- Solicitors Surrey | Business Law Surrey

May 2013

Downs Solicitors LLP have recently been recruited onto the Design Business Association's Experts Register.

In a recent interview, John Scarrott of the DBA and Downs' Senior Partner, Chris Shipley, consider the lessons that design agencies can learn from the legal profession.

The full article can be found here.

Read More

How will the Budget announcement affect employers?

What might be in store for next week’s Budget speech?

Think carefully before embarking on the “great giveaway”

It’s time to take action – the new duty on employers to prevent sexual harassment

One in five weddings now start with a prenup

Half-sister loses case for contested will for a share of £808,000

Live in Mole Valley, Surrey? You'll need to think about tax planning

Q&A: Is £200,000 enough to retire on?

Q&A: Can I ask my employer to go home if office temperatures are too high?

If your family circumstances are changing, so should your will

The text message that prevented a family from inheriting £3 million

Direct vs indirect discrimination: do you know the difference?

Changes to UK Company Law: The Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act 2023

“I don’t need a Lasting Power of Attorney because…”

Employment law updates - 6 April 2024

All change! Non-domiciled tax rules- a budget update

HMRC fees are increasing – here’s what you need to know

Highlights from the Budget speech

Don’t leave a “Purple Haze” around your will

Menopause and the law: employers need to start making changes – or face more women leaving the workforce

When can you turn down a job offer in a redundancy situation?

The Bank of Mum and Dad is so easy to contact – even by fraudsters

How can I start "that" conversation?

Are changes on the horizon for the housing market in 2024?

Q&A: I am worried about my dad’s new partner. What can I do?

It's Divorce Day

Christmas conversations have gone cold turkey

Waiting for a windfall? It might not be a breeze after all

Digital LPAs are here - but watch out for safeguarding

‘Tis the season… to separate

How Cellan-Jones’ story could easily have been one of our own

Don’t gift yourself a festive faux pas!

Autumn Statement: Key points at a glance

How can I protect dad’s money?

Why am I doing the job of my deceased partner’s bank?

What can I do about my mother’s interfering friend?

Did you know there is a 20+ week wait to register a Lasting Power of Attorney?

Q&A: If my son buys half of my house, will he pay IHT?

Q&A: why is my mother’s mobile phone company holding her to ransom?

No one needs a tax bill as a housewarming gift

Remember there's no such thing as a "quickie divorce"

The 3 myths that could be costing you a large Inheritance Tax bill

Dyer's dog will be upset to know she cannot inherit his £500,000 pledge

There needs to be more “awkward” conversations among blended families

Not all doom and gloom in the housing market?

Q&A: Have I set up my children for a tax double-whammy?

Is your equity release plan stopping you from leaving an inheritance?

Dispelling the myths of cohabiting

Meet the Corporate Commercial Team

Did video kill the radio star and will AI kill the “human”?

General tips for Employers - The Redundancy process

Crypto-Currency - Is it Money, and can it be a debt

Wills and blended families: is there a perfect recipe?

Liabilities of a Director

ACAS launches new mental health guidance for the workplace

Have you overpaid your inheritance tax bill?

A widow wins £1m after being disinherited from her husband's will

Let's talk about Menopause in the work place - Interview with GWR (Great Western railway)

Reasons why writing a will is the best pain relief

Business insolvencies hit record highs

Non-competition restrictions in employment contracts

Radio 4 presenter's diagnosis a reminder to get affairs in order

Post-nuptial agreements are gaining in popularity

Employers - are you aware of changes starting in April?

Q&A: Why are we waiting?

Can I leave my pet in a will?

Spring budget summary - at a glance

IWD: The law profession’s chance to grow with “equity”

People are opting for holidays over funerals - and we can see why

The energy bills that are driving businesses towards insolvency

As the temperatures drop and cost of heat increases are you looking after your loved ones?

Struggling to claim from your business interruption insurance?

Make sure you’re not paying a “pensioner premium”

Do I have to pay my Bounce Back Loan if my business goes bust?

Firing and Re-Hiring – Consultation Document

Capital gains tax rules are changing - now’s the time to revisit your will or LPA

Happy Divorce Day

Too many people are finding out about LPAs when it is too late – but Deputyship might be the answer

New Court of Protection Pilot makes probate look more promising

Registered LPAs are still not back at pre-pandemic levels

Autumn Statement: At a Glance

New Court of Protection Pilot makes probate look more promising

Whatsapp "Mum and Dad scam" on the rise

Ways for private limited company owners to exit their business

Did you know you can nominate a Legacy Contact for your Apple ID?

BeReal - employees need to be on their guard

Attorneys: Be on your guard against rogue funeral planners!

What does the Hashmi v Lorimer–Wing case mean for sole directors?

Today’s mini-budget summary

It's time to cry over spilt milk... or gin

Could I move in with my parents to save IHT?

Can I bury mum at home?

Online-only bank? Check your LPA

The Register of Overseas Entities

Part Time Workers and Holiday Pay

The pandemic's positive impact on wills

How the pandemic has changed our attitudes towards wills - perhaps forever

Have you had your working from home request refused?

Menopause discrimination cases are on the rise - it’s time to act

Should I downsize with my daughter?

Save yourself the heartache of a homemade will

It's time for a culture change this mental health week

The Queen’s Speech – at a glance

Hot Desking Policy - What you need to know

Criminals are cashing in - protect vulnerable loved ones with an LPA

Can I retrospectively claim IHT relief on my parents’ estate?

COVID – 19 in the workplace

Performance Development Reviews – Key Points for Employers

No-fault divorce law has come into effect

Employment Law Changes April 2022

Planning ahead will be the only cure to future heartache

It’s Update Your Will Week

How did the Spring Statement affect the employment sector?

The Spring Statement 2022: At a glance

Spring Statement is the chance for Sunak to step up

Video link witness signature laws extended until January 2024

No fault divorce law is on the way

Hybrid Working – Key points for Employers

What does “Living With Covid” mean for employers?

Company Directors: The Problems caused by Informality and Lack of Records

New proposals could allow more leaseholders to own the buildings they live in

Meet our Corporate Team - Charmaine Dudman

Employers: Batten down the hatches to weather the storm of change

Covid continues to cause disparity

GDPR data breaches hit the headlines

High Court Injunction prevents Tesco from “firing and re-hiring”

Meet our Employment Team - David Seals

Meet our Employment Team - David Seals

New reforms for leaseholders are biggest in decades

Vaccination status controversy reaches new levels after JLP says it will pay staff regardless

Menopause and the workplace: Updated guidance is on the way

Holiday Entitlement and Holiday Pay – Key points for Employers

Why we need the care sector equivalent of TripAdvisor

Grievance Procedure – Key points for Employers

IKEA cuts sick pay for unvaccinated staff who are self-isolating due to Covid exposure

Meet our Employment Team - Elaine Tyler

Meet our Employment Team - Elaine Tyler

The beginning of the end for rogue funeral planners

Dying without a will only leaves behind a ticking relationship timebomb

Disciplinary Procedure – Key points for Employers

It's Divorce Day, but is a separation decline on the cards?

Are you breaching Data Protection Laws and GDPR with your video doorbell?

Can staff who are afraid of catching Covid-19 refuse to return to work in the office?

Long-awaited new government white paper finally set out 10-year vision - but there is still some way to go

Sunak support provides welcome boost to hospitality

Sick Absence and Fit Notes: Temporary New Rules

Can my employer refuse my request for Christmas holiday?

‘Tis the season – for a sickie?

What do the government restrictions mean for employers and employees? Can your Christmas parties still go ahead?

When inheritance goes beyond sibling rivalry

Stamp Duty Holiday has finished, so why are house prices still climbing?

If the Chancellor takes your pension pot for IHT you might want to stay one step ahead

Sign a digital LPA - and save yourself 20 weeks!

If you’ve had a couple of marriages, you might want to check your will

Autumn Budget overview

What will be this year’s “rabbit out of the hat”?

STEP pushes for simpler access to digital assets after death

Increase in couples signing pre-nups

Marrying in later life? You might want to consider the financial side.

OPG outlines plans to make LPAs “fit for the future”

New rules could mean requests for flexible working are granted on the first day of a new job

Did you know your will becomes a public document?

Skyrocketing property prices could leave you IHT “bust”

86% want families to make decisions, but less than half have a will and just 14% have an LPA. Why?

Getting too tough on fraud?

When is the right time to share passwords?

Q&A: Why is my inheritance being passed to creditors?

The battle to access Child Trust Funds continues

Q&A: Can I invest on behalf of my mum?

Q&A: Can I buy mum’s house under market value?

A Lasting Power of Attorney could help protect the elderly and vulnerable against fraud

Life after Lockdown - Returning to the office

Coronavirus Update - All change for the Furlough scheme (July 2021)

Could the property market be turning back to towns and cities post-pandemic?

Should the bank of mum and dad consider a declaration of trust as a condition of gift?

Q&A: Thinking of including foreign assets in your will?

With the latest Government advice - Do I still need work from home?

When does £7m leave you disinherited from a will?

Who will pay my dad’s bills if he is unable to?

Q&A: Can you clear a £100,000 inheritance tax bill without selling up?

Changing an employee’s terms and conditions is challenging both from a legal and trust perspective.

Does your family know you have a will?

Lessons learned from the SDLT cliff edge

The Covid-19 effect on the bank of mum and dad - and how to plan for it

Remarrying without sorting your finances could spell trouble further down the line

What are restrictive covenants and why do I need them?

An LPA could help protect vulnerable people against bank fraud

What type of Will is best for you

The pension pay due to tens of thousands of women - make sure you claim what’s yours

What has the pandemic done to the housing market?

Costs of care: Your questions answered

Do you need to offer enhanced shared parental leave pay?

Getting a joint account with children will not get around an LPA

The Universal fraudsters strike again - but it could be possible to recover assets

Could the UK housing market see strong growth in coming years?

The Kate Garraway story that brought home the reality of planning ahead

Domestic Abuse in the Workplace

Will the new digital LPA service help or hinder vulnerable people?

Financial fraud is on the rise - attorneys need to be vigilant

The Spring Budget 2021: A Summary

Speculation that the Stamp Duty Land Tax holiday/reduction could be extended

Pre-paid funeral plan sellers to face a crackdown from 2022

The pandemic is having quite an impact on families and relationships

Uber Drivers are workers and not self-employed, Supreme Court rules

Attorneys need to ensure they are acting on best interests for Covid vaccine

Coronavirus and Sick Pay

Can I force my staff to have the Covid Vaccination?

The pitfalls of a homemade will can cause more than heartache

Caring for your employee’s mental health

Could you write a letter with your will?

Millions of UK workers to receive increase in pay from April 2021

Are you locked out of your Child Trust Fund?

The digital assets that are worth a will

Are you a “Silver Splitter”?

Working from home - where do you stand?

What the new lockdown means for businesses, employees and workers

What does the latest lockdown mean for house moves?

We are open

Actress case demonstrates how family feuds can go too far

Watch out for sting in the tail for shared ownership with family members

As well as credit checks, should more companies be running mental health checks?

When family feuds go wrong: Can I leave my son out of my will?

As Covid cases rise, protect yourself with an LPA

Deed of variation: Why it should always be carefully considered

Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme Extended Until March 2021

House moves still permitted in second lockdown

Money talks: have you had a conversation with your other half?

Coronavirus Update - CJRS Extended

Chancellor announces changes to the Job Support Scheme

Warning for will-holders as expat succession rules could change after Brexit

Making the most of property incentives? Don’t wait!

Solicitor’s pet uncovers curious will that dismisses copy-cat claim in court

Attorneys: are you doing all you can to prevent bank fraud?

Coronavirus Update - CJRS Bonus - Are you eligible?

Lockdown has seen people upgrade to property more suited to work-life balance

Family Investment Companies

Giving the gift of property? Don’t get caught by the tax man

Coronavirus Update - Jobs Support Scheme announced

Latest government Covid measures re-introduce work from home message

What could the UK jobs market look like after the furlough scheme comes to an end?

Death is no excuse for bill chasers without probate

Administrating an Estate is not a task to be taken lightly

Spousal Bypass Trusts: Explained

Positive property prices showing strength in post-lockdown recovery

September separations are becoming most common for divorce

COVID-19 sees surge in demand for countryside living

The Courts – How have they coped during the pandemic and what to expect if you have a forthcoming hearing or trial

IHT bills will fall thanks to marriage incentives - and careful planning

Furlough Update - 1 September 2020

Celtic footballer’s quarantine breach may amount to gross misconduct

Myth busting the cost of care: residential is not always the most expensive option

Is the taxman welcome at your wedding?

Will witnessing by video to be made legal

The rocky road to Covid recovery reveals important need to plan ahead

CGT - new rules for payment of tax on some disposals

Reasons why there are more inheritance battles than ever - and what you can do to stop it

Could the 1st August deadline "force" a mass return to work?

"Common law” partners are more likely than ever to take care over legal rights

New Stamp Duty holiday could stimulate new housing market demand

“Mini” budget delivers major support for employment

Covid-19 strikes again for grieving families seeking probate

Covid-19's after effects continue to take hold on families

The true (hidden) cost of care

No-fault divorce could begin from 2021

HMRC releases latest furlough guidance

ReSPECT will put the human element back into end of life planning

One month on and early signs are good for the property market

The most loving thing you can do is prepare for the worst - regardless of your financial situation

House prices tumble to 11-year low - so now could be the best time to make a move

Coronavirus Update - Furlough Announcement

Will lighter lockdown mean limbo is eased for probate?

SSP Test and Trace

Get ready for SSP rebate scheme set to launch next week

The war over wills is on the rise

Covid-19 can be cruel enough - without the additional paperwork

Don’t make BYOD into a disaster

Furloughed Staff and Holiday – What is the guidance?

House purchases on the move again

New guidance for employers will allow staff to safely return to work

Coronavirus Update – Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme extended until October

Are you writing a lockdown will? Here’s a few things to consider

Covid-19 sees share prices plummet - but gift-giving surge

Be aware: the rise in ransomware

Bounce Back Business Loans - Help for small businesses

Government Coronavirus Future Fund could be a chance

Stop the cybercriminals from cashing in

AGMs During Coronavirus

Where there’s a will… there’s a window?

Coronavirus Update - Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme Portal is Open

Coronavirus Update - Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme extended until end of June

Wills: how to get around the witness signature during social distancing

Hope for the best; prepare for the worst- how to manage a US/UK estate plan in unprecedented times

Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme Qualification Date Change

Covid-19: Don’t get caught out by fraudsters targeting your money

Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme – Questions Are Now Answered (Mostly!)

Is time for a heart to heart with your nearest and dearest?

Issues to consider when furloughing employees under EMI Schemes.

Changes to occur in April 2020

The “true” cost of care

Coronavirus Update - Tenant and Landlord Commercial Property

Virus Causes Spike in Will-Related Enquiries

Companies House during Lockdown

IP Alerter Newsletter - March 2020

Emergency volunteering leave

Electronic Signatures – Remote working and execution of documents

The Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme – More Questions Than Answers

Government support for businesses during COVID-19

Coronavirus Update - Government announcement to pay wages

Online isolation notes launched - Coronavirus

COVID-19/Coronavirus – Helpful information for Employers

Social care needs to be more of a priority

Money Laundering Regulations – Is your business compliant?

Receiving Residential Care Doesn’t Necessarily Mean Selling Your Home

Barclays backtracks in privacy row over worker surveillance project

New contract terms affecting all new employees and workers to come into force on April 6 2020

Could new IHT residence band see step children missing out?

New Will rules further address the need to write one

House prices are finally building

Could you consider a more vulnerable loved one this Valentine’s Day?

The Parental Bereavement Leave and Pay Regulations set to come into force on 6 April 2020

Bringing life to the “death document”

Leaseholders call for scrapping marriage value

What could work look like in 2020?

What’s the weirdest thing you could leave in a will?

OPG release details on elder abuse investigations

Should you be including crypto-currency in your will?

How might the decision to make ethical veganism a philosophical belief affect employers?

Will the no-fault divorce law be revived in time for next national divorce day

New decade, new divorce?

Civil Partnerships can void a will - have you updated yours?

Funeral plans: Don’t let them be the death of you

Inheritance tax: What’s changing – and how can you save thousands of pounds

Election round up – the results

Elder abuse: how that expectation of trust can quickly go wrong

Always seek legal advice when nominating an attorney

Workers’ Rights – What the main parties are saying in their election manifestos

Those without a will could be letting the royals benefit from their cash

IHT refunds might be due on property sold at loss

Protective trusts could protect your family

Why January really starts in November for divorce lawyers

Funeral disputes: a rise from the ashes

Workplace health and well-being – It’s time to talk the menopause. A guide for employers

What is the true cost of care?

Have a will? Check you bank

What should we take away from the sudden departure of Steve Easterbook from McDonalds

The guide to a Happy Christmas for separated parents

UK rents that are raising the roof

When is a gift not a gift? When it comes with conditions

Freeze in probate fees review is welcome news to families

Time to think about updating your will?

Time to call for further workplace flexibility

Time to call for further workplace flexibility

What’s the difference between an attorney and an executor?

Could the UK avoid recession?

No-Fault Divorce Law passes through

No-Fault Divorce Law passes through

Self-employed? You might want to think about how you will fund retirement

Self-employed? You might want to think about how you will fund retirement

Things I wish I knew before I… got a divorce

Things I wish I knew before I… got a divorce

Things you need to know before becoming an executor

Things you need to know before becoming an executor

London property prices falling fastest

London property prices falling fastest

IHT laws need to change

IHT laws need to change

Another GDPR data breach hits the headlines

Another GDPR data breach hits the headlines

Where there’s blame, there is not always a claim

Financial institutions need to do more to abide by LPAs

Financial institutions need to do more to abide by LPAs

Stepsisters’ inheritance battle could have been avoided

Stepsisters’ inheritance battle could have been avoided

Digital assets – what do you think you own?

BA Faces "Largest" GDPR Breach Fine

A break through for Claudia’s Law

Welfare deputyship – the next steps

Stress in the workplace

Where there’s a Will… there’s a holiday?

3 Situations that require a Non-Disclosure Agreement

Can you inherit Air Miles?

Love in Later Life – and what it means for inheritance

Things I wish I knew before I... Got Married

5 Top Tips to turning your start-up into a thriving business

Death. Would you want to talk about it?

What is "Blockchain Technology" and what impact might it have on the legal industry?

3 Ways employers can take better care of the older workforce

Thinking of marrying after retirement? Read this first

Why have Terms and Conditions

Beware of the Equity Release scams

Property Trusts are not always the best way to avoid fees – Buyer Beware

Things I wish I knew before I... Got a Pre-nup

Unnecessary DIY Will Disputes are keeping High Court too busy

Focus on Wellbeing this Mental Health awareness week

Working on the go is creating new choices

GDPR One Year On

What happens if... I change my mind after signing a contract

Property Prices continue downward decline

Paternity Leave is taking a new shape

Why now is the most important time for the LPA

LPAS – Are you claiming Council Tax Relief?

The end of the Divorce "Blame Game"

Brexit's EU Property Boom

Communication is key in bringing down Will Disputes

Powers of Attorney Guidelines need to take neglect more seriously

What happens if... I am a step parent and want to apply for Parental Responsibility

Hold on to your house – summer could be the best time to sell

Brexit continues to hold housing market to ransom

April 2019 Employment Law changes

What happens if... I have no "Legal Right" to get divorced?

Sickness: Is it serious

Spring Statement 2019 – At a Glance

Willing to get writing? Here are a few things to consider

What happens if... My partner dies without leaving a will?

Working 8–4? What a way to make a living!

Happy international Women's Day

Gender Pay Gap back in the news

March in to Making A Will

Roses are red, violets are blue, I'm not sure WORK is the place for romance, are you?

Brexit uncertainty having a knock-on effect to wider economy

Housing crisis hits hard for under 35s

What's new in the world of Insolvency?

Could Property Market re-build in 2019?

Brexit: How are businesses faring

Google's lesson is one we could all learn

Registration of overseas entities – The draft bill is here

Sort out debts this Blue Monday to avoid being left out in the cold

Building Brexit uncertainty in the property market

Your family or your finances: What would you choose?

Divorce: Is it just too easy?

Feast or Famine in the house price market?

Happy Divorce Day

Common Law Marriage – Really?

How to divorce proof your marriage

Christmas Parties: Don't be tempted to treat yourself to a sick day

What is a post-nup and why are they increasing in popularity

New rules for changing times

Separation doesn't have to end in divorce

3 Reliable "Relationship Killers"

Top 5 myths surrounding divorce – dispelled by a divorce lawyer

'Tis the season – For divorce?

Bringing your investments "Home" for probate purposes

Good divorce week – Time to address the blame game!

How the Morrisons Data Breach case should put employers on their guard

Fact: No will means unclaimed estates will be claimed by the Crown

Brexit: Migration to the future

House prices continue to flat line

Make sure a Law Suit isn't welcome this party season

IHT: Planning early pays off

Budget: The countdown is on

Will the Autumn Budget provide any more news for housing?

Truth, proof and the right to work

LPAS: Are you entitled to a refund of overpaid registration fees?

Where there's a will, there could be a cost trap

For better for worse: Why are cohabiting siblings losing out

Need another reason to plan for IHT?

GDPR four months on: What's changed?

At the end of the day: IHT planning counts

Staying on the right side of the Law

Another chapter open in no-blame divorce

Managing a more flexible workforce

The email train: Does the commute count as working hours?

Time to think proactively about later life

Numbers of dependent elderly are rising fast – Time to be proactive

Another step forward for change

Working 9-5: Not the way to make a living

Contact Us

Downs Solicitors LLP is a limited liability partnership registered in England and Wales, registered number is OC 321831

Registered office: 150-156 High Street, Dorking, Surrey, RH4 1BQ. VAT number: GB 209927442

A list of members names is available for inspection at the above address
Authorised and regulated by the Solicitors' Regulation Authority SRA: 446286.

© Copyright 2015 - 2024