Month: January 2026
Rebuilding life after a brain injury
A brain injury can change life in an instant, often affecting independence, work, relationships and daily routines. I’ve spoken to many clients who describe the experience as overwhelming. They are trying to cope with rehabilitation and family responsibilities, while also coming to terms wi....
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Facing the aftermath of substandard maternity care
Maternity scandals making national headlines have sadly shaken the public's trust in NHS maternity services over the last 20 years. Families who should have experienced one of life’s happiest moments instead found themselves living through their darkest, asking why a modern healthcare system h....
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Fix it, flip it: why renovating a property can make financial sense
Ready, steady, renovate! Buying a property that needs fixing up can be a great investment for both homeowners and developers. In our latest Private Wealth Guides, we revealed how the typical asking price for a ‘fixer-upper’ property can be around 10% lower than the national average. The c....
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How does the Planning Permission application process work?
The planning application process can seem like a daunting mix of regulations, consultations and local authority reviews. In this post, we outline the key steps in the process and what you can do in cases where approval is refused. Typical timeline and fees From the initial submission of p....
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Understanding Permitted Development Rights
Seeking Planning Permission from the local authority is not necessary if your project falls under the scope of Permitted Development Rights. Planning legislation, including the Town and Country Planning Act 1990, and related regulations, sets out whether certain extensions or changes of use may be ....
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What is planning permission and when do you need it?
From adding an extension to constructing a new home, planning permission is a key part of the UK development process for residential and commercial projects. In simple terms, planning permission is the formal approval required from a local planning authority before certain types of development can ....
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Overseas assets: understanding the change to UK inheritance tax and residency rules
A holiday home in France. A bank account in Spain. An offshore trust in the Cayman Islands. Depending on your UK residency status, worldwide assets like these could increase the inheritance tax (IHT) bill for your loved ones when you pass away. On 6 April 2025, the UK government introduced new I....
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What is a “deathbed marriage” and what does it have do with Inheritance Tax?
Marriage comes with many financial benefits within a well-planned estate. As people seek new ways to minimise their Inheritance Tax liabilities, and with more couples co-habiting, it is not surprising that “deathbed marriages” have soared in recent years. What should couples consider before tyi....
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New 1% staircasing rules: Making shared ownership even more affordable
Shared ownership is a government-backed scheme designed to help people get onto the property ladder when buying a home outright isn’t affordable. Instead of purchasing 100% of a property, buyers purchase an initial share and pay rent on the remaining share to a housing provider. This reduces the ....
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Making a claim for cancer misdiagnosis
If you suspect you have been affected by cancer misdiagnosis, it’s important to understand your legal rights so you can decide whether to make a medical negligence claim. However, your health and wellbeing should always come first, so it’s essential to seek prompt medical treatment to give you ....
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Recognising the signs of cancer misdiagnosis
In our last blog we explained how cancer misdiagnosis can happen. While some misdiagnoses are subtle, identifying the correct illness can be vital to ensuring you receive the right treatment. Recognising potential red flags and acting quickly can therefore make a crucial difference. Symptoms....
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Understanding cancer misdiagnosis
Cancer can have a devastating impact on the lives of an individual and their family, so it’s vital to diagnose the illness as early as possible to improve the chances of survival. When delayed or misdiagnosis occurs due to clinical negligence, it can have tragic consequences. What is....
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What the latest clinical negligence data tells us about early resolution
As a solicitor practising in medical negligence, I often read market reports to understand how the sector is shifting and where pressure points are emerging. The latest UK Clinical Negligence Market Report for 2025 offers a clear picture of where the market now stands, particularly in relation t....
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What can we learn about oversight and patient safety from the Addenbrooke’s Review?
The recent review into paediatric orthopaedic surgery at Addenbrooke’s Hospital is difficult to read, and even harder to think about if your child was treated there. It found 32 missed opportunities to act on concerns about one surgeon’s practice over a 12-year period. If we do the maths on ....
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Shared freehold: What does it mean for you and your property?
You may have found your dream home, but it’s important to understand exactly what you own. If a flat is marketed as having a “share of the freehold,” this does not mean you are buying a freehold property only. In most cases, you will be buying a leasehold property, alongside a share in the....
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Calling for accountability in mental health negligence
According to a report from BBC News, there are concerns about the progress of the Lampard Inquiry – a high-profile public investigation into widespread failures in mental health care services. In response, individuals and families who have been impacted by mental health medical negligence a....
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Are option agreements useful for developers?
Buying land with a view to development and/or change of use is a major commitment and it is understandable, especially if it is your first venture, that you have some reservations about an immediate purchase where it might not be possible to achieve development. This is where understanding your ....
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Commercial property transfers during mergers and acquisitions
When a business changes hands, the focus is often on shares, contracts and people. Property can sometimes slip down the list which can be costly. Commercial premises often represent a big part of the value of the deal and problems with title or occupation have a habit of surfacing at the worst p....
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Digital assets now recognised as personal property
In December 2025, the Property (Digital Assets etc) Act 2025 received royal assent. This is a significant legal development as it gives statutory recognition to digital assets as a form of personal property. With digital wealth and online content becoming an increasingly important part of everyday ....
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New Year, peace of mind: Why a legal health check matters
The New Year is often a time for fresh starts - from fitness goals to lifestyle resolutions. But while many of us focus on health and habits, it’s also the perfect moment to review your legal affairs. At Attwaters Solicitors, we encourage families to begin 2026 with a legal health check - a simpl....
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