Hewetts News

04/10/2024: The Good Divorce Guide

Essential Questions and Insights from Hewetts Solicitors Read Full Article…

18/09/2024: Unrealistic Costs Budgets

Judge penalises another claimant for ‘unrealistic’ legal costs budget Read Full Article…

17/09/2024: Prolific Litigant To Pay Costs

A serial court loser has been ordered to pay opponents’ £30,000 costs. Read Full Article…

11/09/2024: Renters Reform Bill

An update on the Renters' Reform Bill and the abolition of s21 Notices Read Full Article…

10/09/2024: Increasing Rent

A recent case on the factors involved in increasing rent for residential tenancies Read Full Article…

10/09/2024: Family Law Definitions

A helpful breakdown of the technical jargon around family law Read Full Article…

04/09/2024: Possession Claim Costs Order

A Solicitor Litigant In Person has been hit with an £11,000 costs bill in a Possession Claim Read Full Article…

03/09/2024: Separation Agreements

A guide to Separation Agreements from Hewetts Solicitors in Reading Read Full Article…

16/07/2024: Family Law Without Legal Representation

Family court analysis lifts lid on life for litigants in person Read Full Article…

01/07/2024: Waiver of Forfeiture

A recent case explores the nuances around landlords waiving the right to forfeit their lease Read Full Article…

20/06/2024: Exceeding Costs Estimates in Family Matter

The Court allows a Firm to claim more than its costs estimate from its client in a divorce matter Read Full Article…

18/06/2024: Reading HMO Licences

Reading Borough Council is considering altering the requirements of its HMO (House in Multiple Occupation) Licences Read Full Article…

17/06/2024: General Election 2024

What are the primary parties' positions on housing? Read Full Article…

13/06/2024: Assaulting A Judge

Three years in prison for a man who threw a radiator at a judge Read Full Article…

12/06/2024: Civil Partnership Jurisdiction Dispute

A British man has lost his bid to have the Family Court in UK oversee the dissolution of his French civil partnership. Read Full Article…

11/06/2024: Family Law Litigation Costs

What kind of behaviour invites a Judge to order costs in family law proceedings? Read Full Article…

10/06/2024: Mandatory Mediation

As new measures are introduced for small claims, the MoJ is considering mandatory referral to mediation in higher-value cases Read Full Article…

05/06/2024: Vicarious Liability in Leasehold Relationship

How far does liability extend down a chain of leaseholders and contractors? Read Full Article…

04/06/2024: Council Housing Case

Must a local authority be bound by an applicant's religious preferences when assigning council housing? Read Full Article…

23/05/2024: Family Mediation

Will the new family law procedures help fewer cases reach Court? Read Full Article…

16/05/2024: Japanese Knotweed Litigation

A private nuisance claim regarding Japanese knotweed goes to the Supreme Court Read Full Article…

15/05/2024: Costs Nuances

Party escapes £27,000 costs bill in 14-year-old boundary dispute Read Full Article…

22/04/2024: Housing Authority Decision

A more nuanced look at the requirements placed on local housing authorities Read Full Article…

19/04/2024: Possession Claim Issue Fees

Possession Claim Issue Fees are increasing come 1 May 2024 Read Full Article…

17/04/2024: Prescribed Information Litigation

A recent case explores the nuances of landlords providing the Prescribed Information about the tenancy deposit to the tenant. Read Full Article…

12/03/2024: Abolition of s21 Notice

The Rent Reform Bill (which amongst other things abolishes s21 Notices for landlords) is more likely than ever to be passed into law this year. Read Full Article…

05/02/2024: Adverse Possession Clarification

The Courts confirm when the 10-year period has to run to. Read Full Article…

31/01/2024: Law Is Not A Game

"Law is not a game". Judge urges Litigants in Person to find a lawyer Read Full Article…

26/01/2024: HMO Split

A “large rambling London townhouse” ruled to not be a House of Multiple Occupation Read Full Article…

25/01/2024: English Housing Survey Statistics

In December 2023, the DLUHC published the headline details of the 2022-23 English Housing Survey Read Full Article…

25/01/2024: Costs Orders as Punishment

A High Court judge says costs orders can ‘register condemnation’ of unreasonable parties Read Full Article…

22/01/2024: The Court Can Now Order Parties to Mediate

A Court of Appeal judgment ruling it lawful for judges to stay proceedings for dispute resolutions has been described by most as a ‘welcome development’ Read Full Article…

17/01/2024: Prison Sentence for Litigant In Person

A litigant in person who recorded private adoption proceedings is sentenced to four months in prison. Read Full Article…

10/01/2024: Litigation Friend Ordered to Pay £42,000 Costs

A 'Litigation friend' has been ordered to pay £42,000 costs for "wholly inadequate" performance Read Full Article…

09/11/2023: Reporting Cases

Judge wrong to block reporting of 'highly contentious' family case Read Full Article…

08/11/2023: Property Guardians and HMO Licences

It is held that a "property guardian" counts as an occupier for the purpose HMO Licence requirements Read Full Article…

07/11/2023: Unlawful Tenancy under Energy Performance Certificate

Subject to exceptions, it is unlawful to let a residential property which has an energy efficiency rating lower than E Read Full Article…

06/11/2023: Contempt of Court

Covert recording of an adoption court hearing - not too late for legal representation before sentencing says the Judge Read Full Article…

17/10/2023: Unqualified Will Writers

A summary of the findings into a report on unqualified Will writers Read Full Article…

12/10/2023: Rent Repayment Decision

Can three of five tenants claim for the full rent repayment of all five tenants? Read Full Article…

11/10/2023: Bankruptcy and Debts Owed

A complicated interaction between tenancy law and insolvency law has let the tenant off the hook - for the time being Read Full Article…

09/10/2023: Business Law Services

Hewetts Solicitors: Your Go-To Team for Business Law Services in Reading Read Full Article…

05/10/2023: Tenancy Banning Orders

What are the circumstances in which a landlord can be banned from letting? Read Full Article…

02/10/2023: 18 Month Average Before Trial

Litigants now waiting 78 weeks for their day in county court Read Full Article…

27/09/2023: Trusted Solution for Neighbour Disputes

Hewetts Solicitors: Your Trusted Solution for Neighbour Disputes in Reading Read Full Article…

26/09/2023: Friendly Guide for Wills, Trusts, and Probate

Hewetts Solicitors: Your Friendly Guide for Wills, Trusts, and Probate in Reading Read Full Article…

25/09/2023: Swearing and Declaring

We are happy to swear and declare Affidavits, Oaths and Statutory Decelerations Read Full Article…

25/09/2023: Claimed Costs Cut by 99 Percent

A Manchester Firm has been refereed to the SRA after 99% of its claimed costs were disallowed Read Full Article…

21/09/2023: Eviction Prevention Advice Scheme

The Eviction Prevention Advice Scheme goes live Read Full Article…

20/09/2023: Attacks on Judges

Two recent cases highlight the folly of attacking a Judge, just because you don't like their decision Read Full Article…

28/07/2023: Overseas Divorce

Financial relief after an overseas divorce - only between living parties to a former marriage. Read Full Article…

10/07/2023: AI Legal Submissions

A litigant-in-person recently used AI to inadvertently create a series of fake precedents Read Full Article…

06/07/2023: Pleading Adverse Possession

In a recent case the Court of Appeal determined what pleadings were not permitted to co-exist with a claim for adverse possession Read Full Article…

03/07/2023: Contract FAQ

Frequently asked questions regarding contracts Read Full Article…

22/05/2023: Inheritance Tax FAQ

Frequently asked questions regarding inheritance tax Read Full Article…

22/05/2023: Conveyancing FAQ

Some frequently asked questions about the conveyancing process Read Full Article…

15/05/2023: No Fault Divorce Review

One year on, how is no-fault divorce working? Read Full Article…

10/05/2023: Witness Statements a Year Late

In a recent case the Court gave permission for three witness statements to be served a year later than originally ordered. Read Full Article…

10/05/2023: Why Instruct A Litigation Solicitor?

Given the rising cost of living, are there still benefits to instructing a solicitor to assist you in litigation? Read Full Article…

03/03/2023: Property Statistics

Recent statistics from the Ministry of Justice Read Full Article…

03/03/2023: Insolvency and Property

A recent case confirms the law when a bankrupt fails to reveal property to the trustee Read Full Article…

03/03/2023: HMO Licence Forgiveness

The Upper Property Tribunal has ruled a landlord not in breach of HMO requirements Read Full Article…

23/02/2023: How the law affects families with children.

When emotions are highly charged, it is always worth getting professional advice from an experienced family solicitor. Read Full Article…

19/12/2022: Neighbour Disputes Advice

Key points to Consider with Boundary Disputes Read Full Article…

19/12/2022: Uma Seenath

We have a new solicitor joining us, specialising in Family Law Read Full Article…

19/12/2022: Prioritising Children In Divorce

How to prioritise the welfare of children during divorce Read Full Article…

19/12/2022: Divorce and Family Law Support

Hewetts offers support and resources for individuals considering divorce during the Holiday Season Read Full Article…

19/12/2022: Get Organised for the New Year

Here are some tips from Hewetts Read Full Article…

17/11/2022: Choosing Guardians For Your Children

Here are some reasons for choosing guardians Read Full Article…

01/11/2022: Rent Repayment Order Decision

Another clarifying decision on how to assess Rent Repayment Orders for HMOs Read Full Article…

01/11/2022: Stamp Duty Changes 2022

Kwasi Kwarteng has already introduced some Stamp Duty changes Read Full Article…

12/10/2022: Selective Licensing Schemes Judgment

The Tribunal has released a clarifying Judgment on whether a group of flats constitutes a single "dwelling" for the purposes of the selective licensing scheme. Read Full Article…

28/09/2022: Legal rights of cohabiting partners - will they be reformed?

Cohabitating couples represent the fastest growing family type in England and Wales. Over the last 30 years the number of cohabiting partners has more than doubled, with more than 3 million households now classified as cohabiting. Read Full Article…

03/12/2021: Ruling on Rental Repayment Orders in an HMO

If landlords are in breach of HMO licence regulations, they may be ordered to repay rent to the tenant Read Full Article…

16/11/2021: Reading Family Justice Professionals Mark Good Divorce Week

Hewetts Solicitors in Reading are showing their support for Good Divorce Week 2021 by offering free advice sessions to families. Read Full Article…

04/11/2021: What Do You Need To Do Before You Buy A Business?

Most new businesses fail, but if you have an existing business you can buy it usually has a track record and existing customers and cash flow. Therefore it is often a good bet to buy an existing business. But what do you have to do to make the purchase a Read Full Article…

11/10/2021: Electrical Safety Standards in the Private Rented Sector

New Regulations impose duties on private landlords of residential premises in England in respect of electrical safety standards Read Full Article…

04/10/2021: Court Fees Increase 2021

Court fees have increased as of 30 September 2021 Read Full Article…

01/10/2021: Hewetts Solicitors Guide For Landlords - Your Questions About Tenant Evictions Answered.

We know that landlords have enough to deal with when owning property and we like to take the stress, hassle and emotion out of the situation by providing our tenant eviction service. Read Full Article…

29/09/2021: Access to Neighbouring Land Act 1992 and Access Orders

Many people who come to Hewetts Solicitors to sort out their boundary dispute have already tried to get help. Often, they have talked to the local council, landlord or even the police. Read Full Article…

13/09/2021: Residential Tenancy Eviction Coronavirus Update

The Government has recently announced when most residential tenancy eviction requirements will return to pre-COVID levels Read Full Article…

09/09/2021: Four Ways to Set up a Business

Reducing risk and increasing profitability Read Full Article…

08/09/2021: Do parents who are the main carers for children in marriage, lose out on divorce?

When couples first have children they have to make important decisions about who will look after them, particularly until the children reach school-age. Read Full Article…

08/06/2021: No Fault Divorce

New legislation comes into force on 6th April 2022 Read Full Article…

13/05/2021: Residential Eviction Moratorium To End

Yesterday the Government announced that the moratorium on enforcement agents evicting tenants under a possession order will end on 31st May. Read Full Article…

22/03/2021: Help To Buy Equity Loans

Help To Buy Equity Loans To Help First Time Buyers Read Full Article…

22/03/2021: Stamp Duty Land Tax Reduced Rates

Temporary reduced rates extended until June 30th. Read Full Article…

17/03/2021: Restrictions on Tenant Evictions Extended

The restrictions in place slowing the obtaining of possession orders and preventing their execution have been extended again as a result of COVID-19 Read Full Article…

24/02/2021: Neighbour Disputes

An overview of neighbour disputes Read Full Article…

24/02/2021: Buying and Selling Businesses

A brief overview of some of the elements involved in business acquisitions Read Full Article…

08/02/2021: Tenant Eviction Update

The Practice Direction detailing the information the court requires to commence and continue claims has been extended Read Full Article…

17/12/2020: Divorce Week Starts on the Jan 11th 2021

Unfortunately, the second true week back at work after Christmas and New Year is commonly referred to as “Divorce Week” within legal circles. Read Full Article…

17/12/2020: Legal New Year Resolutions

Time To Organise for 2021? Read Full Article…

17/12/2020: Reduce Your Inheritance Tax

Help Your Family With PETs Read Full Article…

11/12/2020: Shareholder and Director Disputes

Disputes between directors and shareholders can spiral quickly unless addressed, and there are many possible methods of resolution Read Full Article…

01/12/2020: Good Divorce Week

Reading family justice professionals mark Good Divorce Week 2020 with free advice sessions Read Full Article…

24/11/2020: Surge in Court Orders for Domestic Abuse During Lockdown

Our family law department is warning of a surge in domestic abuse this November, as families face another “pressure cooker” lockdown. Read Full Article…

12/11/2020: Stamp Duty Holiday - How Does It Work?

Here’s your Hewetts Solicitors Guide To The Stamp Duty Holiday. Read Full Article…

21/10/2020: Family Court Statistics – April to June 2020

With the courts being closed for most hearings, and those that do take place happening remotely, the courts have been forced to prioritise work. Read Full Article…

14/10/2020: The Cost of Divorce and Changes to Family Costs Rules

Despite what the popular press often report, obtaining a divorce doesn’t have to be expensive. Read Full Article…

09/10/2020: Brexit and Pension Sharing Orders After an Overseas Divorce

Time is running out - Needs-Based Orders will soon become difficult to obtain Read Full Article…

01/10/2020: Law Commission’s Consultation for a Change to Wedding Ceremonies

The proposed consultation is delayed as a result of COVID Read Full Article…

09/09/2020: New Notice Periods For Tenant Evictions

With the ongoing effect of the Coronavirus, notice periods for tenants have been extended yet again Read Full Article…

06/07/2020: Extended Court Hours to Tackle Backlog

Guidance has recently been released indicating that extended court hours will be introduced to try and help ease the backlog created by the recent pandemic. Read Full Article…

06/07/2020: McKenzie Friend Silenced

A McKenzie friend is an untrained person that a party to litigation might choose to help represent them in Court. Further guidelines have now been laid down. Read Full Article…

26/06/2020: Domestic Violence Overhaul for Courts

Overhaul of Family Courts proposed to protect victims of domestic violence Read Full Article…

25/06/2020: Residential Possession Claims Put On Hold Again

As a result of the ongoing Coronavirus situation, all tenant evictions have been stayed again Read Full Article…

04/05/2020: Putting Your Personal Legal Matters In Order

General advice on putting your legal affairs in order Read Full Article…

14/04/2020: Unfair Prejudice Claim

Hewetts has recently helped a Reading pub to defend a claim for unfair prejudice by a minority shareholder in the High Court, involving a novel point of law Read Full Article…

09/04/2020: Wills - A Most Vital Document

During the current crisis there is no excuse not to have a Will prepared! Read Full Article…

02/04/2020: Court Closures During Covid-19 Pandemic

Over half of court and tribunal buildings to close during pandemic Read Full Article…

01/04/2020: Coronavirus Legislation on Evictions

What is the current position on residential tenant evictions? Read Full Article…

27/03/2020: Free Family Law Interviews

Limited Time! Free 15 minute telephone consultations with a specialist family lawyer. Read Full Article…

26/03/2020: Covid-19 Advice for Separated Parents

Guidance for children under 18 moving between parents Read Full Article…

25/03/2020: Family Law Financial Settlement Review

Everything has changed! Can I review my financial settlement? Read Full Article…

24/03/2020: Complying With Court Orders

I can’t comply with my Court Order because of Covid19 Read Full Article…

06/03/2020: Do Main Carers Lose Out On Divorce?

Do parents who are the main carers for children in marriage lose out on divorce? Read Full Article…

24/02/2020: Hewetts Solicitors support DASH charity

Hewetts are proud to help the charity Domestic Abuse Stops Here Read Full Article…

24/02/2020: Four Year Legal Battle Over Six Inches of Land

The alternative to costly legal battles over land Read Full Article…

24/02/2020: Psychological Abuse Legislation

Recent changes to the law have now made psychological abuse within a relationship illegal Read Full Article…

16/01/2020: Company Lets – Don't Act Without Legal Advice

Eviction under Company Let Agreements is far more complex than landlords think Read Full Article…

13/01/2020: Seven Reasons Why You Might Want a Power of Attorney

A much-overlooked document that you really should be considering Read Full Article…

13/01/2020: 4 Top Protections For Your Business

So few businesses put these protections in place. Don't be caught out! Read Full Article…

06/01/2020: Is Now A Good Time To Buy Or Sell A Business?

A frequently asked question come January Read Full Article…

03/12/2019: Is Divorce a Cheat's Charter?

Couples going through a divorce are required to provide “full and frank financial disclosure” before negotiations about a financial settlement can begin Read Full Article…

12/09/2019: A Step Backwards for Divorce Reform

No-Fault divorce bill dropped as a result of prorogue of Parliament Read Full Article…

21/08/2019: Civil Partnerships

Civil partnerships for opposite sex couples to be introduced by end of 2019 Read Full Article…

03/06/2019: Divorce Law Reform

New legislation announced to introduce 'no fault' divorce Read Full Article…

19/12/2018: New Employment Law Proposals

The Government has recently set out a range of employment law reform proposals Read Full Article…

25/10/2018: The Importance of Trade Marks

Defendant ordered to pay £142,044 as a result of infringement of trade marks. Read Full Article…

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