Adcocks News

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 >

In July 2020, the UK Government introduced a Stamp Duty Land Tax suspension on the first £500,000 of all property sales in a bid to help boost the property market, and many buyers across the country have been keen to take advantage of this. The aim of this holiday was to aid buyers who have READ MORE >

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 >

Deputyship – when a power of attorney is no longer an option If your partner, a parent, or another close relative is losing their ability to manage their own affairs, then you may be concerned about how much you can help, particularly where financial matters are concerned. If the person you care for has not READ MORE >

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 >

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 >

  ASOS, one of the world’s leading online fashion retailers , has announced that it will invest £90m in a new centre in Fradley near Lichfield, Staffordshire with a plan to employ 2,000 people at the site over the next three years.  ASOS already has three centres in Barnsley, Berlin and Atlanta.  This is a READ MORE >

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 >

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 >

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 >

  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 are delighted to announce the newest member to Adcocks. Please meet Kerry who has recently joined the Private Client team as Head of Department! Kerry is originally from Rugeley and has recently returned to the area to live closer to family. Kerry attended Lancaster University to complete her law degree and Chester College of READ MORE >

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 >

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 >

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…/

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 >

Following the March quarter day many Tenants are currently deciding whether they can and/or will continue to pay rent to their Landlords And some have already decided. The government has revealed further protections for businesses, with the introduction of a ban on the eviction of commercial tenants who are unable to pay their rent because READ MORE >

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 >

How would you date a document in 2020? Would you abbreviate it like you did in 2019 to 19 instead? However, this habit (easily enough done) could potentially lead to fraud. How? When dating a document for example: 23.01.20 there is a potential risk of it being changed to 23.01.2015 and so on….. Don’t let READ MORE >

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 >

The Upper Tribunal has determined that the word elevation in the contexts of a long residential lease denotes all the external vertical surfaces of the building rather than simply the front of it. It may sound like an obvious result, but to the leaseholder who altered the building without the freeholder’s consent, it was an READ MORE >

Adcocks have been getting into the festive spirit for Save the Children last week! Thank you to everyone that got involved and donated!  

The office will be closed from 5.15pm on Monday 23rd December 2019 and will re-open at 9am on Thursday 2nd January 2020. From all of us at Adcocks we would like to wish you a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!! **Please note this year we have decided to make a donation to READ MORE >

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 >

Last night Hedley Adcock and our most recently qualified solicitor Andrew Martin attended the Birmingham Law Society’s celebration of the region’s newly qualified solicitors. Andrew said that… “It was a pleasure and a privilege to be able to attend the Birmingham Law Society’s celebration of the region’s newly qualified solicitors last night and to be READ MORE >

We are delighted to announce the newest member to Adcocks.  Please meet Amelia who has recently joined the accounts team! She recently completed her degree in Fine Art at the University of Wolverhampton and previously completed an NVQ Level 2 in Business Administration at South Staffordshire College. Amelia is looking forward to joining the busy READ MORE >

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 >

Worlds Biggest Coffee Morning in aid of Cancer Research. 🍰☕️🍪🧁🎂 We raised a total of £104.15 so thank you and well done to all involved. Special mention to Phoebe who won Best Baker for her lovely Lemon Drizzle Cake 🍋🍰

This year Adcocks will be taking part in Macmillan’s Worlds Biggest Coffee Morning in aid of Cancer Research. We are holding our coffee morning on at our Lichfield office on Thursday 26th September at 11am and you are all invited to join us for tea and cake! #MacmillanCoffeeMorning 🧁🍰☕️🍪

DO YOU OWN A LEASEHOLD HOUSE OR FLAT? If the answer is yes then our FREE Leaseholders Roadshow is for you! Our team of specialists will be available on Saturday 19th October 2019 at Edgbaston Park Hotel and Conference Centre to tell you the truth about your rights as a Leaseholder in an understandable language. READ MORE >

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!

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 >

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 >

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 >

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 >

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 >

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 >

Adcocks are based in the historic and picturesque City of Lichfield. We are excited to be within walking distance of the redevelopment of the Old Picture House. The listed building will be converted to luxury residential accommodation. For more information, please visit the Contractor’s and Developer’s sites: http://www.qdtsconstruction.com/tamworth-street-lichfield-development/ Home Our commercial property team at Adcocks READ MORE >

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 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 >

Emily joined Adcocks in 2015 and following successful completion of her training contract qualified as a Solicitor in October 2018. Emily now heads up our Private Client department and supervises and trains a number of our Paralegals and Trainees, making sure we always provide a great service to our clients. Emily’s knowledge extends to our READ MORE >

Adcocks Solicitors have opened offices in the newly refurbished Crossway building in the centre of Birmingham. Founded in 1910 the firm now employs 20 staff at its headquarters in Lichfield and specialises in commercial property, leasehold reform and private client work. The opening marks the first time the firm has had a presence in Birmingham, READ MORE >

At Adcocks, we like to keep up to date with local property transactions. The beautiful Netherstowe House in Lichfield has been granted planning permission to convert to residential housing. The Hotel is based in a residential area and some will welcome the news. For further information please visit: https://planning.lichfielddc.gov.uk/online-applications/applicationDetails.do?activeTab=documents&keyVal=PR8SHSJEFK400 https://www.netherstowehouse.com/ Adcocks are able to act READ MORE >

Thank you Birmingham Law Society for arranging It’s a Knockout – great afternoon out! Disclaimer – this is the before picture!

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 >

Jo joined Adcocks in February 2016. She completed her law degree at the University of Birmingham and began her career in 2005 at the Wilkes Partnership in Birmingham city centre. Jo is a solicitor in our commercial and residential property team and acts for individuals, companies, trustees and lenders in acquisitions, disposals, secured lending, leases READ MORE >

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 >

We are delighted to report the success of the first in our series of Leaseholders Roadshows designed for you to tap into our specialist skills. Over 75 leaseholders attended our three sessions led by our Leasehold Enfranchisement specialists Mark Adcock and Verity McMahon – which included key information on leaseholders rights to extend their lease, READ MORE >

Abi Joined Adcocks in 2018 to assist with Administrative tasks and to gain valuable work experience before starting University later in the year. Abi went on to start her Law degree in September 2018 at The University of Birmingham. She has continued to work at Adcocks whilst studying and has now completed her first year READ MORE >

Daniel joined Adcocks in August 2017 following successful completion of his Degree in Law and Legal Practice Course at university earlier in the year. Daniel’s provides invaluable support to our busy Leasehold Reform Department. As this specialist area continues to provide us with legal challenges Daniel has picked up the new skills required quickly and READ MORE >

Francesca joined Adcocks in November 2018 following successful completion of her Degree in Law with Criminology from Aberystwyth University earlier in the year. Francesca’s responsibilities include management of the day to day secretarial support services and other clerical duties supporting the firm’s fee earners. Francesca has more than proved herself in this area in the READ MORE >

Andrew joined the Practice at the end of 2017 to assist as a Paralegal in our Residential and Commercial Property departments. Andrew is now undertaking his training contract and is due to qualify later this year. Andrew is an invaluable member of our team with a wealth of legal knowledge and skills. He is keen READ MORE >

Reminder of our upcoming Leaseholders Roadshow on Saturday 6th July at The Cathedral Hotel in Lichfield! For more information on this FREE event and to book your place please visit adcocks-solicitors.co.uk/roadshow Alternatively you can call the office on 01543 442100 📞

DO YOU OWN A LEASEHOLD HOUSE OR FLAT? If the answer is yes then our FREE Leaseholders Roadshow is for you! Our team of specialists will be available on Saturday 6th July at The Cathedral Hotel, Lichfield to tell you the truth about your rights as a Leaseholder in an understandable language. We will tell READ MORE >

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 >

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!

Madeleine joined the practice in February 2018. Madeleine has now successfully completed the Post Graduate Diploma and Masters in Professional Law and is about to start her Legal Practice Course later this year. Madeleine’s adaptable nature enables her to conduct a range of paralegal work across the practice including the drafting of legal documents in READ MORE >

The Tenant Fees Bill will come into effect on 1st June 2019. A key part of this new legislation is that tenancy security deposits will be capped at the equivalent of 5-weeks’ rent for assured-shorthold tenancies with an annual rent of up to £50,000.00, or 6-weeks’ rent for tenancies with an annual rent of £50,000.00 READ MORE >

Petya joined the practice in 2017 undertaking an audit of the documents we are holding in storage for our clients. This includes reviewing our client database records Petya is always willing to learn new skills and is now transitioning into assisting the accounts department with several duties, which is a vital support to the practice. READ MORE >

Kirstie joined Adcocks in late 2014 as an Administrative Assistant, she soon mastered the art of administration and now assists the Practice Manager and Accounts Manager with a variety of tasks, her experience and knowledge is key to a happy office as she regularly assists with IT, software, telephone issues and not to mention holiday READ MORE >

Emily Fitzpatrick explains in her article what the Law Commission have recently been working on regarding the potential changes to Right to Manage legislation.

In order to mark the importance of Mental Health Awareness Week Verity and Kirstie have transformed our Lichfield boardroom into Adcocks Stress Free Cafè. The Stress Free Cafè is open for all our members of staff to visit throughout the day to enjoy some cake and take an extra break from the normal regime of READ MORE >

Hedley joined the Practice in February 2016 as a Director and qualified as a solicitor in 2007. He specialises in commercial property work and heads up a department which now comprises 3 solicitors and a trainee. Hedley had a successful 10 year career at a top Birmingham City Centre firm where he trained and rose READ MORE >

Do you own a Leasehold house or flat? Did you know that the law relating to Leasehold houses and flats maybe changing? Mark Adcock explains the proposed changes in Leasehold Law relating to Leasehold houses and flats.

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 >

Both Verity McMahon and Emily Goode are now members of Future Faces Greater Birmingham Chamber of Commerce and will be attending their first event shortly!

Dario joined Adcocks in 2010 starting out in the administration department. He now manages all aspects of the Practice’s Accounts Department. His role is to ensure all financial related matters are dealt with on a daily basis to ensure the smooth running of the practice. He also works closely with the Directors to ensure the READ MORE >

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 >

Adcocks were invited to speak to a group of tenants of 24 flats in Market Harborough to discuss their proposals for Collective Enfranchisement (the compulsory purchase of a building owned by a freeholder). We presented an action plan going forward and the process, requirements and advantages of Collective Enfranchisement. The advantages of doing so are READ MORE >

Carolyn joined the Adcocks in 2017 following an impressive 25 year career in property law. Due to Carolyn’s wealth of knowledge, she took on the role of Property Paralegal in March 2018 and now works closely with the solicitors in the Residential Property and Leasehold Reform Departments, providing them with support in all aspects of READ MORE >

Hedley, Andrew and Emily at last nights inauguration of the youngest ever Birmingham Law Society President, Linden Thomas. Great to see a young ambitious female leading the way!

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.

Today Jo and Emily attended the Enterprising Women’s Lunch hosted by the Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce. We are happy to support an event that celebrates and promotes the success of professional women.

Phoebe joined Adcocks in 2018 and provides administrative support to all staff across the Practice. She is always around to offer a helping hand in the office and is a hugely valued member of our team. Phoebe is known as one of the most organised people in the office with a great talent for making READ MORE >

Adcocks have recently begun participating in the Cancer Research UK Free Will Service for the over 55’s. Please read our article below to find out more about this, or alternatively call our office on 01543 442100 and ask to speak to Madeleine Williams or Emily Goode.

Verity is our Leasehold Reform Solicitor and has been with Adcocks since July 2014. Verity heads up our busy Leasehold Reform department and supervises and trains a number of our Paralegals and Trainees in this complicated area of work. Verity works closely with Mark creating and delivering presentations for groups of tenants who want to READ MORE >

Adcocks were invited to speak to a group of tenants of a block of 39 flats who have recently been served a Section 5 Notice offering to sell them the freehold of their estate. We presented an action plan going forward and requirements to accept the Notice along with alternative solutions such as Collective Enfranchisement READ MORE >

Tax is a subject that many people can love to hate and often Inheritance Tax (IHT) is an area that many people just don’t understand. IHT is mainly a charge payable on an individuals’ estate on death. However, it can also arise in relation to certain lifetime gifts. Every single person has a nil rate READ MORE >

We thought we would start by introducing you to the head of our team here at Adcocks. This is Mark, he is the third generation of the Adcock family to have worked in the practice which has now been established for over 100 years! Mark has vast experience in most areas of private practice and READ MORE >

We have been joined at our Lichfield Office by our Consultant Solicitor Emily Fitzpatrick who has talked to us about recent developments and possible changes to the Law relating to Right to Manage claims. Our Valuer Geoff Bates joined us to provide an update on recent Tribunal Decisions which have affected valuation methods in relation READ MORE >

Last month Emily attended her Admission Ceremony at The Law Society in London following her successful qualification as a Solicitor. We would all like to congratulate her on this huge accomplishment!!

Today we are recognising the hard work and efforts of our Legal Secretary Francesca Allen in preparing 96 complex lease documents and concluding a difficult Lease Variation project.

On 15th October Adcocks attended a careers open day at a local secondary school where members of the Adcocks team were given the chance to share their different experiences of starting their legal career with students aged 11 to 18 years old. This was a great opportunity to talk with parents and advise students about READ MORE >

On 27th September (a day early due to staff absences) Adcocks took part in the Worlds Biggest Coffee Morning 2018 and were proud to raise £132.75 to support Macmillan Cancer Support.  There were some lovely cakes but the winner had to be this one made by Sumera Eshan. It was an absolute work of art READ MORE >

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 >

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 >

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 >

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 >