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We're incredibly proud to announce that we have been shortlisted for the UK Probate Research Awards 2021, for the Best Probate Law firm in London/South-East England category. After winning this award for two consecutive years, Martin Tolhurst is...
The latest issue of Business First has now been released with articles from Mignonette Ellis who explores how staying local as we navigate the "new now" can be fun and tasty, and Ilaria Giurini with 5 top tips for building brand-customer...
Martin Tolhurst Solicitors is delighted to announce the appointment of Abdul Mutallib as a Partner of the Firm, who has achieved his position with persistent and successful work. Abdul brings a unique blended skill-set to MTP’s residential...
Having staff working remotely has presented significant challenges for many businesses, but one of the most difficult to address is the increased cybersecurity risk. As many companies did not have sufficient opportunity to prepare for the transition to...
The COVID-19 outbreak has had an unprecedented impact, both from a social and economic point of view. A key task for brands and our Firm today is to reassure the public and strengthen their emotional connection – in turn gaining and building...
The rules concerning furlough, schools and workplace restrictions continue to change frequently, and it can be difficult for both employers and employees to keep up. However, if you are affected by furlough or there has been a change in your caring...
Recent research has revealed that one fifth of parents have transferred assets to their children to lessen the amount of inheritance tax payable on their estates. Direct Line’s research revealed this amounted to more than 6.9 million parents and the...
The impact of the coronavirus pandemic on the UK’s economic agenda dominated the Chancellor’s 2021 Budget Statement, with support for business and jobs receiving top-line billing. Coronavirus lockdown keeps chancellor’s attention on...
With small businesses struggling to cope, we’ve all heard the recent battle cry of “shop local”. Supporting other small businesses may just help your own business in these struggling times. Treat yourself! Whether it is a take away or...
Leasehold property owners are set for important changes in the coming months, with the Government’s plans to grant new rights on lease extensions and the ending of ground rent. It is may be the beginning of the end for this form of ownership,...
Non UK residents to pay Stamp Duty surcharge from 1 st April 2021 With all the press focus on the Stamp Duty holiday that is shortly to come to an end it is a good time to also focus on an another potential increase in Stamp Duty due to take effect on 1 st...
ITV’s new Sunday night drama, Finding Alice, may appear far-fetched, but it highlights a number of themes we, at Martin Tolhurst, frequently encounter. Harry, the 48 year old property developer, has died unexpectedly. His family, while attempting to...
Separation is never easy, but if you and your former partner own property together, the situation can be even more complicated. If you have been living with a partner, but you are not married, the legal term is ‘cohabitation’. When cohabitees...
Sometimes the generosity of a friend or relative leaving you a gift in their will can backfire if it turns out your estate will need to pay tax on it or if there is a chance that it could be swallowed up in future care costs or in...
In a world where so much information is available freely online, do you still need the advice of a solicitor? A simple Google search of your legal problems can provide thousands of relevant articles, and perhaps a friend has shared information on social...
If you are setting up a business, you may have questions about which business model is right for you. The way in which you set up your business can have implications for tax, how you are paid, ownership of the business, how business decisions are made, and...
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...
