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.
Care proceedings are one of the most sensitive and challenging areas of family law. If you or a loved one is involved in such a process, it’s essential to understand the steps, rights, and legal obligations involved. At Burd Ward Solicitors, we specialize in providing compassionate and expert legal advice in care proceedings to ensure the best possible outcomes for children and families.
Care proceedings are initiated by a Local Authority when they have serious concerns about a child’s safety or well-being. This legal process begins when the Local Authority believes that a child is at risk of significant harm, and it involves the family court deciding what is in the child’s best interest.
This can involve the child being subject to a Care or Supervision Order.
The primary goal of care proceedings is to protect the child, but the court also considers the rights of the parents and wider family members.
Care proceedings are usually initiated in response to concerns such as:
The Local Authority has a legal duty to ensure that children in their area are safe. Before initiating care proceedings, they can often work with families through a process called pre-proceedings. This is an opportunity for parents to address the concerns raised, usually with the help of a solicitor, as funding is available for this. The aim of pre- proceedings is to prevent the matter going to Court.
However, if these efforts are unsuccessful, or the matter requires urgent attention then the Local Authority may issue Care Proceedings. They will ask the Court to make an Interim Care Order. An Interim Care Order gives the Local Authority temporary overriding parental responsibility whilst in proceedings.
At the end of proceedings, the Court will be invited to determine if there is a need for a Final Order to be made, which could be either a Care Order or a Supervision Order.
A Care Order gives the Local Authority shared parental responsibility for the child, allowing them to make decisions about their care.
A Supervision Order, on the other hand, allows the child to remain with their parents under the local authority’s supervision.
As a parent, it’s essential to know that you have rights during care proceedings:
Care proceedings usually follow these stages:
The entire process is designed to be completed within 26 weeks to minimize disruption to the child’s life. However, in complex cases, this period may be extended.
At Burd Ward Solicitors, we understand how stressful and emotional care proceedings can be for parents. Our experienced team provides clear, professional, and empathetic advice tailored to your circumstances. We will guide you through each step of the process, ensuring that your rights are protected and that the court hears your side of the story.
We are committed to achieving the best possible outcome for your family, working with you and other professionals to resolve issues as smoothly and quickly as possible.
Care proceedings are complex and emotionally challenging, but with the right legal support, you can navigate the process confidently. If you are facing care proceedings or have concerns about your child’s welfare, contact Burd Ward Solicitors for expert advice and representation.
Our expert family law solicitors are here to help you. Call us at 0151 639 8273 or email us at familyteam@burdward.co.uk.
Probate is a crucial legal process that occurs after a person passes away. It involves validating a deceased person’s will, identifying and appraising their assets, settling debts and taxes, and distributing the remaining property according to the will or, if there is none, according to intestacy laws.
Derived from the Latin word probare, meaning “to prove,” probate refers to the administration of a deceased person’s estate under English law. This process ensures that all legal, financial, and personal matters are handled appropriately after someone’s death. Key steps include:
One of the primary purposes is to confirm the authenticity of the deceased’s will. This validation is vital for ensuring the will adheres to legal standards and reflects the deceased’s true wishes. Without probate, disputes regarding the will’s validity may arise, potentially leading to protracted legal battles among heirs.
Probate formally appoints an executor responsible for managing the estate. This official designation is essential, as it establishes clear authority to handle the deceased’s affairs, preventing confusion and delays in settling the estate.
The process includes compiling an accurate inventory of the deceased’s assets. This inventory ensures that all property is valued correctly, which is necessary for tax assessments and equitable distribution among beneficiaries.
Before any assets can be distributed, outstanding debts and taxes owed by the deceased must be settled. Probate ensures that creditors are notified and given the opportunity to claim their dues, while also guaranteeing that the appropriate taxes are paid to avoid future legal complications.
After debts and taxes are settled, probate oversees the distribution of remaining assets according to the will or, in the absence of one, according to intestacy laws. This legal oversight ensures that the distribution is fair and compliant with the law.
While probate can appear complex, it is designed to provide a clear and structured method for managing a deceased person’s affairs. It offers legal protection to both beneficiaries and the executor, ensuring that all steps are completed in accordance with the law.
In some instances, it may be possible to avoid probate. Certain assets, such as jointly held properties or specific types of pensions, may not require probate. Consulting with a legal professional can provide valuable insight into whether probate will be necessary for a particular estate.
Probate is an essential process that involves validating wills, appointing executors, inventorying assets, paying debts, and distributing property. While it may seem cumbersome, its role is vital in ensuring legal clarity and honouring the deceased’s wishes.
If you have questions about the process or need assistance with an estate, don’t hesitate to contact our dedicated team at Burd Ward Solicitors on 0151 639 8273. Our experienced team is here to guide you through every step, ensuring a smooth transition for you and your loved ones.
When you embark on the journey of buying or selling property, one of the key components you’ll encounter is conveyancing. Whether you’re a first-time buyer or a seasoned investor, understanding conveyancing and its importance is crucial for a smooth transaction.
Conveyancing is the legal process of transferring property ownership from one person to another. It encompasses all the legal and administrative work associated with transferring the title of the property. The process involves several stages, including:
For a more detailed look at the conveyancing process please see our dedicated buying and selling guides.
Conveyancing is a critical part of any property transaction for several reasons:
Conveyancing ensures that all legal requirements are met, protecting both the buyer and the seller. Your conveyancer will verify that the seller has the legal right to sell the property and will ensure the buyer doesn’t inherit any legal issues or encumbrances.
The various checks and searches conducted during conveyancing help identify potential risks such as boundary disputes, planning restrictions, or environmental hazards. Identifying these issues early can prevent significant problems down the line.
By ensuring the correct transfer of funds and registration of the property with the Land Registry, conveyancing protects the financial interests of both parties. It prevents instances of fraud and incorrect payment allocations, which could have severe financial repercussions.
Conveyancers handle the complex paperwork, communicate with the other party’s conveyancer, and resolve any issues that arise, ensuring a smooth transaction process. This helps to eliminate stress and provides peace of mind to both buyers and sellers.
Property transactions are subject to stringent regulations and legal requirements. A professional conveyancer ensures that your transaction complies with all relevant laws, safeguarding you against future legal challenges.
For sellers, conveyancing ensures that any existing mortgages or property-related debts are settled before the transfer of ownership. This ensures that the buyer receives a property free of encumbrances.
If you are looking to buy or sell a property and would like a quote, please contact us on 0151 639 8273 or email us at info@burdward.co.uk.
Jenna Ellison, Head of Family Law at Burd Ward Solicitors has had a text book published. The text book is aimed at CILEX students, but is available for all to purchase.
Working in Family Practice begins by introducing some key family law themes and then discusses the important issue of funding of family law proceedings. The course book then goes on to review the law relating to marriage and civil partnerships. The law and procedure for divorce and dissolution of a civil
partnership is then explained and the differences with judicial separation are outlined. The rights of cohabitants when relationship ends are also reviewed. Next, the book discusses Private Law Children, focussing on the application of the Children Act 1989 to the resolution of disputes between parents. Public Law Children is explained and the role of the state in child protection cases is described. Finally, the course book reviews the law relating to domestic abuse, including the requirements of the Domestic Abuse Act 2021.
This course book is suitable for paralegals and junior staff working in family practice teams, as well as for junior legal staff working in child protection teams in local authorities.
Jenna has been working with CILEX in varying roles over the last year. The Journey to creating this book started over five years ago. Jenna began teaching Level 3 Family Law and Level 6 Family Practice with The Law Academy, based in Liverpool. “I really enjoying teaching, I am really passionate about family law and teaching allows me to pass on this passion with the lawyers of the future”.
Jenna then got involved with CILEX directly with the apprenticeship program. Jenna has assisted in the development of what the role of an apprenticeship would involve, what they generally be involved with assisting a family team. In addition, creating example portfolios so that training providers are assisted with the standards expected.
This role lead to involvement with other programs. Jenna was then commissioned to assist with the syllabus drafting
and exam writing. This naturally led onto Jenna being commissioned to edit the text book that sat along this program. “It has been a real honor to write this text book, I was once told everyone has a book inside them, little did I know, mine would be a family law text book”.
Jenna Ellison, a solicitor and head of our family law department re-joined Burd Ward Solicitors in 2022 having initially trained with us back in 2015.
A lecturer and author, Jenna brings with her a wealth of experience and knowledge from her previous experience working in a city firm to the Family department. Jenna has previously represented both males and females who have been victims of domestic violence and has supported them obtaining orders to protect not only their own safety, but that of their children and home.
Jenna is also very experienced in dealing with Private law proceedings where there is a dispute between the parents regarding where the children should live and when they should spend time with the non resident parent. Jenna’s experience representing children have allowed her to assist both parents come to a child focused arrangement. Jenna has also had experience acting for both Fathers and Mothers when children have not been returned and offers an approach that is timely and professional.
For assistance in all aspects of of family law please contact Jenna Ellison on 0151 639 8273 or by emailing her directly at je@burdward.co.uk
In life, preparation for the future is as crucial as managing the present. At Burd Ward Solicitors, we understand the significance of forward-thinking, especially when it involves legal matters that affect you and your loved ones. A critical component of such planning is understanding and setting up a Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA).
A Lasting Power of Attorney is a legal document that allows you to appoint one or more people (known as ‘attorneys’) to make decisions on your behalf. This arrangement becomes particularly important if you become unable to make your own decisions due to reasons such as illness, an accident, or diminished mental capacity.
There are two types of LPAs in the UK:
Creating an LPA involves several steps, including choosing your attorney(s), filling out the relevant forms, and registering the LPA with the Office of the Public Guardian. It’s essential to consider who to appoint carefully, as they will have significant control over your affairs
At Burd Ward Solicitors, we specialise in providing expert advice on LPAs. We can guide you through the process, ensuring that your LPA reflects your wishes and is legally robust. Our team can help with:
A Lasting Power of Attorney is a vital legal tool that ensures your affairs are managed according to your wishes, even when you are not in a position to make decisions yourself. At Burd Ward Solicitors, we’re committed to guiding you through this crucial process with sensitivity, professionalism, and expertise.
For further information or to arrange an appointment, please contact us on 0151 639 8273.
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.