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We’re pleased to confirm that Burd Ward Solicitors’ Conveyancing Department has successfully renewed its accreditation under the Law Society’s Conveyancing Quality Scheme (CQS).
If you’re buying, selling, remortgaging, or transferring property, choosing a solicitor is about more than price — it’s about confidence, communication, and a process you can rely on. CQS renewal is one of the ways we demonstrate our ongoing commitment to delivering a high-quality residential conveyancing service for clients across the Wirral, Merseyside and beyond.
The Law Society’s Conveyancing Quality Scheme is a recognised quality standard for residential conveyancing practices. CQS helps clients identify firms that follow a consistent, transparent approach to conveyancing — with a focus on good client care, clear communication, and robust procedures.
In short: CQS accreditation is a quality mark for conveyancing solicitors.
Renewing our CQS accreditation means we continue to meet the scheme’s requirements and standards. For clients, that translates into a service built around:
Property transactions can be stressful — especially when there’s a chain, tight deadlines, or unexpected issues (title queries, leasehold complications, lender requirements, or last-minute enquiries). Our approach is to keep things moving and keep you informed, so you know where you stand.
When you search for “Wirral conveyancing solicitors” or “fixed-fee conveyancing”, you’ll see lots of options. CQS accreditation is a useful differentiator because it signals that the firm is committed to recognised standards in residential conveyancing.
Clients often tell us they want:
CQS won’t remove every obstacle in a transaction — but it does show that your solicitor is working to a consistent quality framework and is invested in continuous improvement.
We assist clients with a full range of residential property matters, including:
If you’re planning a move and want a solicitor who can guide you through the process clearly and efficiently, our team is here to help.
We act for clients across the Wirral and surrounding areas, including (for example) Wallasey, Birkenhead, Bebington, Heswall, West Kirby, Hoylake, Prenton, Greasby, Upton and beyond. Whether you’re a first-time buyer, upsizing, downsizing, or dealing with a sale following probate, we tailor our advice to your situation.
If you’d like a quote or want to discuss your transaction, get in touch with our Conveyancing Department. We’ll explain the process, confirm what we need from you, and give you a clear view of costs and timescales.
CQS is a widely recognised quality standard for residential conveyancing. It can help clients identify firms committed to consistent processes, training, and client care.
Not necessarily. Costs depend on the property, transaction type and complexity. A good firm will provide a clear quote and explain what is included.
We aim to provide clear, transparent pricing and will confirm what’s included in your quote from the outset.
In most cases, yes — but it depends on your lender and panel status. We can confirm this at the start of the transaction.
Timescales vary. Many transactions take around 8–12 weeks, but leasehold, chains, or title issues can extend this. We’ll keep you updated throughout.
If you’re a landlord in the Wirral, Merseyside or the wider Liverpool City Region, the Renters’ Rights Act 2025 (RRA) will be the biggest change to renting law in decades. Crucially, however, the new rules will not take effect all at once.
The Government has confirmed a phased implementation plan, with the majority of changes (Phase 1) taking effect from 1 May 2026, and further obligations arriving later in 2026 and beyond.
As a firm that predominantly acts for landlords across the Wirral, Burd Ward Solicitors has prepared this updated guide to help local landlords understand exactly what changes are coming, when they take effect, and what you should do now to prepare.
Phase 1 introduces the most significant reforms affecting day-to-day letting and possession. These include:
Additional reforms — many requiring new digital systems — will be introduced later, including:
These later-phase measures will be brought into force with separate commencement dates.
From 1 May 2026, all new and existing assured shorthold tenancies across Wirral and Merseyside will automatically convert into assured periodic tenancies.
This means:
This will particularly affect landlords in high turnover areas such as Birkenhead, Seacombe, Wallasey and parts of Liverpool.
Although the national Landlord & Property Database is not expected to go live until a later phase, it will ultimately require:
In future, the ability to serve certain possession notices may depend on being correctly registered on this database.
Landlords will be required to join a national ombudsman scheme. The ombudsman will have powers to require:
This will be particularly relevant for landlords with larger portfolios in areas such as Liscard, Tranmere, Hoylake, Liverpool and Sefton, where tenant complaints are more likely simply due to portfolio size.
From May 2026 the Renters’ Rights Act will:
This is important for landlords in competitive areas such as West Kirby, Caldy, Heswall and Crosby, where rental bidding has sometimes been used to deal with high demand.
From Phase 1 (May 2026):
From later phases:
Wirral and Liverpool councils already focus on housing conditions and enforcement, so landlords should assume this will be a priority.
In later phases, local councils will gain stronger enforcement powers, including:
This will particularly affect enforcement hotspots such as Birkenhead, Rock Ferry, Toxteth and Bootle.
Even though most of the changes do not go live until 1 May 2026, responsible landlords should use the lead-in period wisely. Key steps include:
While the Renters’ Rights Act introduces more regulation, responsible landlords in Wirral and Merseyside can benefit from a more level playing field. Potential advantages include:
Landlords offering good-quality accommodation in areas such as Wallasey, West Kirby, Hoylake, Heswall, Moreton and the Liverpool suburbs are likely to stand out even more once the reforms are fully in place.
Based in Wallasey, Burd Ward Solicitors acts for landlords throughout the Wirral and Merseyside region, including:
We provide practical, cost-effective legal advice for private landlords, portfolio investors and property companies.
Our landlord services include:
The Renters’ Rights Act will transform renting law, but importantly, not all at once. With the bulk of reforms arriving on 1 May 2026, and further obligations being rolled out later in 2026, now is the ideal time for landlords across Wirral and Merseyside to prepare.
Burd Ward Solicitors can help you understand the phased changes, update your documentation, plan for new compliance duties and safeguard your property portfolio.
If you are a landlord in Wirral or Merseyside and would like tailored advice, please contact our expert landlord solicitor, Martyn Green, for specialist guidance on the Renters’ Rights Act and how it will affect your properties.
A recent report published in BMJ Medicine and covered by The Guardian has revealed that a third of women who died during or shortly after pregnancy in the UK had prior involvement with children’s social care services.
Between 2014 and 2022:
The report warns of a lack of coordination between maternity care, social workers, and local authorities—leading to missed opportunities to provide support, protection, and early intervention.
While this data is heartbreaking, it also reinforces what many in the legal sector already know: that women facing safeguarding concerns often slip through the cracks when systems don’t communicate effectively.
At Burd Ward Solicitors, our Family Law Team supports parents and carers navigating:
It’s vital that any parent involved with children’s services receives clear, supportive legal advice. These cases often move quickly, and without legal representation, parents can find themselves overwhelmed and unheard.
We offer:
This report should be a wake-up call for professionals working with pregnant women and new mothers. Timely referrals to legal advice—particularly in cases involving domestic abuse or social services concerns—could help prevent harm and improve outcomes for families.
Whether you’ve been contacted by children’s services, are worried about your safety at home, or are going through a difficult separation, we’re here to provide calm, clear and experienced legal advice.
The BBC recently uncovered a shocking rise in fake-will fraud across the UK, with criminal gangs exploiting weaknesses in the probate system to steal entire estates. Families of the deceased are being left devastated, often learning months later that their loved one’s property has been transferred or sold — all based on forged documents.
At Burd Ward Solicitors, we understand how important it is to protect your estate and ensure your wishes are respected. In this article, we explore how these scams are being carried out, why the current system is vulnerable, and what you can do to safeguard your legacy.
Fake-will fraud involves criminals submitting forged or counterfeit wills during the probate process in order to gain control of a deceased person’s estate. In many cases, the fraudsters pose as executors or claim to be beneficiaries under the forged will.
The rise in online probate applications — intended to simplify the process — has unfortunately created new opportunities for abuse. In some instances, these criminals have managed to sell homes and access bank accounts without any of the legitimate heirs being aware until it’s too late.
Real-Life Cases That Highlight the Problem:
In both cases, probate was granted with minimal scrutiny, and the rightful heirs were left battling to prove the fraud and reclaim the estate.
Fake-will fraud typically follows a pattern:
This is not just identity theft — it’s the theft of someone’s entire legacy.
Fake-will fraud is a distressing but growing problem in the UK. While the legal system is catching up — with HMRC and the probate registry now launching reviews — prevention is the best defence.
If you’re concerned about the security of your estate or need help drafting a will, speak to our Wills & Probate team today. We’re here to ensure your wishes are honoured and your loved ones protected.
Call us today on 0151 639 8273 or email info@burdward.co.uk for a confidential conversation.
Don’t leave your estate vulnerable — put the right protections in place now.
We are delighted to announce that Meggan Epps has officially qualified as a Solicitor, here at Burd Ward Solicitors.
Meggan has been a valued member of our family law team since she began her legal career, demonstrating outstanding dedication and a passion for helping families navigate challenging circumstances. Throughout her training, Meggan has gained invaluable experience across a wide range of family law matters, including divorce, child arrangements, financial settlements, and domestic abuse cases.
Her commitment to providing clear, compassionate advice has already made a positive impact on many clients, and her qualification marks the next exciting step in what promises to be a distinguished legal career.
Commenting on her achievement, Meggan said:
After years of hard work, long nights and plenty of tears it is all finally worth it for this feeling!
I am so thankful to everyone around me for the constant support they give, especially my Burd Ward family team
Our Head of Family Law, Jenna Ellison, added:
It has been an absolute pleasure to watch Meggan grow from our days at NYAS to now a fully qualified solicitor here at Burd Ward . She is going to be amazing as a family law solicitor and I am very excited to see what comes next!
If you need advice or support on any family law matter, Meggan and the rest of our expert team are here to help. Please do not hesitate to contact us on 0151 639 8273.
Congratulations again to Meggan on this fantastic milestone!
When parents separate, ensuring that their children’s well-being is at the forefront becomes the most important priority. One area where this can sometimes be challenging is during school holidays, particularly half-term breaks.
Here’s a guide to help separated parents work together to create a fair and flexible plan for half-term child arrangements.
Regardless of your relationship with your ex-partner, always consider your child’s needs as the central focus. For children, half-term breaks represent an opportunity to relax, enjoy time with their parents, and participate in fun activities. Avoid putting the child in the middle of any conflicts by discussing arrangements calmly and rationally.
Waiting until the last minute to finalise half-term arrangements can lead to unnecessary stress and confusion. Whether it’s coordinating pick-up times, sharing travel logistics, or planning activities, last-minute decisions are more likely to result in conflicts or miscommunication.
Aim to discuss the arrangements a few weeks before half-term begins. This gives both parents ample time to consider schedules, make any necessary adjustments, and ensure there are no overlaps in planned activities.
Technology can be your ally when it comes to managing child arrangements. Shared calendars, co-parenting apps, or family communication platforms can help you both stay on the same page when it comes to picking up and dropping off the kids, scheduling activities, or making last-minute changes.
One of the biggest challenges for separated parents during half-term is ensuring the time spent with the child is equally divided. While it’s important not to focus on keeping things strictly equal, it’s equally important to make sure the child feels that both parents are invested in their time and well-being. This might mean dividing the half-term into blocks — one parent might take the first few days while the other takes the latter half.
If it’s not possible for both parents to have equal time, find a compromise that works. For example, one parent might have the child for the majority of the half-term, but the other parent gets extra time over weekends or holidays to balance things out.
Effective communication is vital for creating a positive experience for both the child and parents during half-term. Be transparent about your schedules and any potential conflicts. If changes need to be made to the original plan, discuss them respectfully.
Avoid using your child as a messenger. It can create unnecessary tension and put the child in a difficult position. Instead, deal directly with your ex-partner in a calm and respectful manner, remembering that your child’s well-being should remain the priority.
While the half-term break is an opportunity for fun and relaxation, it’s also important to consider your child’s routine. Keeping things as familiar as possible will help minimise any stress or anxiety. If your child has certain bedtimes, meal schedules, or activities they enjoy, try to integrate these into both parents’ time during the break.
If one parent is planning a trip or holiday, ensure there’s an understanding about how it fits within your child’s usual routine and what the child will need to adjust.
Half-term breaks should be a time for the child to enjoy fun, relaxation, and special moments with both parents. Plan activities that are meaningful and exciting, whether it’s a day out at an amusement park, a visit to the cinema, or a quiet evening at home baking cookies.
Life is unpredictable, and things might not always go as planned. One parent might fall ill, work commitments may arise, or a new issue might come up that requires rearranging plans. If this happens, work together to find a solution.
Flexibility and patience are essential. If something needs to change, communicate promptly, and be willing to accommodate the other parent’s needs when necessary.
The overall goal is to create an environment where the child feels loved, supported, and secure during the break — no matter how the arrangements unfold. With patience, respect, and a focus on cooperation, separated parents can turn half-term into a time of connection and fun.
From 1 April 2025, significant updates to Stamp Duty Land Tax (SDLT) will come into effect, potentially reshaping property transactions across England. Whether you’re a first-time buyer, a property investor, or an existing homeowner, understanding these changes is vital. At Burd Ward Solicitors, we’re here to guide you through these updates and help you navigate their impact on your property dealings.
Stamp Duty Land Tax (SDLT) is a government tax applied to property purchases in England. The amount payable depends on the property price, with higher-value transactions incurring higher rates. Knowing the SDLT rules is essential for anyone buying residential or commercial property.
The upcoming SDLT changes aim to improve housing affordability and influence market behaviour. Here are the main updates:
The surcharge on buy-to-let and second homes will rise to 5% across all bands:
Buyers of energy-efficient homes (EPC rating A or B) will enjoy reduced SDLT rates, paying 1% less across all bands.
The lower SDLT band for commercial property transactions will increase from £150,000 to £200,000.
The increased SDLT-free threshold will help first-time buyers save thousands on property purchases.
The higher surcharge makes additional property acquisitions more expensive, impacting investors and second-home buyers.
Properties with high energy efficiency (EPC A or B) may attract more buyers due to SDLT discounts.
New thresholds will require careful financial planning for those acquiring commercial properties.
As the property market reacts to these changes, here are some practical steps to consider:
Navigating SDLT changes can be challenging, but you don’t have to face it alone. At Burd Ward Solicitors, we specialise in property law and offer tailored legal advice to suit your needs. Our team of experts is here to support you with all aspects of conveyancing, from understanding SDLT rules to managing complex property transactions.
If you have questions about how the SDLT changes will affect you, get in touch with Burd Ward Solicitors. Let us provide the clarity and confidence you need for your property journey.
As the festive season approaches, we at Burd Ward Solicitors wish to extend our warmest greetings and thanks to all our clients and partners.
With the holiday spirit in mind, we also understand the importance of spending quality time with family and friends. Therefore, we have adjusted our opening hours to reflect the season’s joy.
Drafting a Will is an essential task for ensuring your estate is handled according to your wishes after your death. However, attempting to create a Will without professional guidance can lead to significant complications and unintended consequences. In this blog post, we’ll explore a recent case from our probate department that highlights the pitfalls of an at-home Will not drafted by a qualified lawyer.
In a recent probate case, a testator prepared an at-home Will without consulting a legal professional. The document had several critical issues:
These factors culminated in the testator’s daughter receiving little from the estate, underscoring the importance of meticulous estate planning.
While the temptation to draft an at-home Will may arise as a cost-saving measure, the potential pitfalls far outweigh the savings. Engaging with a qualified professional ensures Wills are comprehensive, legally valid, and reflective of current wishes and assets. Through careful planning and regular updates, clients can secure their estates are distributed as intended, minimizing disputes and safeguarding their legacy.
Don’t let uncertainty and legal complexities overshadow your final wishes. Ensure your Will is comprehensive and reflects your true intentions by consulting with a qualified estate planning professional. Contact our probate department today to schedule a consultation, and let us help you create a secure future for your loved ones. Protect your legacy with the peace of mind that comes from expert guidance. Call us now on 0151 639 8273 or email us at mpb@burdward.co.uk to learn more!
When it comes to planning for the future, writing a Will is one of the most important steps you can take. Despite this, many people procrastinate or overlook the necessity of creating a Will entirely. At Burd Ward Solicitors, we believe that understanding the importance of a Will is essential for protecting your loved ones and ensuring your wishes are fulfilled after your passing.
A Will is a legal document that outlines how your assets and estate should be distributed after you die. It allows you to specify your wishes regarding the distribution of your property, the care of your children, and even the appointment of an executor to manage your affairs. Without a Will, your estate may be distributed according to the laws of intestacy, which may not align with your desires.
Creating a Will gives you complete control over who inherits your assets, whether they be family members, friends, or charities. By specifying your wishes, you can ensure that your estate is divided according to your preferences, which can prevent disputes and confusion among surviving relatives.
If you have children under the age of 18, a Will allows you to appoint guardians who will care for them in the event of your death. This is an incredibly important decision that can provide peace of mind, knowing that your children will be raised by someone you trust.
The absence of a Will can lead to family conflicts and legal battles over your estate. By clearly outlining your wishes, you can help minimize the chances of disagreements among your loved ones during an already difficult time.
A well-crafted Will can help you take advantage of tax allowances and reliefs, potentially minimizing the tax burden on your estate. Consulting with a legal professional can ensure that you utilize all available options.
If you own a business, a Will can outline how your business interests should be handled after your death. This can include appointing a successor or outlining the distribution of shares, ensuring your business continues to operate smoothly.
Knowing that your affairs are in order provides peace of mind, allowing you to focus on what matters most—enjoying life and spending time with your loved ones. Creating a Will is a proactive step in safeguarding your legacy.
Creating a Will doesn’t have to be a daunting task. Here at Burd Ward Solicitors, we can guide you through the process to ensure your Will is legally sound and accurately reflects your wishes.
While it’s highly recommended to seek legal assistance when creating a Will, some individuals may choose to write their own. In these instances you should take a look at the guide on gov.uk.
Writing a Will is a vital step in estate planning that everyone should consider, regardless of their age or financial situation. At Burd Ward Solicitors, we offer a fixed-fee will writing service and are committed to helping you navigate this important process with compassion and expertise. Don’t wait until it’s too late—call us on 0151 639 8273 or email us at info@burdward.co.uk to start the conversation about making your Will and securing your legacy.