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The latest issue of Business First magazine by LawNet is now available! This Spring/Summer 2025 edition is packed with insightful features, including coverage of Labour’s proposed employment law reforms, guidance on leasing commercial properties,...
Dilapidations is the term used to refer to the failure of a tenant to maintain, repair, or restore a property to the condition stipulated in the lease agreement during or at the end of the lease. Dilapidations can take various different forms and include: ...
We are delighted to announce that Gemma Nie will be joining the partnership at Martin Tolhurst Solicitors, effective 1 April 2025. Gemma has been a dedicated and highly skilled member of our Gillingham-based Conveyancing team, playing a crucial role in...
Having recently attended a webinar, I was surprised about some of the statistics about the increase in the number of cohabiting couples. Not only that, a large percentage of unmarried British couples do not want to get married. Unfortunately,...
Love may conquer all, but sometimes life gets messy: especially when it comes to finances, children and, increasingly, our furry family members. For those going for the long haul, whether married or not, being proactive from the start can save a lot of...
This case highlights the importance of ensuring that a Will is validly executed. Due to a procedural error four Charities lost out on a £1m inheritance. Under Section 9 of the Wills Act 1937 there are certain formalities which have to be...
Are you a flat owner? Ever felt frustrated by the management of your building? Perhaps you have considered purchasing the freehold but found the process too costly or complicated. At Martin Tolhurst Solicitors, we are here to help. Join us for a free online...
Divorce rates are on the decline according to the latest official statistics, with just over 80,000 completed in 2023, down by almost 30% from 113,505 in 2022, but delays in the family courts mean couples are waiting longer than ever to finalise the parting...
The Leasehold and Freehold Reform Act 2024 (“the Act”) received Royal Assent during the wash-up before the dissolution of the last Parliament in May 2024. This means it was enacted before all specific elements could be included. The Act seeks to...
In the first instalment of this series we looked at what the right of first refusal is, when it applies and the process a landlord must follow when disposing of their interest in a building by way of a private sale. But what happens if a landlord wishes...
I am a second year Solicitor Apprentice at Martin Tolhurst Solicitors, currently sat within the Litigation team at the firm’s Gillingham office. From an early age I knew that I wanted to pursue a career in law and was fortunate enough to...
They say buying a house is stressful. However, knowing the key steps in the legal process helps you understand where you are and what still must be done. This helps to take the pressure off. The entire process begins with your financing and the importance...
Here are 8 Law Firm lies that I suspect happen all over the country on a daily basis. Some people will say anything to get what they want or lull you into a false sense of security. Whilst being a law firm property partner I know some things are said,...
New year new you? I bet one of your new year resolutions was to improve your linked in posts this year. Like many of you I often receive emails, linked in messages or direct calls from marketing agencies suggesting I book a course they run on how to improve...
A will that was hand-written on the back of two cardboard food packages has been confirmed as legally binding by the High Court. In an unusual twist, Malcolm Chenery used a Young’s frozen fish box and a Mr Kipling mince pie box to set out his wishes,...
It might seem logical that the parents of a child should have parental responsibility, but that is not always the case. As you would expect, the child’s birth mother has parental responsibility. However, parental responsibility might be removed from...
When selling a property or granting a lease, replies to commercial property standard enquires, known as CPSE are usually required. Whilst these are often seen as a chore to do, the importance of these replies cannot be overstated. Legal...
The festive season, often portrayed as a time of joy and togetherness, can be fraught with stress for many couples. Financial pressures, heightened expectations, and the intensity of prolonged family interactions can place already fragile relationships under...
What is a trustee? A trustee is a person or a firm that holds and administers property or assets held in a trust for the benefit of a third party. A trust can be created for a variety of purposes, including in bankruptcy situations, in certain types of...
At Martin Tolhurst, sustainability isn’t just a buzzword – it’s a commitment. As part of our ongoing efforts to reduce our environmental impact, we have taken significant steps to make our offices more energy-efficient and eco-friendly....
Energy Performance Certificates (EPCs) are a crucial part of the UK's strategy to improve energy efficiency in buildings. Introduced under the Energy Performance of Buildings (England and Wales) Regulations 2012, EPCs provide a rating for the energy...
We are over the moon to share some incredible news: Martin Tolhurst Solicitors has been named Conveyancing Firm of the Year - South East at the LEAP Modern Law Conveyancing Awards 2024 ! 🏆 The awards ceremony took place last night at the stunning...
We are so excited to share some fantastic news—Martin Tolhurst Solicitors’ New Business Team has been named Business Support Team of the Year at the LawNet Awards 2024 ! This award means so much to us. It recognises the hard work, dedication,...
When I was asked to write an article, I thought of the questions that I commonly get asked. This was one of them: Will I get the money I/my family put in at the point of purchase back? For the purposes of this article, I will be focusing on the law...
Every year, the Poppy Appeal reminds us of the sacrifices made by our armed forces. This year, with the ongoing economic uncertainty, charities like the Royal British Legion need our support more than ever. At Martin Tolhurst Solicitors, we're committed...
Are you a landlord looking to sell your interest in a block of flats or are you a leaseholder looking to purchase that interest? If you answered ‘yes’ to either of the above then you need to be aware of the right of first refusal and the...
Rachel Reeves made history today, delivering the first budget from a female chancellor, in a debut that also marked the first Labour budget in 14 years. Starting her speech with a call for girls and young women to break through any ceiling in achieving...
As we approach the UK government’s upcoming budget, there is a heightened focus on potential tax changes that could impact estate planning, property transactions, and probate. In particular, Inheritance Tax (IHT), Capital Gains Tax (CGT), and Stamp...
We are pleased to announce the firm has appointed a new Managing Partner. Reflecting on his time leading the firm, Richard Carter shared: "After over 20 years as Managing Partner of Martin Tolhurst Solicitors I advised the Partners last month of my...
Martin Tolhurst Solicitors have been re-accredited with Lexcel – the Practice Management Standard of the Law Society following a recent 2 day on site assessment by an external assessor. The assessment highlighted a record 26 areas of best practice...
At Martin Tolhurst Solicitors, we are delighted to share some fantastic news with our clients and colleagues! In the past few weeks, our firm has achieved significant recognition, being shortlisted for prestigious awards across the legal sector. These...
With the surge in popularity of I Am Sold auction properties, it is crucial for potential buyers to tread carefully and be aware of key considerations. While these auctions offer enticing opportunities, there are important factors to keep in mind to avoid...
There has been a lot in the news recently that “No Fault Evictions” are coming to an end, but what is this likely to mean in practice for both landlords and tenants? It is such a highly political subject because a person’s home is so...
We are delighted to announce that Nathan Hidson has officially qualified as a CLC Lawyer specialising in Wills & Probate at Martin Tolhurst Solicitors. Nathan has been practising in Private Client Law for over 6 years and has a cumulative 9 years’...
Recent Court judgments have called into question the ability of a sole director of a limited company to make decisions where the company has unamended model articles of association. The validity of previous decisions made by a sole director have also been...
Having been asked to write a blog on something other than my work type that interests me, I was estopped from regailing you in the joys of the Building Safety Act, and the happiness that fills every Conveyancers heart when they are dealing with a Leasehold...
We are delighted to announce that Liza Anderson has officially qualified as a solicitor, joining our Gillingham branch in the Litigation Department. Liza has been a valuable member of the Martin Tolhurst team since 2018, and her journey from trainee to...
This year, we are excited to continue our tradition of giving back by participating in a 13-mile charity walk along the stunning Hythe and Royal Military Canal. 17 dedicated members of the #TeamTolhurst will be taking on this challenge in support of The...
The Corporate department at Martin Tolhurst Solicitors is pleased to introduce a new fixed price service for new and existing business that are entering into (or have previously entered into) a franchise agreement. We appreciate when starting a new business...
I received some sad news this week- the senior partner of the Firm I trained with had died. Anthony Redfern was probably in his 50s by the time I started my 2 years training at their Gillingham office. Silver haired, tanned and distinguished looking he was...
We are delighted to announce that two of our talented Private Clients team members at the Longfield office have been shortlisted for the prestigious British Wills and Probate Awards 2024. Tari Gonyora , a rising star in the field of wills and probate, has...
With divorce applications now being completed online, the quick and easy process has led some to forget about a fundamental aspect of separation; division of the assets of the marriage. Legal steps needs to be taken even if you have reached an agreement on...
If you are asked to be a guarantor for a commercial lease – perhaps in your capacity as director of a company or to support a family member, there can be significant financial and legal implications. Here are some potential pitfalls to consider: ...
When most people think about a marriage or civil partnership it’s to make a commitment to spend a lifetime together and celebrate the joyous occasion with friends and family. However, there are legal elements of a marriage or partnership you will need...
Here at Martin Tolhurst Solicitors, we are committed to doing our part for the environment. That's why we are thrilled to announce a new partnership with Tech Recycle, a leading provider of responsible tech appliance recycling ...
You have decided to make your will. You’ve met with your solicitor, discussed your needs and received advice. You then receive your will to review, but find it contains words you may not fully understand. Let’s look at some of those terms and...
Martin Tolhurst is an amalgamation of several firms, which, in 1986, nearly 40 years ago, celebrated its centenary. The Founder Frederick William Martin was admitted as a solicitor in 1881. He was the son of Thomas Martin, a local pilot and a...
Right to Manage (RTM) is a process that enables leaseholders of flats/apartments to take over the management of their building. The right applies to leaseholders of a building or part of a building containing at least two flats. At least two-thirds of the...
Every child in the UK must get an education. This starts from the school term after their fifth birthday and lasts until the last Friday in June of the school year in which they reach the age of sixteen. Education is compulsory in the UK and children can...
There are few certainties in life, but as American statesman Benjamin Franklin famously wrote, two things we can be sure about are “death and taxes”. Yet planning for our ultimate demise, or our decline along the way, is something that we...
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