Barton Law

26/08/2026

A reminder that if a client has a historic charge or CCJ on their deeds which has been repaid, lenders will want this removed at Land Registry before completion can be set.

While this may seem straightforward, it is often not a high priority for former lenders to remove these charges, and it can take several months for certain lenders to complete the process, so it’s important to inspect the deeds as early as possible to identify any such issues.

The quickest way to have these charges removed is for the client to visit their local branch (if available) and speak with a representative, letting them know the urgency.

Even if a debt has been repaid the former lender is the only one who can remove this.

💡 To avoid delays, always check the deeds before sign up.

📞 If you need expert legal advice or would like to know more about our services, visit our website or call our team on 01392 241277.

21/08/2026

There are varying reasons why people decide to release equity from their homes. One is so the homeowner can retire with the peace of mind that they are financially secure. Others use the equity to cover care costs, fund home improvements, purchase a new car, enjoy the holiday they have always dreamed of or provide financial support to loved ones.

If you’re happy in your home but need some extra cash to help with living costs or care as you get older, equity release could be an option for you.

Given the significance of this financial transaction and its potential impact on your family, seeking specialist independent legal advice early on is essential.

Navigating equity release can feel overwhelming but with the right legal team, it doesn’t have to be. At Barton Law, our specialist team take the time to understand your unique situation and offer solution-focused advice tailored to your needs. We clearly explain processes and implications, answer your questions, and keep you updated at every stage, ensuring a smooth, compliant and stress-free experience.

📞 Call our friendly and experienced team on 01392 241277.

18/08/2026

It is possible to take out an equity release plan with a Power of Attorney (POA) in place.

Below is a checklist of key considerations:

✅Is there a valid Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA)?
Check who is appointed - a spouse cannot sign on behalf of their wife/husband if it is a joint application.

✅ What is the purpose of the loan?
Gifting is not permitted, but care fees, home improvements, and debt repayments are acceptable.

✅ Is the LPA dated 2020 onwards?
If so, the attorney will need to obtain an OPG access code.

✅ Has a medical assessment confirming that the client has lost capacity been obtained?

✅ Are all attorneys aware of and approve the equity release?
They will all need to approve even if appointed jointly and severally.

✅ Where is the original LPA?
The solicitors will need this before completion can take place.

✅ Is it possible to meet with the attorneys at the client's home as a check on financial abuse?

📞 If you have any questions or need advice on cases involving Power of Attorney, please contact Peter Barton at 01392 241277.

14/08/2026

We pride ourselves on delivering a client-centred service that helps ensure every client enjoys a smooth and stress-free journey.



Here's what one of our clients recently had to say:

💬 "Their service from start to finish was above and beyond. A service which should have taken longer was expedited to my benefit and I wish more firms would take care of their clients' interests as professionally as Barton Law, and their appointed agent, Hugo Gosden. Thanks again."

Feedback like this highlights our team's commitment to putting clients first, taking the time to understand their circumstances and providing a supportive, personalised service throughout their journey.

👏 Well done to Hugo Gosden for this fantastic feedback!

If you're looking for a team that takes the time to understand your situation and provides practical, solution-focused advice, we'd love to help.



📞 Call us on 01392 241277

11/08/2026

While IT enhancements and improved case management systems are helping to streamline the legal process and shorten the journey to completion, many of these benefits can be lost if the groundwork hasn't been completed before an application is submitted.

At Barton Law, we're increasingly seeing cases delayed because some fundamental checks have been overlooked. As a result, cases can slow down or even come to a standstill at precisely the point when the countdown to completion should be gathering pace.

The top three issues we've encountered in recent months are:

1️⃣ Missing information causing redemption delays
When submitting an application, ensure details of all existing secured borrowing are included, along with the relevant account numbers. Without the correct loan or charge account details, redemption statements can't be obtained, potentially adding weeks to the process.

2️⃣ Discrepancies in names and addresses
It's important to check that clients' names and property addresses match across documents. Where the title deeds contain incorrect or outdated information, correcting the records with the Land Registry can take several weeks, creating avoidable delays later in the process.

3️⃣ Tenants in common ownership
Many clients are unaware of how their property is legally owned, which can lead to delays when ownership shares need to be confirmed and documented. Understanding the ownership structure from the outset also enables advisers to review any associated wills and ensure that future access to drawdown facilities will not be affected following the first death.

💡 Top Tip: Request a copy of the title deeds before submitting the application. This simple step can identify historic charges, ownership arrangements and any discrepancies. By reviewing the deeds and discussing these matters during initial client meetings, many potential issues can be resolved before the application is even submitted.

✅ Ensuring all key information is gathered and verified before an application is submitted, creates a stronger position to benefit from the efficiencies offered by new systems and technology, helping ensure a smoother, faster journey from application to completion.

📞 If you have any questions or would like to speak to our team, give us a call on 01392 241277.

05/08/2026

We're delighted that one of our recent clients awarded the team “Excellent” across all areas of service including our professionalism, communication, responsiveness and support throughout their equity release journey saying:

💬 "I have not had to use equity release before and am very grateful for the exceptional help I had in doing so."

📣 Shoutout to Cerys Lavis and the team for delivering a friendly, prompt and efficient service from start to finish.

If you need expert legal advice or would like to know more about our services, visit our website or call our friendly team on 01392 241277.

24/07/2026

⭐ Another 5-star review for Andrew and Luke!

At Barton Law, we pride ourselves on delivering a truly client-focused service, ensuring every client feels supported, informed and valued throughout their journey. So we are delighted to receive feedback like this:

"It's been the best experience I've ever had with a solicitor and I'd absolutely recommend them and use them again myself."

Well done Andrew and Luke 👏

21/07/2026

How often do hidden issues only come to light once an equity release application is underway?

At Barton Law, we know clients' lives (and their deeds!) are becoming increasingly complex. That's why we offer financial advisers a complimentary Pre-Application Triage Service. Before you meet with your client, we'll review deeds and key information to identify potential obstacles that could affect timescales, costs, or even prevent the equity release case from proceeding.

✅ Manage client expectations from the outset

✅ Reduce the risk of unexpected delays

✅ Create a smoother journey for both advisers and clients

Watch our video to find out more - https://vimeo.com/user246680326/triage

This is "Our Pre-application Triage Service" by Barton Law on Vimeo, the home for high quality videos and the people who love them.

17/07/2026

Look who came to visit us in the office 🐶

Our team find that having a dog in the office creates a more relaxed and enjoyable environment helping reduce stress and giving everyone a reason to take a well-earned break. Are furry co-workers welcome in your workplace?

09/07/2026

Our clients owned a property situated off the main road, accessed via a private (unadopted) road which serviced approximately 10 properties. The mortgage application was initially declined due to concerns around access rights and road maintenance responsibilities.

✅ The Outcome
Our specialist team undertook a detailed review of the property deeds and supporting documentation and identified that all 10 properties on the road were subject to a shared maintenance agreement which clearly outlined responsibilities for upkeep and confirmed enforceable access rights for all residents.

The lender was reassured by the presence of a formal and enforceable maintenance agreement and the application was reconsidered and approved, allowing the clients to proceed successfully.

💡 Top Legal Tip
Lenders are often cautious where there is no formal agreement in place, as this can affect the property’s value, saleability, and long-term security. Always review property deeds thoroughly when dealing with unadopted roads. In most cases, key information regarding access rights and maintenance obligations will be included within the deeds or appendices. Having the expertise to locate and interpret this information early can save significant time and avoid unnecessary declines.

💬 Contact us if you have any questions or to learn more about how our expert team can support you.