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The latest news, insights and guidance from the Mercers Solicitors team…

What can you do if a commercial tenant stops paying rent?

What can you do if a commercial tenant stops paying rent? Forfeiture for non-payment of rent can be the quickest, cheapest, and most effective means of securing payment of rent arrears or gaining possession of the property. That being said, forfeiture is complex and unless it is done correctly, it could lead to a claim […]

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Can I purchase a house without viewing?

A comprehensive guide to purchasing a house without viewing in the UK Owning a property is a significant milestone, and the process usually involves a great deal of planning and research. However, in some cases, you may find yourself considering purchasing a house without viewing it first. While this may seem daunting, it is a […]

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Can you dispute the terms of a Trust?

Should discriminatory wishes be honoured following a person’s death?  If you make a trust to benefit others, either in your Will or during your lifetime, you expect the trustees to carry out the terms of the trust or follow your wishes.   However, the case of Representation of Zedra Trust Company (Suisse) SA re C and […]

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Mercers Lifetime Lawyers

At Mercers we have a number of Private Client Solicitors who are accredited members of Solicitors For the Elderly (SFE), which this month became The Association of Lifetime Lawyers (TALL). Rebranding from SFE to TALL was thought important as advice previously considered pertinent to older clients, has become equally valuable to our younger clients.  Lifetime […]

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Will forgery – the case of Fraser v Khawaja

Forgery of signatures presents persistent challenges in the legal sector, particularly when they involve the authenticity of a will. The 2023 case, Fraser v Khawaja [2023] EWHC 3143, serves as a striking illustration of such challenges, showcasing the pivotal role of the court in navigating contentious probate disputes. The case highlights the seriousness of will […]

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Japanese Knotweed

Japanese Knotweed – Not just a gardener’s nightmare. Japanese Knotweed is classified as a highly invasive, fast-growing plant that poses a significant risk of property damage. If left untreated, it can exploit weaknesses in such things as brick, tarmac and metal piping. It has the capability to regrow from cuttings as small as 2mm and […]

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Mediation – What is it and why is it important?

What is mediation? Mediation is a facilitated negotiation process in which disputing parties seek the assistance of a neutral third party, referred to as the mediator, to resolve their conflict. The mediator is chosen by all parties involved and remains impartial throughout the process. Their responsibility is to steer discussions and facilitate a resolution that […]

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Common Myths about Inheritance Tax Planning : Busting the Misconceptions

Inheritance Tax planning is a crucial aspect of financial management, yet it is often shrouded in misconceptions and myths. As the New Year begins, it’s an opportune time to debunk these common misunderstandings and shed light on the realities of effective Inheritance Tax planning. In this article, we’ll address and dispel some of the prevalent […]

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Understanding Property sector jargon: A comprehensive guide to house sales terminology

The world of property sales can often seem like a labyrinth of complex terms and jargon. Navigating through this linguistic maze is crucial for both seasoned homeowners and first-time buyers. Understanding the terminology associated with house sales empowers individuals to make informed decisions and ensures a smoother and more transparent property transaction process. This comprehensive […]

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What to expect from the Leasehold and Freehold Reform Bill

The ‘Leasehold and Freehold Reform Bill’ is the second part of the Governments legislative package to reform the property system in England and Wales and follows on from the Leasehold Reform (Ground Rent) Act in 2022 which prohibited ground rents for new qualifying residential Leases. The bill was introduced to Parliament on 27th November 2023 […]

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What did the Chancellor’s autumn statement 2023 say about Inheritance Tax?

The Chancellor’s autumn statement ended with a flourish when Jeremy Hunt closed his speech by pulling a two per cent cut to the national insurance rate for employees out of his exchequer hat. This will see the rate paid by employees reduce from 12% to 10%, with similar cuts announced for the self-employed, with the […]

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What is a GROB (Gift with a Reservation Of Benefit)?

Ordinarily, when an individual (the donor) makes a gift*, it is considered to be a Potentially Exempt Transfer (PET) for Inheritance Tax (IHT) purposes. If the donor dies within seven years, the PET is taken into account on death and tax is calculated accordingly. If the donor survives for seven years, the PET can be […]

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