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Martin Tolhurst Solicitors Achieves Positive Planet Bronze Accreditation Martin Tolhurst Solicitors is proud to announce that we have been awarded the Positive Planet Certified Bronze Accreditation for 2025, marking our first year of partnership with...
Major Pension and Inheritance Tax Changes Coming in 2027 From 6 April 2027, the UK government will introduce major reforms to pensions and Inheritance Tax (IHT). These changes could significantly affect how much of your pension passes to your loved ones...
Why Resolving Christmas Contact Early Is Crucial for Children in Estranged Families As the festive season approaches, many families begin planning gatherings, traditions, and moments of joy. But for separated or estranged families, Christmas can be a time...
Someone passing away without a valid will is more common than you might expect. When this happens in England, the person is said to have died intestate , and it means the law steps in to decide what happens to their estate. Rather than the deceased's...
We are proud to share that Martin Tolhurst Solicitors has been named a finalist for the 2025 ESG Award , recognising our firm’s dedication to embedding sustainability into every part of our business. This shortlisting is a testament to the hard work...
If you own a leasehold flat, you and the other flat owners in your building may be able to buy the freehold of your homes under a process called Collective Enfranchisement. What is Collective Enfranchisement? Collective enfranchisement is the legal right...
When selling a business, it may be tempting to avoid disclosing information which may not be so appealing to your buyer. Although it may feel counter intuitive but disclosing information can actually limit your liability and protect your interest as opposed...
We are thrilled to share some fantastic news with our colleagues and clients: Payal Patel has officially qualified as a solicitor this week and will be joining our Family Team in Sittingbourne. Payal’s journey to qualification has been one of...
At Martin Tolhurst Solicitors, we understand that buying or selling a property is one of the most significant transactions you'll undertake. As the South East's largest residential conveyancing firm, according to Land Registry figures over the past...
On 2 July 2025, the UK Supreme Court handed down its long-awaited judgment in Standish v Standish [2025] UKSC 26 , a case that has significantly clarified the law surrounding the division of non-matrimonial property on divorce. While much of the...
In July, following a comprehensive three-day on-site assessment by an independent ISO assessor, we are proud to announce that we have once again been reaccredited with the ISO 9001 certification. This internationally recognised standard demands a...
Over the past year, we have been proud to run a series of training sessions for the dedicated teams at Citizens Advice Canterbury and Herne Bay , focusing on Family Law and Wills and Probate . These sessions were designed to give advisors a stronger...
With cohabiting couples now the fastest-growing family type in the UK, many believe they have similar legal protections to married couples – especially after long relationships or where there are children involved. But the reality can come as a shock...
We are pleased to share that Martin Tolhurst Solicitors has partnered with Positive Planet , a leading UK sustainability consultancy. This collaboration marks an important step in our firm’s commitment to reducing our environmental impact and...
On Sunday 7 September , eight brave members of our team will be taking to the skies - and jumping out of a plane - all to raise vital funds for our Charity of the Year: Making Miracles . This skydiving challenge is not just about facing fears;...
Deciding to make your will might be one of the best things you ever do. But where do you start? This short guide to making your will provides you with a ‘To Do’ list to help you prepare for drawing up your will. List Your Assets Before creating...
If you have ever watched a British courtroom drama and thought, “Wow, divorce settlements seem like a civilised cup of tea,” you would be very wrong, unless your tea is served with a shot of unpredictability and a biscuit of legal chaos. In...
Marriage is meant to be a union built on love and trust, but in some cases, it becomes a tool for manipulation and exploitation. A predatory marriage is where vulnerable individuals, who may be elderly or cognitively impaired, are manipulated into marriage...
At Martin Tolhurst Solicitors, we’re proud to announce the launch of our first firm-wide Environmental Policy - a strategic and forward-thinking step in embedding sustainability into every aspect of how we work. This policy isn’t the...
Making a will is one of the most important things anyone can do. The Wills Act 1837 details the requirements of a valid will. WhatsApp wasn’t even a digital dream in its designer's eye when the Wills Act came into force! This article will answer...
Whether you are buying or selling leasehold property, there will very often be hidden costs that you were not anticipating at the start of the transaction. A solicitor will not be able to anticipate these costs either, until they are informed of them by the...
Martin Tolhurst Solicitors wishes to make it unequivocally clear that we are in no way connected to the recent article published by Legal Futures concerning a law firm fined for serious anti-money laundering (AML) compliance failures. The original version...
Disputes over a loved one’s estate can be emotionally and financially draining, especially during a time of grief. At Martin Tolhurst Solicitors, we understand how sensitive these situations can be, and how important it is to protect your rights and...
Before renting a property in England, you must prove your right to rent. Similarly, before a landlord can rent a property to you, they need to establish that you have a right to rent it. The core requirement is to provide satisfactory documents on which to...
Martin Tolhurst Solicitors is proud to announce that Making Miracles has been chosen as our Charity of the Year for 2025/26 . This announcement follows a firm-wide vote held during our recent all-firm meeting, in which Making Miracles received...
We are delighted to announce that, thanks to the dedication of our colleagues, the support of our followers, and the generosity of our partners, we have raised a remarkable £8,000 for The Retreat Animal Rescue , our Charity of the Year 2024/25. ...
We are all familiar with lasting Powers of Attorney, which allows individuals to appoint an attorney to manage their personal affairs if they cannot do so themselves. A business lasting power of attorney operates on the same basis. It is a document that...
According to the Law Commission , the current law does not “provide a cohesive framework in which parties to a divorce or dissolution can expect fair and sufficiently certain outcomes.” The reason for this is the wide-ranging discretion...
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...
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...
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...
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...
When a tenant, under a commercial lease, which has been contracted outside of the security of tenure provisions of the Landlord & Tenant Act 1954, remains in occupation beyond the fixed term of their lease agreement, the situation is commonly known as...
It was all going along nicely………… I recall the exact moment it happened, I was reading the paper. It was mid-February 2020, about 1:20 pm, I was escaping the office in a café being comforted by a latte and cheese panini,...
We are delighted to announce The Retreat Animal Rescue as our chosen charity partner for 2024. This decision reflects our commitment to supporting valuable local organisations and aligns with our company values of compassion and community engagement. The...
Looking for a career in the Law? The importance of being an Officer of the Court – Partner Khalid Mughal writes about one of the fundamental principles of being a solicitor. Solicitors are first and foremost Officers of the Court. The Solicitors...
Blended families have become increasingly common in today's society. As relationships evolve and individuals remarry or enter into new partnerships, estate planning becomes a crucial consideration to ensure the fair and smooth transfer of assets to loved...
Divorce applications rose by 20 per cent in the year following the introduction of no-fault divorce, according to figures from the Ministry for Justice. But while the headline process may be easier, couples going through the legal stage of break-up are...
Martin Tolhurst Solicitors is thrilled to announce the successful completion of a year-long fundraising campaign in support of Great Ormond Street Hospital (GOSH). Thanks to the incredible generosity of our team members, partners, and wider community, we are...
Whether it is to fulfil 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...
Are you a First time buyer looking to maximise your savings potential? A Lifetime ISA (LISA) might just be the financial tool you need. With its unique benefits tailored towards long-term savings goals, a LISA offers a compelling option for those aiming to...
Martin Tolhurst is proud to announce that we have recently been re-accredited with the Conveyancing Quality Scheme (CQS) quality mark. This quality mark is a recognised standard for residential conveyancing practices in the UK, awarded by the Law Society. ...
Entering into a new lease as a commercial property tenant can be a daunting experience and it may be difficult to understand which parts of your Lease are key to understand throughout your occupation. You may feel that once your lease has completed and you...
We're thrilled to announce a new partnership with Kent Wildlife Trust, a respected wildlife charity dedicated to protecting Kent's amazing natural spaces. This exciting collaboration, starting April 1st 2024, builds on our ongoing commitment to...
Martin Tolhurst is delighted to announce the well-deserved promotions of Tom Bexhell and Hannah Stanford to partner. Both Tom and Hannah have distinguished themselves through their dedication and exceptional skills, solidifying their positions as valuable...
Inheritance challenges and disputed wills are soaring, but it’s not just the high profile, wealthy that are fuelling the action. Figures from the Ministry of Justice come against a backdrop of headline-catching disputes such as the case of Russian...
To celebrate National Conveyancing Week we look at our own conveancying team within the firm. In this blog post, we are delighted to feature Tom Bexhell, one of the conveyancers at our Ashford office. In his interview, we will learn about...
National Conveyancing Week is an annual event that celebrates the dedicated and skilled professionals who work tirelessly to ensure that property transactions run smoothly. In this blog post, we are delighted to feature Gemma Nie, one of the conveyancers at...
In celebration of National Conveyancing Week, we sat down with Charlotte, a valued member of our property team, to learn about her path to becoming a Chartered Legal Executive and what sets her apart in the field. What led you to pursue property law as a...
Any responsible business will have recognised and accepted the need for businesses and individuals alike to take positive action to improve sustainability and cut carbon emissions. With a commitment by the UK Government to reaching net zero by 2050 there is...
It is possible to make a Power of Attorney online, but whether you should is an entirely different matter. The process of making a Power of Attorney seems straightforward, but for those who are unfamiliar with the process, there are many potential pitfalls...
If you live with your partner, or considering moving in together, you may have thought about a cohabitation agreement. But do you actually need one? There is, of course, no legal requirement to have a cohabitation agreement to live with a partner, but it can...
We are thrilled to announce our continued membership with Kent Invicta Chamber of Commerce for 2024! As a proud member, we value their dedication to supporting local businesses like ours. Their network, resources, and advocacy have been...
Common Myths about Inheritance Tax Planning: Busting the Misconceptions Inheritance tax planning is a crucial aspect of financial management, yet it is often shrouded in misconceptions and myths. As the New Year begins, it's an opportune time to...
We are excited to share that so far that Team Tolhust has raised an incredible amount of £17,500 for our current Charity of the Year, Great Ormond Street Children's Hospital! It's a tremendous achievement and so far the largest...
As a landlord in the UK, dealing with commercial tenants can be a complex and challenging task. There are many different aspects that need to be considered. Landlords need to understand the legal framework, review the rights and obligations that should be...
The family-focus of Christmas is often followed in January with news of unhappy couples calling it a day, leading to so-called Divorce Day , as family lawyers receive a surge of enquiries when they re-open after the break. Generally, divorce...
Three children have won a share of their father’s £700,000 estate after a hard-fought case that reached the High Court in London. The siblings took action when their father Kenneth Grizzle died and they found they were excluded from his...
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