News

BAD NEWS FOR CONSUMERS
Despite a long running campaign by the Law Society, to ensure that there is a level playing field for all consumers wishing to m

Cryptic Quiz...The Answers!
A big thank you to all of you who entered our cryptic quiz competition, it was a great start to our Mistress Cutler's Challe

What to do when a loved one dies.
When someone close to you dies, amongst the grief, there is much that needs to be done on a practical level. Some of the things

Protection for Consumers
For some years now, there has been growing concern that anybody, whether they have qualifications or not, can set themselves up

Bell & Buxton and the Master Cutler's Challenge is Launched
Following the success of last year's events, we have entered into the challenge again this year. With the help of our clie

Bell & Buxton secures Law Society's conveyancing quality mark
Bell & Buxton Solicitors in Sheffield has secured membership to the Law Society's Conveyancing Quality Scheme - the mark

Bell & Buxton Solicitors Provides Free Will Service to Help Macmillan Cancer Support
Bell & Buxton Solicitors Solicitors has joined forces with Macmillan Cancer Support to exclusively offer a free will-writ

Free Wills Network
  Bell & Buxton Solicitors are pleased to be members of the National Free Wills Network which brings together

Good News for the Elderly?
It is debateable whether the announcements relating to care for the elderly made by the Government on 11th February, 2013 will t

Changes to the Property Market in England and Wales
The release of the 2011 census data allows us to observe changes in the property market over the last two decades. It demons

Do You Qualify for Business Rates Relief?
In a time where business owners are looking to cut costs, many are not considering that savings can be made on the business rate

The Great British Quiz - Charity Quiz Night
If you would like to put a team of 4 together, please email Tracy Jesson, t.jesson@bellbuxton.co.uk  for more informatio

2012 Autumn Statement: property implications
On 5 December 2012, the Chancellor of the Exchequer, George Osborne, delivered the 2012 Autumn Statement. The key announcement

Success in the Master Cutler's Challenge 2012
In March 2012, the team at Bell and Buxton received £50.00 at the Master Cutler’s Challenge Launch event. They then

Bell & Buxton@Bakewell - free legal clinic
Bell & Buxton provide a free legal clinic on alternate Thursday afternoons at the Town Hall in Bakewell, Derbyshire. The c

Significant Increase in Lasting Powers of Attorney
The Office of the Public Guardian, the Government Agency which oversees Lasting Powers of Attorney on behalf of Government and t

Supreme Court Provides Clarity in Leasehold Enfranchisement Claims.
The Supreme Court has now issued judgment in the joined appeals of Day and another v Hosebay Ltd and Howard de Walden Estates Lt

Is Your Landlord Insurance Cover Adequate?
Due to the current housing crisis in the UK, there are more landlords in the country than ever before.  However, many landl

Bernard Matthews Deceased
Many people will be aware that the entrepreneurial Norfolk Turkey Farmer Bernard Matthews died a couple of years ago.  

Investing in Commercial Property
The credit crunch has had a negative effect on investment in commercial property, however, it would appear that investors are be

New Date For Contentious Probate Seminar
IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENT: Our seminar 'What Happens When Probate Becomes Contentious?' has a new date: MONDAY 5th NOVE

Bell & Buxton's Legal 500 Commercial Success
Sheffield city centre based law firm, Bell & Buxton, have been included in the Legal 500 for the fifth year running, and the

Breakfast Seminar Invitation - Contentious Probate
What Happens When Probate Becomes Contentious? A breakfast seminar aimed at increasing your awareness of potential contentious

Cut off For Health Care Funding
30th September 2012 is the cut off date for appeals to be lodged by most people (there are a few exceptions) who thinks that the

Family Law: The current law creates too much potential for uncertainty and inconsistency.
These are the words of Professor Elizabeth Cooke, the Law Commissioner with responsibility for Property, Family and Trust Law. A

Charity Begins at (Grandma and Grandad's) Home
In these times, many Grandparents see it as part of their duty to help their children and grandchildren financially. Rising fe

What Does it Cost to Write a Will? Do it Yourself?
I am often asked how much does it cost to write a Will, sometimes this question is followed by “isn’t it better (pre

First Regulated Residential Property Fund Launched
The Financial Services Authority (FSA) has given approval to the TM Hearthstone UK Residential Property Fund to give investors a

Bell & Buxton say 'I Do'
A Wedding Show might not be the first place you would expect to see a law firm, but that is exactly where Bell & Buxton Soli

Armageddon for your iTunes collection?
There has been plenty of recent press coverage for Bruce Willis but not as a result of attempts to entice us to the local multip

A Matter of Life and Death
The debate in relation to assisted suicide, or euthanasia, has been brought back into the public eye as a result of the case of

Chancel Repair Liability
Chancel repair liability is an issue that can be troublesome for conveyancers, landowners, prospective purchasers and church cou

Paying for the Care of the Elderly
  At the beginning of July the Government published a draft Bill intended to bring together legislation in relation to ad

Another Corker from Bell & Buxton!
The final event in the Bell & Buxton Master Cutler’s Challenge calendar, their charity wine tasting evening, was a hug

New EPC requirements result in increase in EPC enquiries
Commercial property owners are being warned to be aware of the risk of not having a valid Commercial Energy Performance Certific

The High Court Rules that Unpaid Jobseeker Schemes Are Lawful
Government back-to-work schemes criticised as "forced labour" has been ruled lawful by the High Court in a recent deci

RICS Guidance for Planners
The Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors has provided guidance for planners and developers concerning the building of new co

Bell & Buxton @ Bakewell Show
Solicitors from Bell & Buxton set up their gazebo and spent two days out of the office at the Bakewell Show, providing legal

Bell & Buxton Support The University of Sheffield Race Team in the International Formula Student Competition
Bell & Buxton were delighted to be able to support this initiative and enjoyed seeing these dedicated students take part in

Fixed Fee Divorces
At Bell & Buxton we understand that the breakdown of your marriage is a difficult time filled with uncertainties, both perso

Charity Wine Tasting Event
Invite you to a charity Wine Tasting Event in aid of We are hosting a Wine Tasting Evening at the Tulip Lounge on Thurs

Bell & Buxton Trainee Solicitor Makes the England Team
Bell & Buxton trainee solicitor, Ben Lyon, will be representing England in this year’s European Lacrosse Championships

Withers and Rogers Steal the Bell & Buxton Crown
The team at Bell & Buxton have taken up the Master Cutler’s Challenge with great gusto! Having already organised a c

An Offer too Good to Refuse?
by Alex Watkinson, Associate, Bell & Buxton Solicitors A recent court case involving Bell & Buxton’s Inheritan

A Big 'Thank You' to our Supporters
We want to say a very big ‘Thank you’ to all the businesses that have donated some fantastic prizes for our charity

Proposals to Regulate Will Writing
The Legal Services Board following an extensive investigation is proposing that the writing of Wills and the Administration of E

Bell & Buxton Solicitors Raise Thousands of Pounds For Will Aid
(from the left): Ruth Tormey and Charles Neal Sheffield city centre based firm, Bell & Buxton Solicitors, has raised mo

Reduce Inheritance Tax - Give to Charity
Following George Osborne’s 2012 Budget there has been much discussion, among other things, of his drive to prevent the &ld

Bell & Buxton Triumph in High Profile Contentious Probate Court Case
The dispute of the Estate of Local businessman, Roy Lilleyman, who died on 6th January 2010, has finally been settled after a 3

EASTER CAR BOOT SUCCESS FOR TEAM BELL & BUXTON
Having a well deserved rest is what most of us were doing during the Easter break, but this was not the case for three brave Bel

A Lesson For All - Solicitors Can Save You Thousands
By Alex Watkinson, Associate, Bell & Buxton Solitiors There is a common perception that solicitors and professional advice

April Charity Auction
in aid of the Cavendish Cancer Care Charity   As part of our bid to raise as much money for the Cavendish Centre thr

'Beat the Solicitors' Charity Quiz!
Bell & Buxton are hosting a Charity Quiz Night  at the Tulip Lounge on Thursday 17th May 2012. We hope to raise as much

10 Things You Didn't Know About Matt Rodgers!
Matt has been a Partner and the Head of the Property Team at Bell & Buxton for the last 5 years. As a highly regarded comm

A Quick, Easy Divorce?
By Adam Tankard, Head of the Family Team, Bell & Buxton Solicitors At a recent conference, Britain’s most senior

The Budget 2012 - The Key Points
Over the coming days and weeks, the media will be full of comment and analysis of the various announcements made in the Chancell

Survival of the Fattest? by Alex Ross
In these trying times it is often tempting to contemplate one’s navel, whilst bemoaning the lack of work and non-existent

How you can achieve more income from your property.
Matt Rodgers, Partner and Head of the Property Team, Bell & Buxton Solicitors, Sheffield. This article looks at ways in

Unregulated Will Writers Can Make Fatal Mistakes
Charles Neal, Partner and Head of the Wills and Probate Team at Bell & Buxton Solicitors, was recently asked to review an En

If You Own a Long Leasehold Flat, Read This!
David Jones, Property Solicitor at Bell & Buxton Solicitors, talks about how you can extend your lease. If you have

Bell & Buxton Charity Auction
in aid of the Cavendish Cancer Care Charity   As part of our bid to raise as much money for the Cavendish Centre thr

Presumption of Death
By Charles Neal, Partner, Bell & Buxton Solicitors, Sheffield When a person dies it is always an emotionally challenging t

Care Home Fees - Check The Small Print
By Charles Neal, Partner, Bell & Buxton Solicitors, Sheffield When a person moves into full time residential care there ar

Bell & Buxton Boost the Sheffield and District Junior Lawyers Division
In the past year Bell & Buxton has had increased involvement in the Sheffield and District Junior Lawyers’ Division

Bell & Buxton and the Master Cutler's Challenge 2012
Bell & Buxton have joined forces with a number other Sheffield law firms to raise money for the much deserved Cavendish Canc

Property Seminar with UHY Wingfield Slater and ECS Insurance Brokers
5 March 2012 Last week, Bell & Buxton held a property seminar in association with UHY Wingfield Slater accountants and ECS

Good news for first-time buyers
By David Jones, Property Solicitor, Bell & Buxton Solicitors There is some good news at the moment for people hoping to st

Maximising Your Property Assets Seminar
Bell & Buxton has teamed up with UHY Wingfield Slater to host a seminar on Thursday 1st March, dedicated to 'Maximising

Abolish the Minimum Wage for Trainee Solicitors - An Abomination!
By Mary Butler, Senior Partner, Bell & Buxton Solicitors. The Solicitors Regulation Authority is currently conducting a

Who would you prefer to do your conveyancing?
Below is an excellent article from HighStreetLawyer.com.  Who would you prefer to do your conveyancing?  Your known an

Financial Abuse - Magistrate Ordered to Repay Thousands Spent from Mother's Accounts.
By Alex Watkinson, Associate, Bell & Buxton Solicitors A Magistrate who sits in Milton Keynes has been ordered by Central

Professionally Drawn Will Declared Invalid.
By Alex Watkinson, Associate, Bell & Buxton Solicitors. A recent case dealt with in London County Court has shown that e

Letting a Commercial Premises - Differing Tenancies
By Matt Rodgers, Partner, Bell & Buxton Solicitors I am often asked to consider the implications of various types of comme

Client Focus: Cutting Technologies Limited
Bell & Buxton client, Barnsley based Cutting Technologies, was established in 2003 due to a desire to produce a high qual

10 Things You Didn't Know About Alex Ross!
Alex Ross has been a Partner and the Head of Commercial Services at Bell & Buxton for the last 12 years. Alex is respected a

Changes to Unfair Dismissal: What are the practical effects?
As of 06th April 2012 the qualifying period of unfair dismissal claims increased to 2 years continuous service. Consequently, fo

UK Corporate Governance Code Update
In its twentieth anniversary year, a revised version of the UK Corporate Governance Code is due to be issued by the Financial Re

Client Focus - Doorpac Limited
Bell & Buxton client, Sheffield based Doorpac, is a leading supplier of doorsets to the construction industry, supplying

Bell & Buxton Now Offer Collaborative Law
Adam Tankard, Head of Bell & Buxton’s Family Team, talks about his recent Collaborative Law qualification and what tha

Free Wills Clinic at Spinkhill Returns!
The hugely popular Bell & Buxton Free Wills Clinic will return to the Immaculate Conception Catholic Primary School in Janua

Fantastic Response to Will Aid Campaign
Following the announcement that Bell & Buxton Solicitors were once again lending their support to the Will Aid Campaign, we

Major Case Decided on Unmarried Couples Property Rights
The Supreme Court has just made a decision in a long running case, Jones v Kernott [2011] UKSC 53, involving an unmarried couple

Divorce Affects Inheritance Tax Planning
Divorce Affects Inheritance Tax Planning. Charles Neal, Partner and Head of Wills & Probate Department, Bell & Buxton

Independent Schools Win Their Legal Battle Against the Charity Commission
Since the introduction of the 2006 Charity Act, independent schools, in particular, have been under pressure from the Charity Co

Sheffield Legal Services, An Overview (or mine's a pint!) by Alex Ross
SHEFFIELD LEGAL SERVICES – AN OVERVIEW (or mine’s a pint!) By Alex Ross, Partner, Bell & Buxton Solicitors

Why Should I Get a Will?
Why Should I Get a Will? This article written by Lucy Townsend, for the BBC Magazine, sets out just how important having a Wil

New Property Solicitor Appointed
Sheffield city centre based law firm, Bell & Buxton, is delighted to welcome David Jones to join its Property team. David

Bell & Buxton Join the Free Will Campaign
Once again Bell & Buxton Solicitors are proud to announce their participation in the 2011Will Aid Campaign. The Campaign ,

Consumers Need Protection by Charles Neal
The current organisations that provide legal services are only regulated if they undertake “reserved activities”. T

Fraudulent Will-Writer Jailed
An unregulated “professional will writer” has been jailed for 14 months after charging clients to “fix”

Equity Release: What to look out for
What is Equity Release? You may have seen adverts for so called ‘equity release’ schemes which allow you to turn

Mary Butler Features in 'Women in Business'
Bell & Buxton's senior partner, Mary Butler, has appeared in this months Star Business 'Women in Business' featu

'The Business of Compliance' by Jim Conlon
Jim Conlon, Commercial Solicitor at Bell & Buxton, Sheffield, has had his Bribery Act 2010 article published in August

Legal Ombudsmans first report claims: thousands ripped off by unregulated Will-writers.
Thousands of people are being ripped off by companies providing unregulated services such as will writing, claims the first Lega

Law Society backs Consumer Panel call for will writing to be regulated.
The Law Society is delighted that the Legal Services Board’s [LSB] Consumer Panel has thrown its weight behind the Society

Update on commercial lease break options
Further to our earlier article on this topic, break clauses continue to exercise the Courts and, perhaps as a consequence of the

Free Solar Panels - The Legal Issues
  It is becoming increasingly common to see solar panels on the roofs of residential houses.  This is as a result of

SPINKHILL WILLS CLINIC
The Bell and Buxton Spinkhill Wills Clinic has proved to be popular for local people wishing to make Wills or Lasting Powers of

New Family Solicitor appointed
Bell & Buxton are pleased to announce the appointment of a new solicitor, Adam Tankard, who specialises in family, divorce a

Bell & Buxton Family Solicitor accepted as a member of Resolution
Our new family law solicitor, Adam Tankard, has been accepted as a member of the family law association, Resolution.  As

Bell & Buxton invest for the future
Bell & Buxton invest  for the future Experienced Sheffield Solicitor John Hodgson has joined Bell & Buxton Soli

Is my sweepstake legal?
By Jim Conlon, Commercial Litigation IS MY GRAND NATIONAL SWEEPSTAKE LEGAL?   1. Sweepstakes based on chance can be lo

NEW RULING ON INHERITANCE ACT CASES COULD OPEN FLOODGATES
1 April 2011 For many years, the Inheritance (Provision For Family And Dependants) Act (1975) was used to make financial provi

Prenuptial Agreements
Once the preserve of rich American superstars, Prenuptial Agreements are growing more commonplace here in the UK. As a direct

RICS proposals for a strong property market recovery
16 February 2011 A strong property market means a strong UK economy.  The Royal Institute of Chartered surveyors (RICS) e

Can't take it with you - BBC2 programme
Prime Time BBC TWO Programme: 'Can't take it with you'  commencing Friday 28th January 2011 9pm www.bbc.co.uk

The Full Service - Bell & Buxton plan for the future
Click to read full article from The Star Business Monthly  go to p17 in the publication

Wills Clinic in Spinkhill, Sheffield
Bell & Buxton launches a Will Clinic in Spinkhill which will take place each alternate Thursday in term time from 4:30pm to 6:

63% AT RISK OF INTESTACY
26 October 2010 A recent report by the National Centre for Social Research concluded that only 37% of people have a Will. Where

Looking Forward
15 December 2010 Bell & Buxton Solicitors are looking forward to commencing both a new financial year and a new calendar year

Doing Business Abroad seminar a great success
How to avoid the financial & legal pitfalls Bell & Buxton joined forces with UHY Wingfield Slater and NatWest e

The Bribery Act 2010 : A Happy New Year?
12 November 2010 The Bribery Act 2010 : A Happy New Year? In addition to any residual Christmas/New Year hangovers, the comi

Free seminar - Doing business abroad? How to avoid the financial & legal pitfalls
Doing business abroad? How to avoid the financial & legal pitfalls We have joined forces with two of the region&rs

Bell & Buxton Solicitors are delighted to once again be recognised by the UK Legal 500
Bell & Buxton are delighted once again to be recognised by the UK Legal 500 particularly for our private client department, fo

BBC's Panorama Highlights Dangers of Using Will Writers
In a recent BBC Panorama programme, presenter Vivian White highlighted the risks in using a will writing service as opposed to a s

Commercial team strengthened
Jim Conlon joins Legal 500 recommended Sheffield law firm Bell & Buxton Solicitors from a London firm, where he was a speciali

Compromise Agreements - how Bell & Buxton can help
In these difficult times we are seeing more employees being dismissed or made redundant.  Employers are using compromise agre

Bell & Buxton launches new HR service
18 June 2010 Bell & Buxton is delighted to launch a new service, especially for businesses – Bell & Buxton HR. 

Act now to reduce potential tax liabilities
With a new coalition Government, we are entering a period of uncertainty. What is clearly coming out of Westminster, however, is t

Take a Lease in Haste – Repent at Leisure
In the excitement of taking up a new tenancy of business premises, it can be easy to overlook some simple steps that can save mone

Success in London's High Court for Bell & Buxton's Contentious Probate team
Bell & Buxton’s reputation as leading experts in the field of Trust and Probate litigation (also known as Contentious Pr

Guardian Journalist makes New Year’s resolution to make a Will
A Journalist from the Guardian Newspaper makes a New Year’s resolution to make a Will. Follow the link below

Appointing Guardians For Children
One of the most important things you must consider when becoming a parent is who might take care of your child or children, in the

The Child's Rights
Separating couples, whether married or unmarried, more often than not have a tough time sorting out difficult emotional issues and

Legal 500 recognition once again
Bell & Buxton Solicitors are delighted to announce that their family department have once again been recognised by the Legal 5

Unregulated will writers failing clients, says Chancery Lane
Unregulated will writers are providing the public with unenforceable wills while charging for legal services they are not trained

Unregulated legal fringe is risk to public, says Lord Hunt of Wirral
'Whenever someone dies there is the possibility of conflict arising among family, friends and other beneficiaries or potential ben

Responses to the criticism of the Court Of Protection
SOLICITORS FOR THE ELDERLY RESPONDS to CRITICISM OF THE COURT OF PROTECTION AND THE PUBLIC GUARDIAN in the weekend press Rece

If I've split from my partner, what happens to our house?
If you are not married then the short answer is, it depends. Whilst divorce law is (relatively) sophisticated and developed, if yo

Protect Your Assets
Protecting your wealth and divorce do not sit together well. A good wealth manager will however consider succession planning and w

Bell & Buxton urge you to check your Will regularly.
According to a recent article from the Law Society care home fees could be seriously impacting on Wills (see below). It is essenti

D.I.Y Divorces; The Way Forward
Although there has been lots of talk regarding the end of the recession, the effects of this economic downturn will have far reach

Mary Butler awarded Private Client Lawyer of the Year for the second time.
We are delighted to announce that Mary Butler has, for the second time, won the Private Client Lawyer of the Year award at the Yor

Make arrangements for old age now
Many people are simply too busy living their lives to consider what will happen to them in the future and, particularly what will

Make a Will - Make a Difference
Make a Will with Bell & Buxton Solicitors and give to the Will Aid charities this November Local solicitors firm, Bell &

Supporting the fantastic work at Bluebell Wood Children's Hospice
We are delighted to announce that the staff at Bell & Buxton Solicitors have raised £1633.63 taking part in “

Spanish Property - Don't adopt the "Manana" attitude!
Over the last few years, increasing numbers of people have moved to, or purchased second properties in Spain. The relaxed lifesty

Control your children’s inheritance
A lot of people with a small, close family often think that it’s not worth making a will because the people they want to rec

How home-made Wills can cost so much
The availability of “make-your-own-will” kits from the internet and from various High Street stores has seen a marked

Be prepared if you want to avoid problems
There are many well known sayings advocating forward thinking , “A stitch in time saves nine” and the like and a simil

The dangers of financial abuse
The old saying is “Keep your friends close but keep your enemies even closer”. As a person approaches old age and vuln

A Sterling Effort - saving Sheffield's Cutlery Industry
The world famous Sheffield cutlery industry was effectively saved thanks to the intervention of the UK’s largest silversmith

Company Health Checks available now
Is your company ready for the Companies Act 2006? Does your company comply? Private companies can benefit from the increased flex

"Of Death & Taxes.."
According to the famous saying , “There are two certainties in life – death and taxes” and to a large extent th

Mary Butler on ITV Tonight's Will Wars
Mary Butler, Senior Partner at Bell & Buxton Solicitors, featured on ITV’s Tonight on Friday 26th Septe

Who's got the Power?
Towards the end of 2007 the pending introduction of the Mental Capacity Act 2005 (MCA) meant a massive increase in the number of E

Send in the clowns!
The fundraising efforts of the Sheffield & District Fair Play League sponsored by Bell & Buxton Solicitors have literally

Will your legacy be a court battle for your children?
Act now so your family don’t pay later A top South Yorkshire solicitor is warning that in spite of regular news stories in

Thy Will be done?
Unlike many other countries, one of the underlying principles of the law in England relating to death and inheritance is Freedom o

Inheritance Tax & Trusts
In October 2007 the Pre-Budget report brought changes to Inheritance Tax with the introduction of the transferable Nil Rate Band.

Heather Mills divorce
If you were told that the courts were dealing with a procedure whereby every asset you owned including those in your own

Property Developers Beware...
The case of Harrison & Ors v Shepherd Homes Ltd & Ors [2011] EWHC 1811 (TCC) - A claim by homeowners against the builder

Where There's a Will...
By Alex Watkinson, Associate, Inheritance Disputes Department, Bell & Buxton Solicitors Over the last few years we have se

10 Things You Didn't Know About Alex Watkinson
What is your favourite food or restaurant? I love all types of food, particularly the spicy foods from South-East Asia, India a

What is Financial Abuse?
Alex Watkinson, Associate, Bell & Buxton Solicitors What Is Financial Abuse? Financial abuse can take many forms and pred

News Archive

• Remember, Remember (to check your insurance on) The 5th of November
• Budget 2011
• Life Beyond Work - free seminar on retirement planning
• Wills Offer - Beat the VAT Increase
• National Landlords Association Sheffield Branch Meeting
• Free Seminar provided by Bell & Buxton HR
• Bell & Buxton staff raise money for Haiti
• Commercial lease break options need careful examination
• New appointment to Wills and Probate team
• Sheffield Law Firm scoops top Yorkshire award
• Financial Assistance - or Hindrance?
• Directors Save Money on Solicitors' Fees!
• Consider Shareholders’ Agreements to protect your business stake
• Making sure your family benefits to the maximum
• When tenants don’t comply with repair liabilities
• Bell & Buxton join Legal 500
• Sheffield Fair Play League gets new Sponsor
• Commercial team strengthened at leading Sheffield law firm
• Don’t trust your Will is up to date
• Solicitor banged to rights
• Bell and Buxton Newsletter. Issue 1 2007

Bell & Buxton, Solicitors
Telegraph House, High Street, Sheffield, S1 2GA

Authorised and regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority. Bell & Buxton is the trading name of Bell & Buxton LLP, a limited liability partnership, registered number OC322707, registered in England. A list of members is open to inspection at the above address.