Latest Posts
If you have decided to end your marriage by applying for a divorce you may be surprised to learn that there are certain criteria you need to satisfy before your application will be accepted. You may also be surprised to know that, unless you have been...
If you employ workers from overseas, or you plan to in the future, you will need to understand the changes to the immigration system that came into play from January 1 st , 2021. As of this date, a new points-based immigration system operates in the UK,...
As a fresh wave of lockdown measures cut across the UK, retail tenants may be experiencing new concerns about how to pay the rent, but another ticking timebomb is the viability of their landlords. Even before the pandemic, the high street was...
There is no denying that 2020 is a year which will go down in history - for many reasons. The global pandemic, Brexit, and the fallout from these events has had a significant impact on many areas of our lives. These events may have far-reaching implications...
For many parents, the issue of spending time with children at Christmas can be tense. Both parents want to spend Christmas day with their loved ones and their children, but this becomes complicated when they do not live in the same town or city or if they...
By the end of 2021, a quarter of UK households will rent privately. That’s approximately 5.8 million households renting, due to the combination of soaring house prices and salaries remaining relatively static. Anyone who has been a serial renter...
Once signed, a contract represents a formal record of the agreement made between you and your customer. The obligations under that agreement are often absolute, with any failure to satisfy them will be considered a breach of contract which could result in...
Black Friday and Cyber Monday, two of the biggest shopping days of the entire year are just around the corner. And who does not love a special offer? Are you...
In the run-up to this year’s Anti-Bullying Week, which runs from 16 th - 20 th November 2020, employers are being encouraged to focus on how they manage and respond to bullying and harassment issues, including cyberbullying, in the new virtual...
Writing a Will at the moment comes with some extra complications, as the social distancing measures in place could make it harder to get a solicitor or to find someone to witness your Will. Experts are warning against self-directed videos following...
Fifteen members of the Martin Tolhurst team signed up to take part in a Charity Walk to raise money for Ellenor, North Kent MIND and The Hygiene Bank. These charities which we all hold dear, have had greater demand than ever over the last months, and are...
The Job Support Scheme (JSS), which was due to commence on 1 November 2020, has been postponed until the furlough scheme ends. New guidance on the JSS was published on 30 October 2020, but this was marked as withdrawn on 1 November 2020 because of the...
2nd November 2020 Office Opening Following the Prime Minister’s announcement on Friday evening will not be permitting any appointments with clients or members of the public from 5 pm on Wednesday 4 November. Clients will only be able to...
There are concerns that the latest spike in coronavirus transmissions may see more relationships taking a hit, after a surge in divorce enquiries following the nationwide lockdown. Back to school traditionally sees a peak in petitions for divorce, but...
Our latest Business First Magazine is online! In this packed Business First, Law Net explores how we can take on a future not only reshaped by pandemic – but the added turbulence of shortly leaving the EU for real. Good communication has been...
In certain circumstances, businesses may find they have premises or parts of premises that are surplus to requirements. Having entered into a contractually binding rental agreement, it may not always be a straight forward process to end that...
On 1st June this year, a new act came into force that has a profound effect on the rental market. It's relevant not just for landlords and tenants, but for agencies that, to date, have made a very nice little living out of charging tenancy fees and...
There are those that say once a parent has removed themselves from the family unit, and they give up all rights and influence on how the children are then raised. This, however, is dependable upon whether the parents have acquired Parental Responsibility...
Following government advice in regards to social distancing, many traditional fundraising events have been cancelled. Despite this, we think we should still support the causes we care about. And a virtual walk is a fun, safe, and active way to do so! ...
Whether it is to fulfill a lifelong dream, be your own boss or maximise income, there are important considerations when buying a business in order to avoid entering a bad deal. Share purchase or asset purchase are two ways in which you can buy an existing...
Landlords are breathing a sigh of relief over the news that a court has allowed an eviction notice despite a copy of the gas safety certificate not being provided before the tenancy started. But experts are warning that attention to the small print is...
What’s one of the best things you can do for your loved ones, apart from caring for them well in this life? Sort out your paperwork before you die. Yes, that’s right. Imagine if you hold lots of accounts online where you receive payments for...
In these uncertain times, no matter how big or small your business is, managing cash flow can be challenging. One particular difficulty for many firms is dealing with debt collection. Maximising debt collection should be a priority for your business to...
The introduction of social distancing in response to the coronavirus outbreak has caused disruption to many vital services – including in the justice system. Many services that would typically have taken place face-to-face have been adapted to meet the...
Most lease renewals are governed by the Landlord and Tenant Act 1954, and the rules can be complicated and confusing. However, if your commercial lease is up for renewal, you want to ensure you get the most favourable terms for your business. In this post,...
Martin Tolhurst continues to offer legal services on all of the work types that it offers – Residential and Commercial Conveyancing, Wills, Probate and Trust matters, Matrimonial and Childcare, Litigation, Debt Collection and Commercial work. In...
The coronavirus pandemic has disrupted all of our lives. The Government’s restrictions on movement requiring us to stay at home is crucial to stopping the spread of this disease. However, these restrictions bring new challenges for those living through...
Court Service Issues a List of Priority Work during the Coronavirus Lockdown. The Courts and Tribunal Service split all Civil court Listings into 2 groups – work that “must” be done and work that “could” be done. This...
Can a Landlord successfully evict a Tenant during the Coronavirus Outbreak and Lockdown? The Government has recognised that the Coronavirus emergency in the UK means that greater protection from eviction is necessary for both individuals and families as...
We find ourselves in what can only be described as unprecedented and challenging times. This is having an impact on all aspects of our lives in ways we could have never imagined. For separated parents, there is the added worry about how contact with the...
24 th March 2020 Following the Prime Minister’s announcement on Monday evening all office locations of Martin Tolhurst are closed from today until further notice. We hope to re-open as soon as possible but will be guided by Government advice....
Martin Tolhurst Solicitors Commercial Department welcomes new Property Lawyer The beginning of the New Year saw the Commercial Department welcome Property Lawyer Roger Matharoo to the team. ...
12 th March 2020 – 4pm Information for Clients Following the Government’s likely announcement this afternoon that it will escalate the phase of Coronavirus (COVID) 19 to the delay phase we are asking clients to not attend our office...
Legal & General published a report in 2019 indicating that the "Bank of Mum and Dad" had lent around £6.3 billion to fund house purchases for their children. If the Bank of Mum and Dad was a real bank, it would be the 11th most...
If you are attending mediation to resolve disagreements about some decisions relating to relationship breakdown, separation or divorce, you might be wondering what this involves. What to expect during mediation following separation A mediator is...
The Firm is delighted to have been awarded 'Best Probate Law Firm for London and the South East' at the Probate Research Awards last night in London. A huge congratulations to our Private Client team on such a great achievement! The probate...
Residential Property Buy To let - Update for Landlords on the Tenant Fees Act 2019 and Electrical Checks for rented properties coming this year. For landlords renting out private properties a Tenant Fees Act 2019 was the latest in a long line of...
Talking and teamwork to tackle Christmas break-ups Divorce rates have fallen to their lowest level since the 1970s but marriage breakdowns continue to spike after the festive season, and professionals are encouraging couples with rocky...
After a sell out debut last year with over 300 Santa's running for charity, this fantastic festive event returns even bigger and better for this Christmas at Cyclopark on Sunday 15th December 2019. This festive dash will be perfect way to get...
Many owners of leasehold commercial properties will be aware that Stamp Duty Land Tax is often payable when you enter into that lease. Whether Stamp Duty is payable depends on a number of factors including the length of the term and the amount of...
Thinking of buying a property for the first time in the next 10 years? Take action this month! If you are someone who might buy a property for the first time in the next 10 years then you may need to take some action over the next month! The Help...
Seven brave members of the Martin Tolhurst team signed up to take part in a Charity Sky Dive and jumped 12,000ft out of a plane to raise money for Sands, the stillbirth and neonatal death charity. This charity was voted decisively for by the firm...
Cyber-crime will always be a hot topic amongst businesses and individuals. Although defences are getting much better, there will always be a way to break that defence. It is imperative that we as business professionals and individuals educate ourselves on...
Not everyone wants to get married in a church or registry office. For many cohabiting couples, a civil partnership is far more attractive – it moves away from the concept of women being the ‘property’ of their husbands, and is often far...
The annual LFS Awards are renowned as the major industry awards for Conveyancing to cover the UK. The LFS Annual Awards Ceremony was held at the Vox Centre in Birmingham on 18th September 2019 with an audience of over 400 conveyancers from all over the...
September is traditionally a time of new beginnings, with children off to school or University and parents back to work, but for many couples, the end of summer can spell the end of marriage. Lawyers often talk about ‘divorce day’ in January and...
When business owners reach the difficult and often emotional decision to sell a business which they have either started or grown, they might think that once the deal is done they can leave the business in the capable hands of the new owner and move on to...
When to hand over power of attorney – a gentle guide for dementia sufferers and their family For years, the worry of cancer was one of the UK’s biggest health concerns. Now, another devastating disease has taken its place at the top of the...
Martin Tolhurst Solicitors recently completed a two stage assessment of the entire firm in May and June this year which lasted a period of 13 days. Every single part of the business was reviewed and the assessors report and recommendation have now been...
Eight brave members of the Martin Tolhurst team have signed up to take part in a Charity Sky Dive and jump 12,000ft out of a plane this October to raise money for Sands, the stillbirth and neonatal death charity. This charity was voted...
