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Missing Landlords: Leasehold Houses – Leasehold Reform Act 1967:

Date: March 8, 2024

Enfranchisement Rights Provided by the Leasehold Reform Act 1967: The current law allows owners of leasehold houses  who have been registered owners for  more than 2 years to benefit from statutory enfranchisement rights provided by the provisions of the Leasehold Reform Act 1967 (“the 1967 Act”) allowing them to extend their lease term by an READ MORE >


Gazumping and gazundering – perils in an uncertain market

Date: March 5, 2024

Research suggests that nearly a third of recent sellers have suffered gazundering, which property pundits attribute to a downturn in the market. But, in some areas, the lack of suitable properties means there is still fierce competition for homes, with buyers trying to outbid each other via gazumping. It is certainly a challenging time to READ MORE >

Tejpal Bains

A landlord’s liability for a commercial tenant’s activities

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The most successful commercial landlords take an active approach to managing their properties, and there is more to this than making sure the building is well-maintained. It is also important to check that your tenants are not causing a nuisance to others or acting illegally, as if you do not enforce the tenant’s obligations in READ MORE >

Hedley J Adcock


FUEL PRICES SOAR and 2035 looms ever closer

Date: February 16, 2024

SOYOU HAVE PURCHASED YOUR BRAND NEW ELECTRIC CAR proudly drove it home, window down, sunglasses on entering the gates onto the communal area leading to your leasehold home, glancing around – look at me and my car …. Carefully manoeuvre into your allocated parking space …. Jump out “plug in hand” …. “OK where’s the READ MORE >

Linda Ball

A tenant’s guide to business leases and ‘contracting out’

Date: February 12, 2024

If you take a lease of business premises, your landlord may ask you to ‘contract out’ of statutory rights that apply to business tenancies.  Before making that decision, you need expert legal advice to understand what rights you are giving up and how that might affect your business in the future. If your business is READ MORE >

Hedley J Adcock

The information you must provide when selling your home

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When selling your home, you may recall the expression ‘buyer beware’. But what does this mean, and is it still relevant today? Historically, the buyers in a conveyancing transaction have been responsible for satisfying themselves on a property’s suitability. Nowadays though, the situation is more complex. There is more legal protection in place for buyers, READ MORE >

Tejpal Bains

No blue Monday here!

Date: January 19, 2024

No blue Monday here! Some lovely feedback for our Private client team which came alongside this gift for Kerry our Head of department. “Hi Kerry, at last after what must have been a very trying case for you and your assistants. We are very grateful for the work you have undertaken and for the monies READ MORE >

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Commercial service charges – a tenant’s guide

Date: January 8, 2024

Commercial tenants will know that the rent they pay is only one part of the overall cost of occupying their premises.  A service charge is another significant cost and, unlike rent, it can fluctuate from year to year depending on what the landlord intends to spend on maintenance and other services. Commercial tenants keen to READ MORE >

Hedley J Adcock

Seven reasons to register your property

Date: January 5, 2024

Nearly 10 per cent of land in England and Wales has never been registered at HM Land Registry, usually because the owner bought the property a long time ago or inherited it. If your property is not registered, this should have little or no impact on you on a day-to-day basis. However, it could put READ MORE >

Tejpal Bains

Charity premises and land transactions – avoid the traps

Date: December 13, 2023

Charities enjoy favourable tax status but must follow a range of statutory rules, and this includes obligations in regard to leasing premises and property transactions.  The trustees must take care to follow the proper process if they want to sell or let their land or use it to secure borrowing. There is also a possible READ MORE >



Buying a property from a mortgagee in possession or a receiver

Date: December 5, 2023

As mortgage interest rates remain high, more homeowners are struggling financially. While a repossession is a last resort for lenders, the number of them is increasing and the trend looks likely to continue. However, it is an ill wind which blows nobody any good. If your own finances are sound, buying a repossessed property could READ MORE >

Tejpal Bains

What are your rights when a commercial tenant goes bust?

Date: November 7, 2023

In challenging economic conditions, commercial property landlords must be prepared for tenants to hit financial difficulties and for some to go out of business.  If your tenant becomes insolvent, there are legal restrictions on the kind of action you can take which will be different depending on the type of insolvency process your tenant is READ MORE >


Selling a property quickly to get out of a mortgage

Date: November 3, 2023

Rising interest rates have dominated the headlines recently, with the Bank of England estimating a million households could see their monthly mortgage repayments increase by £500 over the next three years. If you are affected, you may even be thinking about giving up your property so you will no longer have the burden of a READ MORE >

Tejpal Bains


Making a best interests decision under an LPA

Date: October 26, 2023

 If you have been asked to be an attorney for someone under their power of attorney, whether for finances or health and welfare, then they have placed their trust in you to act in their best interests at all times. This will also be the case if they did not have a power of attorney READ MORE >

Kerry D

Documenting short-term occupation for commercial landlords

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No commercial landlord wants their property empty.  A vacant unit costs money in repair, insurance, and business rates, without producing any income; and it could be vulnerable to vandalism or squatters.  Getting a short-term occupier into your property is a great way to keep it ‘alive’ and bring in rent while you look for a READ MORE >

Hedley J Adcock

Best practice when acting as an executor

Date: September 19, 2023

Being an executor is an important role and a serious responsibility. Even a simple estate can be more difficult than many people realise, and you should ensure that you understand the role and are willing to take on the responsibility before starting to act. Seeking advice at the outset from an experienced solicitor is the READ MORE >

Private Client Team

Top tips for preparing to sell your commercial property.

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In a bumpy market, it pays to be well-prepared before you put your commercial property on the market. Your solicitor will help you to be ready for the kinds of questions you should expect from prospective buyers as they and their solicitors carry out due diligence checks. The more potential problems you can spot and READ MORE >


17 Camels and 3 Sons

Date: September 14, 2023

A popular story that is often repeated by math teachers and solicitors alike is a useful story to remember when negotiating or calculating complex family arrangements and estate matters.  I was told this story by my father who recalls hearing it from a math professor more than 50 years ago. I sadly do not know READ MORE >

Last Will and Testamant

Lost or Absent Landlord…

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Is your landlord lost or absent and your unexpired lease term running low, Adcocks can help. We specialise in all that is residential leasehold but in particular in Absent Landlord matters both in relation to freehold purchase and lease extensions. Low unexpired lease terms can have an adverse effect on the value and sale ability READ MORE >

Enfranchise post searching for Landlord

Will Aid 2023

Date: September 1, 2023

We are delighted to announce that this year Adcocks will be taking part in Will Aid in November! ‘Will Aid is an annual fundraising campaign involving nine of the UK’s leading charities. With the support of solicitors who donate their skills, they encourage people to have their Will drawn up by a professional solicitor whilst at the READ MORE >

Will AId

Divorce and Financial Settlement FAQ

Date: August 22, 2023

Divorce and financial settlement Will I automatically receive 50% of all assets? Not necessarily unless you reach an agreed position with your spouse. If the matter proceeds to court, an equal share of assets is a starting position but this could be adjusted by the court if other factors apply that give rise to an unequal READ MORE >

Private Client Team

Children and Separation/ Divorce FAQ

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Our Family department  has extensive knowledge to assist our clients with all aspect of family life. At all times, our approach is built around providing professional advice whilst maintaining a sensitive and caring relationship with clients. Call us on 01543 442100 or email Kerry Davies at kd@adcocks.com


Could your digital art or crypto assets be lost to obscurity?

Date: August 17, 2023

Part of the success of TV shows like the BBC Antiques Roadshow is the thrill when a long-cherished family heirloom turns out to be surprisingly valuable, for example a piece of china that has been on display in the home for many years. Occasionally, a rare masterpiece hits the headlines in the art world, such READ MORE >

Private Client Team

Solar panels – generating electricity on your commercial building

Date: August 15, 2023

Commercial landlords are increasingly keen to show that their buildings are sustainable.  With energy prices high and continuing uncertainty in the global energy markets, producing renewable energy on commercial buildings is more attractive than ever.  Putting solar panels on a new building as you develop is relatively straightforward, but most landlords have to retrofit solar READ MORE >


Avoiding problems with easements on commercial land

Date: July 21, 2023

If a neighbouring landowner uses part of your land for something, such as access or drainage, it is likely that they will have a formal right known as an easement.  This could restrict your ability to redevelop or extend existing buildings on your land.  Easements are fertile ground for disputes, because it is not always READ MORE >

Hedley J Adcock

Avoiding common problems with beneficiaries

Date: July 20, 2023

Whether the beneficiary of an estate is entitled to inherit a small personal item, a share or even the majority of the assets of the person who died, it can be a stressful time for them while they wait for probate to come through. Delays at the probate office are outside your control, but if READ MORE >

Kerry D

Can I leave my estate to my pet when I die?

Date: July 11, 2023

The Law A number of our clients are keen to ensure their beloved pets are cared for in the event of the client pre-deceasing the pet.  Unfortunately leaving money directly to a pet, is not possible. However, there are options as to leaving part of the estate or money to provide for the care of READ MORE >


A Deep Dive into Leasehold Law

Date: June 23, 2023

Linda Ball’s most recent blog for Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce “A deep dive into Leasehold Law” https://www.greaterbirminghamchambers.com/latest-news/blogs/2023/6/a-deep-dive-into-leasehold-law/?fbclid=IwAR1R2RUGgSUxv6nM-aA2yJNgCEQ37qhyjHgNi9OmvB9lkAHB67wVh92NAUM You can contact Linda via email LB@adcocks.com or via telephone 01543 442113.

Linda Ball

Do medical staff have to respect a power of attorney?

Date: June 16, 2023

If you are an attorney for health and welfare decisions (as opposed to financial decisions), it is important to make sure that you are clear about exactly what decision making powers have been granted to you. This will ensure you can work with medical staff in the continuing best interests of your loved one if READ MORE >

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Finalist in the Enfranchisement and Residential Management Awards

Date: June 15, 2023

We are pleased to announce that Adcocks has been shortlisted as finalists in the Solicitors Firm of the Year category at this year’s News on the Block Enfranchisement and Right to Manage Awards! It is great to see the team’s hard work recognised at the industry awards! #ERMAS2023


How to negotiate a turnover rent for retail premises

Date: June 8, 2023

Turnover rents are increasingly common in retail lettings.  In challenging times, they appeal to tenants because both the landlord and tenant share the risk of trade being adversely affected by the state of the wider economy.  Landlords would prefer a guaranteed fixed rent but may have to agree to a turnover arrangement in order to READ MORE >

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Double Accolade

Date: May 23, 2023

 Adcocks Solicitors is delighted to announce that trainee Solicitor Maddie Williams was admitted to the role of solicitors on April 1st following the end of her training contract on 31st March. Maddie will take up her role as a fully qualified Solicitor with immediate effect, joining the Private Client and Family team full-time. And that’s not READ MORE >


BUILDING SAFETY ACT  

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BUILDING SAFETY ACT   The Building Safety Act introduced to protect leaseholders has brought about its own problems.  Leases granted in blocks of flats after 14 February 2022 are not protected by the Building Safety Act thus capturing lease extensions.   This results from an issue in the drafting of the Act which the government are looking READ MORE >

Linda Ball

GOVERNMENT PROMISES FOR LEASEHOLD REFORMS SCRAPPED….

Date: May 11, 2023

Long promised plans to abolish the ‘feudal’ leasehold system which has long endured in England and Wales have been “dumped”…. Despite the government promises of reform no agreement has been reached and it is expected the housing secretary, will announce in June  measures to protect owners of leasehold homes such to include a cap on READ MORE >

Linda Ball

LEASEHOLD REFORM…

Date: May 5, 2023

LEASEHOLD REFORM….  We still await the much promised law reforms in respect of leasehold property.  We were promised in February that legislation, making significant changes to the leasehold system as we know It, would be introduced in the Kings Speech.     The leasehold bill is “very complex”. The reforms originally announced in 2021 to date have READ MORE >

Linda Ball

 Are mirror wills right for us?

Date: March 7, 2023

  If you are married, in a civil partnership or cohabiting with a long term partner, and thinking of making or updating your will, you may have heard the expression ‘mirror wills’ and wonder if this would be suitable for you. ‘Mirror wills are wills made by two or more people in identical or very READ MORE >

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ROUND THE WORLD OVERNIGHT

Date: February 24, 2023

Adcocks Solicitors Limited’s Enfranchisement and Residential Leasehold Team can offer advice and support in relation to most anything residential leasehold – whether contentious or non- contentious including, but not limited to, Collective Enfranchisement, Rights of First Refusal,  Absent Landlord, Freehold House Purchase both statutory and voluntary, Lease Extensions both statutory and voluntary, Rights to Manage READ MORE >

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FUEL PRICES SOAR and 2030 looms ever closer…

Date: February 16, 2023

FUEL PRICES SOAR and 2030 looms ever closer … SO… YOU HAVE PURCHASED YOUR BRAND NEW ELECTRIC CAR… proudly drove it home, window down, sunglasses on entering the gates onto the communal area leading to your leasehold home, glancing around – look at me and my car …. Carefully manoeuvre into your allocated parking space READ MORE >

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Happy National Apprenticeship Week! 🎉

Date: February 10, 2023

Georgina and Rebecca are currently studying their Level 3 Paralegal Apprenticeship alongside working full time at Adcocks. “The apprenticeship has helped to broaden our legal knowledge and skills which will set us up for a future career in Law” #naw2023 #skillsforlife #legal #career #future #law


Congratulations

Date: February 9, 2023

Congratulations to Madeleine who on Friday won the ‘SLTC Young Professional of the Year’ award! Very well deserved and everyone here at Adcocks is incredibly proud of her achievement. “For the judges, Maddie was the standout candidate due to her problem solving and outside the box thinking, going above and beyond for often vulnerable and READ MORE >


Agreements with highways authorities

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Agreements with highways authorities If you develop a site and your scheme includes new roads, you will probably want to get them adopted by the local highways authority.  This will shift the long-term burden of maintenance to the highways authority, but there may be short term costs involved which you may not have anticipated.  There READ MORE >

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Property, planning and paying for care

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Property, planning and paying for care  A common concern for our clients and their families is the prospect of having to sell the family home in order to meet care costs,’ explains Kerry Davies, a Solicitor and Head of the wills and probate team with Adcocks Solicitors in Lichfield ‘There are many articles and schemes READ MORE >

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TRANSAPRENCY ORDERS- FAMILY LAW-MUNCHAUSEN BY PROXY

Date: February 2, 2023

The Law Society Gazette has this week reported on Family Division liaison judge Mr Justice Poole having made what is believed to be the first transparency order to permit reporting of a case before the family courts.  Such cases are usually heard in private and prohibiting reporting. The order concerned a finding of fact hearing READ MORE >

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Residential Property Sellers – beware of inaccurate property information forms

Date: January 31, 2023

Sellers of residential properties are required to complete and provide the prospective buyer with a property information form (form TA6), which gives the buyer detailed information about the subject property being sold. The form contains sections relating to planning permissions, building regulations, flooding risk, environmental issues, and so on, which the seller is required to READ MORE >


Capital Gains Tax Allowances

Date: November 18, 2022

News from the Chancellor Jeremy Hunt yesterday indicates that the £12,300 tax free allowance for Capital Gains Tax is set to be halved to around £6000. The annual £20,000 limit for ISA savings will be frozen. This could significantly impact on those planning to use their Capital Gains Tax allowances to make lifetime gifts to READ MORE >



Death disputes and next of kin

Date: September 30, 2022

Probate practitioners can frequently find themselves in the thick of a dispute between friends and family members when a person dies.  There are many occasions when we hear the words ‘But, I ‘m the next of kin, I have rights.’   However, this is a common misconception.  ‘Next of kin’ in law tends to only READ MORE >

Kerry D

Lichfield solicitor honoured to nurture the next generation of lawyers

Date: September 29, 2022

The head of a respected Lichfield family law firm is to help the next generation of budding lawyers to follow in his footsteps after taking up a prestigious university position.   Mark Adcock, a senior director at Adcocks Solicitors in Lombard Street, has revealed that he’s accepted an appointment to be a visiting lecturer at READ MORE >


University of Law Gets New Visiting Lecturer

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  Adcocks are pleased to announce that their Senior Director Mark Adcock has accepted an appointment with the University of Law as a Visiting Lecturer. Mark said that he was very pleased to accept the offer and to have the opportunity to help budding Law students achieve their objectives as practising lawyers. Marks specialisms include:- land READ MORE >


Compulsory Trust Registration Deadline looms- It could affect you!

Date: June 27, 2022

New HMRC rules relating to anti money laundering legislation came into force in September 2020 requiring trusts to be registered at HMRC- even if they are not taxable.  This represents a major change to the previous legal position and one which many individuals may not realise includes them.  The deadline for trust registration is 1st READ MORE >


SPOTLIGHT ON DEMENTIA – HOW SOLICITORS CAN HELP BEFORE IT IS TOO LATE

Date: May 24, 2022

DEMENTIA Action Week 2022, run by the Alzheimer’s Society, is an awareness week to encourage people to ‘act on dementia’. The theme this year is diagnosis. As a consequence of the global Covid Pandemic diagnosis of dementia is reported to be at a 5-year low. This is not because there are less cases but rather READ MORE >


Planning your legacy through charitable giving in your will

Date: May 9, 2022

There are many reasons why someone might choose to leave money to charity in their will. Tax planning may be a key incentive, or it could be due to a lack of close family members. Some may simply wish to create a longer lasting personal legacy or they might have strong feelings about a certain READ MORE >

Kerry D

Commercial property, green space, and The Queen’s Green Canopy

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From individual landowners to corporate developers, everyone is being encouraged to play their part in enhancing our environment by planting trees for The Queen’s Green Canopy, an initiative to mark Her Majesty’s Platinum Jubilee in 2022. Growing awareness of the role of our built environment and green space in tackling carbon emissions is also shaping READ MORE >

Hedley J Adcock

Paying inheritance tax when estate funds are tied up

Date: April 4, 2022

When applying for probate in regard to an estate which is subject to inheritance tax, the Probate Registry requires tax to be paid before the grant of probate application. This can prove difficult as most financial institutions will not pay out sums to executors without first seeing the grant, but there are ways to deal READ MORE >

Kerry D

Restrictive covenants and development sites

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Even the most promising development can be knocked off course if the land is subject to a restrictive covenant. Restrictions of this sort can prevent land being built on or being used for specific purposes for many years, even if the development has planning permission. There are practical ways to work around restrictive covenants if READ MORE >

Hedley J Adcock

Making sure your property passes as you choose, with a life interest trust

Date: March 28, 2022

Creating a will with a life interest trust over your property allows you to ensure that your home passes to those you choose, whilst also allowing you to provide for another loved one during their lifetime. ‘Life interest trust wills are particularly popular with couples who have children from previous relationships, such as those in READ MORE >

Kerry D

Renewing or extending your commercial lease

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When a commercial lease is due to end, both landlord and tenant will consider their business plans to decide whether they want to put a new or extended lease in place. Many business tenants have an automatic statutory right to ask for a new lease when their existing one ends, and if the landlord and READ MORE >

Hedley J Adcock

New divorce laws from April 2022

Date: March 8, 2022

Changes to divorce law come into effect in April 2022 as part of the Divorce, Dissolution and Separation Act 2020, which seeks to reduce the potential conflict amongst divorcing couples by: • removing the need/ability to make allegations about the conduct of a spouse • allowing couples to end their marriage jointly The legal world READ MORE >

Kerry D

Understanding letters of wishes and when these are appropriate

Date: February 23, 2022

Do I need a letter of wishes alongside my will? Making a will is an important part of lifetime legal planning, but do you need to put all your wishes in your will? Where should you set out your wishes for gifts or your funeral arrangements? Is it appropriate to explain your decisions about your READ MORE >


Landlord’s options if a tenant breaches repair obligations

Date: February 15, 2022

Making sure a commercial property is well maintained is one of a landlord’s key priorities, and it is almost as important as getting in the rent. Under a full repairing and insuring lease the tenant is obliged to keep the property in a good state of repair – but what can you do if you READ MORE >


“SECTION 20” LAW

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Are you a leaseholder and paying service charges? Have you heard of Section 20? Do you know that there is a procedure which landlord must adhere to where the costs of works exceeds £250.00 per flat? May I refer you to Section 20 of the Landlord and Tenant Act 1985 as amended by the Commonhold READ MORE >


Divorce day – myth or reality?

Date: December 15, 2021

It is often the case that many solicitors see a surge in enquiries for new divorce matters shortly after Christmas and New Year. Typically people want to get through Christmas without having to upset their children with news of marriage breakdown which could ruin the festivities. This coupled with the added stress that Christmas brings READ MORE >


Family firm in national spotlight after being shortlisted for two awards

Date: November 17, 2021

A family-run Midland business is celebrating after being shortlisted for no less than two prestigious national awards. Adcocks Solicitors in Lombard Street, Lichfield, has been named as a finalist for Solicitors Firm of the Year by News On The Block (NOTB). The 111-year-old niche law practice is one of just five legal firms shortlisted for READ MORE >


Obligations under a full repairing and insuring commercial lease

Date: August 12, 2021

Keeping commercial property insured and in good repair is important for both landlords and tenants, but for slightly different reasons. The tenant wants to be able to run a business from a well-maintained property. The landlord’s chief interest is in preserving the value of the property as an investment, at little or no net cost. READ MORE >


Probate and overseas assets

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Born in Greece and educated in France and Germany before coming to the UK, at his death in April of this year Prince Philip reportedly left a multi-million-pound estate which includes assets overseas. The administration of those assets, and therefore his estate, is likely to take several years to conclude. Overseas assets add a further READ MORE >


Boom of UK holiday let market

Date: July 27, 2021

As a result of the Covid-19 pandemic that has surged the globe in the last 18 months, travel has taken a big hit with many people opting to holiday in the UK this summer and next. Despite restrictions easing, international travel seems a thing of the past for many, at least for the foreseeable future. READ MORE >


Divorce – who keeps the family pet?

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Pets can be a big part of family life, but when relationships begin to break down a difficult question can arise as to who gets custody of the beloved dog, cat, or even hamster! In England and Wales, pets are regarded as property belonging to the couple, and if an agreement can’t be reached it READ MORE >


Relying on the concept of ‘next of kin’ – when is this enough?

Date: July 9, 2021

Next of kin is a commonly used term in everyday language, yet despite its frequent use ‘next of kin’ only provides legal rights where children are concerned and, even then, only in certain circumstances. The general rule is that the parent or guardian of a child under the age of 18 has authority to make READ MORE >


Water, drainage, and sewers; out of sight, but not out of mind

Date: July 6, 2021

When contemplating our business properties, attention tends to focus on the visible aspects, such as the architectural design or practical aspects such as access facilities or security. While services relating to water supply, drainage, and sewers, tend to be out of sight, it is important that they are not forgotten by commercial property owners. Business READ MORE >


Well Done!

Date: July 1, 2021

Well done to Francesca who has received some great feedback and a lovely gift from her clients. Very well deserved! A huge congratulations to our conveyancing team and everyone else, involved in completing a record number of matters over the last week due to the SDLT holiday deadline.


No rent or no landlord?

Date: June 29, 2021

The Leasehold Reform (Ground Rent) Bill was recently introduced into the House of Lords and is the first, of many such changes that are coming, to reform landlord & tenant law. This follows the Government’s stated objective of making the relationship between freeholders and long leaseholders, fairer. The bill will no doubt be welcome news READ MORE >


The Nil Rate Band (NRB) and Inheritance Tax (IHT)

Date: June 17, 2021

The Nil Rate Band (NRB) Will trust on the death of the first spouse- to keep or not to keep When advising clients and drafting wills solicitors often make use of The Nil Rate Band (NRB) in a Will Trust for married couples and civil partners. The NRB is the rate under which 0% of READ MORE >


Making a will or giving a gift on your deathbed

Date: June 10, 2021

Living through a global pandemic has meant seeing loved ones taken from us at an alarming rate, and it has been distressing for many to see someone taken into hospital and not know if you might be able to see them again. Whilst planning ahead to document your wishes in a will is the best READ MORE >



Leasehold Houses: Purchasing the Freehold – Leasehold Reform Act 1967:

Date: June 1, 2021

Enfranchisement Rights Provided by the Leasehold Reform Act 1967: Under the current law, Leaseholders who have owned a house for more than 2 years that is subject to a long lease are likely to benefit from statutory enfranchisement rights provided by the provisions of the Leasehold Reform Act 1967 (“the 1967 Act”) to extend their READ MORE >


Where can I charge my car?

Date: May 25, 2021

SO… YOU HAVE PURCHASED YOUR BRAND NEW ELECTRIC CAR… proudly drove it home, window down, sunglasses on entering the gates onto the communal area leading to your leasehold home glancing around – look at me and my car …. Carefully manoeuvre into you allocated parking space …. Jump out “plug in hand” …. “OK where’s READ MORE >


Common probate mistakes and how to avoid them

Date: May 20, 2021

If you are someone’s executor, then it can be tempting to try to administer the estate yourself with a view to saving money. If the estate is simple and you are comfortable with the legal and tax regulations, then this may be fairly straightforward. However, executors are personally liable to the beneficiaries and to HMRC READ MORE >


Extending your commercial property

Date: May 14, 2021

If your business is expanding, you may have outgrown your current premises. Before you start looking for a new site, it is worth investigating whether you could extend your existing property. Depending on the site and the nature of your building, you may be able to extend up by adding new floors, down by digging READ MORE >


Site assembly for commercial development

Date: April 29, 2021

If you have a great idea for developing a piece of unused land, you may find that you need to get control of some neighbouring property to provide access or just to make the development large enough to be financially viable. Assembling a site can be time-consuming, so it helps if you know what to READ MORE >



It’s complicated – lifetime planning and marital status

Date: April 20, 2021

The coronavirus pandemic has seen many marriage or civil partnership ceremonies postponed, and a survey by the wedding planning website Hitched found that 71 per cent of couples had postponed their weddings rather than proceed with just a handful of guests. Despite the range of options nowadays, many couples also prefer not to formalise their READ MORE >


It’s complicated – changes to marital status and making a will

Date: April 16, 2021

There have been a number of changes in regard to marriage law since 2004, with the most recent being the introduction of opposite-sex civil partnerships in 2019. These changes have been important in providing clarity over legal rights and financial security when one member of the couple dies. Meanwhile, despite ongoing campaigns, couples who choose READ MORE >


Leasehold Solutions ceases trading, We are here to help!

Date: April 15, 2021

We are helping many former clients of the Leasehold Solutions group following the businesses ceasing to trade. As both solicitors and valuers you can be sure of a seemless and friendly service. With over 20 years’ experience specialising in lease extensions, freehold purchases and associated work you will be in excellent hands. Call our Senior READ MORE >


Legal tips for optimising the sale value of commercial property

Date: March 23, 2021

If you are reviewing your commercial property portfolio, you may decide that the time is right to sell some of your property. It goes without saying that you will want to get the best possible value from the sale. Prices are strongly affected by the local property market which is linked to the level of READ MORE >


Getting a divorce- Adcock’s can help.

Date: March 12, 2021

Getting a divorce can seem like it will be one of life’s most stressful experiences- but it does not have to be. We can help with practical solutions and advise in guiding you through the process. Decisions that have to be made include deciding where you will both live, how you will both manage financially READ MORE >


Sweeping Leasehold changes – or a fight?

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Mark Adcock’s recent blog ‘Sweeping Leasehold changes – or a fight?’ has been published in the latest Birmingham Law Society Bulletin. https://issuu.com/weareoui/docs/law_society_bulletin_march_april_2021


Dealing with estate debts as an Executor

Date: March 4, 2021

Dealing with estate debts If you are an executor of an estate, you may need to deal with debts that have been left behind. Any estate may have debts to be considered, even if the deceased was wealthy – it is reported that Michael Jackson died with around $500 million worth of debt. Personal debts READ MORE >


Enfranchisement Lawyer Joins Leading Midlands Practice

Date: February 19, 2021

We are delighted to announce that Linda Ball, a Chartered Legal Executive has recently joined us as head of our niche and expanding enfranchisement and residential leasehold Department. Linda, who has many years’ experience dealing with the very specialist work for which we have become so well-known, brings with her the technical skills, which combined READ MORE >


So what is “Commonhold”?

Date: February 12, 2021

The Law Society has welcomed the government’s plans to reform the rights of home owners. The recent Law Commission Report proposed legislation promising to “ban” the creation of leasehold houses and ground rents in new leases created after its introduction. The reforms promise a system of freehold purchases for house owners and extension of lease READ MORE >



How to plan philanthropic giving through your will

Date: January 29, 2021

In 2006, the American multi-billionaire Warren Buffet astounded the media by making a pledge to give away 99 per cent of his wealth to charities. He plans to do most of this in his lifetime and intends the remainder to be given away within 10 years after his estate is settled.  A few years after READ MORE >


Exiting your commercial lease – what are the options?

Date: January 26, 2021

If your business is struggling and you lease your premises, it might be tempting to simply hand back the keys and walk away from your lease. However, ending your obligations under a lease is not that simple!  While there are several ways to approach this, there are numerous pitfalls and the right negotiation tactics will READ MORE >


Government Reforms To Make It Easier And Cheaper For Leaseholders To Buy Their Homes

Date: January 14, 2021

Briefing Note Regarding Government Reforms To Make It Easier And Cheaper For Leaseholders To Buy Their Homes On Thursday 7th January 2021, the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government published a press release setting out the Government’s objective to make it easier and cheaper for leaseholders to exercise their current rights to enfranchise (acquire READ MORE >


Witnessing of Wills and LPA services go digital

Date: January 7, 2021

Isolation during the coronavirus pandemic has meant more people are relying on digital services to get things done while keeping safe at home – and government institutions have been adapting to cope with these changes. During July, two key developments were announced which affect people making a will or acting under a power of attorney. READ MORE >


Practice director achieves impressive GDL distinction

Date: November 25, 2020

We’re delighted to announce that our Practice Director, Frances Di Pierri, has completed a career progression milestone – and with flying colours. Frances, who is the 4th generation of the Adcock family to work for the company, took a two year sabbatical to complete her Graduate Diploma in Law, or GDL, and she not only READ MORE >

Frances Di Pierri

Shhh..……Don’t talk about dying: Confronting the taboo

Date: October 30, 2020

  Covid19 has brought the subject of dying to the forefront of our minds like never before.  Typically as a nation us Brits are masters in avoiding talking about topics that make us feel uncomfortable- many of us have experienced the relative that hastily rushes to make a cup of tea whenever there’s a kissing READ MORE >


We Now Specialise In Family Law

Date: September 21, 2020

If you are divorcing, separating, or have a dispute with your partner about children, property, or financial matters it is important that you seek specialist divorce and family law advice.  Solicitor Kerry Davies, recently joined our team having returned to the Midlands after practising law in the North West for the last 18 years.  Kerry READ MORE >


Family firm with a proud history celebrates 110 years in business

Date: June 22, 2020

Adcocks Solicitors has seen many changes in law in the years that have followed Leonard Hedley Adcock setting up the business, about a month after qualifying, in West Bromwich in 1910. And now the firm, which is today run by his proud grandson Mark Adcock, is celebrating its 110th anniversary. “From the very start until READ MORE >

Mark Adcock

110 years in business!!

Date: May 11, 2020

Our family firm celebrates 110 years in business!! Click the link below to read more!! https://www.uknewsgroup.co.uk/family-firm-celebrates-110-y…/

Adcock Father, Son & Daughter Picture

Competition and Market Authority express concern over managing agent fees and some leasehold property practices

Date: April 17, 2020

Earlier this year the Competition and Market Authority (“CMA”) published an update regarding leasehold selling practices and managing agent fees which you can view here.   The main points to highlight from the update are as follows:   Unreasonable fees: being charged excessive and disproportionate fees for things like the routine maintenance of a building’s READ MORE >


Daniel Farrelly

Date: March 6, 2020

We are delighted to welcome on board Daniel Farrelly who has just started his training contract with us. Dan, who joined Adcocks in August 2018, has been working in the enfranchisement team and has made a great contribution in helping us to develop this specialist area of our work. Dan, who obtained his law degree READ MORE >


E-mail Signatures – Warning!

Date: January 6, 2020

In a highly significant case in the High Court (Neocleous v Rees [2019] EWHC 2462 (Ch) (20 September 2019), HHJ Pearce has held that an automatically inserted email footer constituted a signature for the purposes of a property sale contract.  By law, a contract for the sale of property must be made in writing, set READ MORE >


What On Earth Is A Section 5 Notice?

Date: November 26, 2019

If you have received one of these, you need to act fast. Your freeholder is disposing of the block in which you have a flat and you have first refusal. You only have a limited time to reserve your rights (whilst you consider the position) Click the link below to read more ⬇️⬇️⬇️ 📞 So call us READ MORE >


Law Commission Consultation Paper

Date: November 11, 2019

Some time ago The Government announced that it wants to make extending the lease of your flat or buying the freehold of your house quicker, easier and cheaper for everyone. The Law Commission has published a consultation paper and is now considering the responses. So what should you do? Wait for the possible changes, or READ MORE >


Investment Properties

Date: September 18, 2019

Own a house or flat? But don’t actually live there anymore? Be very careful to make sure your service address at the Land Registry is changed. Failure to do so can, in the worst case scenario, result in you losing your investment property!


Labour Announces New Plans for leaseholders

Date: September 9, 2019

As if the leasehold sector isn’t facing enough change at present, Labour have announced a plan to give tenants of shorthold flats and houses the right to buy out their landlords interest as of right, and at a discount to the market value of that property. How Labour plan to fund such a scheme isn’t READ MORE >


Set Your Own Service Charge!

Date: August 23, 2019

Did you know that you and your neighbours who own flats in a block can take over management of the building, and set your own service charge levels? There are qualifying rules that apply, but if the building qualifies and 50% of the tenants wish to exercise the right you’re away!. The great advantage is READ MORE >


Stamp Duty Land Tax – which rate applies?

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The purchase of property in England is usually subject to Stamp Duty Land Tax. The rates of taxation are different for residential and non-residential property. Non-residential property generally has a lower rate than residential. If a property has a mixed residential and non-residential use, then generally speaking it will be taxed as a non-residential property READ MORE >


Missing Freeholder

Date: August 19, 2019

Do you want to buy the freehold of your house, or extend the lease of your flat but are frustrated with the fact that you can’t trace the freeholder? Well we have the solution! Most tenants of residential houses and flats have the right to acquire an extended lease of their flat or the freehold READ MORE >


The New ‘Super Exam’

Date: August 16, 2019

There are currently several routes to becoming a solicitor in England and Wales. Gaining a Law degree followed by the Legal Practice Course before undertaking a training contract (of usually two years), is the more traditional route to qualifying. However, some people choose to gain a degree in another field and then study a Postgraduate READ MORE >


Lasting Powers of Attorney

Date: August 12, 2019

It is important to consider in life who will be able to assist you should you ever lose your mental capacity. Whilst it is a subject that not many like to entertain it is an all-important discussion that is often left to late in many cases. Too often we receive calls from worried relatives when READ MORE >


Possible changes to Leasehold Law

Date: August 5, 2019

Did you know that the current two year waiting period to exercise the right to extend your lease, or buy the freehold of your home could be abolished if the government implements the law commission’s recommendation? It will open up the right to many people who currently do not qualify, and if implemented will be READ MORE >


Worried about Care Home Fee’s?

Date: July 31, 2019

Worried about care fees? Always seeing it in the media? It is a pressing issue for many and all too often people are unsure of their circumstances and what will happen to their estate should they require care. National Media is reporting at present that care fees are on the increase year on year with READ MORE >


The Pitfalls of Homemade Wills

Date: July 19, 2019

Never underestimate the importance of obtaining professional advice when preparing your Will. All too often we deal with cases where individuals have attempted to prepare their own Wills only to realise it is completely ineffective. If such a document is drafted incorrectly it can be invalid leading to your estate passing to those individuals you’d READ MORE >


Leasehold Law Update

Date: July 15, 2019

Labour announced last week its bid to ban the sale of leasehold homes and crack down on other controversial practices if it wins power. This follows largely the mandate set by the Conservative party – though it will be interesting to see, given the political climate, which party achieves it first. Great news if you READ MORE >


Winners!!

Date: June 10, 2019

Adcocks are thrilled to have won the Solicitors Firm of the Year Award at last nights ERMAS Awards ceremony! Thank you News on the block for an amazing event! Congratulations to all the winners and the highly commended!


News on the Block Enfranchisement and Right to Manage Awards for 2019!

Date: June 3, 2019

Adcocks are delighted to announce that they have just been shortlisted as finalists for the Solicitors Firm of the Year – Outside of London – in the News on the Block Enfranchisement and Right to Manage Awards for 2019! It is great to be recognised for our hard work and dedication in this specialist area READ MORE >


Commercial Landlord and Tenant Services

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Adcocks act for both large nationally recognised companies and local individual landlords and tenants on matters including: drafting new leases; renewals; exercising options; lease surrenders and assignments. We pride ourselves on offering the best possible service to all of our clients and on giving up to date legal advice. We understand that commercial transactions regularly READ MORE >


AirBnB

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Have you considered offering your property to AirBnB? If so please read our recent article written by Daniel Farrelly before you make any decisions, it might not be as straight forward as you think. For more information on this please call Daniel on 01543 442105 or alternately email him at df@adcocks.com.


Stamp Duty Land Tax Update

Date: February 27, 2019

The law is always changing and Residential and Commercial Property is no different. At Adcocks Solicitors we pride ourselves on giving up to date legal advice with one eye on the potential changes in the future. We have outlined two examples of this below. This year Stamp Duty Land Tax (“SDLT”) has changed. Since 1st READ MORE >


The Elusive Freeholder

Date: February 1, 2018

Did you know that if your house or flat is leasehold and you don’t know the identity or the address of your freeholder, there is a procedure for claiming the freehold or an extended lease, even where the freeholder cannot be found or identified? It is important to know the identity of the freeholder, Not READ MORE >


Don’t Lose Your House!

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If you own a freehold or leasehold property (whether residential or commercial) have you checked that the registered address at the Land Registry is an address to which communications would find their way to you? We are finding an increasing and disturbing number of cases, where clients have not updated their service address at the READ MORE >


An Everlasting Light

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It is not always an easy thing to come to terms with, but sadly it’s a statistical fact, that as longevity increases, so does the number of us increase, who will suffer from mental incapacity as we age. This is a distressing time enough for families to deal with, never mind with the added complication READ MORE >


Have you done your Wills lately?

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You may have made a Will and think, that there’s nothing more to worry about. Well, you have certainly gone a long way of easing the problems after your death. However, an out of date Will can be more harmful than no Will at all, so it’s essential to make sure you keep it under READ MORE >