Executors’ checklist
If you are an executor to a will, your solicitor will need documentary proof of ownership or entitlement to the various assets. This will enable them to apply to banks and other institutions to cash in accounts and sell or transfer assets. Here is a handy checklist of...
Helping someone when it is too late to make a lasting power of attorney
If someone you love is struggling to make certain decisions or to manage their finances or care arrangements, then it is natural to wish to help. But, even if you are the next of kin or a very close relative, you will not necessarily have the legal powers that you...
Vacancy for a residential property lawyer to join Hughes Solicitors in Heathfield
Hughes Solicitors in Heathfield is looking for an enthusiastic residential property lawyer to join the conveyancing team. The role is full time and we will consider candidates that are qualified as a solicitor, legal executive or licenced conveyancer. This position...
Hughes Solicitors summer 2020 newsletter – now online!
Hughes Solicitors are delighted to make the latest edition of our newsletter Hughes News available to download and read online. You can catch up with the latest news from our team and get topical legal insights from our solicitors from the comfort of your own home....
New digital service for lasting powers of attorney
The Office of the Public Guardian has announced the launch of a new digital tool called ‘Use a Lasting Power of Attorney’ which is designed to make life easier for anyone who is acting as an attorney on behalf of someone else. The portal replaces the current...
A will can be witnessed by video during coronavirus pandemic
In a historic move, the Government has announced that it is legalising wills which have been witnessed remotely using video conferencing. ‘This will make it easier for people in England and Wales to record their final wishes during the coronavirus pandemic,’ says Dee...
Keeping you safe when you visit us
The safety of our clients and staff is of paramount importance to us at Hughes Solicitors, which is why we are introducing the wearing of face coverings at our offices, in line with new Government guidelines. The law is expanding the number of places that members of...
Solution for the legal crossword in our Summer 2020 newsletter
Check your answers to our legal crossword in our summer 2020 edition of the Hughes Solicitors newsletter.
Matthew Sabine to lead the residential property team
We are pleased to announce Matthew Sabine will be joining the team in Heathfield as a partner and head of our residential property department. Matthew brings over 15 years of experience as a solicitor and is an expert on the property market in East Sussex and in the...
Home owners and buyers get a boost with stamp duty holiday and Green Homes grant
Rishi Sunak announced two key changes for home owners and buyers in his ‘Plan for Jobs’ speech on 8 July, as he seeks to kick-start the economy and avoid the much-predicted recession caused by the coronavirus pandemic. The two new policies are: Stamp duty holiday...
Rebooting the housing market: new guidance released for buyers, sellers and conveyancers
The announcement to re-start the housing market has been resoundingly welcomed, with estate agents and solicitors operating under new guidance to enable people to move home safely. After several weeks of inactivity, buyers and sellers are preparing for a surge in...
Government publishes guidance for voluntary, community and social enterprise organisations during the coronavirus outbreak
The government has published some information and advice for voluntary, community and social enterprise organisations during the coronavirus outbreak while the sector plays such a key role in supporting vulnerable people. It is important for volunteers and people...
Inheritance tax relief for COVID-19 deaths of ‘blue light’ workers
With the current coronavirus crisis sadly affecting many people in the emergency services, particularly frontline NHS staff, support for key health and care workers and their families is needed now more than ever. When someone dies and their estate is valued for...
Families urged to make a lasting power of attorney as a precautionary measure
The Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners (STEP) has issued an urgent call encouraging families to make a lasting power of attorney (LPA) as a precautionary measure during the coronavirus crisis. Concerned that take up figures for LPA’s have not increased in...
Government releases cautious COVID-19 recovery strategy with advice for social contact, families and the elderly
On 11 May the Government has released new guidance on social distancing regulations and a roadmap for how the UK will adjust its response to the COVID-19 crisis. Click here to read the full guidance. The Government also released an updated version of their coronavirus...
Lest we forget: celebrate the 75th anniversary of VE Day in spirit with Hughes Solicitors
We believe that it is more important than ever in the current crisis, to still come together in spirit to remember the courage, service and sacrifice of those who fought for our freedom in World War II. ‘It is such a shame we will be in lockdown as we were looking...
Beware increased fraud risk during the coronavirus – nine scams to watch out for
Unfortunately, alongside all the goodwill and community spirit which is coming to the fore during the current crisis, the coronavirus pandemic will also be seen as an opportunity for criminals and fraudsters. Action Fraud have advised that fraudsters will use any...
Latest guidance on lasting powers of attorney during lockdown
The Office of the Public Guardian (OPG) has published updated guidance on making a lasting power of attorney and acting as an attorney or deputy while following social distancing rules. It will continue to deliver its services and support those who are planning for...
How to make a will during the coronavirus
With the BBC and almost every journalist in the world reporting on the number of deaths arising from the coronavirus (COVID-19) on a daily basis, it is not surprising that our mortality is on our minds. The wills and probate team at Hughes Solicitors in Heathfield...
Sad news regarding our oldest client Bill Frankland
We were very sad to hear that Bill Frankland, our oldest client, has passed away. He led quite an extraordinary life in every sense of the word. Born before the outbreak of the World War One, by the time of the World War Two he was in the Royal Army Medical Corps,...