What do I need to know before renting out a property?
As a first-time landlord, it can be easy to feel overwhelmed with the decisions that must be made and the legalities that must be considered. For many people who have not rented a property before, it is common to face issues during or following the termination of the tenancy due to a lack of proper
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Do I need a solicitor to set up a business in the UK?
As with any life-altering events, including marriage, divorce or making your Will, you may instruct the support of a trusted solicitor. This is just as true when you decide to set up a business. Although it is not a legal requirement to instruct a solicitor when you set up a business, it is something that
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What does the Court of Protection do?
The Court of Protection was created under the Mental Capacity Act 2005. It has jurisdiction over property, financial affairs and the personal welfare of people who lack the mental capacity to make decisions for themselves. When does the Court of Protection become involved? The Court of Protection will step in should there not be a
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Cost of Living Crisis – Should I Save Money and Prepare My Own Will?
Stamp Duty Land Tax (SDLT) is a form of tax that is paid on the acquisition of land in England and Northern Ireland. Although there are many factors that affect who pays it and how much they pay, generally, it is applied to increasing portions of the property price when you pay £150,000 or more
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How much Stamp Duty do I pay on Commercial Property?
Stamp Duty Land Tax (SDLT) is a form of tax that is paid on the acquisition of land in England and Northern Ireland. Although there are many factors that affect who pays it and how much they pay, generally, it is applied to increasing portions of the property price when you pay £150,000 or more
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What is the importance of a Will and how to make one?
Seeking the support of a trusted solicitor to write your Will is essential to ensure all of your wishes are met after you die. A Will should make provision for all of your possessions, assets, property and finances. You should allocate and organise how you wish things to be distributed and who should receive it.
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Who can claim under Inheritance Act 1975?
Only a few specific types of people can claim under the Inheritance Act 1975. Inheritance Provision for Family and Dependents Act The Inheritance (Provision for Family and Dependants) Act 1975 is a law that protects people who are financially dependent on another person when they die. The Act allows some people to claim against a
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How long does Probate take?
The probate process can take between 6 months and a year, even longer depending on the complexity of the case. The probate process begins from the date of a person’s death to the estate being distributed. Once a Grant of Probate has been issued, the average timescale for an estate to be distributed is six
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Stamp Duty Land Tax: Chancellor Budget Update
Stamp Duty Land Tax is the tax you pay if you buy a property or land over a certain price. This morning, during his ‘mini budget’, Chancellor Kwasi Kwarteng announced that the SDLT-free threshold would increase from £125,000 to £250,000. Meanwhile, for first-time buyers, the threshold will increase from £300,000 to £425,000. The value of
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Who can be a lasting power of attorney?
A lasting power of attorney is a legal document allowing someone to make decisions on your behalf, should you lack the capacity to do so yourself or no longer want to. There are many reasons why you might want (or need) someone to make decisions for you, including: Temporarily: if you are in hospital and
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