Ridley & Hall Solicitors - Leeds

01/06/2026

⏳ Did you know executors often have a full year before beneficiaries can expect to receive their inheritance?

This is known as the “executor’s year” and it plays an important role in estate administration. But what does it actually mean for beneficiaries and what should you expect during that time?

Our latest blog breaks down:
• What the executor’s year is
• Why delays can happen
• When concerns may be justified
• What beneficiaries can do if they are worried

If you are waiting on an estate or want to better understand the process, this is a must-read.

👉 Read the full blog here: https://ridleyandhall.co.uk/the-golden-year-for-executors-what-beneficiaries-need-to-know/

📩 Get in touch with our team if you need advice or reassurance on 0800 860 62 65 or by email on [email protected]

Are you a beneficiary who is concerned about a lack of progress in relation to a loved one’s estate? Perhaps months have passed since the funeral, you have heard very little from the executors, and you are beginning to wonder whether the delay is normal or whether something is wrong.

26/05/2026

⚠️ Applying for a UK spouse or partner visa in 2026?

Even strong applications can be refused if the evidence is not prepared correctly.

Common issues we see include:
❌ Financial documents that do not match
❌ Not enough proof of your relationship
❌ Inconsistencies across your application

In our latest blog, we explain exactly what you need and what to avoid, including a clear evidence checklist to help you get it right first time.

👉 Read the full guide: https://ridleyandhall.co.uk/uk-spouse-partner-visa-requirements-2026-evidence-checklist-common-refusal-reasons/

If you need support with your application, our Immigration team is here to help.

Yorkshire solicitors. Nationally renowned, client-focused. Legal 500 recommended. 24/7 free live chat. Services: Divorce, Children, Wills, Probate, Property, Inheritance Disputes.

25/05/2026

🌼 May Bank Holiday notice 🌼
Our offices will be closed today, Monday 25th May.

We hope everyone enjoys the bank holiday and makes the most of the spring break.
We will be back and ready to help from Tuesday.

21/05/2026

When a Marriage Quietly Comes to an End: Why More Women Are Reassessing Midlife Relationships

The recent news of Tess Daly and Vernon Kay’s separation has resonated with many - not because of conflict, but because of how calm and respectful it appears to be.
Their decision was described as amicable, rooted in “care and respect”, with both remaining committed to their children.
And for many women, it feels familiar.
In midlife, particularly when children grow up or life begins to look different, many women find themselves asking: What do I want now? After years of putting others first, that question can feel both empowering and unsettling at the same time.
We’re seeing more women choosing to step away from relationships that no longer feel right - not out of anger, but out of a desire for something different, something more aligned with who they are now.
If this resonates with you, you are not alone.
There isn’t one “right” path forward.
But understanding your options - emotionally, practically and legally - can help you feel more in control of what comes next.
At Ridley & Hall, we support women to navigate these moments with Clarity. Confidence. Choice.
See our website for further information: https://ridleyandhall.co.uk/empowering-women/

21/05/2026

The Government has recently announced further support for families navigating separation, including extending the Family Mediation Voucher Scheme and introducing new online tools to assist parents in making decisions about their children.

The voucher scheme now continues to offer up to £500 towards the cost of mediation, reinforcing the growing focus on Non-Court Dispute Resolution helping families resolve issues without the stress, delay and cost of court proceedings.

Mediation can be a really effective option: it’s often quicker, less confrontational and more cost-effective, while still allowing you to get independent legal advice alongside the process.

Alongside this, new digital tools including the Child Arrangement Planner are now available to help parents explore and consider practical arrangements for their children. These tools are a helpful starting point, but they can’t replace tailored legal advice. That’s where we come in.

At Ridley & Hall’s Family Team, we work alongside these resources to make sure you feel fully supported:

1. Clear advice on your options from the outset
2. Guidance on what arrangements are realistic and in your child’s best interests
3. Support through mediation and negotiations
4. Strong representation if court becomes necessary

Our priority is helping you achieve the best outcome for you and your children, in the least stressful way possible. If you’re separating or struggling to agree arrangements, don’t wait for things to escalate. Contact Ridley & Hall’s Family Team today for clear, practical advice and support from the very beginning.

If you need advice, please contact us on 0800 860 62 65 or by email at [email protected]

https://www.gov.uk/government/news/families-spared-time-and-money-during-separation-thanks-to-government-action

Measures will help separating families save cash and settle childcare issues more easily.

20/05/2026

Separation is never easy, but it doesn’t have to be hostile.

Following Vernon Kay and Tess Daly’s recent announcement, their message of mutual respect and prioritising family has resonated with many.

In our latest blog, we look at what this kind of approach means in practice and why respectful separation can make a real difference for families moving forward.

👉 Read here: https://ridleyandhall.co.uk/vernon-kay-and-tess-daly-a-lesson-in-respectful-separation/

Yorkshire solicitors. Nationally renowned, client-focused. Legal 500 recommended. 24/7 free live chat. Services: Divorce, Children, Wills, Probate, Property, Inheritance Disputes.

18/05/2026

If you couldn’t join us for our Leeds Through Divorce launch event last month, why not join us in Barnsley for our next event?

Following the success of our first event, our Empowering Women series is coming to Barnsley.

Join our family law team for an informative and welcoming session focused on helping women feel more confident when dealing with financial matters.

📅 Wednesday 3 June 2026
🕐 Arrive from 1pm, starting at 1:30pm
📍 The Cooper Gallery, Barnsley

Whether you are at the early stages of separation or simply want to understand your options, this is a safe and supportive space to learn more.

Scan the QR code on the poster to book your place or here: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/empowering-women-through-divorce-barnsley-launch-event-tickets-1988832711177?aff=oddtdtcreator&utm_source=email&utm_medium=sparkpost&utm_campaign=postpublish

18/05/2026

Last week we attended the Leeds Law Society dinner, an annual highlight that brings together people from across the local legal community.

It was inspiring to hear from this year’s president, Luke Corcoran, who spoke about his journey into the role and the importance of legal services that truly represent the people they serve. As a firm working closely with individuals, families and small businesses, this message really matters to us.

Leeds has the largest legal sector outside London, and that brings real benefits to our city – supporting jobs, local businesses, investment and access to justice. Law societies play a big part in making sure the profession stays connected, inclusive and grounded in its communities.

We are proud to support Leeds Law Society and would encourage others in the legal sector to do the same. Strong local legal networks help everyone.

14/05/2026

We are recruiting a Care Secretary to join our growing Care team at Ridley & Hall Solicitors.

This is a role where your work genuinely matters. You will be supporting Care Solicitors who represent vulnerable children and families, providing excellent client care and helping people at some of the most important moments in their lives.

You can be based in Huddersfield, South Elmsall, Barnsley or Leeds, with a welcoming, supportive team around you.

If you have experience in Care law, enjoy being organised and proactive, and want to feel proud of the work you do, we would love to hear from you.

👉 Find out more and apply here: https://ridleyandhall.co.uk/career/care-secretary/

At Ridley & Hall, we understand how daunting legal matters can be, and we are here to help take the pressure off you during these difficult times. Here you can find an overview of the services we provide.

12/05/2026

Landlords and letting agents

The Renters’ Rights Act brings significant changes, including increased council powers to investigate compliance and tougher penalties for breaches.

Our latest blog explains:
• What local authorities can now require from landlords
• When inspections can take place
• The action landlords should be taking now to reduce risk

Read the full guidance here:
https://ridleyandhall.co.uk/renters-rights-act-action-to-be-taken-by-landlords-now/

If you own or manage rental property, early preparation is key.

Many provisions of the Renters Rights Act came into force on 1st May 2026. These significantly changed the legal relationship between landlords and tenants. Landlords (and their agents) need to be aware of these legal changes and there are actions they must take before 31st May 2026.