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Here are some of our latest blog posts.

24 SEP

divorce, separation from your partner, arrangements for your children, or another family issue

The hidden costs of buying a home: What to budget for beyond the deposit

Buying a home is one of the biggest financial commitments most of us will ever make.

24 SEP

Unmarried Couples and Separation: What Legal Rights Do You Have?

When an unmarried couple separates, many assume they have the same rights as divorcing spouses.

30 JLY

How to Prepare for Your First Meeting with a Family Law Solicitor

Taking the first step to seek legal advice about a family matter can feel daunting but being prepared can help.

30 JLY

The Impact of the recent case of Standish v Standish in Matrimonial Proceedings

The case of Standish v Standish [2024] has marked a pivotal moment in the development of matrimonial law.

30 JLY

7 Questions to Ask Before Choosing a Conveyancer

Whether you're buying, selling, or re-mortgaging a property, choosing the right conveyancer can make the difference

15 JLY

Understanding the overage clause when buying and selling land

When land is bought and sold in the UK, especially if it has the potential to be developed in the future, overage clauses are often included.

7 JLY

Preparing for a Summer Co-Parenting Schedule

For separated or divorced parents, summer can be a time of joy, but also a time of added logistical challenges. School holidays bring longer breaks, travel plans, and changes to usual routines, all of which require careful planning when co-parenting.

7 JLY

What Happens if You Die Without a Will?

Many people put off writing a Will, often thinking it's something to worry about later in life. But what happens if you die without one? When someone dies without a valid Will in place, they are said to have died intestate.

13 APR

How to Navigate Finances During Divorce

Dividing finances during a divorce can be one of the most challenging aspects of the process. At MBH Solicitors, we’re here to help you understand your rights and reach a fair and workable agreement. Here’s what you need to know.

13 APR

What to Expect When You Contact a Family Law Solicitor

Whether you’re facing a divorce, trying to resolve issues around child arrangements, or seeking legal guidance on finances or separation, our family law team is here to offer clear, compassionate, and practical advice.

2 APR

Meet Paula Caldwell: Legal Advisor at MBH Solicitors

One of our valued team members is Paula Caldwell, a Legal Advisor specialising in Family Law and Private Client matters. With over 25 years of experience, Paula brings extensive knowledge and a compassionate approach to every case she handles.

2 APR

Meet Alison Norris: Litigation Expert at MBH Solicitors

Alison Norris is a valued part of our litigation department. With over 30 years of experience, Alison has been with MBH for the past 3.5 years, providing expert legal advice and representation in a wide range of litigation matters.

11 FEB

Celebrating National Apprenticeship Week

At MBH Solicitors, we’re proud to celebrate National Apprenticeship Week and highlight the incredible contribution our apprentice, Georgia Wall, is making on her journey to becoming a fully qualified solicitor.

1 FEB

MBH Sponsors the Charity Fundraiser at the Wigan Borough Business Awards 2025

At MBH Solicitors, we are proud to sponsor the Charity Fundraiser at the Wigan Borough Business Awards 2025.

18 OCT

Marriage vs Cohabitation

Explore the key differences between marriage and cohabitation, focusing on the legal implications of each.

9 AUG

Understanding Child Arrangements: A Detailed Guide for Parents

Navigating child arrangements after divorce or a separation can be one of the most challenging aspects for parents.

12 AUG

What does a Labour Government mean for Private Landlords?

We are entering a transformative period in housing law and policy under a Labour Government who have a series of ambitious plans aimed at addressing the chronic housing shortage.

18 JLY

Cohabitating Couples & Their Legal Rights

Cohabitation, where couples live together without being married, has become increasingly common in the UK. However, many cohabiting couples are unaware that they do not have the same legal rights as married couples.

30 MAY

Making a Will – All you Need to Know

Writing a Will isn’t something we like to think about, but that doesn’t mean it isn’t important. No matter what stage of life you are at, you should have an up-to-date Will written and ready just in case the worst happens.

22 MAY

The Fair Share Report 2024: Sorting Out Money and Property on Divorce

Divorce, while a common occurrence, remains a complex and often emotionally charged process. One of the most contentious aspects of divorce is the division of money and property.

2 MAY

MBH & CPS Work Placement

MBH Solicitors have recently in collaboration with the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) provided a secondment to an aspiring solicitor who required experience in different areas of law before he was able to qualify.

25 MAR

Can I get a Divorce?

The decision to get a divorce is not an easy one, even when it’s mutual between you and your partner.

2 MAR

Wood burning stoves

What you need to know when buying or selling your home

6 FEB

Japanese Knotweed

An estimated 5% of UK property are affected by this species and this can down value the property in question by approximately 5-15% or in extreme cases making it unsaleable.

3 JAN

Addition to Partnership

MBH Solicitors are pleased to announce that Rowena Foat has been named its newest Partner and Head of the Private Client Department.

30 NOV

What are Lasting Powers of Attorney and why should you set them up?

A Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA) protects your best interests and the best interests of your loved ones.

1 NOV

Is your fixed rate mortgage product due to end?

The last 2 years in the Conveyancing world have been extremely busy due to Covid and the pent up demand in the housing market.

10 OCT

Lifetime ISAs

Lifetime ISAs are becoming more prominent given that first time buyers are no longer able to open a Help to Buy ISA.

6 APR

No Fault Divorce – Starts today

The new law which is introduced today will allow parties to divorce without blaming each other in a divorce application.

23 FEB

Remarriage and Financial Arrangements

Can I remarry before Financial Arrangements are agreed? A guide to S.28(3) of the Matrimonial Causes Act and the impact or remarriage on financial arrangements.

16 FEB

Family Mediation Update

Going through disputes can be emotionally challenging whether they be divorces, finances or trying to agree on the best arrangement for your children. Settling these disputed can also be also be financially challenging.

19 APR

Uncovering the Myths of Family Law – Why is it Important to Seek Legal Advice?

For many us of, when we are faced with an unknown situation and we are looking for a quick solution, our automatic reaction is to search online. However, with so much “fake news” out there, does our search engine provider always have the answer?

17 MAR

Pets and Divorce – Who Should Keep the Family Pet?

More often than not, families have a furry friend which become a big part of their lives. But when relationships breakdown, it is not uncommon for arguments to arise as to who the pet shall live with.

12 MAR
2021

What is a No-Fault Divorce?

The no-fault divorce bill has now been passed by parliament and has since attained royal assent on 25 June 2020. It is anticipated to be implemented by Autumn 2021, however, no date has been fixed.

3 MAR
2021

SDLT Holiday Extension announced in today’s budget. How does this affect Buyers?

Good news for house buyers as Chancellor Rishi Sunak has today confirmed in his budget speech that the stamp duty will be extended.

17 FEB
2021

Commercial Property – Update to the Use Classes Order

On 1st September 2020 The Town and Country Planning (Use Classes) (Amendment) (England) Regulations 2020 brought in various changes to the planning use classes.

22 DEC
2020

Exciting Announcement – Name Change & LLP

We are delighted to announce our decision to convert to a Limited Liability Partnership (LLP) which will be effective 1st January 2021. The firm will become McCarthy Bennett Holland Solicitors LLP, trading as MBH Solicitors.

2 NOV
2020

Congratulations to our newest partner

MBH are also pleased to announce that Sammy-Jo Woodward has been named its newest Partner. The promotion strengthens one of the firm’s core practice areas: Residential Conveyancing and adds further depth to the firm.

30 SEP
2020

Why should you choose a local firm of solicitors to deal with your conveyancing transaction?

There are many online conveyancing firms advertising both online and on social media that claim to offer the same level of service as local solicitors and conveyancers at a lower price, however sometimes these offers can be too good to be true as there are often extras.

23 SEP
2020

Making a Will

With the Covid-19 pandemic and especially the lockdown, we had an unprecedented demand from clients wishing to make a will so as to ensure the correct persons inherit from their Estate.

16 SEP
2020

Shareholder’s Agreements – What are they?

Shareholder agreements regulate the relationship between shareholders

2 SEP
2020

Help to Buy – Is the current scheme ending?

The current Help to Buy scheme is set to end on the 31st March 2021.

26 AUG
2020

Coronavirus and commercial leases – what landlords and tenants need to know

Can tenants withhold rent or end a lease prematurely?

19 AUG
2020

What is a No-Fault Divorce?

The no-fault divorce bill has now been passed by parliament and has since attained royal assent on 25 June 2020. It is anticipated to be implemented by Autumn 2021.

10 AUG
2020

Temporary SDLT Relief for residential properties

On 8th July 2020 the Chancellor of the Exchequer announced a temporary holiday for SDLT on the first £500,000.00 of all property sales that take place in England and Northern Ireland between 8th July 2020 and 31st March 2021.

30 JUL
2020

Land Registry Update – Electronic Signatures

When buying a house, one of the most significant moments for the parties involved is the signing of the contract documentation. Until recently, the Land Registry would only accept the original “wet” signature to the documentation to reduce the risks of fraudulent transactions.

30 SPR
2020

Retirement for Paul Aynsley

McCarthy Bennett Holland Solicitors (MBH) would like to announce the retirement of their senior Partner, Paul Aynsley as from 1st May 2020. We are sad to see him go but wish him all the best in his retirement.

30 MAR
2020

Update on Covid-19 and Compliance with Child Arrangement Orders

It is understandable that parents have been extremely concerned about adhering to Court Orders during these unprecedented times, and of course, when they will next be able to see their children.

24 MAR
2020

Covid-19, Separated Families and Court Orders

It is likely that separated families will have a number of questions, whether they can still see the children, or whether a Court Order will be enforceable during this time.

20 MAR
2020

The dangers of DIY leases

It may be tempting for both landlords and tenants of commercial properties to try and save money on legal costs by dealing with the matter between themselves. There are a number of downfalls that a landlord / tenant may fall foul of.

11 MAR
2020

Children Matters and the Courts – What Orders Can I Apply For?

During divorce proceedings, an application is often made to the Courts when there are disputes between parties in respect of children matters.

28 FEB
2020

Can I refuse a new business lease because I want to move in to the property?

Unless a lease is contracted out, a business tenant has a right to a new lease upon expiry of their contractual term, subject to limited grounds.

11 FEB
2020

I want to sell my leasehold property but I do not have long left on my lease

A property with a limited number of years left on the lease may be hard to sell because prospective buyers are likely find it difficult to obtain a mortgage.

11 FEB
2020

Protect your land and property from fraudsters

Property fraud is on the increase as fraudsters are using sophisticated tactics and targeting properties by pretending to be you so that they can try and sell or mortgage your property and pocket the proceeds.

4 FEB
2020

Searches

As part of your purchase of a property, we would always recommend that searches are carried out. If you are purchasing with the assistance of a mortgage, the majority of searches are required by lenders and we will therefore be required to carry out searches in this circumstance.

28 JAN
2020

My Work Experience at McCarthy Bennett Holland Solicitors

I was given the opportunity to attend a work placement, courtesy of MBH Solicitors, to further my knowledge regarding my dream job as a solicitor.

2 JAN
2020

Civil Partnerships for opposite sex couples!

On 31st December 2019 , legislation allowed allows heterosexual (‘straight’) couples to enter into a civil partnership rather than marriage if they so wish.

7 NOV
2019

Retirement for Mark Boon

McCarthy Bennett Holland Solicitors (MBH) would like to announce the retirement of their Consultant and former senior Partner, Mark Boon

22 AUG
2019

What is an option agreement and how can it benefit you?

An option agreement is a contract between the landowner and a potential purchaser / developer of the land or property, which grant the purchaser / developer an option to purchase the land / property at anytime during an agreed ‘option period’ in return for an ‘option fee’.

15 AUG
2019

Landlords need to be aware – Plans to abolish Section 21 evictions

The government intend to abolish section 21 of the Housing Act 1988 (also known as ‘no fault’ repossessions).

14 AUG
2019

Family courts ‘running up a down escalator’ due to increase in cases

In recent years, particularly since 2016 onwards, the family Courts in England and Wales have seen a sudden surge in private law childcare matters. Sir Andrew McFarlane (The President of the Family Division of the High Court) compared the process of the overloaded Family courts to “running up a down escalator”.

1 AUG
2019

I’ve been ordered to attend a Separated Parents Information Programme – What Does This Mean?

A Separated Parents Information Programme (commonly known as a SPIP) is a course which parents can be ordered to attend as part of family Court proceedings regarding their children.

22 JLY
2019

Leasehold Axed For All New Houses

The Government following a lengthy review have concluded that all new build houses will now be sold as Freehold to tackle the unfair leasehold practices that have been prevalent in the housing market within the last few years.

16 JLY
2019

What Happens to my Digital Information When I Die?

In an age of increasing digital progression, it is more important than ever to ensure that you have a Will. Whereas once upon a time, your loved ones would have accessed to photo albums and video tapes, many of our treasured memories are now stored electronically.

24 MAY
2019

We are Dementia Friends and Age Friendly

Here at McCarthy Bennett Holland we want to ensure all our clients are looked after and feel comfortable and welcomed at all stages through their matter.

20 MAY
2019

Civil Partnership: a way to reduce the risks of just ‘living together’?

This month, legislation came into force which allows heterosexual (‘straight’) couples to enter into a civil partnership rather than marriage if they so wish. Until now, civil partnership has only been open to same sex couples.

30 APR
2019

Help To Buy Isa – Time Is Running Out!

With effect from November 2019 you will not be able to open a Help to Buy ISA account. However if you already have a Help to Buy ISA you will have until December 2030 to claim the bonus.

23 APR
2019

Who Needs a Will? EVERYONE!

Figures tell us that over 60% of the population do not have a Will. Of those people, over 80% have minor children.

15 APR
2019

Work Experience at MBH Solicitors

During the past week, I have been part of the team at McCarthy Bennett Holland. Despite studying law at college, I wasn’t fully aware of what being a solicitor meant.

9 APR
2019

Divorce ‘Blame’ To Come To An End?

At the moment to obtain a Divorce, the Petitioner (person issuing the divorce) has to prove that there has been an irretrievable breakdown of the marriage evidenced upon the ‘fact’ of adultery, behaviour, 2 years separation with consent, 2 years desertion or 5 years separation with no consent.

15 MAR
2019

Are Millennials Refusing to Get Married?

Over many decades, the allure of marriage has evolved from a share of labour, financial arrangement and the ultimate fairy-tale to show commitment. However, this trend appears to be shifting with more and more millennials either putting off marriage or not getting married at all.

21 FEB
2019

Divorce Proceedings And Post Separation Income

We have a lot of enquiries as to what happens with income and assets that have been accrued after parties have separated from their spouse but prior to Divorce.

16 NOV
2018

Unfaithful Friday?

We have woken up to the news that a survey has been released by a dating website for married people, revealing that there is increased activity today in those searching for an extra-marital affair. The media has dubbed this day unfaithful Friday.

6 NOV
2018

Should I Stay or Should I Go?

Should I Stay or Should I Go? Ant McPartlin “Told Off” by High Court Judge for Non-Attendance at Hearing

2 OCT
2018

Civil Partnerships for All!

Theresa May has today announced that heterosexual couples in England and Wales will be able to choose to enter into a civil partnership rather than to enter into a marriage.

2 AUG
2018

Should you re-register a child’s birth if you later marry?

The first thing you should consider is whether the father has parental responsibility.

27 JLY
2018

Stuck In An Unhappy Marriage – Literally

It has been in the headlines recently regarding a couple who wished to Divorce but did not pass the test of unreasonable behaviour and as such the Courts refused to grant them a Decree of Divorce.

3 JUL
2018

Cheryl & Liam – Kids, Houses & Separation

No doubt everyone is aware of the separation of Cheryl and Liam. But what happens next? Well the law is the same for everyone regardless of whether you are famous or not.

28 JUN
2018

Civil Partnerships For All

A heterosexual couple have won their application for the right to enter into a civil partnership rather than a marriage. This has overruled a previous judgement made by the Court of Appeal.

2 MAY
2018

Fresh Legs & New Blood for McCarthy Bennett Holland

Mark Boon having been a partner in MBH Solicitors for 34 years has decided to retire as a Partner with effect from the 30th April 2018.

22 MAR
2018

What about Liam?

For many parents, it can be a conundrum choosing a name for their new baby. We are all aware that there has been a decline in the use of traditional names being chosen by parents for their children, often opting for something more unique, evening including Gandalf and Superman.

9 FEB
2018

Who Owns the Engagement Ring?

We are approaching perhaps the most romantic time of the year and it is often the case that there will be an increase in marriage proposals around Valentine’s Day.

17 AUG
2017

Can I change my child’s name?

I am often asked following the breakdown of a relationship whether it is possible to change a child’s name; perhaps the father has been absent for a long period of time or does not pay any maintenance or the mother remarries.

21 JLY
2017

Summer, summer, summertime, time to sit back and unwind” or maybe not?

The summer holidays are fast approaching and this is usually a time when families are packing their suitcases and heading to the airport to enjoy a much needed break in the sunshine.

13 JLY
2017

Obtaining Information from a Judgment Debtor under CPR 71

It is often the case where someone is owed money, be that under a judgment debt or not, and the debtor quickly becomes elusive and non-responsive.

10 JLY
2017

Third Party Debt Orders (TPDO) Under CPR 72: Enforcement of a Judgment Debt

Where a judgment debtor continues to refuse to pay, there is still a card left to play which should be within the repertoire of any specialist litigation solicitor, that of the Third-Party Debt Order.

7 JUN
2017

How to Repossess a Tenanted Property under Civil Procedure Rule (CPR) 55

In short, there are two main ways by which a residential landlord can take back possession of property let on an assured shorthold tenancy (AST)

31 MAY
2017

An Analysis of Personal Injury Awards in Ancillary Relief Proceedings

On divorce or separation, parties often issue financial proceedings to divide the matrimonial assets. This is a difficult process in itself but further complications can arise where one party to the proceedings has received a personal injury award post-separation.

23 MAY
2017

Implications of the Pre-action Protocol Changes relating to Debt Claims

Currently, there is no specific Pre-action Protocol that needs to be followed in respect of debt claims, claimants must simply follow the general Practice Directions on Pre-Action Protocol under the Civil Procedure Rules.

27 MAR
2017

Children & Communication

Disputes over children are becoming more and more common as time goes on. The Courts have tried to combat this by insisting that for every dispute over children the parties have to attend mediation before they are able to turn to the Courts.

6 MAR
2017

A New Direction for Legal Privilege and its scope under the Data Protection Act 1998?

The recent case of Dawson-Damer and Others v Taylor Wessing [2017] has shone a light on the extent to which solicitors can rely on the protection of legal professional privilege where an individual wishes to retrieve/see information held about them by others, regardless of their reasons for requesting it.

3 MAR
2017

Cohabitation: What is yours if your partner passes away?

Last week the Supreme Court gave judgment in favour of a Claimant who sought provision under the pension scheme of her deceased cohabitee. In summary, the couple were only engaged for two days before the untimely death of Mr McMullen.

6 JAN
2017

Divorce Day – True Or False

Everyone by now will have heard of ‘Divorce Day’ or ‘Divorce Week’. According to countless newspapers and social media it is the first day / week of the month when we family solicitors are inundated with calls.

12 DEC
2016

Lasting Powers of Attorney: Role of the Attorney

It can be a very difficult time when someone we know or love starts to become unable or incapable of making their own decisions.

6 DEC
2016

Survivorship in light of Jump v Lister [2016]

A recent case in the High Court has highlighted some potentially serious problems with the construction of many Mirror Wills.

30 NOV
2016

I’m a Member of Resolution

I’m a proud member of Resolution, a community of family justice professionals who work with families and individuals to resolve issues in a constructive way.

16 NOV
2016

Sammy-Jo Woodward Qualifies as a Licensed Conveyancer

After completing my law degree and gaining experience here at McCarthy Bennet Holland, I completed the CLC’s course for Licensed Conveyancers.

10 NOV
2016

Cohabitation law is failing 3.3 million families, says Resolution

Figures published by the Office of National Statistics reveal that there are now 3.3 million cohabiting couple families in the UK, with the number more than doubling over the last twenty years.

3 NOV
2016

Unmarried Couples & the Common Law Myth

Many couples who are unmarried (or have not entered into a civil partnership) whether heterosexual or homosexual believe that once they have been in a relationship with their partner a specific length of time or have children together they establish legal rights.

1 NOV
2016

Estate Planning: The Tax Implications of Lifetime Gifts

It is well known that a person making a will or planning their estate can make significant tax savings through the giving of gifts that fall within an exemption to tax or where they are deemed to be potentially exempt transfers (PETs).

28 OCT
2016

Digital Assets on Death: I leave my Facebook account to…

A question that many people do not stop to consider is what, if anything, happens to your online presence when you die? Most of us now possess some form of digital asset, be it an Email account, Amazon, online banking or simply the sharing or streaming of our photos and videos online.