function, memory, and behaviour. Coping with...

Pre-proceedings are in place to give parents information regarding the local authorities’ concerns about their children. Child welfare is important, and pre-proceedings give parents the chance to work collaboratively with...

In short, yes, common law marriage is a myth. 46% of people in England and Wales believe that living together forms a “common law marriage”, but this is a misconception....

When a loved one is diagnosed with Alzheimer’s or dementia, it can be a challenging and emotional experience for the entire family. Explaining these complex conditions to children of different...

Alzheimer’s and dementia are complex conditions that can be challenging to navigate, both for those affected and their loved ones. Recognising the early signs of these conditions is crucial in...

When thinking about separating or coming to the conclusion that a divorce is the only option, many people worry about their finances. Whether that is how they will survive on...

When it comes to matters involving your children and family law, it is important to understand the different terminology being used and the different types of orders that can be...

Close to 500 arrests have now been made after violence and disorder has continued on streets across the UK. This is an upsetting and worrying time for many people, especially...

Following an extremely dramatic General Election, Labour’s Sir Keir Starmer is now in power as the UK’s new Prime Minister. This came after a drastic fall for the Conservative Party,...

With Summer in full swing, you may be thinking about moving house or getting ready for the big moving day. The longer days and generally good weather make Summer a...

You have decided to make your will. You’ve met with your solicitor, discussed your needs and received advice. Later, you then receive your will to review, but find it contains words...

Rachael Flannigan is a Solicitor in the Residential Property Team at Bell Lamb & Joynson. The role of a property solicitor can be very fast-paced and stressful, but also incredibly...

Jessica Flaherty at Bell Lamb & Joynson in Runcorn is encouraging people to plan ahead to help reduce their inheritance tax (IHT) bill. Latest figures from HMRC show that inheritance...

Bell Lamb & Joynson, a leading law firm known for its commitment to excellence and client service, is pleased to announce the promotion of two outstanding lawyers. Jessica Flaherty and...

Lots of people in their 20’s and 30’s are not considering making a Will anytime soon. There are either too many other priorities or they simply believe that they have...

Doctors are calling for the drink-drive limit to be reduced to the equivalent of just one small glass of wine or beer. The British Medical Foundation and trade union for...

Remortgaging is the process of changing the existing mortgage arrangement that you have on your property. You can remortgage onto a new deal with your current mortgage lender or switch...