O'Donnell Solicitors

28/08/2026

Earlier this week, Jill Waddington and Mark Gregory from our Private Client Team had the pleasure of visiting Warburton Court in Uppermill and speaking to residents about wills and Lasting Powers of Attorney.

Thank you to everyone who attended, we are grateful for the warm welcome, thoughtful questions and lively conversation.

28/08/2026

How Long Do You Have to Make a Medical Negligence Claim?

In our latest blog, Kenneth Lees, Head of Medical Negligence, explains the time limits for making a medical negligence claim, including when exceptions may apply.

If you believe you may have a claim, understanding the relevant time limits is essential.

Read the full article: https://odonnellsolicitors.co.uk/blog/how-long-do-you-have-to-make-a-medical-negligence-claim/

21/08/2026

Redundancy Rights: What Are You Entitled To?

Have you been told that your role is at risk of redundancy, or are you unsure whether your employer has followed the correct process?

In his latest blog, Kenneth Lees, Head of Employment at O’Donnell Solicitors, explains what employees may be entitled to when facing redundancy, including:

- Statutory or contractual redundancy pay
- Notice pay and accrued holiday pay
- A fair consultation and selection process
- Suitable alternative employment
- Time off to look for work
- Your rights if you believe your redundancy is unfair
- What to consider before signing a redundancy settlement agreement

The article also highlights important changes to redundancy and employment law under the Employment Rights Act 2025, including reforms taking effect during 2026 and 2027.

If you are facing redundancy or have concerns about your employment rights, early legal advice can help you understand your options and protect your position.

Read Kenneth's latest blog: https://odonnellsolicitors.co.uk/blog/redundancy-rights-what-are-you-entitled-to/

For advice about your individual circumstances, contact our Employment Team on 01457 761 320.

20/08/2026

Make September the Month to Make Your Will with O'Donnell Solicitors and Francis House

The Private Client Team at O'Donnell Solicitors is proud to be partnering with Francis House Children’s Hospice for its Make a Will Month this September.

Making a Will is one of the most important steps you can take to protect your loved ones and make sure your wishes are known. Yet it is something many of us put off.

Throughout September, participating North West solicitors are giving their time free of charge to prepare a simple Will or update an existing Will, in return for a suggested donation to Francis House of £100 for an individual Will or £175 for a mirror Will for couples.

By taking part, you can put your affairs in order, gain peace of mind about your family’s future and, at the same time, help Francis House provide vital care and support to children, young people and families living with life-shortening conditions across Greater Manchester.

The Francis House Make a Will Month runs from 1 September to 30 September, and O'Donnell Solicitors is delighted to be one of the participating firms.

If you have been meaning to make or update your Will, September could be the perfect time to take that important step while supporting a fantastic local charity.

To find out more or to arrange an appointment with our Private Client Team, please get in touch with O'Donnell Solicitors.

More information about Francis House Make a Will Month is available here: https://www.francishouse.org.uk/get-involved/events/will-month/

13/08/2026

How can a Non-Molestation Order protect you?

Domestic abuse is not always physical. Pestering, harassment, threatening messages, unwanted contact, online abuse and emotional or psychological abuse can all have a serious impact on an individual and their children.

In his latest blog, Anthony Jones, Head of our Family Department, explains what a Non-Molestation Order is, who can apply for one and how the application process works.

The article covers:

• What a Non-Molestation Order is and the types of behaviour it can prohibit
• Who can apply and who an order can be made against
• How to apply to the Family Court using Form FL401
• When an order can be made urgently and without notice to the other person
• What happens if a Non-Molestation Order is breached
• How long an order can last and when it may be extended
• The role of undertakings and when they may be appropriate
• Other sources of support available to people experiencing domestic abuse

If you are concerned about your safety, or the safety of your children, taking legal advice at an early stage can help you understand the protection available and the options open to you.

Anthony and our specialist Family Law Team understand that these situations can be extremely difficult. We can provide clear, practical advice and handle matters with discretion and sensitivity. Contact our Family Law Team for a confidential conversation about how we can help.

Read Anthony’s latest blog to find out more about Non-Molestation Orders and the application process:

https://odonnellsolicitors.co.uk/blog/non-molestation-orders-what-are-they-and-how-do-you-apply/

07/08/2026

Shared Ownership: What is it and how does it work?

Buying a home can feel out of reach, particularly with high property prices and deposit requirements. But could Shared Ownership provide a more affordable route onto the property ladder?

In our latest blog, Courtney Walsh from our Residential Conveyancing Team explains how Shared Ownership works and what prospective buyers need to consider before proceeding.

The article covers:

• What Shared Ownership is and how it works
• Who may be eligible
• The costs involved, including rent, service charges, legal fees and Stamp Duty Land Tax
• How ‘staircasing’ can allow you to increase your share of the property
• What happens when you want to sell
• The potential advantages and disadvantages of Shared Ownership
• How our specialist conveyancers can help you understand the legal and financial commitments involved

Shared Ownership can provide a valuable route towards home ownership, but every scheme and lease is different. It is important to understand your rights, responsibilities and the costs involved before making a commitment.

Thinking about buying, staircasing or selling a Shared Ownership property?

Read Courtney’s latest blog to find out more and, if you need advice about your individual circumstances, our Residential Conveyancing Team is here to help.

Read the full blog here:

https://odonnellsolicitors.co.uk/blog/shared-ownership-what-is-it-and-how-does-it-work/

28/07/2026

Blended Family Estate Planning: How Divorce and Remarriage Impact Wills

If you have divorced, remarried or are part of a blended family, it's important to understand how these life changes can affect your will and your loved ones' inheritance.

In this latest blog, Mark Gregory from our Private Client Team explains how divorce, remarriage and stepfamilies can impact the validity of an existing will, what happens if you do not update your estate planning, and the practical steps you can take to ensure your wishes are carried out. The article covers:

• How divorce affects an existing will.
• Why remarriage can automatically revoke a will.
• The legal position of stepchildren and blended families.
• Why reviewing your will after major life events is essential.
• How careful estate planning can help protect your family and minimise future disputes.

Whether you have recently remarried, have children from previous relationships, or simply want to ensure your estate is distributed as intended, this guide provides valuable insights into wills, inheritance planning and estate planning for blended families.

Read the full blog here: https://odonnellsolicitors.co.uk/blog/wills-for-blended-families-how-divorce-and-remarriage-affect-your-will/

24/07/2026

Delayed Diagnosis: When Does It Become Medical Negligence?

A delayed diagnosis does not automatically mean medical negligence – but when a healthcare professional fails to meet the expected standard of care and that delay causes avoidable harm, you may have grounds for a medical negligence claim.

In his latest blog, Kenneth Lees, Head of our Medical Negligence Department, explains the key legal principles behind delayed diagnosis claims, including:

• When a delayed diagnosis may amount to medical negligence
• The evidence needed to prove a claim
• How delays can affect treatment options, recovery and long-term outcomes
• What patients should know if they believe they have suffered avoidable harm

If you or a loved one has experienced a delayed diagnosis, understanding your legal rights is the first step towards making informed decisions.

Read the full blog here:
https://odonnellsolicitors.co.uk/blog/delayed-diagnosis-when-does-it-become-medical-negligence/

21/07/2026

🚨 We’re Hiring – Civil Litigation Solicitor ⚖️

Looking for your next career move?

O’Donnell Solicitors is seeking a Civil Litigation Solicitor (1–2 years+ PQE) to join our growing and ambitious team based in Saddleworth.

This is an excellent opportunity to work on a varied civil litigation caseload within a friendly, supportive and forward-thinking firm that genuinely invests in its people. We offer career progression, high-quality work and the chance to be part of an award-winning practice with an excellent local reputation.

If you’re passionate about delivering outstanding client service and are ready to take the next step in your career, we’d love to hear from you.

👉 View the full advert and apply here:

https://odonnellsolicitors.co.uk/our-team/join-our-team/

📍 Saddleworth
📈 Career progression
🤝 Supportive team
⚖️ High-quality litigation work

Please like, share or tag someone who may be interested.

Join a dynamic firm of solicitors in Oldham and get the support you need to fulfil your potential.

21/07/2026

Important Changes to Child Arrangements Applications You Need to Know

If you're separating or involved in a dispute about child arrangements, significant changes are being introduced across the family courts that could affect how your case is managed.

In his latest blog, Anthony Jones, Head of ourFamily Department, explains the new child-focused court approach and what it means for parents, children, and families. The reforms are designed to place children's welfare at the centre of every decision, encourage less adversarial proceedings, and help families resolve disputes in a way that better supports long-term outcomes.

Whether you're considering making a Child Arrangements application or simply want to understand how the family justice system is evolving, this article provides clear, practical insights into what these changes could mean for you.

Read the full blog here: https://odonnellsolicitors.co.uk/blog/child-focused-courts-the-future-of-child-arrangements-applications/

If you need expert advice on child arrangements, parental responsibility, divorce, or any other family law matter, the experienced team at O'Donnell Solicitors is here to help.