Archive for category: blog

Wills Mistakes and Inheritance Disputes

A recent decision by the Supreme Court that a husband and wife’s intended heir should not lose out despite a mix up when the wills were signed may lead to a flood of wills dispute litigation. The law lays down clear rules for how wills must be created to be valid. However, the Supreme Court’s decision allows a much more flexible approach whereby the courts may effectively correct clerical errors to give effect to the deceased’s wishes.

Read more →

Commercial Agents Regulations

A commercial agent is a valuable asset to any business. He will negotiate, advise and conclude transactions on behalf of his principals.
The agent’s crucial role in generating profit and building up customer bases for businesses was recognised in the Commercial Agents (Council Directive) Regulations 1993. The Regulations give an agent the right to seek compensation from his principal for lost business, following the early termination of his contract.
Read more →

Contract terms and disputes

Contract Terms

Entering into contracts is an everyday event for all of us, be it in the course of a business, or simply entering into the local shop to buy your daily newspaper. Not all contracts need to be in writing, they can be oral or simply implied by conduct.

A contract cannot incorporate every eventuality, and in commercial disputes it is all too common for parties to a dispute to claim that the written contract does not deal with all the agreed terms, or that what was agreed was varied thereafter.

Read more →

Property Solicitor Negligence denies homeowners true ownership

Four unfortunate families have been engaged in a fight for ownership of their properties. They paid around £80,000 14 years ago for their homes and yet still have no clear ownership.

The building of 56 houses at Happy Valley Road in Blackburn, West Lothian, ceased after builder Braid Homes went bust. In November 2000, the Keeper of the Registers informed solicitors that the four completed houses (along with the sewer outlets for another 17) were on land owned by farmer Robert Findlay. In February 2002, the land was sold to property developer Crannog for £150,000, in spite the previous ownership issue remaining unresolved.

Read more →

The importance of making a contested probate claim quickly

The death of a close family member can be a very difficult time in someone’s life. It can add to the loss and confusion to discover that you have been excluded from an inheritance. Often it can take time to take it all on and consider what to do. Unfortunately, time is not usually on your side. In order to pursue a claim under The Inheritance (Provision for Family and Dependants) Act 1975 you must act swiftly.

Read more →