Curtis Parkinson Strengthens Property Team with Senior Appointment

We are delighted to announce that William (Will) James has joined Curtis Parkinson as a senior property solicitor. Having qualified in 2008, Will has spent his entire career practising in Nottinghamshire. In addition, he joins our property department with extensive experience in residential, commercial, and agricultural law, reinforcing our commitment to providing high-level legal expertise […]

Who is in Control? The Truth About LPAs and Your Independence

Many people feel hesitant about making Lasting Power of Attorneys (LPAs). They worry that by signing, they might be giving away control of their lives and losing their independence today. If this sounds familiar, you’re not alone. But the truth about LPAs is quite different. They’re not about surrendering control now. Instead, they’re about making […]

We’re Married, So We Don’t Need Powers of Attorney

It’s a common belief that because you’ve shared a life, a home, and perhaps children with your partner, the law automatically recognises them as your representative. This idea feels reassuring, but unfortunately, it is a myth. Legally, your spouse or civil partner isn’t automatically entitled to step into your shoes. If you ever lose the […]

Managing The Invisible Intruder in Your Conveyancing

Buying or selling a home is a major milestone. It brings excitement, along with the chaos of packing and the weight of handling significant paperwork. However, as technology advances, the world of conveyancing faces new, more complex challenges. While digital tools help speed up the process, they also introduce new risks. Possibly the greatest risk […]

Why Your Final Wishes Deserve More Than Just an Algorithm

We live in a time when ‘there’s an AI for that’ has become a reality. From composing emails to generating a week’s worth of recipe ideas, artificial intelligence appears to be a practical solution for many everyday tasks. So, it was only a matter of time before these tools turned to the most dreaded of […]

Protecting Your Assets and Your Beneficiaries

When you consider the future, it is natural to want the people you love to be safe and well cared for. Estate planning goes beyond simply having a Will. It is about two equally important things; protecting your assets from outside risks and protecting your beneficiaries from challenges they may not be ready to handle. […]

The Shadow of Delusion – Ginger v Mickleburgh [2026]

Testamentary Capacity & Mental Illness The recent ruling in Ginger & Ors v Mickleburgh & Ors [2026] EWHC 100 (Ch) demonstrates that even a professionally drafted will can be challenged on the grounds of testamentary capacity. Decided in January 2026, this lengthy dispute emphasises the importance of applying the ‘Golden Rule’ and highlights the need […]

Why Your Home’s EPC isn’t Just a Tick-Box Exercise

If you are planning to buy or sell a home this year, you may have noticed that the Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) has suddenly moved from the back of the sales pack to the very forefront of the conversation. In early 2026, the property market reached a tipping point. With the introduction of the government’s […]

Helping Your Child Buy A Property

The ‘Bank of Mum and Dad’ is firmly established among the top ten lenders in the UK. Once seen as a leg-up for first-time buyers, it is now a significant source of support for those who already own a property. Recent market data from Barclays shows a significant shift: nearly 20% of ‘second-steppers’ now rely […]

Do I Need a Trust?

In the legal world, there’s a common saying: “A Will is for the deceased, but a Trust is for the living.” If you followed our advice earlier this year, you likely feel better about making a Will. It provides the crucial foundation to ensure your estate is managed according to your wishes, rather than defaulting […]

The Executor’s Dilemma: Can You Challenge the Will?

In this blog, we explore a common concern for executors: whether a Will is truly valid. We look at the legal concepts involved and the potential risks an executor might face. Imagine a typical situation: someone is named as an executor in a Will, but as they review the document or consider how it was […]

Keeping Your LPA Current

How to Change or Replace Your Attorneys A Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA) isn’t just a “set it and forget it” document. As life evolves—marriages happen, friendships change, and people move away—the people you chose five years ago to look after your health or finances might not be the right fit today. If you are […]

Freehold vs. Leasehold: What Are You Actually Buying?

However, many buyers don’t realise that they aren’t always buying the land the house is on. In England and Wales, property ownership mainly falls into two categories: Freehold and Leasehold. Understanding the differences can really help you avoid unexpected costs and potential legal issues down the line. Freehold: You Are the Master of Your Castle […]

Write or Review Your Will This Year…

The New Year is a great time for renewal and fresh starts. It’s a perfect moment to set new resolutions and organise our lives. While many focus on goals like fitness or saving money, one genuinely meaningful resolution is to consider your family’s future—review or create your Will. Don’t delay; acting now can bring peace […]

Why Joint Tenancy Might Catch You Off Guard

When you buy property with a partner, many couples opt for joint tenancy because it appears simple. While it is a popular choice for married couples, it also involves significant, often hidden, risks that may not be immediately apparent. These risks can lead to complications if a relationship changes or if one owner dies unexpectedly. […]

Buying A Property Together

Buying a property with a partner, family member, or friend is an exciting milestone, but it also involves making essential legal decisions. One of the most significant choices you will face is deciding on your legal ownership structure and understanding how it influences your equity. This decision not only affects your rights while you own […]

Do You Need a Will to Decide Your Funeral?

Putting off making a Will is common (and understandable), but this postponement causes unnecessary difficulties for your family. Moreover, while you can include funeral details—such as cremation, burial, the type of service, and music—in your Will, relying solely on it for planning involves risks. A Will often comes too late to legally determine arrangements, but […]

The Crucial Cover: Why You Must Insure Your Property at Contract Exchange

Securing Your Investment The process of buying a house is complex, and therefore, it involves many legal steps. As a result, one essential requirement that demands careful attention is having buildings insurance from the moment you exchange contracts. This crucial stage is often overlooked or postponed, yet it is vital for protecting what is likely […]

A Line of Sight? The Perils of an Invalid Will

Lessons from Coady v Coady Writing a Will is one of the most important things you’ll ever do. It allows you to decide who inherits your property, making sure your final wishes are followed. But simply signing a piece of paper isn’t enough. A Will must strictly follow legal rules. These rules, known as the […]

Three Steps to Sell Your Property Smarter and Faster

Selling a property is an exciting venture, but the legal process can quickly become complicated and slow down if you’re not prepared. Selling a house in the UK typically takes between 3 and 7 months from listing to completion. However, with proactive planning, you can achieve a faster, smoother, and less stressful sale. By being […]