What is the role of Cafcass in the Family Court? When parents cannot agree on child arrangements, the Children and Family Court Advisory and Support Service (Cafcass) helps the court to understand what is safest and best for the child. Cafcass is...
The Renters’ Rights Act is one of the most significant reforms to the private rented sector in recent years, but a number of the measures in the Act have not yet been implemented. Following royal assent on 27 October 2025, the government announced...
It is understood that an entertainments company who currently provide a ride access pass to help visitors access their theme parks who have difficulty queueing because of their disability or medical needs, have made changes to the pass. Currently, those who...
Single ‑use plastics have become one of the greatest environmental challenges, with items designed for convenience often ending up causing decades-long pollution. In recent years, pressure from the public and environmental experts has grown and...
When a new client comes to Stephensons with the intention of instructing us to help them pursue a claim for personal injuries, we have to carry out a conflict check on both the potential client and their opponent, whether it is a company or individual, that...
A party wall agreement is a legally binding document that sets out the rights and responsibilities of property owners sharing adjoining walls or structures. It is essential for anyone undertaking construction or renovation work that affects a shared...
At Stephensons, we understand that pursuing a medical negligence claim can feel overwhelming, particularly given the sensitive and personal nature of these cases. One of the most common questions asked is, "how long do medical negligence claims...
Any organisation carrying out a public function and/or service providers needs to be aware of and comply with their obligations under the terms of the Equality Act 2010 to avoid claims of unlawful discrimination. Discrimination is the unequal...
When seeking medical treatment at a hospital, you expect to receive professional, competent and compassionate care. Unfortunately, this is not always the case. Instances of hospital negligence can lead to devastating outcomes for patients and their...
A straightforward myth‑buster for anyone buying a home When you’re buying a property, one of the first things you’ll see on the listing is the tenure: freehold, leasehold, or a variation of the two. But what does that actually mean for...
The Equality Act 2010 protects individuals from discrimination, including discrimination on the grounds of race. However, despite the Act being in place, discrimination remains a persistent problem in the course of employment nationwide. A recent employment...
Despite progress in tackling racism in present day, Race Equality Week aims to address current issues and encourage improvement in equality, diversity and inclusion across all organisations. What is considered race discrimination ? Section 9 of the...
Section 8 of the Party Wall etc. Act 1996 provides a significant legal framework regarding the rights and duties of property owners in relation to party walls. As one of the key provisions in English and Welsh property law, it is fundamental for property...
Whether a court or employment tribunal is able to conclude that unlawful discrimination has taken place, will in respect of some heads of claim, often depend on whether the organisation, service provider or employer is able to establish that their actions...
Race Equality Week 2026 provides an important opportunity for organisations and individuals to reflect on both progress made towards race equality in the workplace, and also to consider what more can be done. For employers, this is a timely reminder of...
When seeking medical treatment at a hospital, you expect to receive professional, competent and compassionate care. Unfortunately, this is not always the case. Instances of hospital negligence can lead to devastating outcomes for patients and their...
Diabetes is a serious, lifelong medical condition affecting millions of people throughout the UK. While the NHS and private medical practitioners strive to provide quality healthcare, mistakes and negligence can unfortunately lead to avoidable...
Recent reports and frontline evidence point to a growing challenge for the UK’s food safety and regulatory landscape: the influx of illegal foreign food products entering the country and, in many cases, finding their way directly onto high streets,...
General practitioners (GPs) are typically your first contact within the healthcare system, providing a vital role in maintaining your health and wellbeing. While most GPs offer reliable and trustworthy care, instances can arise where GP negligence causes...
Few unfair prejudice cases illustrate the sheer breadth of the court’s remedial power under section 996 of the Companies Act 2006 as clearly as the Court of Appeal’s decision in Thomas v Dawson. The company, Invicta Care Homes Ltd, was a...
The Party Wall etc. Act 1996 (commonly referred to simply as the Party Wall Act) is a significant piece of legislation impacting homeowners, landlords, property developers, and neighbours alike. Whether you intend to extend your property, carry out...
Private rights of way are essential arrangements established to allow individuals and property owners to pass through or over land that does not belong to them. Such rights are typically set out in property deeds, in covenants, or easements, and these...
Disputes between shareholders frequently end up before the courts under two main statutory routes: unfair prejudice petitions (sections 994–996 of the Companies Act 2006) and just and equitable winding-up petitions (section 122(1)(g) of the...
Directors of limited companies frequently underestimate the personal risks of strike-off. Dissolution, whether voluntary or compulsory, does not provide the shield many assume. Voluntary strike-off (DS01 Application) Sections 1003–1011 of the...
Neurodiversity refers to the natural variation in human brain functioning, including conditions such as Autism, ADHD, Dyslexia, Dyspraxia, Tourette’s syndrome and more. These are recognised as disabilities under the Equality Act 2010 when they have a...