What is a Deed of Variation?
A Deed of Variation is a legal document that allows the beneficiaries of an estate to alter the deceased’s Will or intestacy rules. The purpose of this is to redistribute some or all of the deceased person’s
Second Marriages and the Risk of Sideways Disinheritance
Blended families are becoming more common, and second marriages bring together couples with children from previous relationships. While many couples intend to ensure that everyone in the family is provided for, without the correct estate planning it
Should I get a Pre-Nuptial Agreement?
If you are engaged to be married, the last thing on your mind is likely to be the division of your finances should you end up divorcing the person that you are shortly to marry. However, it
Why do Judges write to children in proceedings and how do they do this?
On 26th February 2025, the then President of the Family Law Division, Sir Andrew McFarlane, brought in new guidance for Family Law Judges regarding them writing to children. A tool kit ‘Writing to children – a toolkit
Should I Sign A Cohabitation Agreement?
As fewer couples decide to marry or enter into a civil partnership, our family law team is regularly approached by clients asking, ‘Should I sign a cohabitation agreement?’ The law in England and Wales offers cohabiting couples
How To Apply To Court To Take Child Abroad
If you are researching ‘how to apply to court to take child abroad’, it is likely that attempts to reach an agreement with your child’s other parent have broken down. Court proceedings should never be the first
Do I Need Permission To Take My Child Abroad?
One of the most common questions we hear from separated parents planning a trip is ‘Do I need permission to take my child abroad?’ The answer depends on who holds parental responsibility, whether any court orders are
My Ex Won’t Let Me Take My Child On Holiday
If you are looking for answers to the issue ‘my ex won’t let me take my child on holiday,’ you are not alone, and you do have options. The law sets out a clear framework for when
Can My Ex Take My Child Out Of The Country?
The question ‘Can my ex take my child out of the country?’ is one that arises frequently for separated parents, both in relation to a short holiday and a proposed permanent move abroad. The answer depends on
What is a Letter of Wishes?
A Letter of Wishes is a confidential and non-binding document that should be read in conjunction with your Will. The aim of a Letter of Wishes is not to replace your Will, but to guide your Executors
I am on my child’s birth certificate, however I am not the child’s biological father, do I have Parental Responsibility?
Under Section 3 of the Children Act 1989, Parental Responsibility is defined as the rights, duties, powers and responsibilities that a parent has concerning a child. By having Parental Responsibility for a child, a person is able
Supporting Women in Law – Why Being a Parent Should Never Be a Barrier to a Legal Career
Each March, International Women’s Day provides an opportunity to reflect on progress made towards gender equality while recognising the challenges that remain. In the legal profession, one continuing concern is the number of talented women leaving their
New Sentencing Rules in 2026 – Everything you need to know
The introduction of the Sentencing Act 2026 makes a change to defendants being sentenced in criminal proceedings. The main changes For prison sentences of 12 months or less, there is a presumption that these will be suspended,
Choosing A Conveyancing Solicitor
Choosing a conveyancing solicitor is a big decision and getting it right is crucial. At Johnson Astills, our conveyancing team works with buyers and sellers across Leicester, Loughborough, and the wider Leicestershire area every day, and we
Local Conveyancers
Buying or selling a home is one of the biggest decisions most of us will ever make. Solicitors nationwide can handle the legal side of it, but who you choose matters more than most people realise. At
Land Registry Solicitors
When a property transaction completes, the activity that follows often goes unnoticed by the people involved. Buyers think about moving, sellers think about their next chapter, and lenders quietly await confirmation that their security is in place.
Solicitor For Buying Property
Having the right solicitor for buying property in your corner can be the difference between a transaction that completes smoothly and one that drags on for months or falls apart entirely. At Johnson Astills, our solicitors for
Pension Rights After Separation
Separation and divorce are among the most financially stressful events a person can go through, and one asset that consistently falls through the cracks is the pension. Knowing your pension rights after separation can mean the difference
“Honour”-Based Abuse – New Guidance Issued by the Crown Prosecution Service
New guidance has recently been released by the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) in relation to “honour”-based abuse. This guidance has been updated to reflect growing concerns around evolving forms of abuse. The aim of this is to better
Why has my child been appointed a Guardian and who is this?
When Care Proceedings are initiated to protect the welfare of a child, an important and key figure in this process is the Children’s Guardian. A Children’s Guardian, previously known as a Guardian ad litem, is an independent
What is the difference between a Will and LPAs?
A Will is a document that allows you to decide what happens to your estate when you die. It usually appoints someone you trust to be able to manage your estate and affairs on your death. It
How Pensions Fit Into A Financial Settlement
When a marriage ends, all of the couple’s assets are usually taken into account before a financial settlement is decided, and that includes both spouses’ pensions. Workplace schemes, personal pensions, and, in some cases, additional state pension
Can My Ex-Wife Claim My Pension After Divorce?
If you are searching for a clear answer to ‘can my ex-wife claim my pension after divorce’, the starting point is that pensions can be taken into account and dealt with as part of the financial settlement,
Pensions On Divorce Expert
If you are searching ‘Pensions on divorce expert’, chances are that you are separating from your spouse and have concerns about how your pension pot will be dealt with. Many clients are surprised to learn that pensions
Divorce Lawyers For Men
If you are searching for ‘Divorce lawyers for men’, the specialist team at Johnson Astills is on hand to help. While divorce law is gender-neutral, many men still worry about being treated as the financial backstop, being
High Asset Divorce Lawyer
If you are looking for a high asset divorce lawyer, it usually means you need more than a standard divorce service; you need clear advice on complex wealth, careful planning, and a strategy that protects your future
Separation for Unmarried Cohabiting Couples: The Key Legal Insights
When couples separate, the legal differences can be significant depending on whether they are married or unmarried. Married Couples Married couples benefit from specific legal protections and entitlements under the Matrimonial Causes Act 1973. This legislation allows
How would I know if a loved one had any debt?
If you are appointed to act as a Personal Representative (PR), you have a legal duty to settle all liabilities of the deceased’s estate. However, when a loved one dies, it can be difficult to know the
How are pensions dealt with on divorce?
Many people pay into pensions their whole lives without really thinking about it. It can therefore come as a surprise when divorcing that pensions are treated as a matrimonial asset, in the same way as other assets
Will my children be adopted/ placed in long term foster care together?
Sibling relationships are often the longest relationship we will experience in our lives. During Care Proceedings, the Local Authority recognise the importance of sibling relationships and therefore aim to keep siblings together where possible, when making decisions.
Why Care Proceedings Take 26 Weeks (and Why They Often Don’t)
Parents involved in Care Proceedings will almost always be told about the “26-week” timetable”. The law is clear that Care Proceedings should usually be concluded within 26 weeks, or around six months, from the date the application
How Are Assets Divided In A Divorce?
If you are facing a divorce, you will undoubtedly have scores of questions about the process and likely outcomes. One question that our specialist family law solicitors are asked time and again is, ‘How are assets divided
How Are Pensions Split in a Divorce in England and Wales?
Pensions are often one of the most valuable assets in a relationship, and how they are split on divorce in the UK can have a profound impact on each person’s future financial security. If you need answers
High Net Worth Divorce Lawyer
High-net-worth divorces often involve a number of issues not seen in standard divorce cases. The financial stakes are higher, the assets are more complex, and the potential for dispute is greater. That is why seeking specialist advice
What if I don’t know if a loved one left a Will?
When a loved one dies, it is often difficult to find information relating to their estate, any assets they may have held, and whether they prepared a Will during their lifetime. Our expert solicitors at Johnson Astills
Public Law Outline
Understanding the Public Law Outline. When a Local Authority (council) becomes worried about a child’s safety or wellbeing, it can step in. In England and Wales, the rules for how this happens are mainly set out in
Mediation, specifically child-inclusive mediation: what is it, how does it work, and what are its benefits?
The rules for Family Courts in England and Wales are outlined in the Family Procedure Rules 2010. There have been many amendments to these rules over the years, one example being the Family Procedure (Amendment No 2)
Proposal to lower the drink drive limit
In a bid to tackle reducing fatalities and serious injuries caused by driving offences, the Government proposes to reduce the legal limit for drink driving. This change would be the first in nearly 60 years, with drivers
What is an Asset Search?
If you are acting as a Personal Representative (PR) of an estate, you have a legal obligation to identify all assets and liabilities of the deceased’s estate. An Asset Search will aid you in establishing any financial
My child has been removed but I haven’t been to Court! Is this legal?
There are two ways a child can be removed from a parent or guardian without the need for a Court Order. This is through the parent or guardian signing a Section 20 Agreement, or through the police
Divorce Day 2026
Divorce Day is upon us once again. This is the day when family law teams around the UK receive their highest amount of calls, and usually falls on the first working Monday of each year. For 2026,
Buy To Let Solicitors
Investing in buy to let property can be one of the most rewarding ways to build long-term wealth. Whether you are a first-time investor or an experienced landlord expanding your property portfolio, navigating the legal side of
House Sale Solicitors
Selling a home is one of life’s biggest financial and emotional milestones. Whether you are moving to a new area, downsizing, upsizing, or restructuring your property portfolio, the legal side of a house sale can be complex
Buy To Let Conveyancing
Investing in a buy to let property can be a lucrative and rewarding opportunity. However, the legal side of buy to let purchases and sales is often more complex than standard residential property transactions. This is where
Transfer Of Equity Solicitors Near Me
If you are in need of ‘transfer of equity solicitors near me’, the specialist team at Johnson Astills is perfectly placed to help. Whether you need to transfer equity following separation from a spouse, to add a
Property Transfer Solicitors
Transferring property ownership is a significant legal and financial transaction. Whether you are buying or selling a home, transferring property as part of a divorce, gifting property to a family member, or dealing with an estate after
What is a Residential Parenting Assessment and How do Courts Use Them?
When social services have serious concerns about a child’s safety or a parent’s ability to meet their needs, the Court may consider a residential parenting assessment. This involves the parent and their baby or young child staying
Fee for Grant of Representation
From 17th November 2025, the fees for obtaining copies of Grants of Representation which are; a Grant of Probate, Grant of Letters of Administration with Will Annexed or Letters of Administration has increased from £1.50 per copy
What is a Section 47 Investigation?
The detail of a section 47 investigation is set out in s.47 Children Act 1989. It applies when the Local Authority/Children’s Social Services have received a referral which has been made to them by any person who
Transfer Of Equity Solicitors
Property ownership does not always remain static. Life events, such as marriage, divorce, and financial planning, often necessitate a change in who officially owns a residential property. This legal process is known as a transfer of equity.
