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Buying your first home feels exciting and scary at the same time. Don't worry - it's easier when you know what to expect. From saving your deposit to navigating government perks, here’s your essential first home buying guide from our expert conveyancing team at...

Just a quick note to let you know that any Lasting Powers of Attorney (LPA) not yet lodged with the Office of Public Guardian, will see an increase of £10 to their application fee. This was previously £82 (No VAT) and is now £92 (No VAT).      ...

If you own property in England or Wales, you've likely heard of the Land Registry – but do you know if your property is registered with them? This seemingly simple question can have significant implications for property owners, buyers, and sellers alike. The process...

Protecting your family home and assets is smart. But so too is tax compliance.  Why Trusts exist A trust is a legal arrangement where you (the "settlor") hand your assets to someone else (the "trustees") to look after for the benefit of other people (the...

Most people know that having a will is vital. It helps wrap up your affairs, provide for your loved ones, and ensure that your wishes are followed after your death. If you already have a will – excellent. But as life changes, so might your wishes. Whether it’s a...

If you've ever instructed a solicitor and been asked to provide a passport or a bank statement, or other personal documents, you might have wondered: Why all the red tape? The answer lies in legal compliance—specifically, Anti-Money Laundering (AML) regulations, which...

We've just sent £263.22 to YAA, which accumulated over the past 3 months.  You might recall that whenever someone asks us to witness or notarise a document, we charge a nominal minimum fee (starting at £10 but more is always welcomed). We then send the accumulated...

09/09/1919 – 26/11/2010   My maternal grandfather, Ronald Watson, joined the Durham Light Infantry on 24th April 1939 at aged 19 as army number 4455493. He was previously a clerk and shorthand typist. Ronnie was sent to France on 17th January 1940 as part of the...

Planning for the future isn’t always easy, but one of the most important steps you can take is to put a Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA) in place. Whether you're thinking ahead for yourself or helping a loved one, understanding how LPAs work is essential. They're as...

This is the process for dealing with a deceased estate. Ideally, they created a will beforehand. Losing a loved one is one of life’s toughest moments. Dealing with their estate can feel like an added burden. But it doesn't have to be difficult. At Hutchinson &...