Many couples want to avoid unnecessary conflict, protect their children from stress, and reach agreement without the emotional and financial strain of a prolonged legal process.

Separating Together is our modern approach to separation and divorce, based on the Resolution Together model. It offers an alternative route where, in suitable cases, one solicitor advises both of you jointly, helping you resolve matters by agreement.

This is often referred to as the One Couple, One Lawyer approach.

At Blaser Mills, our Family & Divorce solicitors Naim Qureshi and Kate Jones are trained in the Resolution Together model and can support couples in reaching fair, practical outcomes without unnecessary dispute.

What is Separating Together?

Separating Together is a way of working where one solicitor provides joint legal advice to a couple, rather than each person instructing their own lawyer.

It is designed for couples who want to:

• separate in a calmer and more constructive way
• reduce conflict and stress
• focus on practical solutions
• manage legal costs more effectively
• prioritise the needs of their children

This approach supports open discussions and forward planning, with clear legal guidance throughout.

How does the One Couple, One Lawyer model work?

Under this model, you will individually meet with your solicitor for advice so your solicitor can assess whether it will be appropriate to use Separating Together. If suitable, you will meet together with your solicitor, who will help guide discussions and provide advice on the legal framework and options available to you.

Depending on your circumstances, this may include support with:

• Child arrangements
• Finances and property matters
• Separation agreements
• The divorce process and next steps

The focus is on reaching workable agreement, rather than escalating disputes.

What can Separating Together help with?

Separating Together can assist with a wide range of family law matters, including:

• Arrangements for children
  Helping you agree practical arrangements, including where children will live, how time will be shared with each parent, and how decisions will be made moving forward.
• Financial and property matters
  Support with reaching a financial agreement, including property division, savings, pensions and ongoing financial support where appropriate.
• Separation agreements
  Where couples want to formalise their arrangements, we can help prepare a written agreement reflecting what has been agreed.

What are the benefits of separating together?

Many couples find this approach provides:

• A calmer process, with fewer confrontational steps
• More constructive discussions, supported by legal guidance
• Reduced legal costs, compared with instructing two separate solicitors
• Better communication, particularly where children are involved

A more respectful way forward, helping you move on with clarity and dignity.

Is Separating Together right for you?

Separating Together is suitable for many couples, but not all. It may be appropriate if:

• You are both willing to engage openly and respectfully
• You want to resolve matters by agreement
• You are both able to speak freely in joint discussions
• You are committed to sharing information honestly, particularly regarding finances

If there are concerns around safety, coercive control, or a significant imbalance of power, this model may not be appropriate. Suitability will always be assessed carefully at the outset.

Why choose Blaser Mills?

At Blaser Mills, we are known for providing practical, compassionate advice through some of life’s most difficult transitions.

Our Family & Divorce team focuses on resolving matters constructively and supports clients in exploring non-court options wherever possible. Our Separating Together service is led by Naim Qureshi and Kate Jones, who have completed the Resolution Together training programme and are experienced in supporting separating couples with both child and financial matters.

Speak to our Family & Divorce team

If you are considering separation or divorce and want a calmer and more constructive approach, our team is here to help.

To find out whether Separating Together is right for you, please contact us to arrange an initial discussion with Naim Qureshi or Kate Jones.

The post Separating together appeared first on Blaser Mills Law.

Clear advice and recommendations

When we act on your behalf to buy a retirement home you can be sure that you’ll be closely supported throughout the transaction. We’ll liaise with the retirement complex manager as well as the seller’s estate agent to minimise their need to contact you directly.

Throughout we will aim to take away the pressure and we’ll always be available to talk you through each stage of the transaction and answer any questions you may have. To make the process as simple to manage as possible, our online portal allows you to access documents and check our progress for any internet-connected device. Just talk to a member of our team about you walking you through how to use it.

What is different about buying a retirement home?

The purchase of a retirement property is more onerous than buying a normal residential house. This is because it may often, but not always, form part of a complex or even a retirement village with services and other amenities included, and the paperwork will cover all the rights and responsibilities that affect the buyer, such as the need to pay management or service charges and strict regulations about use.

We have wide experience of acting for clients who are buying retirement homes and we know exactly what to look out for. We know that the sheer volume of documentation can be overwhelming, and we take great care to explain all aspects of the purchase as we move through the conveyancing process.

Choosing your retirement home

When you are deciding on a property for this phase of your life, there are several things to consider.

Firstly, you should make sure that the location offers everything that you might need for the future, such as public transport, healthcare services, nearby shops, cafés and a library. If you can, have a chat with the current residents of the complex or village to see if they are happy there. You should also try and ascertain whether properties are being resold easily or whether residents who want to leave are struggling to find buyers. The retirement property market is not huge, and some areas are oversaturated, meaning residents cannot sell and are stuck in flats they no longer want, paying substantial monthly management charges.

You will also need to look into whether any facilities are offered onsite. This may not be the case for the property you intend to purchase. Some retirement complexes offer extensive services, such as swimming pools, restaurants, gyms, hairdressers and various social activities. You should consider whether this is something you want, bearing in mind that you will need to pay towards these facilities by way of your monthly service charge.

We’ll let you know the amount that will be payable in maintenance and service charges. This could be amount to hundreds of pounds each month, so you should make sure that you’ll be happy paying this into the future. We’ll also advise you as to whether these charges will continue to accrue after you have left the property and before it is sold.

Our conveyancing services for retirement home purchases

We understand the complexities of the retirement home buying system and will explain them clearly to you. We also ensure that we carry out all necessary investigations into the property. This includes far more information than with a normal property purchase as we will look into details such as whether the management company is the member of a recognised professional body and whether the terms of the lease are acceptable or onerous in any way.

We will advise you on the amount of any event fees that you will have to pay. Also known as exit or transfer fees, this is a charge made by the management company if you sell the property or sublet it. The fee is often a percentage of the sale price or market value of the property, so it can be a substantial sum.

We also make sure that any ground rent provisions are fair and that the lease does not allow the management company to put the cost of this up exponentially in the future.

Often the details are not particularly clear at first glance, so we always make sure that they are clearly identified and explained to you so that you can be sure that you are happy with your purchase.

Selling a retirement home

The retirement homes company may require you to sell the property through them and charge a fee for this, on top of the exit fee. This may also limit your exposure to the open market. We’ll let you know if this is the case so that you can consider whether it is something you can agree to.

Law Society’s Conveyancing Quality Scheme

We are members of the Law Society’s Conveyancing Quality Scheme, the mark of excellence for the home-buying process. The rigorous assessment by the Law Society, to secure CQS status, marks us out as a team that consistently meets high standards in residential conveyancing processes and also delivers excellent customer service.

Contact us

To speak to one of our expert property solicitors, contact Shabina Hussain on 01628 567 759 or email residentialproperty@blasermills.co.uk, you can also fill in our contact form.

The post Retirement homes appeared first on Blaser Mills Law.

From contracts to sponsorship and recruitment, our expert lawyers help our clients excel at the highest level in one of the most popular sports on the planet. Speed, accuracy and passion are not just the keys to success on the road – they are the foundations of our track record in the motorsport industry too.

Commercially focused motorsport law expertise

In the modern world, race teams need to be more than fiercely competitive on the track. They need to be legally compliant, with robust contracts and agreements, and make the best use of their intellectual property and other brand assets.

We have a deep understanding of motorsport as both fans and trusted strategic advisers to teams, drivers, manufacturers and sponsors. Working from our Silverstone office we provide clear, pragmatic and commercially minded advice to our clients, helping them operate with confidence.

The breadth of the expertise that Blaser Mills Law brings to the table allows us to offer complete support to each of our clients. For teams, manufacturers and sponsors we provide full commercial legal and strategic assistance regarding people, assets, disputes, contracts and agreements. For drivers, this means not only negotiating contracts but protecting privacy and image rights.

Winning a race comes down to more than the individual performance of the driver. Success is built through the effective collaboration and shared passions of race teams, manufacturers, sponsors and more. The legal and commercial services we provide help facilitate better working, better strategies and better results.

Services we offer our motorsport clients:

Contracts and agreements

• Driver and team contracts
• Supply chain and supplier contracts, orders, deals and negotiations
• Confidentiality agreements and NDAs
• Sponsorship and merchandising agreements

People and assets

• Team and driver employment and HR advice
• Intellectual property licensing
• Brand and reputation management
• Commercial property

Dispute resolution and arbitration

• Property transactions
• Wealth protection, planning and trust creation
• Matrimonial and divorce matters

Personal affairs for individuals

• Property transactions
• Wealth protection, planning and trust creation
• Matrimonial and divorce matters

A global motorsport law network

We also head up a global network of specialist sports lawyers working from 29 countries. This means that we have a wealth of local knowledge to call on in every corner of the globe, and can act quickly and decisively with any issues that you face. Our clients value the comprehensive and collaborative approach we bring to every challenge they face. We believe that we are smarter together and that through diversity and creative thinking, we can always find the most effective solution to any issue.

Motorsport memberships

An excellent team, with an outstanding client list. Blaser Mills has a very good track record in the area.

THE LEGAL 500

Contact us

For all sports related matters call Colin Smith on 020 3814 2020 or email sport@blasermills.co.uk. Alternatively, fill in our contact form.

The post Motorsport appeared first on Blaser Mills Law.

Our clients range from owners to athletes in the Premier League, English Football League (EFL) and internationally – and our clear, pragmatic advice helps them with every aspect of their operations. From contracts and agreements to corporate, commercial property and brand management, we protect our clients’ assets and ensure they are best placed for success.

Legal expertise, commercial insight and strategic focus

Our firm is made up of a diverse range of passionate legal experts, and our clients can be confident that we are always able to build the right team to service their needs. For all stakeholders in the business of football, we advise and guide on every aspect of the legal and commercial performance of their assets, agreements and people. We are also effective representatives of our clients in disputes, helping them reach constructive resolutions and ensuring they are treated fairly.

For active and retired players, we review, draft and negotiate contracts and agreements relating to employment, sponsorship and ambassador positions. For people who are prominent public figures, it is important that they are able to live their lives free of unnecessary intrusion. Our team protects privacy and image rights and also assists in defamation cases as well as employment and regulatory issues.

Contracts and agreements

• Player and team contracts
• Supply chain and kit supplier contracts, orders, deals and negotiations
• Confidentiality agreements and NDAs
• Sponsorship, merchandising and endorsement agreements
• Ambassadorial agreements, advertising and marketing
• Financial protection and interests
• Licencing and broadcasting
• Third-party ownership

Corporate and commercial

• Club investment
• Club acquisition and sale
• Real estate and development
• Corporate governance

People and assets

• Team and player employment and HR advice
• Intellectual property licensing
• Brand, image rights and reputation management
• Commercial property
• Defamation

Dispute resolution and arbitration

• Player disputes and disciplinary proceedings
• Training compensation disputes
• Equipment issues and decisions appeals
• Appeals before governing bodies – FA Rule K, FIFA and Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS)
• Debt recovery and overdue payables
• Procedural guidelines – i.e. salary caps, FFP
• FA IRC submissions
• Solidarity mechanism
• Contracts and transfer disputes
• Contract termination
• Mediation

Personal affairs for individuals

• Property transactions
• Wealth protection, planning and trust creation
• Matrimonial and divorce matters

Immigration for individuals and organisations

• (Sportsperson) T2 visa
• (Temporary Worker – Creative and Sporting) T5 visa
• Worker or Temporary Worker Sponsor Licence

Legal services with a global reach

Modern football is truly global, and it is important that our services reflect that. Whether helping clubs negotiate and work with foreign investors or helping players and managers complete the necessary immigration policies, we help our clients access a world of talent and opportunity. We are founders of a global network of specialist sports lawyers from over 29 countries. This network allows us to boost our capabilities with local knowledge and expertise from every corner of the world, so that we can provide quick answers and solutions to any challenges our clients face.

Their knowledge and expertise in football legal matters has been a real benefit to me and my family.

SCOTT TAYLOR, FOOTBALL MANAGER AND COACH

Contact us

For all sports related matters call Colin Smith on 020 3814 2020 or email sport@blasermills.co.uk. Alternatively, fill in our contact form.

The post Football appeared first on Blaser Mills Law.

The English legal system prizes testamentary freedom above all else. Individuals are free to express their instructions in a Will, no matter how unfair they seem. However, there are certain occasions when you may be able to make a claim against an estate for financial provision or dispute the validity of a Will.

Emotions can run high following the death of an individual. Our team knows from years of experience that disagreements over an estate need careful handling. We offer thoughtful yet commercial and sensible advice designed to help parties reach an amicable conclusion. Where a settlement is not possible, we will guide you through the court process. We will provide clear, understandable legal advice that highlights the risks and the costs of each step of the process. 

A personal approach

Our team is renowned in the region and well-regarded nationally for our expert, resilient and strategic approach to contentious probate. We have taken many clients through the processes of securing inheritance provision and contesting questionable Wills.

Our honest and personal approach to litigation sets us apart. We believe you benefit the most when you know exactly where you stand, so we take the time to get to know you and give you a clear view of your rights and options, in a way that makes sense to you. Wills are emotive subjects and we’re not here to take the emotion out of the matter. Rather, we get to know your concerns and what you want to achieve, so that we can help you resolve the dispute quickly and cost-effectively.

When to contest a Will

When it comes to contesting a Will, it is important to act quickly. Contesting a Will after probate is granted can make the situation more complex. It is far less complicated and more cost-effective to find a resolution before a grant of probate is obtained and certainly before an estate is distributed. 

You may wish to enter a caveat to prevent the grant of probate or letters of administration being obtained. The process is outlined here: Challenging a Will – Caveats – Blaser Mills Law

Investigating a Will’s validity

A Will needs several features to make it a valid, legal document. You can challenge a Will for the following reasons:

1. Lack of proper execution, i.e., the Will was not signed, or the Will was not witnessed, not dated etc.
   
2. Lack of testamentary capacity – the person making the Will did not fully appreciate the effect of what they were signing as they lacked mental capacity, usually due to a disease of the mind, such as dementia.
   
3. Undue influence – the person making the Will was unduly influenced by someone into making the Will.
   
4. Fraudulent calumny – this is an archaic way of simply describing fraud in relation to a Will. Usually, two or more persons have conspired to make a false Will on behalf of the Deceased.
   
5. Lack of knowledge or approval – where the person making the will has mental capacity to make the Will but is not aware of the full effect of the content.

Challenging a Will under the Inheritance Act 1975

The Inheritance (Provision for Family and Dependants) Act 1975 (“the Act”) provides a method whereby a Will can be challenged on the grounds that reasonable financial provision has not been made. Certain people can claim for reasonable provisions if they have been left out of a Will or not been adequately catered for, based on their needs. For example, spouses, partners, children, and others who relied on the deceased financially.

Whether or not you can claim, and how much you can claim, will depend on your financial circumstances, the estate and the circumstances of other beneficiaries. Our solicitors will give you a clear indication of your rights and the outcome you can expect, helping you plan for your future while we take you through the claim process. The factors the court will consider can be found here: Challenging a Will under the Inheritance Act 1975 – Blaser Mills Law.

Removal of executors

Executors have a duty to follow the instructions in the Will and the law. If you feel that they are not following the Will or are delaying the process, it can be most effective for the beneficiaries to remove an executor.

Blaser Mills are the go-to firm in the Thames Valley for private wealth disputes, especially those concerning property and estates.

LEGAL 500

Contact us

For our help with contesting a Will, or to simply discuss your options, call Ed Capstick on 01628 567 759, send an email to litigation@blasermills.co.uk. Alternatively, fill in our contact form.

The post Disputed wills and trusts appeared first on Blaser Mills Law.

Blaser Mills is one of the leading sports law teams in the country, advising some of the biggest names in sport, including clubs, teams, professional athletes, agents, organisations and governing bodies. We regularly advise clients across a range of sports including football, rugby, cricket, motorsport, athletics and horse racing.

Our sports lawyers are not just passionate about sport, but also delivering a high standard of service with fast response times, effective communication, technical advice and commercial guidance.

Lawyers for sports professionals, teams, clubs, agents and governing bodies

We help individuals with every aspect of their professional and personal lives, so that they are free to focus on performing at their best.

Our team works with players, intermediaries and other professional advisers, helping them negotiate the best employment contracts, make the most of sponsorships and endorsements, and protect their brand and image rights.

Our lawyers also represent sports professionals in dispute resolution and help them protect their reputation and privacy. We understand that when working in such a public sphere, it is important we always act with discretion. But it is equally important we act with clarity and authority.

Commercially focused support for clubs and organisations

We work with our clients to maximise their commercial position, comply with regulations and promote their brands. Our corporate team has advised both organisations and investors on the acquisition of clubs, securing the best sponsorship and attracting the brightest talent. Investment and sponsorship agreements play a crucial role in driving the development of the sports we all love, from training academies to the latest technological innovations.

Our commercial lawyers provide guidance on every aspect of our clients’ legal needs. We can draft contracts, advise on acquisitions and disposals, manage brands, support with merchandising, licensing and franchising, as well as issues relating to broadcasting, digital media and technology.

Supporting professionals in personal matters

We also help sports professionals structure their wealth, complete residential property transactions and deal with the full range of family issues from pre-nuptial agreements to divorce and childcare. Because we work collaboratively across the whole of Blaser Mills Law, our clients benefit from a wealth of specialist expertise on everything from immigration to intellectual property.

Our sports-related services include:

• Sports regulatory and governance
• Sports disputes
• Employment and immigration issues
• Corporate transactions, mergers and acquisitions and restructuring
• Sports commercialisation
• GDPR/Data protection
• Team/club/athlete representation
• Image rights and brand reputation management
• Wealth planning, wills and trusts advice
• Residential property
• Family and divorce law

The world of sports law is complex, but our approach never is. You can count on us for straightforward, pragmatic guidance every time.

An excellent team that provides a City of London service. Technically very able with excellent client handling skills.

THE LEGAL 500

Contact us

For all sports related matters call Colin Smith on 020 3814 2020 or email sport@blasermills.co.uk. Alternatively, fill in our contact form.

The post Sport appeared first on Blaser Mills Law.

Our property litigation team is here to support you, supporting your best interests and striving for the best solution to your concerns.

About us

At Blaser Mills, our dedicated property litigation team is committed to helping businesses as well as individuals and navigate through property disputes, however complex they may seem. We understand that property issues can affect your business or your home significantly.

As leading property litigation lawyers, we take a strategic approach to protect your legal rights and achieve the best possible outcome. Whether you’re a business owner, property owner, landowner, landlord, developer, or a tenant, our team is here to provide practical advice for your circumstances.

We handle disputes including:

• Contested Landlord & Tenant business lease renewals;
• Break Notices
• Dilapidations
• Lease enfranchisement (freehold acquisition);
• Lease extensions;
• Breaches and enforcement of covenants
• Discharge/modification of covenants
• Easements
• Land registry title and boundary issues
• Private Nuisance disputes

How we will support you

We take a personal approach at Blaser Mills, starting by understanding the circumstances that led to your property dispute and listening carefully to your desired outcome.

Property law can seem daunting, but we’re committed to clarity. We explain everything in straightforward terms so you’re always informed about developments and decisions. We’ll clearly explain your legal rights and discuss the best ways to resolve the dispute.

If circumstances change, we’ll reassess and explain how this affects your case, ensuring you’re confident in your next steps.

Facing landlord and tenant disputes can be intensely stressful. For instance, if rent payments are in arrears, or your property has been entered illegally, or you have troublesome tenants, then we can advise as to the complex procedure required to intervene and, if necessary seek recovery of your property.

In cases where discussion is likely to assist in a resolution, we may explore alternative dispute resolution (ADR) to find common ground. If court action is necessary, we will help prepare you thoroughly and step in to represent you.

The firm is efficient and offers straight forward information in a swift manner.

LEGAL 500

Contact us

For expert advice from a specialist property litigation solicitor, call Jonathan Lilley on 01628 567 759 or email propertylitigation@blasermills.co.uk. Alternatively, fill in our contact form.

The post Property disputes appeared first on Blaser Mills Law.

Our team of experienced employment lawyers can assist if you need help understanding your rights, negotiating a settlement or where you are facing a dispute at work.

About us

Our specialist employment lawyers are here to protect your workplace rights as an employee. We are not just legal experts; we are also skilled in negotiating effectively with employers on your behalf.

We understand that workplaces are ever-changing environments where factors like business growth, health concerns, and staffing issues arise. However, these should never compromise your legal rights as an employee. Every employer has a legal responsibility to treat their workforce fairly, regardless of the business needs.

Our team helps individuals with:

• Settlement Agreements and Non-Disclosure Agreements (NDAs)
• Redundancy
• Unfair dismissal
• Discrimination, bullying and harassment
• Restrictive covenants
• Whistleblowing

What can we help with?

Employment contracts

When entering an employment or consulting relationship with a company you may wish to have an experienced lawyer review the terms of your contract. We can assist in highlighting red flags, negotiating terms and advising on restrictive covenants.

As part of our work with our international networks we also regularly advise employees who are redeployed across jurisdictions.

Termination of employment

If your employment has been terminated for unfair or wrongful reasons, we can help you to understand your rights and receive compensation.

Negotiating settlement

We regularly advise on and negotiate settlement packages for senior employees, including reaffirmations and the incorporation of share schemes.

Grievances, investigations and disciplinaries

Our team can guide you through workplace processes whether you are raising a grievance or subject to an investigation or disciplinary. Our experienced lawyers can provide you with strategic advice on maximising your position.

Restructuring and redundancy

When an employer seeks to restructure their business, this can result in redundancies and the processes involved may appear complex. We can provide advice on the steps that your employer should be taking and how to protect your rights.

Who have we helped?

Our team have provided guidance on a full range of employment matters, which notable include:

• Advising a senior executive of a large financial institution and negotiating a settlement sum in excess of £1.1m.
• Advising an employee in relation to post-employment restrictive covenants and their enforceability in the context of a competitive industry.
• Advising a senior individual and investigating grounds relating to sexual orientation discrimination; and achieving a six-figure settlement.

Why choose our employment solicitors?

Our team can provide you with clarity and a clear framework for action. We will help you understand your rights, the processes involved and advise you on a cost-effective way forward to help you achieve your desired outcome. The Legal 500 continues to rank our Employment team in top Tier 1, maintaining our exceptional standing with testimonials describing the team as “very approachable, efficient and providing a thorough service”.

The team at Blaser Mills Law have the ability to handle complex and sophisticated matters. The team are professional, calm and pragmatic.

CHAMBERS UK

Contact us

For specialist advice contact Noel Deans on 01628 567 759 or email employment@blasermills.co.uk. Alternatively, fill in our contact form.

The post Employment for individuals appeared first on Blaser Mills Law.

We ensure that you are always kept up-to-date with the progress of your transaction and that you understand the next steps. We are always available to speak to you and our excellent service is why so many of our clients recommend us to their friends and family.

Communication, advice and clear explanations

We keep clients informed throughout the sale or purchase process. Our online portal provides 24/7 access to key documents, ensuring constant oversight and minimising surprises. We’re always available to discuss your case and answer any questions.

Securing the property you want often depends on being able to complete the legal work in time to meet deadlines. We make it a priority to respond quickly to all correspondence and make sure you understand what is needed from you.

We work proactively throughout your sale or purchase to give you the best chance of an early completion.

Ensuring your property purchase is legally sound

Whether you’re a first-time buyer or moving, we ensure you have the full picture and a sound investment. Our conveyancing team gets involved as soon as your offer is accepted, contacting the seller’s solicitor to request the initial documents.

As well as giving our details to your estate agent, you should also let any mortgage lender know that we will be acting on your behalf. They will then be able to send your mortgage offer to us as soon as it is available.

Once we receive the initial paperwork from the sellers’ solicitors, we will carry out the relevant property searches. At that stage we also go through the legal title to the property and raise enquiries.

We provide regular updates throughout the conveyancing process, giving information in manageable steps. This allows you to address any issues as they arise and make informed decisions on how to proceed.

When you are ready to exchange contracts, we work with you and the other parties in the chain to agree on a completion date. We ensure you know exactly how the residential property transaction will take place.

Ensuring a smooth residential property sale

You can instruct us as soon as you decide to sell. We’ll start preparing paperwork, obtain your title deeds, and draft the contract, ready to send once you accept an offer. We’ll keep you updated, handle inquiries from the buyer’s side, and work with the estate agent and buyer’s solicitor to agree on a completion date. After completion, we’ll discharge your mortgage, pay estate agent fees, and register your purchase with the Land Registry.

Mortgage and re-mortgage

If you are obtaining a mortgage to fund your house purchase, we will liaise with your mortgage broker or lender, check through your mortgage offer as soon as we receive it and make sure that you understand its terms and conditions. We will report to your lender as soon as we have all the necessary property information from your sellers’ solicitors and ensure that we have ordered your mortgage funds in plenty of time for completion.

We can also act on your behalf if you are re-mortgaging a residential property, by processing the new mortgage and redeeming the old one.

High-net-worth conveyancing

The specialists in our residential property and conveyancing team will act as a dedicated partner for your property transactions. Our tailored service always starts with your exact needs and financial goals, as well as the specifics of your property. Whether this is your first high-value property purchase, or you are expanding your portfolio, we will guide you through the process and work within your timescales and transaction terms.

We have a wide range of experience when it comes to high-value property transactions, and we can make sure that you don’t run into any unnecessary delays and any unexpected issues are resolved quickly.

Law Society’s Conveyancing Quality Scheme

We are members of the Law Society’s Conveyancing Quality Scheme, the mark of excellence for the home-buying process. The rigorous assessment by the Law Society, to secure CQS status, marks us out as a team that consistently meets high standards in residential conveyancing processes and also delivers excellent customer service.

Contact us

For all residential property matters call Jane Hannaway on 01628 567 759 or email residentialproperty@blasermills.co.uk. Alternatively, fill in our contact form.

The post Residential sales and purchases appeared first on Blaser Mills Law.

Advice and representation

Leasehold properties can be confusing, but it’s crucial not to let your lease drop too far. If you have a short lease, we’ll clearly explain your options and guide you through the process. With extensive leasehold property experience, we’ll discuss the best course of action and remain available to answer any questions. Our online portal also provides 24/7 access to key documents and updates. We’ll work hard to secure your lease extension or a share of the freehold.

Protecting the value of your home

If a house or flat has a lease with less than 80 years remaining, the value of the property can be adversely affected. Mortgage lenders’ rules mean that most will not lend money where the remaining term on the lease is below 70 years and, generally speaking, they insist on a lease that extends at least 30-40 years after the term of the mortgage.

A short lease means that no-one needing a mortgage will be able to buy the property and this will affect its value and saleability. If the term remaining on a lease falls below 80 years, it will cost considerably more to extend it. We can help you address this problem as soon as it arises by arranging an extension to the lease.

Extending a lease

Once you have owned a leasehold property for two years, you are entitled to a 90-year extension of the lease of a flat or a 50-year extension to the lease of a house.

In addition to extending the lease, if you and other leaseholders in a block of flats agree, you also have the right to buy the freehold of the building.

Also known as leasehold enfranchisement, the process of extending a lease and/or buying the freehold can be lengthy and complicated, but it is necessary to address the situation in order to protect the value of your investment. At Blaser Mills Law we are experienced in dealing with both lease extensions and freehold purchases, as well as related matters such as setting up a management company and transferring the freehold to it.

Our clients appreciate the clarity we bring to difficult leasehold issues. We explain the process clearly and are always available to speak to you to answer any questions you may have. We ensure that you are kept up to date with progress throughout.

The process of extending a lease or buying a freehold can take a considerable amount of time, particularly as a landlord may not be in any hurry to deal with the matter. We always work proactively to ensure that the transaction is dealt with without delay.

The lease extension procedure

It may be possible to negotiate informally with your landlord to reach an agreement on the cost of extending and the amount of years they are prepared to add to extend your lease. Otherwise, it can be extended by following the statutory route for lease extension.

This requires a notice to be served on the landlord making a formal offer. This should be based on a valuation of the lease and be a realistic sum. You will also be required to pay the landlord’s reasonable costs for any legal work or valuation.

If your lease is approaching the 80-year mark, you should consider extending it as a matter of urgency as once less than 80 years are left on the lease an additional payment, known as marriage value, is payable to the landlord. We can advise you on the potential costs of extending a lease and buying the freehold, then register your ownership at the Land Registry.

Owning a leasehold property

Leasehold property ownership involves far more considerations than freeholder ownership. There are a number of potentially expensive pitfalls, such as onerous ground rent provisions, which can make a property very difficult to sell. At Blaser Mills Law, we ensure that our clients understand the extent of their leasehold liabilities to make sure that any investment in property is sound.

Law Society’s Conveyancing Quality Scheme

We are members of the Law Society’s Conveyancing Quality Scheme, the mark of excellence for the home-buying process. The rigorous assessment by the Law Society, in order to secure CQS status, marks us out as a team that consistently meets high standards in residential conveyancing processes and also delivers excellent customer service.

Contact us

To speak to one of our expert property solicitors, call Jane Hannaway on 01628 567 759 or email residentialproperty@blasermills.co.uk. Alternatively, fill in our contact form.

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