What Is Adverse Possession and How Does It Work?
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What Is Adverse Possession and How Does It Work?

Posted on 08th February 2024 in Rural Property & Countryside Matters, Dispute Resolution

Adverse possession is all about claiming someone else’s land as your own on the basis of your possession of it for a period designated by law. Of course, not all kinds of occupation lead to eventual ownership.
Jill Headford

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Jill Headford

Partner and Solicitor

Resolving Boundary Disputes
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Resolving Boundary Disputes

Posted on 08th February 2024 in Rural Property & Countryside Matters, Dispute Resolution

Land is a great asset to have - I don’t think anyone would dispute that. But by the same token owning land (like having money) can be a worry as well. If you are lucky and your land has clearly identified boundaries and so long as there is no argument about them, all is well. That is the case for most land but some people are not quite so lucky. Boundary disputes can be a headache, especially if not well handled from the start.
Jill Headford

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Jill Headford

Partner and Solicitor

Diversifying the Use of Land: What Does a Rural Landowner Need to Think About?
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Diversifying the Use of Land: What Does a Rural Landowner Need to Think About?

Posted on 01st February 2024 in Dispute Resolution

A drive around any country lane will demonstrate that rural landowners have a real entrepreneurial spirit. Everything from farm shops to glamping sites to alpaca trekking have been popping up and they can bring good commercial returns.
Charlotte Yendell

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Charlotte Yendell

Trainee Solicitor

Pouring Over Trade Marks: A Bitter Brew for Thatchers
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Pouring Over Trade Marks: A Bitter Brew for Thatchers

Posted on 30th January 2024 in Intellectual Property, Dispute Resolution

The UK has been no stranger to the battle of the brands with numerous cases cropping up over lookalikes.
Jessica Whittick

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Jessica Whittick

Solicitor

Why Does Copyright Ownership Matter?
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Why Does Copyright Ownership Matter?

Posted on 14th December 2023 in Intellectual Property, Dispute Resolution

Copyright does not protect a mere idea, but it can protect an original idea which is captured in some recorded form.
Jessica Whittick

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Jessica Whittick

Solicitor

What is a ‘Letter of Claim’?
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What is a ‘Letter of Claim’?

Posted on 26th October 2023 in Dispute Resolution

If you have a claim against someone, it is important that you send a letter to the prospective defendant setting out full details of your claim. This is called a ‘Letter of Claim’ or “Letter Before Action”. 
Jack Matthews

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Jack Matthews

Trainee Solicitor

An Improved Housing Health and Safety Rating System Is in the Offing
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An Improved Housing Health and Safety Rating System Is in the Offing

Posted on 26th October 2023 in Dispute Resolution

The majority of people involved in the rented housing sector (both private and public) in England will encounter the Housing Health and Safety Rating System (“HHSRS”) from time to time.
Joanne Young

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Joanne Young

Senior Associate & Solicitor

Is a Promise Legally Enforceable? 
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Is a Promise Legally Enforceable? 

Posted on 24th October 2023 in Dispute Resolution

All too often, family members make promises to other family members relating to their property. Further, in reliance on those promises and assurances, those family members suffer some kind of detriment in expectation of receiving the specified property or assets.
Martin Laver

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Martin Laver

Partner and Solicitor

Can I Use ChatGPT to Write a Letter of Claim?
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Can I Use ChatGPT to Write a Letter of Claim?

Posted on 24th October 2023 in Dispute Resolution

ChatGPT can be a helpful tool to assist with drafting. You provide clear instructions and context for the document you need to draft, and it will come back with some wording which may be a helpful starting point. For parties who want to launch into litigation over a dispute, the temptation can therefore be to try to start that process by using ChatGPT to prepare the letter of claim. However, that can have significant consequences.
Jessica Whittick

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Jessica Whittick

Solicitor

What is Cohabitation and Property Ownership?
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What is Cohabitation and Property Ownership?

Posted on 30th August 2023 in Property Litigation, Dispute Resolution

Thinking about buying a house with your partner? Or perhaps you’re considering purchasing property with a friend or family member? Alternatively, you might be planning to move in with someone who already owns a property.
Martin Laver

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Martin Laver

Partner and Solicitor

CCTV in Communal Areas
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CCTV in Communal Areas

Posted on 17th August 2023 in Dispute Resolution, Affordable Housing

There are certain requirements which need to be complied with to make sure that CCTV is lawful, as there can be potential issues with data protection and privacy with CCTV cameras in communal areas.
Paul Stabb

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Paul Stabb

Solicitor

The ‘Right to Rent’ Ramps Up
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The ‘Right to Rent’ Ramps Up

Posted on 09th August 2023 in Dispute Resolution

For many residential landlords, ensuring compliance with the right to rent provisions may have slipped down the list of priorities.
Joanne Young

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Joanne Young

Senior Associate & Solicitor