Following user requests, we have published two new precedents: a simple and straightforward Construction Agreement, suitable for use by homeowners and contractors, and a Deed of Release and Grant, which releases existing property easements and grants new ones. Read more...

The Purchase of land guide now includes new Stamp duty land tax questionnaire. This questionnaire can be used at the start of the matter to gather relevant information for the tax return.

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 Private Child Arrangements guide has been enhanced with information about family assistance orders, special guardianship orders, gender identity issues, the court reporting pilot and the Our Family Wizard co-parenting app.

The accelerated first appointment procedure enables clients to reduce costs and skip straight to a financial dispute resolution hearing if an agreement has been reached. Read more...

The new Personal Injury publication comprises a practical and useful commentary with precedents taking the practitioner through the stages involved in advising a client in a claim for personal injuries sustained due to accidents at work or on public land. Read more...

The Debt Recovery – Acting for the Defendant commentary now includes greater detail on the process for applying to set aside a default judgment order. Example content has also been written for a Draft order – Setting aside default judgment on the basis of a real prospect of defending the claim. This, together with all the other forms needed for this application, are in matter plan folder F. Default judgment and summary judgment. We invite you to explore this updated publication. Comments and feedback are always welcomed.

A new publication relating to the law and practice of debt recovery matters has been published. This comprehensive and easy to follow publication provides commentary and precedents for the conduct of debt recovery matters, both before and during court proceedings, when acting for a claimant or defendant. It includes: Commentary discussion of: the pre-action protocol and practice direction; alternative dispute resolution and offers to settle; issuing proceedings and responding to them; default and summary judgment; case management, disclosure and trials. Precedents for: conditional fee agreements; letters of demand; particulars of claim; settlement agreements; defence and counterclaims; chronology, case summary and trial bundles. Also letters to clients explain the process and protocols, and standard letters to other parties give practitioners all the focused and practical guidance they need. We invite you to explore our new Debt Recovery publication and consider the wealth of assistance it offers.

The By Lawyers Criminal Offences app now includes new and updated Sentencing Guidelines for a number of motoring offences, all of which are effective from 1 July 2023. Read more...

At By Lawyers, we believe that matters are more than checklists and simply ticking boxes doesn’t get the job done. But there are times when an easy way to see where the file is up to, allowing others in the office to quickly pick up the threads, is essential. Our To do lists help to manage risk, guide the unfamiliar, and ensure nothing is missed. We have recently carried out a full and thorough review of the To do lists to provide consistency of language and format. This makes them easier to read, easier to complete and easier to keep updated. If you have any comments or suggestions about the changes, do please let us know.

The Estates commentary has been enhanced to include discussion of recent case law pertaining to the forfeiture rule and a helpful section on locating a will.

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

Following user feedback, a new letter has been added to the Divorce publication providing advice on judicial separation as an alternative to divorce or dissolution.

The Court of Appeal ruled that Kristie Higgs' dismissal from Farmor's School for critical Facebook posts on LGBTQ+ lessons was unlawfully discriminatory and disproportionate.

Many practitioners routinely recommend the OurFamilyWizard parenting app to their clients. We have included a letter mentioning the app in the Getting the matter underway folder of the Private Child Arrangements guide. We have also added a clause for orders called Form content – Co-parenting app order. Read more...