Questions surrounding the responsibility for maintaining a right of way commonly arise in property law disputes. Owners, tenants, and those granted easements often face uncertainty regarding their roles. Understanding exactly who bears the...
We are living in a world where appearance is increasingly important. As such, the beauty industry is booming with millions of pounds spent annually on hair treatments, dermal fillers, facials, laser hair removal, waxing and semi-permanent...
When you collect the keys to your new home, it can feel like the legal process is finally finished. In fact, while completion is a major milestone, there is still important legal work that must happen after completion to properly protect you and your...
Undergoing an amputation is a life-altering event. Losing a limb not only affects your physical wellbeing, but can also profoundly impact your mental health, lifestyle, employment possibilities and relationships. If you or a loved one has suffered...
A Child Arrangements Order is designed to provide stability and clarity for children ad their families. However, as life changes, arrangements that once worked well may no longer be suitable. It’s a question we get asked a lot: Can I change a Child...
Japanese knotweed is a highly invasive plant species that can cause considerable damage to property and can be challenging to eradicate once established. If you suspect or have confirmed that your neighbour has Japanese knotweed on their property, it is...
The government has announced a further £41 million in funding for local authorities to support enforcement of the Renters’ Rights Act, ahead of the legislation coming into force on 1 May 2026. This brings total funding for...
The Equality Act 2010 applies to both public and private sector organisations. Any organisation or service provider that offers any facilities or services must comply with the duties set out in the Equality Act 2010. What are reasonable adjustments? ...
Discovering that the law firm which handled your conveyancing has closed can be worrying — particularly if you later find out that parts of the legal work were never fully completed. Unfortunately, this is something we see regularly. When a firm...
Most people have heard the term parental alienation syndrome however, that is the wrong terminology as it is often framed as a condition or syndrome and it is now recognised that ‘parental alienation syndrome’ has no evidential basis and the...
Undergoing medical procedures requiring anaesthesia can naturally cause anxiety for many patients, as they entrust their wellbeing entirely into the care of medical professionals. While anaesthetic practices are generally safe and professionally...
Adverse possession is a legal principle that allows a person to claim ownership of land belonging to someone else if they have occupied it without permission for a specified period. However, claiming adverse possession can be complex, and providing the...
The Inheritance (Provision for Family and Dependents) Act 1975 (“the Act”) allows certain people to bring a claim against an estate. These claims are pursued by those who do not believe that they have been provided with reasonable financial...
Birth injuries represent one of the most distressing and challenging circumstances parents and family members can experience. The arrival of a new baby should be a joyous event; however, medical negligence during pregnancy, labour, or delivery can result in...
Do I need the original deeds to sell my property? Most homes in England and Wales are now registered with HM Land Registry (HMLR). If your property is registered, you do not need old paper deeds; a copy of the title register from HMLR is usually...
When navigating property law in England and Wales, understanding the subtle yet significant distinctions between various legal rights can prevent future disputes and misunderstandings. Among these commonly conflated rights are "right of way" and...
When navigating the complexities of land access rights in England and Wales, it is important to clearly understand the key differences between a public footpath and a right of way . Whilst these two terms are frequently used interchangeably by the general...
Protocol forms are a collection of standardised documents developed by the Law Society and used by solicitors when buying or selling residential property in England and Wales. These forms are designed to simplify the conveyancing process by ensuring that...
At Stephensons, we understand the devastating impact that a brain injury can have on individuals and families. Brain injuries are often life-changing, affecting not only the injured person but also their loved ones, causing emotional strain, financial...
When seeking to challenge the validity of a Will , the first consideration must be whether the Will has been properly executed. This can be considered by reviewing a copy of the Will and potentially contacting the witnesses, to ensure they fulfilled their...
Upwards‑only rent reviews have long been a common feature of commercial leases. These clauses ensure that rent can only remain the same or increase at review dates, even where market rents have fallen. While this has provided landlords with income...
Adverse possession, commonly referred to as "squatters' rights," is a legal principle whereby an individual who occupies another's property without permission can claim legal ownership under certain conditions. Understanding the essentials...
The National Health Service (NHS) provides invaluable medical care to millions of people across the United Kingdom each year. Most patients receive an excellent standard of care from dedicated healthcare professionals. However, medical errors and negligence...
Autism Awareness Month is an opportunity for employers to reflect on how they support autistic people at work. For many organisations, this starts with understanding their legal duties and then going beyond compliance to create genuinely inclusive working...
Receiving a diagnosis of cancer is understandably devastating. However, discovering that your illness has been misdiagnosed, delayed or overlooked completely can lead to further emotional distress, physical complications and financial hardship. If you or a...