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,...
Government advice on home moving during the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak
Given the situation in the UK with regard to the outbreak of coronavirus (COVID-19), the government is urging parties involved in home moving to adapt and be flexible to alter their usual processes.
Property transactions during the coronavirus UK lockdown
Last updated 26 March 2020 Hughes Solicitors is fully operational, with our lawyers working from home. Property partner Rod Hughes gives advice on how the UK lockdown will affect you if you are currently in the process of buying or selling your house with Hughes...
Changes to tax rules on property sales after 6 April 2020
From 6 April 2020, if you live in the UK and sell a residential property in the UK you will need to report the sale to HMRC within 30 days of completion and pay any capital gains tax owed. Capital gains tax (CGT) is a tax on any profit when you sell or dispose of...
200 guests celebrate the move into a new era for Hughes Solicitors
On 29 January, Hughes Solicitors hosted an ‘office warming’ party to welcome around 200 clients, colleagues and friends to our new offices and to celebrate the completion of the nine-month long refurbishment of the former bank on Heathfield High Street. In recent...
An ‘HRH’ rebrand (without the royal seal of approval)
Prince Harry and Meghan, are not the only Sussex professionals to lose their ‘HRH’ styling this year, for you may have noticed that our website has changed from www.HRHLaw.co.uk to www.HughesLaw.co.uk. Our recent relocation to the old bank building on Heathfield High...
Government increases statutory legacy to £270,000 – what does this mean for your family?
If you have not made a will and you have children, you may be surprised to hear that your spouse or civil partner may not automatically inherit all of your fortune. Instead, they will receive a statutory legacy and half of the rest as dictated by the intestacy laws....
A new legal life for the old bank on Heathfield High Street
If you have driven past the old NatWest building in Heathfield recently, then you may have noticed the bright new signs to say that Hughes Solicitors are open for business. The renovations of the old bank on Heathfield High Street were completed just before Christmas,...
Big changes on the horizon for H & R Hughes Solicitors
There is such a lot happening at H & R Hughes Solicitors at the moment, that we wanted to let you know about some key changes on the horizon. New address from 2 January 2020 We will be moving to our new premises at the former Natwest bank building in the period...
How long will my house sale or purchase take?
How long will my house sale or purchase take? The time frame for an offer being accepted until you can move home will depend on a number of factors. The average process takes between 2-4 months, but it can be quicker or slower, depending on the parties in the chain....
New head office refurbishment nears completion
As the refurbishment of our new premises at the former Natwest bank nears completion, founding Partner of Hughes Solicitors Rod Hughes reflects on this significant point in the firm’s business. One Bright Day It was a lovely evening in the summer of 2017. We had...
DIY wills contribute to soaring inheritance dispute figures
Inheritance disputes were once considered the preserve of the super-wealthy or famous but High Court disputes between family members have soared by 62 per cent in the last two years according to an article this week in The Times. Dee Benians, wills and probate partner...
Daily Mail journalist finds herself in a financial nightmare after parents didn’t make a power of attorney or a will
A recent story in the Daily Mail, about the problems experienced by one of their journalists after the death of her father, provides a salutary lesson to anyone who keeps putting off making a will or a power of attorney. Despite several conversations on the subject,...
Rise in cohabitation leaves families without legal rights
STEP, the professional body for inheritance and trust advisors, has highlighted the need for unmarried couples to make wills. Earlier in August, the UK government’s Office for National Statistics published the latest figures on families and households for 2018. The...
Hughes Solicitors sponsors Heathfield Agricultural Show
Hughes Solicitors were delighted to be a sponsor of the Heathfield Agricultural Show recently. In addition to our usual sponsorship of one of the Pig Classes, the partners and staff operated a trade stand for the day which drew lots of our valued existing clients and...
Beware the perils of DIY estate administration
“Executor left on the hook for £340,000 inheritance tax bill after beneficiary fails to pay.” This was the sobering headline in a very recent edition of the Telegraph which provides a particularly stark warning to individuals who agree to act as Executor/Administrator...