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Individual &
Family Services
Our Individual & Family Services
We provide an expert, friendly and supportive service to help our clients understand their legal position and to reach their objectives. We are completely transparent when it comes to costing and will provide accurate estimates. In certain circumstances we can fix costs at the outset.
Whether your need is selling or buying property, putting in place a Will or Power of Attorney, assisting with estate administration following the death of a loved one, or providing advice and representation following relationship breakdown we are here to provide a high quality and dependable service and to make things as stress free as we can.
We also regularly deal with other legal matters affecting individuals, including employment advice and disputes, including professional negligence claims, property disputes and probate disputes.
Do not hesitate to contact us for an initial discussion as to how we may assist you.
Guides and further
information
Individual Sector
We have produced a number of guides to provide helpful background information on a variety of topics that are often relevant to individuals. These can be accessed below or via our Guides Index at the top of the page. These guides provide initial information and not legal advice – please contact us to discuss your requirements and how we may be able to help.
Latest News
Family Mediation Week – Day 2 – The Role of a Mediator: Guiding Families Through Change
28 January 2025
The family team at Berry Smith is supporting Family Mediation Week 2025, which takes place between Monday, 27th and Friday, 31st January, with the aim of raising awareness of the benefits of mediation within the family justice system. On Day 2 of Family Mediation Week 2025, we take a closer look at the role of […]
Family Mediation Week – Day 1 – What is Family Mediation, and Why Does it Matter?
27 January 2025
The family team at Berry Smith is supporting Family Mediation Week 2025, which takes place between Monday, 27th and Friday, 31st January, with the aim of raising awareness of the benefits of mediation within the family justice system. In our experience at Berry Smith, many families who come to us for advice or mediation services […]
Thatchers Takes a Bite out of Aldi’s Cider Trademark
22 January 2025
In a highly anticipated legal battle, popular cider producer Thatchers successfully appealed against supermarket giant Aldi in a long-running trademark dispute. In this article, we will break down the key aspects of the case, its implications for trademark law, and what it means for companies seeking to protect their brands in the marketplace. Background At […]
Berry Smith Advises on Cardo’s Acquisition of Heatcare Oil & Gas Holdings Limited
22 January 2025
Berry Smith is delighted to have acted as lead adviser to Cardo Group Limited in its successful acquisition of Heatcare Oil & Gas Holdings Limited. This strategic purchase marks a significant milestone in Cardo’s ongoing expansion and its commitment to delivering energy-efficient solutions for social housing and public buildings. The deal follows a series of […]
A Handy Checklist for Updating Your Terms and Conditions
20 January 2025
Further to our previous article “Is it time to revise your terms and conditions” If you’ve determined that it’s time to revise your T&Cs, use the following checklist to ensure that you’ve covered all the essential aspects: 1. Clarity and Accessibility 2. Legal Compliance 3. Business Model Updates 4. Limitation of Liability 5. Force Majeure […]
Is It Time to Review and Update Your Business’s Terms and Conditions?
17 January 2025
For any business, well-drafted terms and conditions (T&Cs) are the foundation of clear and legally sound relationships with customers, suppliers, and other third parties. These agreements outline the rules governing transactions and interactions, safeguarding your business against potential disputes and liabilities. However, market changes, legal updates, or shifts in your operations may mean it’s time […]
New Year, New Business Resolutions: Start the Year Strong for 2025
16 January 2025
It’s estimated that less than a quarter of us will stick to any New Year’s resolutions we make. So, instead of coming up with more excuses to skip your 6 am spin class, grab some leftover Christmas chocolates and a cuppa, and set yourself some New Business Resolutions you can actually stick to! The New […]
Quantifying Damages in Neighbour Disputes – Do Financial Wounds Really Last Forever?
10 January 2025
Emma Jayne Scullion, an Associate in our Property Litigation team, recently helped a client successfully defend against their neighbour’s claim that past trespassing incidents had permanently reduced the value of her property. The Case: A Dispute Over Trespass The case went to trial in late November 2024. Both sides agreed that some minor trespasses had […]
Does Failure to Pay Trigger a Termination Right?
9 December 2024
Failure to pay may seem like grounds for termination, but this isn’t always the case. Acting prematurely could backfire, potentially putting you in breach of the contract. Do You Have a Contractual Right to Terminate? In cases of late payment, parties typically have two legal routes to consider: However, neither guarantees an automatic right to […]
Force Majeure Unpacked: What the Latest Ruling Means for You
6 December 2024
The Supreme Court’s Landmark Decision on Force Majeure and “Reasonable Endeavors” In the recent case of MUR Shipping v RTI, the Supreme Court ruled that the “reasonable endeavours” proviso in a force majeure clause does not oblige parties to accept non-contractual performance, even if it would resolve the issue created by the force majeure event. What […]
When Ideas Collide: Navigating Joint Ownership of Intellectual Property
6 December 2024
Intellectual Property (IP) can arise in various shapes and sizes. Understanding the various forms of IP is useful for considering who and how your IP is owned and can be used. In business, it is common for multiple parties to desire the rights in certain IP. The following is an overview of the rules of […]
With the Possible Legalisation of ‘Assisted Dying’ on the Horizon, Is It Time to Consider Lasting Powers of Attorney for Health and Welfare?
3 December 2024
What is a Lasting Power of Attorney for Health and Welfare? A Lasting Power of Attorney is a document in which you (the donor) give someone else (the attorney(s)) the power to make decisions on your behalf. A Lasting Power of Attorney for Health and Welfare grants your attorney the authority to make decisions regarding […]