You may have often heard the term common-law wife/husband. On many occasions, I have been asked to advise on the legal rights of common-law husbands and wives. However,...

When a tenant breaches the terms of their lease, the landlord might look to the forfeiture provisions to leverage a solution. Forfeiture is the right for a landlord to...

Estate Disputes and How to Avoid Them We all know the old proverbs – ‘prevention is better than cure’, ‘a stitch in time saves nine’, ‘don’t leave your estate...

If your rented premises no longer suit your business needs, you may be wondering what you can do about your commercial lease. You will need to check your lease to see...

There has been a lot of publicity recently about dog attacks and many people will be rightly concerned. Whether you agree with the idea of banning a breed or not, the...

If you have an interest only mortgage on your rental property, you may be eager to increase the rent your Tenant pays. Rent can only be increased at certain times...

Anyone who has turned on the TV during the day will be familiar with the barrage of adverts extoling the virtues of equity release.  With the cash in our pockets...

A Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA) is a legal document which formally appoints an attorney of your choosing, to make certain decisions when you are no longer able to. If...

Many people have questions about transferring their property to a relative or into a Trust. Often, these enquiries are fuelled by concerns about care home fees or...

Public order offences are governed by the Public Order Act 1986 and cover a whole host of offences from a riot to the use of threatening or abusive language in public....

We are thrilled to announce the opening of our newest office location in Waterlooville, Hampshire. This expansion marks a significant milestone in the company's growth...

If you have been involved in an accident in a public place and want to claim compensation, it is important to act quickly to get as much evidence as possible about the...

If you own your business then at some point you may be looking to sell the business. This may be to retire or move to a new career or take up a new business...

The Sentencing Council published 12 new and revised sentencing guidelines for adult offenders convicted of motoring offences which came into effect on 1st July 2023....

We have all spent far more time at home than we might have liked to in recent years, but it has given us an opportunity to take stock and consider whether we are really...

For many parents the thought of their child(ren) being placed on a child protection plan is extremely worrying. This article will answer some of the common questions...

A HMO (house in multiple occupancy) consists of three or more people living together as two or more households, usually sharing facilities such as kitchens and/or...

What is inheritance tax? Inheritance tax is a tax that may be payable from your estate when you die. Everyone has a tax-free allowance, for inheritance tax purposes,...

As childcare lawyers, one question which we are frequently asked is ‘can a social worker remove my child from my care?’ If the Local Authority/Children’s Services are...

Being a Landlord holds many responsibilities. One is to ensure Tenants are given all the required information at the start of the tenancy to make sure the tenancy is...

A Lasting Power of Attorney is a legal document which formally appoints an attorney of your choosing, to make certain decisions when you are no longer able to. If you...

Three Churchers employees have started this month on our trainee solicitor scheme for 2023 as we continue to promote from within the firm. Shannon Jones - Shannon...

We all hear the news about “County lines” drug supply networks, about children and young people being forced to supply drugs by criminal gangs. It is real, and it is...

Separating parents could now be hit with a fine for refusing mediation sessions. The government has announced it is set to make mediation sessions mandatory for...

Three members of staff at Churchers have reached new milestones in their careers. Emma Yemm from our Wills & Probate team and Dixie Mitchell from our Commercial...

Hannah Lisseter Churchers is proud to announce Hannah Lisseter as the firm’s newest partner in the Wills and Probate team. Hannah has been with the firm since 2022 and...

Churchers is delighted to announce a number of internal promotions in recognition of exemplary commitment, hard work and success. Tebo Sebitlo, Ian Heal and Eliza Watts...

We would like to wish Elisabeth James a happy retirement! Elisabeth is a partner in the Child Law team and joined Churchers in 2013 when we merged with Bolitho Way. We...

The issue in the following case concerns the concept of Parental Responsibility (PR). Those who have PR are responsible for making decisions on every aspect of their...

What is Public Law Outline (PLO)? Public Law Outline (PLO) and the pre-proceedings procedure enables the local authority to address concerns regarding the care of a...

We are delighted to announce that Jed Temple has become the latest of our trainees to qualify successfully as a solicitor. After more than a decade of international...

My child won’t be able to manage their finances due to their disability - what shall I do? If your child is approaching adulthood and has a mental or physical...

A boundary dispute is a disagreement between the owners or occupants of two neighbouring properties over where the boundary between their properties lies. Boundary...

If an original legal document is misplaced or lost, it is no longer legally binding. Therefore, you must ensure your documents are securely stored. Loss of items such...

The word ‘probate’ is often used to refer to the entire process of administering a deceased’s estate. The generic name for people doing this job is ‘personal...

Regardless of whether or not your name is on the title to a property you may be in a position to claim a share of sale proceeds. This can arise if you have made a...

When couples separate, a lot of difficult decisions often need to be made. It may be that you and your ex-partner feel confident separation is the best way forward, but...

You have finally done it and officially registered as an attorney or deputy for a loved one. But now what do you do? Where do you get the nursing or social care they...

It can be difficult and emotive to discuss allegations of assault, but they do happen and cause a lot of hurt and distress. The first step is always to ask for legal...

The Christmas decorations are back in their boxes, skies are grey and many of us are feeling the financial strain from the festive period. Spending more time together...

Churchers solicitors has welcomed two new solicitors to join its growing team. Ellie Reynolds (left in the picture) has joined the Wills and Probate team, and will be...

Churchers solicitors have moved location in Ryde Isle of Wight. We say goodbye to Union St Ryde and move into a much bigger office at 18 Melville St Ryde PO33 2AP. Our...

Being injured or unwell through no fault of your own places you in a difficult and unpleasant situation. However, there are solutions available should you find yourself...

A new state pension system was brought in on 6 April 2016, meaning the number of qualifying national insurance years you have will dictate how much state pension you...

If you are in the armed forces, criminal and disciplinary proceedings can be very confusing. An easy comparison can be made between cases dealt with in the civil...

Christmas is fast approaching, which also means it’s Christmas party season! Our criminal defence and road traffic team at Churchers are very conscious that alongside...

Most people are aware that you are allowed to use force to protect yourself or another person, to protect property, to prevent crime, or to assist in a lawful arrest....

Property fraud is an increasing problem in today’s world. This happens when a criminal steals your identity, creates fake identification and then either sells or...

Churchers has boosted its busy private client team with the appointment of experienced associate solicitor Hannah Lisseter. Hannah specialises in all aspects of will...

Taking on a new lease can be an exciting time for you and your business. But negotiating the basic terms of the lease - also known as ‘Heads of Terms’ - can become...

13 brave members of the Churchers team embarked on the ten mile Great South Run through Southsea, raising a total of £1,983 for Naomi House and Jacksplace hospices. The...

Hundreds of drivers across the region could be at risk of endangering road users or pedestrians because they do not understand the latest major changes to the Highway...

E-scooters are quickly rising in popularity, but before you use one it is important you understand the laws on their use or you could find yourself needing our help. If...

What are the inheritance laws in the UK? Inheritance tax might seem complex, but it needn’t be daunting. Here’s our guide on how inheritance tax works…  What are the...

Many people have questions about transferring their property to a relative or into a trust. These enquiries are often fuelled by concerns about care home fees or...

Five members of the Churchers team recently headed to Southampton to take part in the annual charity Legal Walk organised by London Legal Support Trust. Sarah Coates,...

In certain situations, you may be able to get help with your legal fees from the Legal Aid Agency (LAA).  This is called “Legal Aid”.   How much help will depend on the...

There is a common misconception that if you have chosen a next of kin, you do not need a Will or a Lasting Power of Attorney. The term ‘next of kin’ is usually used to...

Is the estate of a deceased being properly dealt with by those who have the responsibility to do so? Do you have doubts about the validity of a will? Has a will failed...

There have always been cases post-separation when parents cannot agree about what is best for their children and the court has to make the final decision. Those...

If you were the driver or passenger of a vehicle involved in an accident, you must now submit your claim through using the  Official Injury Claims portal in the first...

What is the conveyancing process, when buying a house? As leading conveyancing solicitors, Isle of Wight and Hampshire, we provide a comprehensive service to our...

Separated parents may have a child arrangements order in place that regulates who their children live with and who they spend time with. Sometimes one parent does not...

If the police have asked you to attend the police station you might be feeling a bit worried and wondering what your options and rights are. Firstly, although it is a...

So, you’ve made an appointment with a solicitor to make a will. Before you arrive for your appointment, there are decisions you’ll need to prepare in advance. What...

The family law team at Churchers help victims of domestic abuse by supporting them in securing protection from further harm for both themselves and their children....

Women are being negatively affected financially in divorce negotiations if they don’t include pensions in the settlement, Dan Norris has warned.  Dan, one of our...

Most people are aware that it is a criminal offence to have in their possession an offensive weapon or knife in a public place. This is a very serious offence and the...

Divorce lawyer Dan Norris has backed the views of a senior judge that too many divorce cases were ending up in court and causing unnecessary emotional trauma for...

Churchers recently welcomed seven law students from a range of universities for a week of work experience.  The restrictions of the pandemic meant it had been two years...

If you have recently bought or remortgaged a property please be aware that due to a backlog at the Land Registry, it is taking much longer than usual for the official...

Understanding property deeds At Churchers, we are often asked by cohabitees and family members, ‘What are my rights if my name is not on the deeds?’ You could be...

Sentences for dangerous drivers who kill someone while behind the wheel will be extended to up to life imprisonment. Life sentences will also be available to judges...

Legal Assistant Margaret Beacham, who is based in Churchers Cowes office and works in the Wills and Probate team,  is celebrating after being awarded a British Empire...

Churchers Solicitors is delighted to announce a successful merger with Isle of Wight based law firm RJR Solicitors further cementing their legal presence on the Island....

Making a Will Solicitors Our solicitors can provide a specialist will writing service, giving you peace of mind that when you pass your assets are taken care of. Our...

Check your property now, before problems arise.  The following is a guide to action you should consider taking; Service the boiler. With cold weather approaching the...

Partner Andrew Bryan offers guidance to both employers and employees on bullying and harassment in the workplace. Andrew states that any unwanted behaviour that makes a...

The title next of kin carries several misconceptions. Probate Executive Alanna White, part of our Wills and Probate team, helps clarify the most common myths of next of...

Disputes over wills, trusts and inheritance have unfortunately increased as families become more dispersed and their structures more complicated. Contesting a will,...

More and more people decide to release equity from the value of their homes. Equity release schemes allow older homeowners to release cash from the value built up in...

By Faye Evans, TEP, Partner at Churchers Solicitors. Paying for care in later life is an emotive issue. Stories appear in the press on a weekly basis, often written in...

by Faye Evans, Partner, Churchers Solicitors Those are the first words that many of my clients say to me. They go on to tell me how worried they are about what will...

If you’re an executor of a will and someone makes a claim against a deceased’s estate then this information will be of use to you. In recent years there has been a big...

Here at Churchers, we’ve taken action against the overuse of plastic, introducing paper cups to our offices, for both staff and client use. As our office locations are...

After high profile failures in Court cases where Disclosure of key evidence has been raised, the Crown Prosecution Service have new responsibilities when it comes to...

Back in August, Managing Partner Ian Robinson and trainees, Dan Norris, Georgia Chandler and Jonathan Rees , abseiled the Portsmouth Spinnaker Tower, raising money for...

Local Offices You will want to be able to go and visit your solicitor to discuss your case in private. Therefore, it is important they have offices you are able to get...

Churchers like to support as many local charities as they can and last week Managing Partner, Ian Robinson, attended the Isle of Wight Zoo, Party at the Zoo event,...

We are very pleased to welcome Leanne Gray to our growing Child Law team as a Child Law Executive in the firm’s Cosham Office,  Leanne's recruitment follows a period of...

Visiting a solicitor for the first time can be quite daunting or exciting, depending on the advice or service you require. Throughout March, we will be offering top...

With the large increase in the keeping of dogs during the ongoing Covid-19 lockdowns, it is probably worth reviewing the rules in relation to dogs and their control....

Churchers Solicitors has warned that the housing market is currently moving slower than ever before. The stamp duty holiday and the COVID restrictions placed on...

Conveyancing law can be a maze. Associate Solicitor Karen King has gathered the most common head-scratchers in this article to give you some help you find your way...

This month, Peter Swirles (85) married his 91-year-old sweetheart, Jean Robson, in a Wiltshire care home.  Proof if ever it were needed that it is never too late to...

Jason Halsey qualified as a solicitor in 1998 and has been a higher court advocate for over ten years.  He is a police station and court duty solicitor and has worked...

The firm, which has seven offices across Hampshire and the Isle of Wight, has promoted Clare Duffy, Karen King, Louise Jack and Emily Manley as it continues to grow in...

Accidents can happen to anyone at any time and dealing with the legal consequences can be an overwhelming and daunting prospect. Our personal injury lawyers at...

Churchers Buying and Selling your Home team are very pleased to announce they have expanded the team in two of their offices. Tebo Sebitlo qualified as a solicitor in...

Why is conveyancing different for new build? Buying a house can be stressful and daunting. Buying it before it is built even more so. When purchasing a new-build...