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Do you know the law on school holiday contact?

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Most school holidays in England and Wales will commence from Friday 21st July 2023. This starts a 6-week (or so) Summer holiday period which, at the best of times, can create stress and anxiety for parents. Will the children have fun, will they be fulfilled, will they go back to school ok? They are all justified questions that parents may ask throughout August. If those parents are separated, there can be additional stressors which can cause concern. Do you know what is and is not ‘allowed’ in accordance with the law? There may be legal implications that you have not considered…

Is buying property at auction right for you?

Jenny Musgrave
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Are you looking to buy property? It's always best to consider all the options, including auctions. Our new article looks at buying property at auction and whether it might be right for you. 

Curious about property auctions? Find out more about how to buy property at auction in our new article.

Frequently asked questions about buying and selling agricultural property

Rodger Price
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Agricultural property can be a lucrative investment, but it's essential to understand the unique challenges and regulations that come with buying and selling such property. Whether you're a farmer looking to expand your operation, an investor seeking to diversify your portfolio, or a landowner ready to sell, here are some frequently asked questions to guide you through the process.

What is contentious probate?

Andrew Horwich
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Contentious probate refers to any disputes about an individual's estate when they are no longer here. This process can be difficult for families and lead to many mixed feelings, but understanding when an estate can be contested can help answer many questions, and make a troubling time less confusing for all.

This article will look at what contentious probate is and how a solicitor can help you do what is best for you and your loved ones.

The Transparency Order in Family Law

Rhian Evans
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Journalists and legal bloggers are now able to report from Family Courts in Cardiff, Leeds, and Carlisle as part of a 12-month pilot which began on the 30th of January 2023. The pilot allows for ‘pilot reporters’ to attend and report on proceedings heard in pilot courts.

How to prepare for a long-distance property sale in today's market

Jenny Musgrave
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For those looking to sell their property in 2023, householders should get themselves marathon-ready in the face of extended timeframes to achieve completion, ensuring that all the proper paperwork is up to date and ready before they put up the sale board.

Does common law marriage exist in the UK?

Joanne Harriman
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Common law marriage is a concept that refers to a marriage-like relationship between two people who live together for a certain period of time but without actually getting married or registering their partnership formally. This type of arrangement is recognised in some countries but not in the UK.

What is commercial litigation?

Rodger Price
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Any legal action taken that involves a corporate party is commercial litigation. This includes anything from employment issues and contract disputes to major cases between large international companies

Why you can't move house in two weeks

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Contrary to popular belief it is not generally achievable to sell or buy a property in 2 weeks or less. Buying a new home can be a stressful experience and as conveyancers, we often get asked ‘how long will this matter take to complete'.

How to co-parent effectively in 2023

Joanne Harriman
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Whenever you separate from a partner, and you share children, there is inevitably going to be an impact on those children as you settle into your new parenting roles. However, if you can minimise the conflict between the adults as much as possible, this will allow the children to transition into that role more easily.

Exploring the benefits of mediation as an alternative to court

Joanne Harriman
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Family Mediation Week runs from 16-20th January 2023. This is a campaign run by the Family Mediation Council to raise awareness of family mediation and the benefits it can bring to separating families. 

Why January is a good time to prepare to sell your house

Jenny Musgrave
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January is the time of the year we all start making plans for all those things we hope to achieve across the year laid out in front of us.

What better time could there be to decide if the house you are in is the home you want to see yourself or your family in before next year? In this article, we look at why January is a good time to start preparing to sell and just how you can do that.

Tragic case must be wake-up call for landlords

Jenny Musgrave
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A lesson must be learned from the recent tragic case of two-year-old Awaab Ishak, who died after his health was compromised by mould growing in the rented home where he lived.  Both private landlords and providers of social housing are being urged to go...

Divorce and the need for financial consent orders

Joanne Harriman
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No-fault divorce may be leading to greater numbers managing their own financial arrangements through the process, and as we approach the typically tough time for couples over the Christmas period, a reminder of the need for help in reaching a balanced outcome with future certainty on finances.  

Contact at Christmas

Joanne Harriman
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Christmas contact arrangements can cause heightened emotions between separated parents when deciding who will have the children and when throughout the festive period. It is always important to remember to never make the children decide, as doing so can cause the children unnecessary anxiety and stress at what is supposed to be a joyous time.  

Symes Bains Broomer is supporting Good Divorce Week 2022

Tracy Talbot
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We are supporting Good Divorce Week 2022, a national campaign to help parents embrace a child-focused approach to separation – led by Resolution, a community of family justice professionals who work to resolve issues in a constructive way.

Hunt's menu sees a return to traditional British fare

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The autumn statement delivered by Chancellor Jeremy Hunt saw a return to tradition: a reassuringly hearty main course dominated by old-style approaches to tax planning and fiscal book-balancing designed to satisfy the financial markets, with what remained of the earlier so-called Mini Budget pushed to the side of the plate as leftovers. 

How much will your solicitor's fees cost when buying a house?

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When buying property, it is important to know all costs beforehand to help you stick to your budget. Hidden costs can throw your plans off and ultimately take you over budget. Solicitor fees are likely to be one of the highest costs to consider and one that is unavoidable, so it is crucial to know what you are likely to be charged for.

Divorce applications at ten-year high - does no-fault divorce make it easier?

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On 6 April 2022, the Divorce, Dissolution and Separation Act (2020) came into force - a landmark reform introducing ‘no-fault divorce’ for couples ending their marriage. As a result of the new legislation, statistics released by the Ministry of Justice show divorce applications from April-June 2022 at a ten-year high and up 22% from the same quarter in 2021.
So, why were so many couples holding out to file for divorce until after 6 April?

The impact of the cost-of-living increase upon domestic abuse

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Domestic abuse can occur in many forms, with victims often not realising this is something they are experiencing. Anybody can be a victim of abuse, in a number of ways or simply one way, and at any time. Due to the varying ways, there are millions of people living through abuse right now.

Key tips you need to know when buying a house.

Jenny Musgrave
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Buying a house can be a daunting process, whether it’s your first time or your 5th. It can be emotionally draining and very stressful. So, we have put together some key tips and advice to help you make your home-buying experience smooth and stress-free!

5 ways having a will helps your loved ones

Andrew Horwich
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Having an up-to-date will is the best way of ensuring your wishes are followed when you are no longer here, but it also takes a lot of the stress off your loved ones at an already challenging time. In this article, we look at five ways having a will helps your loved ones after you pass. 

Trust Registration deadline has been extended

Don Johnson
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More trusts are required to register under the Trust Registration regime and the last deadline was September 2022.  While the requirement remains, HMRC have recognised that many trustees are unaware of the change and have said penalties are unlikely to be imposed where the lack of action is due to ignorance.  But the clock is still ticking for trustees to catch up with the changes and should take advice on whether they apply to their situation.

Proposed new legislation is latest in a fast-changing landscape for private rented sector

Andrew Horwich
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By Andrew Horwich, property law specialist with Symes Bains Broomer Solicitors Residential landlords already struggling to keep up with legislation and guidelines, including the tenant protections extended by the government during the pandemic, may feel...

Divorce, Dissolution and Separation Act 2020 (DDSA)

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What you need to know: The DDSA is the biggest reform in half a century, and comes into force on the 06th April 2022 and is going to bring some big changes! This new law is designed to allow married couples to issue divorce proceedings without assigning...

Are You a Trustee of a Trust That Now Needs Registering?

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From the 10 th of March 2022 the Trusts that need registering with HMRC are expanding as a result of the EU’s Fifth Money Laundering Directive being introduced. As a result Trustees will need to register the Trusts that fall into this directive by 1...

Vulnerable face timebomb by not appointing others to act

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Professionals working with the elderly and vulnerable are raising concerns over future safeguarding following a dramatic fall in the number of lasting powers of attorneys registered during the coronavirus pandemic. Figures  from the Office of the...

Do grandparents have a right to contact with their grandchildren?

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When a couple makes the decision to divorce, the breakdown of the relationship can have far-reaching consequences. Unfortunately, grandparents of any children of the relationship can suffer and even be prevented from seeing their grandchildren as often as...

Power of Attorney & protecting the rights of people with dementia

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Dementia Action Week runs 17th - 23rd May 2021 and is a national event that sees the public coming together to take action to improve the lives of people affected by dementia. When a person receives a dementia diagnosis, this doesn’t automatically...

Why do you need a cohabitation agreement?

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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...

Christmas, coronavirus and separation: what are the rules around taking children away from home?

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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...

Landlords must comply with latest energy standards

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Landlords of residential property could face high fines if they do not meet the latest energy efficiency standards.  On 1 st April 2020, the latest stage of the Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards was implemented, making it unlawful for landlords to...

Locking up the legalities when planning ahead in the virus crisis

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NHS workers fighting Covid-19 on the front line, together with the elderly and vulnerable, lie behind a huge spike in demand for will writing over recent weeks, according to the professional body for solicitors.  The Law Society says many firms have...

A toolkit for family breakdown in the lockdown

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The coronavirus crisis is redefining lifestyles and the boundaries of our interactions; a situation that can challenge even the strongest bonds.  For couples who are struggling in their relationship, or trying to manage co-parenting, anxiety levels are...

New Era for long established local firm

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Symes Bains Broomer solicitors in Scunthorpe Goole and Howden have obtained authorisation from the Solicitors Regulation Authority to be licensed as an Alternative Business Structure from 1st October 2018. This means the practice may adopt the new flexible...

Laurence Kirkby retires from practice

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The firm wishes to announce that after 26 years Laurence Kirkby retires from the firm. He was a partner for many years and in later years practised as a Consultant. He is thanked by everyone connected with the firm for his dedication and hard work at...

Kiera Rogers commences her Training Contract with SBB

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We are pleased to announce that Kiera Rogers has today commenced her new role in the firm as a Trainee Solicitor. She will commence her first seat in our Wills & Probate department. ...

Robin Sumpter OBE

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It is with great sadness that Mr Robin Sumpter OBE has sadly passed away. Mr Sumpter was a senior partner at this firm and retired from practice in 2007. All the partners and staff wish to convey their condolences to his family. Please see the following...

Helen Barton joins SBB

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The partners are very pleased to announce that Helen Barton has joined the firm. She joins a very busy team and will specialise in agricultural property and commercial matters. Helen is a member of the Agricultural Law Association and brings a...

Rodger Price welcomes Jo Harriman as partner

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Rodger Price welcomes Jo Harriman as a newly appointed Partner at Symes Bains Broomer Solicitors. Jo who has been with the Firm for the last two years works in the Matrimonial Department specialising in financial matters and Children Act proceedings. ...

Partnership

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The Partners are delighted to announce that Jo Harriman, solicitor in our Family Department at Scunthorpe, will become a Partner in the firm from the 1 st August 2016. Jo’s promotion to Partner reflects the high performance that she has...

Buying or Selling a house - Conveyancing Promotion

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Throughout the months of June and July the firm are pleased to offer 10% discount on new instructions received on conveyancing matters no matter when the completion takes place. Simply instruct us in your purchase or sale during June...

New Vacancies on our website

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We are having a recruitment drive. Have a look at our website for all the latest vacancies. Please check back regularly for updates to our new or existing positions...

Solicitor Commercial/Agriculture Property

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Solicitor Commercial Property / Agricultural Property   We are seeking a full time Solicitor or Legal Executive for our head office in Scunthorpe, although any preference to work from our branch offices in Goole and Howden would be...

Make a Will with Will Aid this November

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Symes Bains Broomer is pleased to announce that we will be taking part in Will Aid this November. We will waive our fee for drawing up a basic Will and instead invite our clients to donate to the Will Aid group of charities. The suggested minimum donation...

Job Vacancies

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Commercial Property Solicitor - Scunthorpe office Probate/Wills/Commercial & Residential Property - Howden office Symes Bains Broomer Solicitors – Scunthorpe DN15 6JH We are seeking two full time Solicitors at our main office in Scunthorpe and...

Time to get your affairs in order

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  Symes Bains Broomer are offering a free legal and financial seminar covering the important topics of wills, issues of capacity , tax planning and care fees.   The seminar is presented by Laura Duncan, solicitor at Symes Bains Broomer...

Partners working hard in preparation for seminars

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A couple of our Partners are working hard in preparation for a busy time in the coming months in giving seminars and guest addresses to different organisations locally.  The Head of our Wills and Probate Department, Laura Duncan, is already experienced...