HRJ Foreman Laws Solicitors

03/09/2026

Found a business you would like to buy? What should happen next? 👇

Before you make an offer, the first thing to do is ensure you fully understand what is really being sold.

For example, are you buying the company itself, with its history and liabilities, or just the business assets? That distinction can have a major impact on risk.

Next, look at why the business is being sold, whether the asking price is fair, and whether the figures support the story. This is where an accountant and, in some cases, a valuer can be invaluable.

Once the deal becomes serious, it is time to contact us. Our experienced company and commercial solicitors can help review the structure of the deal, carry out legal due diligence, advise on heads of terms, and make sure the purchase agreement properly protects you against hidden liabilities or inaccurate information.

Buying a business is not just about agreeing a price. It is about understanding the risks, checking the detail, and putting the right protections in place before completion.

For legal advice email [email protected]

01/09/2026

The UK Government has now closed its “A Fairer End to Relationships” consultation, which sought views on whether the law (in England and Wales) should provide better financial protection when cohabiting couples separate.

https://hrjforemanlaws.co.uk/government-consultation-on-cohabitation/

The move is a step in the right direction to begin to find a way for separating cohabitants to have access to a clearer and fairer system for resolving financial disputes.

It’s important because, there is no such thing as a ‘common law marriage’. A separating cohabitant may have no automatic claim against a former partner’s income, pension, savings or property. This can cause particular hardship where one person has stopped or reduced work to care for children and/or the household.
But until the law changes, there are several steps cohabiting couples can take to clarify their financial arrangements.

✅Get a Cohabitation agreement to set out ownership of property and other assets.
✅Protect property ownership with a Declaration of trust which will state each person’s beneficial share and how sale proceeds will be divided.
✅Review property ownership so you are clear whether the home is held as joint tenants or tenants in common.
✅Make wills because an unmarried partner does not normally inherit automatically if the other dies without a will.
✅Check pensions, insurance and death benefits. A nomination may be required before an unmarried partner can receive payment.
✅Keep financial records of deposits, mortgage payments, renovations, loans and other substantial contributions may be important if a later dispute arises.

For legal advice email [email protected]

Katharine Scoot, Family Law Solicitor at HRJ Foreman Laws solicitors explains what the government consultation could mean for cohabiting couples.

27/08/2026

For separating parents, we know that reaching an agreement on child arrangements is your top priority.

There are three main options for securing child arrangements:

1️⃣An informal agreement, which is flexible but not legally binding.

2️⃣A Consent Order, a legally binding court order based on a mutual agreement.

3️⃣A Child Arrangements Order, a binding court order made by a judge when parents can't agree.

If parents agree, we can draft a Consent Order for court approval. If they can't, a court application for a Child Arrangements Order may be necessary.

The court's primary concern is the child's welfare, considering a checklist of factors including the child's wishes, needs, and any potential for harm.

Legal advice is crucial for understanding these distinctions and ensuring any arrangement is in the child’s best interests. This guidance is also essential for changing an existing order, which the court will only approve if there has been a significant change in circumstances.

For legal advice contact our family law experts today.

Email [email protected]

For more information visit https://hrjforemanlaws.co.uk/child-arrangements-after-divorce/

Read about the three routes to a Child Arrangement Order & the legal process. For legal advice contact [email protected]

25/08/2026

Leasehold enfranchisement explained 👇

If you own a leasehold property, you may have the legal right to take greater control of your home by extending your lease or buying the freehold.

Across England, 4.83 million homes are leasehold, and many owners are now exploring their rights to secure longer leases, reduce ground rent, or collectively purchase the freehold with their neighbours.

Talk to our experienced legal team about your:

➡️ Lease extensions – how to obtain a valuation, serve a Section 42 Notice, and secure an extra 90 years with ground rent reduced to a peppercorn.

➡️ Collective enfranchisement – the eligibility rules, valuation process, and the formal Section 13 Notice required to buy the freehold as a group.

➡️ Freehold purchase for houses – when you can acquire the freehold under the Leasehold Reform Act 1967 and why a valuation is essential before serving notice.

➡️ Section 5 Notices – what to do if your landlord plans to sell the freehold and how the Right of First Refusal works.

➡️ Tribunal proceedings – when the First tier Tribunal becomes involved and how disputes over price or terms are resolved.
Leasehold enfranchisement is a technical area of law, and strict deadlines apply. Our specialist team will explain each stage clearly so you understand your options and the costs involved before taking action.

Learn more - https://hrjforemanlaws.co.uk/leasehold-enfranchisement-explained/

If you’re considering extending your lease or buying your freehold, contact us by emailing [email protected] or calling us on 01462 458711.

HRJ Foreman Laws Solicitors delves into more detail about the leasehold enfranchisement process, and what steps are involved. Click to learn more.

25/08/2026

If you aren't familiar with the Small Acts of Kindness charity, please check them out. Their focus is to reduce loneliness and isolation for older and vulnerable people in our community. They provide valuable information for those who don't have online access as well as essential winter warmer bags later in the year.

Thanks for having us this week Small Acts of Kindness to help pack the Purple Pages Information packs. 💖

20/08/2026

Wills and LPAs – the common myths that can leave families exposed.

Myth 11 - My next of kin can make decisions for me

Next of kin sounds official. In practice, it is often much less powerful than people think.

There is a common misconception that next of kin has automatic legal authority. Families may assume that, because everyone knows what the person would have wanted, there will be no problem.

Being someone’s next of kin does not automatically give a spouse, partner, child or parent the right to access bank accounts, manage property, pay bills, speak to financial institutions or make health and care decisions.

Hospitals and care providers may consult close family members, but that is not the same as having legal decision-making authority.

Without an LPA in place, an application to the Court of Protection may be needed before someone can be formally appointed to manage financial affairs. Health and welfare decisions may also become more difficult, particularly if there is disagreement about what is in the person’s best interests. This can be slower, more expensive and more restrictive than putting an LPA in place in advance.

20/08/2026

Did you know you can also follow on Instagram to see more info, hints and tips? 👇

18/08/2026

Is your business 'sale-ready' or just 'for sale'?

If you are selling your business accepting an offer is only the first step. The real challenge is ensuring that the buyer’s investigation doesn't uncover risks that lead to a price chip or a failed completion.

If a buyer’s legal team finds expired contracts, messy corporate structures, or undisclosed employment risks, they see a liability, not an asset.

To protect your legacy and your exit price, consider these four strategic pillars:

1. The Pre-Sale Audit

Don't wait for the buyer's solicitors to find the gaps. Conduct a legal health check 12 months before you go to market. Addressing informal agreements and statutory record errors now puts you in control of the narrative later.

2. Precision in Heads of Terms

While often labelled "non-binding," the Heads of Terms set the trajectory for the entire deal. Ensuring these are legally robust from day one prevents scope creep during the later contract stages.

3. The Strategy of Disclosure

Transparency is your best defence. Full and frank disclosure of potential issues (from disgruntled suppliers to historical tax queries) prevents the buyer from bringing successful claims against you afterwards.

4. Integrated Expertise

A business sale is rarely just a corporate matter. It involves property leases, employment transfers, and often, personal estate planning. Look for a legal team that can provide you with company law and commercial property law experience under one roof.

Planning your exit?
If you are considering a sale in the next 18 months, the work starts today.

Schedule an appointment with one of our specialist company and commercial solicitors by emailing [email protected]

13/08/2026

When a Family Court order is made regarding finances, property, maintenance, or child arrangements, it is legally binding and must be followed unless officially varied or replaced by the court.
When is Enforcement needed?

Enforcement is necessary when an ex-spouse fails to comply with an order such as missing maintenance payments, refusing to sell or transfer property, withholding financial information, or breaching child arrangements.

➡️ First, review the order to ensure the wording is clear, then gather evidence of the breach such as bank statements, emails, or estate agent records.

➡️ Sending a formal solicitor’s letter outlining the breach and setting a deadline can often resolve the issue without further legal action.

➡️ If the breach persists, you can apply directly to the Family Court to enforce compliance.

➡️ Courts can enforce missed payments by deducting money from wages, freezing bank funds, or securing charges against property.

➡️ Spousal maintenance arrears can usually be enforced for up to twelve months, or ongoing payments can sometimes be converted into a single lump sum.

➡️ If an ex delays a house sale or refuses to sign documents, the court can set binding directions or authorize another person to sign on their behalf.

Child Arrangements & informal agreements

➡️ If a parent breaches contact arrangements without a reasonable excuse, the court can take enforcement steps to restore order in the child’s best interests.
➡️ Informal agreements are not legally enforceable unless formalised into a court-approved consent order or Child Arrangements Order.

Important Note: One party’s breach does not give the other party permission to stop complying with their own obligations. Orders remain legally binding throughout.

Find out more -

If your ex is not complying with a court order enforcement action may be needed. Learn how to enforce financial orders, maintenance payments & child arrangements orders.

11/08/2026

If you have made a final decision to divorce, you will most likely have lots of questions about what happens during the divorce process. Our team of family law experts are here to support you and guide you through the process.

To legally divorce the criteria states that:
• You have been married for over a year
• Your marriage has irretrievably broken down
• The courts of England and Wales have jurisdiction.

The no fault divorce process means you do not need to assign blame for the marriage breakdown. The focus is on the fact that the marriage has irretrievably broken down.

To learn more - https://www.hrjforemanlaws.co.uk/the-divorce-process/

In this Q&A, you will find some answers to the most common questions we receive about the divorce process.