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Most school holidays in England and Wales will commence from Friday 21st July 2023. This starts a 6-week (or so) Summer holiday period which, at the best of times, can create stress and anxiety for parents. Will the children have fun, will they be fulfilled, will they go back to school ok? They are all justified questions that parents may ask throughout August. If those parents are separated, there can be additional stressors which can cause concern. Do you know what is and is not ‘allowed’ in accordance with the law? There may be legal implications that you have not considered…

Agricultural property can be a lucrative investment, but it's essential to understand the unique challenges and regulations that come with buying and selling such property. Whether you're a farmer looking to expand your operation, an investor seeking to diversify your portfolio, or a landowner ready to sell, here are some frequently asked questions to guide you through the process.

What is contentious probate?

Andrew Horwich

Contentious probate refers to any disputes about an individual's estate when they are no longer here. This process can be difficult for families and lead to many mixed feelings, but understanding when an estate can be contested can help answer many questions, and make a troubling time less confusing for all.

This article will look at what contentious probate is and how a solicitor can help you do what is best for you and your loved ones.

The Transparency Order in Family Law

Rhian Evans

Journalists and legal bloggers are now able to report from Family Courts in Cardiff, Leeds, and Carlisle as part of a 12-month pilot which began on the 30th of January 2023. The pilot allows for ‘pilot reporters’ to attend and report on proceedings heard in pilot courts.

Why you can't move house in two weeks

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Contrary to popular belief it is not generally achievable to sell or buy a property in 2 weeks or less. Buying a new home can be a stressful experience and as conveyancers, we often get asked ‘how long will this matter take to complete'.

Whenever you separate from a partner, and you share children, there is inevitably going to be an impact on those children as you settle into your new parenting roles. However, if you can minimise the conflict between the adults as much as possible, this will allow the children to transition into that role more easily.

January is the time of the year we all start making plans for all those things we hope to achieve across the year laid out in front of us.

What better time could there be to decide if the house you are in is the home you want to see yourself or your family in before next year? In this article, we look at why January is a good time to start preparing to sell and just how you can do that.

Contact at Christmas

Joanne Harriman

Christmas contact arrangements can cause heightened emotions between separated parents when deciding who will have the children and when throughout the festive period. It is always important to remember to never make the children decide, as doing so can cause the children unnecessary anxiety and stress at what is supposed to be a joyous time.  

The autumn statement delivered by Chancellor Jeremy Hunt saw a return to tradition: a reassuringly hearty main course dominated by old-style approaches to tax planning and fiscal book-balancing designed to satisfy the financial markets, with what remained of the earlier so-called Mini Budget pushed to the side of the plate as leftovers. 

When buying property, it is important to know all costs beforehand to help you stick to your budget. Hidden costs can throw your plans off and ultimately take you over budget. Solicitor fees are likely to be one of the highest costs to consider and one that is unavoidable, so it is crucial to know what you are likely to be charged for.

On 6 April 2022, the Divorce, Dissolution and Separation Act (2020) came into force - a landmark reform introducing ‘no-fault divorce’ for couples ending their marriage. As a result of the new legislation, statistics released by the Ministry of Justice show divorce applications from April-June 2022 at a ten-year high and up 22% from the same quarter in 2021.
So, why were so many couples holding out to file for divorce until after 6 April?

Domestic abuse can occur in many forms, with victims often not realising this is something they are experiencing. Anybody can be a victim of abuse, in a number of ways or simply one way, and at any time. Due to the varying ways, there are millions of people living through abuse right now.

More trusts are required to register under the Trust Registration regime and the last deadline was September 2022.  While the requirement remains, HMRC have recognised that many trustees are unaware of the change and have said penalties are unlikely to be imposed where the lack of action is due to ignorance.  But the clock is still ticking for trustees to catch up with the changes and should take advice on whether they apply to their situation.

What you need to know: The DDSA is the biggest reform in half a century, and comes into force on the 06th April 2022 and is going to bring some big changes! This new law is designed to allow married couples to issue divorce proceedings without assigning...

If you live with your partner, or considering moving in together, you may have thought about a cohabitation agreement. But do you actually need one? There is, of course, no legal requirement to have a cohabitation agreement to live with a partner, but it can...

Landlords of residential property could face high fines if they do not meet the latest energy efficiency standards.  On 1 st April 2020, the latest stage of the Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards was implemented, making it unlawful for landlords to...

The coronavirus crisis is redefining lifestyles and the boundaries of our interactions; a situation that can challenge even the strongest bonds.  For couples who are struggling in their relationship, or trying to manage co-parenting, anxiety levels are...

Symes Bains Broomer solicitors in Scunthorpe Goole and Howden have obtained authorisation from the Solicitors Regulation Authority to be licensed as an Alternative Business Structure from 1st October 2018. This means the practice may adopt the new flexible...

Laurence Kirkby retires from practice

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The firm wishes to announce that after 26 years Laurence Kirkby retires from the firm. He was a partner for many years and in later years practised as a Consultant. He is thanked by everyone connected with the firm for his dedication and hard work at...

Robin Sumpter OBE

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It is with great sadness that Mr Robin Sumpter OBE has sadly passed away. Mr Sumpter was a senior partner at this firm and retired from practice in 2007. All the partners and staff wish to convey their condolences to his family. Please see the following...

Helen Barton joins SBB

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The partners are very pleased to announce that Helen Barton has joined the firm. She joins a very busy team and will specialise in agricultural property and commercial matters. Helen is a member of the Agricultural Law Association and brings a...

Rodger Price welcomes Jo Harriman as a newly appointed Partner at Symes Bains Broomer Solicitors. Jo who has been with the Firm for the last two years works in the Matrimonial Department specialising in financial matters and Children Act proceedings. ...

Partnership

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The Partners are delighted to announce that Jo Harriman, solicitor in our Family Department at Scunthorpe, will become a Partner in the firm from the 1 st August 2016. Jo’s promotion to Partner reflects the high performance that she has...

Throughout the months of June and July the firm are pleased to offer 10% discount on new instructions received on conveyancing matters no matter when the completion takes place. Simply instruct us in your purchase or sale during June...

New Vacancies on our website

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We are having a recruitment drive. Have a look at our website for all the latest vacancies. Please check back regularly for updates to our new or existing positions...

Solicitor Commercial Property / Agricultural Property   We are seeking a full time Solicitor or Legal Executive for our head office in Scunthorpe, although any preference to work from our branch offices in Goole and Howden would be...

Symes Bains Broomer is pleased to announce that we will be taking part in Will Aid this November. We will waive our fee for drawing up a basic Will and instead invite our clients to donate to the Will Aid group of charities. The suggested minimum donation...

Job Vacancies

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Commercial Property Solicitor - Scunthorpe office Probate/Wills/Commercial & Residential Property - Howden office Symes Bains Broomer Solicitors – Scunthorpe DN15 6JH We are seeking two full time Solicitors at our main office in Scunthorpe and...

Time to get your affairs in order

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  Symes Bains Broomer are offering a free legal and financial seminar covering the important topics of wills, issues of capacity , tax planning and care fees.   The seminar is presented by Laura Duncan, solicitor at Symes Bains Broomer...

A couple of our Partners are working hard in preparation for a busy time in the coming months in giving seminars and guest addresses to different organisations locally.  The Head of our Wills and Probate Department, Laura Duncan, is already experienced...