In our FAQ series, our solicitors advise a sibling who could be forced to get involved in a messy divorce case.

Q:

My sister and I were given our family’s holiday villa in France after our parents divorced around 20 years ago. It was intended to be used by our friends and family.

Now, my sister is in the process of getting divorced and it’s proving highly acrimonious. Because I inherited the house with my sibling, she tells me that the property is at risk of getting sold as a result and that I need to seek legal advice of my own. Of course, I don’t want to lose my parents’ villa but I’m also extremely wary of getting involved in her divorce or spending any money.

Can you buy out siblings from an inherited house? What should my next step be? More...

If you’re investing in a buy-to-let property with someone else, you have two ways to purchase the property: as tenants in common or as joint tenants.

What’s the difference between a joint tenancy and being tenants in common? Let’s take a look:

What is a joint tenancy?

A beneficial joint tenancy occurs when between two and four people buy a property and own it jointly. However, the parties don’t own specific shares in the investment and can’t give away their right to the property in a Will.  More...

We’re delighted to announce that our award winning conveyancing teams have been shortlisted for three more national awards!

Following on from the success of being named as one of the top three large conveyancing companies in the UK in the Estate Agency of the Year 2013 Awards, we’ve received confirmation that we have been shortlisted for three more:

•    CQS Award for Excellence in Conveyancing Practice category in the Law Society Excellence Awards,

•    Best Regional Conveyancer (Wales and the West Midlands region) category in the Law Firm Service Awards 2014

•    Best UK Direct Conveyancer category in the Law Firm Service Awards 2014 More...

The latest blog in our conveyancing FAQs series sees our solicitors help out a person whose parents may be able to increase the size of their retirement nest egg.

Should my parents consider equity release?

Q: My mum is 67 and dad 73. They have been self-employed throughout their working lives, but because they didn’t have a private pension and enjoyed the good times they don’t have much saved up in retirement.

As a result, since retiring 7 years ago they haven’t had much money to spend. However they do own a mews house mortgage free which has greatly increased in price because of its location. I have a good career and don’t want them to leave all their money to me if it means they’re not enjoying retirement. 

Should I suggest equity release to them? More...

Howells Solicitors has promoted two of its solicitors to become directors. The firm, which opens a new office in Bridgend this August, has awarded the directorships to Rhidian Hobbs and Laith Khatib.

Rhidian heads up the firm’s commercial property department and has played a key role in expanding this area of work. Rhidian acts for property developers, investors and business owners in connection with all aspects of commercial property. 

Laith works in the firm’s private client department, which deals with wills, trusts and estates. His practice focuses on high value trusts and estates, and litigation in those areas.  He also advises charities representing the elderly and people with learning difficulties on matters relating to his specialism. In his spare time Laith sits as the chairman of trustees of Age Connects Morgannwg.

Mark Hobbs, managing director of Howells Solicitors, said, “The firm has witnessed significant growth in the last few years, which has required us to develop our people right across the business. Rhidian and Laith have played a massive role in the firm’s ongoing success and I am very pleased to welcome them to the senior team.” More...