Two special conditions have been added to the Library of special conditions found in the C. Contract folder of the Sale of land matter plan. These relate to the buyer reimbursing the seller for the costs of searches or reports and the buyer’s responsibilities where a property is sold subject to a tenancy agreement.

The Civil Partnership (Opposite-sex Couples) Regulations 2019 enabling opposite-sex couples to enter into a civil partnership come into force on 2 December. This means that after a 28-day notice period, the first heterosexual civil partnership ceremonies could take place any time from the 31st December.

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 By Lawyers Purchase of Land Guide has been reviewed and updated to ensure that the commentaries and precedents are in line with current law and conveyancing practice. The extensive review was performed by our author Marcella King. As with all our authors, Marcella takes a practical approach, drawing on her considerable experience to cover all aspects of procedure, with a focus on practical tips that will help solicitors and conveyancers confidently run a purchase matter to completion. The commentary has been expanded: Undertakings are explained in more detail. The unregistered land section has been improved. Adverse possession claims and procedures are discussed in greater detail. A new section on finance and funding draws together all the financial aspects of the transaction, including mortgages, taxes and help to buy funding. Issues surrounding short term lets, for example Airbnb, are discussed. The section about pre-exchange searches has been expanded. The process by which contracts are exchanged has been amplified, including a worked example of using Formula C. Post-completion tasks are discussed in greater detail. The retainer instructions have been updated. The to do list has been updated. The summary of the conveyancing process has been updated. The matter plan now includes new precedents: New and amended possible enquiries, including a set specifically for new build properties. A letter sending the help to buy ISA declaration to clients, and a link to the declaration itself. An access undertaking for use when buyers would like access to the property between exchange and completion. We invite you to explore this updated publication and to consider the wealth of assistance the guide offers for solicitors and conveyancers acting in residential purchase matters.

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 By Lawyers Financial Remedies Guide has been reviewed and updated to ensure that the commentaries and precedents are in line with current law and practice. Read more...

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

By Lawyers are delighted to announce the release of our new publication on Enfranchisement. This useful new publication will enable practitioners to guide freeholder and tenant clients through: Collective rights – Enfranchisement Tenants right of first refusal Collective rights – Right to manage Individual rights – Enfranchisement of a leasehold house The commentary discusses important issues in these areas including: Qualifying criteria Valuations Costs Timetables Bona Vacantia, County Court and First-tier Tribunal applications Conveyancing processes Withdrawal and termination The new guide also contains a complete suite of essential and useful precedents such as: To Do lists with timetables Enclosures for clients explaining the process All the statutory forms and notices Tenants Participation Agreement Articles of Association for a Right to Manage Company Statutory Declarations of occupation Deed of Surrender of Lease This guide is an invaluable tool for all practitioners working in leasehold property departments, including those with limited experience or supervising less experienced practitioners.

Following some recent user feedback, the File Closing Checklist has been re-organised to enhance the logical sequence of the precedent. By grouping the items for review such as matter considerations, finance considerations, and file logistics, the improved layout will assist practitioners to complete these very important forms as part of their risk management strategy

We are very pleased to announce the release of two new By Lawyers publications: Employment Law – Non-Contentious; and Employment Law - Contentious. These two publications cover all aspects of practice and procedure whether acting for employees or for employers. They assist practitioners with representing clients, document drafting through to managing matters within the employment tribunals. The commentaries are practical and easy to understand and are supported by numerous helpful precedents. Key content includes: Commentary on contracts of employment, human resources, policies and procedures, transfer of undertakings, redundancy and unfair and wrongful dismissal. Commentary on conciliation, mediation and arbitration in the employee/employer relationship. Law and procedure relating to employment tribunals, including the Employment Appeal Tribunal. Comprehensive To Do Lists and Retainer Instructions ensure all necessary instructions are taken and followed. Letters to clients and third parties when establishing the employment relationship and when disputes arise. These Employment Law publications are an invaluable resource for practitioners who regularly conduct employment matters, as well as those with limited experience or those supervising junior lawyers. We invite you to explore these new guides. Comments and feedback are always welcomed.

By Lawyers has published new precedents to help practitioners assist landlords renting properties under assured shorthold tenancies. The new precedents advise landlords on the proposed changes contained in the Renters’ Rights Bill. Changes to their ability to seek possession are outlined, together with additional obligations that the Bill seeks to bring into force. Read more ...

Dismissal from work is traumatic, made even worse when the circumstances are unfair and the dismissal is the culmination of a distressing and difficult situation. Read more...

The landmark decision defining damages-based agreements.

Our Sale of land guide now includes new sections of commentary and new precedents. Read more...

The By Lawyers Estates Guide has been reviewed and updated to ensure that the commentaries and precedents are in line with current law and conveyancing practice. The extensive review was performed by our author Marcella King. As with all our authors, Marcella takes a practical approach, drawing on her considerable experience to cover all aspects of procedure, with a focus on practical tips that will help solicitors and conveyancers confidently run a probate matter. The commentary has been expanded, and a new To Do List has been included. We invite you to explore this updated publication and to consider the wealth of assistance the guide offers for solicitors and conveyancers acting in the administration of an estate.