13 Feb February 2025. Legal matters. Legal hints and tips.
Welcome to our Legal Matters newsletter. In this edition, we explore a range of legal topics relevant to both individuals and businesses, from prenuptial agreements and leasehold property purchases to the intricacies of dilapidations claims, how to deal with a transaction at undervalue and the things you need to know about commercial leases.
If you have any questions about anything in this newsletter or if you need legal advice contact us today.
Personal Matters
Planning for a wedding, plan for a prenup?
A pre-nuptial agreement (pre-nup) isn’t just for the rich and famous. It is often used to tailor and structure financial affairs involving family members, children or business interests. They are becoming increasingly popular and can act as a safeguard in the unfortunate event of a divorce.
Tell me more about prenups and why I may need one.
Is updating or writing a Will on your to do list for 2025?
Are you putting off, updating or writing your Will? It may be time to finally take care of the life admin that you’ve been meaning to get around to. A key part of this should be to review, update or write a Will and consider the benefits of putting in place Lasting Powers of Attorney.
Show me the six key moments in life when I should update or write my Will.
Can I buy the freehold of my leasehold property?
As of 31st January 2025, leaseholders no longer need to wait two years after acquiring their property to serve a notice of claim to extend their lease or purchase their freehold.
This will come as positive news for those who have purchased a leasehold property within the last two years.
Tell me more about the changes to the leasehold law.
Equine ownership and co-ownership disputes
If you are a horse owner your focus is upon its welfare, and no one wants to imagine that anything could go wrong. Unfortunately, sometimes things do, and it is always better to be prepared. If a legal agreement is not in place, the process to resolve it is likely to be more time consuming and more expensive.
Discover the most common causes of equine ownership and co ownership disputes.
Business Matters
Dilapidations claims – property disputes
Dilapidations are items of disrepair in a rented property that are covered by repairing covenants contained in a lease, and sometimes, in supplemental documents. What do you do if you are a landlord that needs to bring a dilapidation claim or a tenant that is faced with defending a claim.
Get our guidance on what you need to know about a dilapidation claim?
How do I deal with a transaction at undervalue?
Transactions at undervalue occur when a company gifts assets or sells them for significantly less than their worth. Liquidators can challenge these transactions if the company becomes insolvent, aiming to recover the value for creditors. Key considerations include whether the transaction occurred within a specific timeframe, the company’s solvency at the time and whether the recipient acted in good faith.
Explore our breakdown of the legal tests, defences, and potential consequences of such transactions
What to know when preparing a commercial lease
For landlords it’s essential to be aware of some key aspects when preparing a commercial lease for tenants. A generic lease is unlikely to cover everything that is needed. This can lead to unwanted disputes between the landlord and the tenant.
Take me to the top 10 things landlords need to consider when preparing a commercial lease
About HRJ Foreman Laws Solicitors
The experienced team at HRJ Foreman Laws Solicitors in Hertfordshire, are here to help you with the wide range of legal services you may need today or in the future. Our expertise spans across various areas, including company and commercial law, commercial property law, conveyancing, equine law, family law, insolvency, litigation, will writing, trusts, lasting powers of attorney, and probate. Whether you require assistance with business-related matters, property transactions, family issues, or estate planning, our experienced solicitors are here to provide you with professional support and tailored advice.
We are recognised by Lexcel – the Law Society’s quality mark for excellence and regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority. We operate to the highest standards required by the Law Society’s Conveyancing Quality Scheme (CQS). Our track record in leasehold enfranchisement is acknowledged by ALEP (Association of Leasehold Enfranchisement Practitioners). We follow a professional code of practice recognised by the family law group ‘Resolution. As members of STEP we are acknowledged Trust and Estate Practitioners. We also work with Certainty, the National Will Register.
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Contact us for legal advice.
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