Clear legal advice, in plain English
A will deals with houses, savings and possessions, but it may say little about the photographs in a cloud account, the email inbox that still receives bills, or cryptocurrency held under a seed phrase. This article explains how digital assets are treated in England and Wales and how to leave clear, lawful instructions for your family.
Renting out a spare room can help with household costs, but the legal status of the person who moves in matters. This guide explains the practical difference between a lodger and a tenant, and the paperwork that helps a homeowner keep their position clear.
Parents often help with a first home deposit, but the legal difference between a gift and a loan can matter enormously later. This guide explains how to record the arrangement clearly, why a declaration of trust may be useful, and how to protect both the money and family relationships if circumstances change.
A retention of title clause can let an unpaid supplier reclaim stock from an insolvent customer, but only if the clause is properly incorporated and the goods can be identified. This article sets out where such clauses fail and what to do before unpaid invoices become a crisis.
A shareholder’s death can leave a private company with an unexpected owner, a voting deadlock or an estate pressing for cash. This guide explains how the articles, any shareholder agreement and a cross-option arrangement can keep the business steady.
Living together does not create the same legal rights as marriage or civil partnership. This guide explains what happens on separation, why property ownership and wills matter, and how a cohabitation agreement can reduce costly assumptions.
A subject access request can arrive by email, verbally or through a member of staff. UK GDPR requires a prompt response, usually within one month. This practical guide covers identity checks, redaction, exemptions and the records a small business should keep.
A personal guarantee can turn a company debt into a personal one, often on a single page signed near the end of a negotiation. This guide explains the difference between limited and all-monies guarantees, the clauses that matter and the practical steps directors should take before signing in 2026.
A formal letter from a solicitor can be alarming, but it is not a court judgment. This reassuring guide explains what such letters are for, which deadlines matter, the mistakes to avoid and how to gather documents and take advice without escalating the dispute.
A will is often signed and stored away, but life keeps moving. This checklist explains five common milestones that should prompt a review, from marriage and divorce to a new child, a property purchase or retirement, and what to do next.
Online reviews can be unfair without being unlawful. This guide explains the difference between fair criticism and defamation, the practical steps a small business can take, and why a measured response usually beats a heavy-handed one.
Leasehold clauses can look technical, but they often decide what you pay each year and how easily you can sell. This guide explains five common clauses in plain English and sets out the questions to ask before exchanging contracts.
Friendly emails and handshakes feel efficient, but they rarely set out what happens when a project changes or a payment is late. A short written contract is not a sign of distrust; it is a practical way to protect the relationship and the business.