Let’s Chat
Berlad Graham
So, you own a wonderful leasehold flat in England & Wales, and you’re very happy. But do you understand why the length of time left on your Lease matters, the disadvantages that come with it and what can be done about it? In this blog, Sophie Masters, a Paralegal...
In this blog, Daniel Brown, Trainee Solicitor from our Private Client team, discusses why having a Will is not enough and the importance of putting a Lasting Power of Attorney in place. What Is a Lasting Power of Attorney? Delaying the creation of a Lasting Power of...
The way someone proves their immigration status in the UK has been changed permanently since the system became fully digital, and physical Biometric Residence Permits (BRP) cards expired on 31 December 2024. Millions of people must now manage and share their...
When buying a property, searches are often seen as just another administrative hurdle and something your lender requires before they will release funds. However, whether you are purchasing with a mortgage or as a cash buyer, searches are an integral part of a property...
If Business Property Relief (BPR) features in your existing estate plan, the changes signalled for April 2026 are worth close attention. In practice, the changes point towards closer scrutiny of eligibility and, for some estates, a higher inheritance tax (IHT)...
The Court of Appeal’s decision in Mazur has been gaining considerable attention within the legal profession, and it is easy to understand why. The case questions what non-authorised staff can and can’t do in litigation under the Legal Services Act 2007. The...
Understanding an Important Step in the Conveyancing Process When buying a property, many clients are surprised by the level of financial information their solicitor asks for during the conveyancing process. One of the most common questions raised is: “Why are source...
If you are hoping to bring a spouse or family member to the UK, or you’re working towards permanent residence, you’ve probably noticed that there have been several recent changes to immigration rules. A lot has shifted recently, and some of it could affect your...
Divorce involving couples with connections to more than one country can often become more complicated. The “jurisdiction battle” or the “jurisdiction race”, as it is sometimes known, involves two main questions: "Which country’s courts can deal with the divorce and...
Buying or selling a home is an important milestone, but the legal process can sometimes feel unfamiliar, particularly if you’re moving for the first time. From understanding property searches to knowing what happens at exchange and completion, being prepared can help you make informed decisions and avoid unnecessary delays. We…
At Berlad Graham, our solicitors bring their own experience, approach, and personality to the work they do, helping clients navigate important decisions with confidence. In our latest employee spotlight, we’re introducing Areesha Amin-Rafiq, a Consultant Solicitor specialising in residential property. Areesha supports clients through buying, selling and remortgaging their homes,…
Berlad Graham Employee Spotlight At Berlad Graham, our people’s experience and personality play an important role in the service we provide to our clients. For this employee spotlight, we spoke with Hannah Price, Partner at the firm, and a solicitor in our Private Client department. Hannah has been a solicitor…
When voluntary negotiations fail, here is how to exercise your legal right to extend If you are a leaseholder tired of watching the value of your property decline as the years tick away on your lease, you will know how frustrating it can be when informal negotiations with your freeholder…
Most people understand the importance of making a Will, even if they have not set one up yet. It gives peace of mind that your wishes will be followed after your death and that your loved ones will know what to do. What is less well understood is what happens…
So, you have decided you want to extend the lease on your flat. One option is a voluntary lease extension. In a previous blog, Sophie Masters, a Paralegal from our property team, explained why the length of time left on a leasehold flat matters. In this blog, she looks at…
Stamp Duty Land Tax (SDLT) can be one of the most confusing costs for people buying property, as there are many rules and exemptions to take into consideration when calculating the amount of tax payable. In this blog, Lauren Greenop, Trainee Solicitor from our residential property team, sets out the…
If you are buying a property with someone else, whether it’s a spouse, friend or business partner, it is important to understand how your ownership is set up from the outset. In this blog, Tasnim Tirech, Trainee Solicitor from our residential property team, explains the difference between owning a property…
Estate planning is no longer reserved for high-net-worth individuals. It is now necessary for all families to support the next generation during their lifetime, as well as plan for what happens after death. In this blog, Daniel Brown, Trainee Solicitor in our private client team, explains why lifetime giving, clear…
Cohabitation Rights in the UK for Unmarried Couples More couples in the UK are choosing to live together without getting married or entering a civil partnership. According to the Office for National Statistics, the number of cohabiting couples has more than doubled since 1996, rising from 1.5 million to around…
Berlad Graham are here to help you whatever your legal matter may be.
For bespoke, professional advice, fill out our quick enquiry form here.