Ridley & Hall Solicitors - South Elmsall/Pontefract

05/06/2026

There’s been some really important news this week about the rights of unmarried couples 👇

For years, family lawyers have been saying that the law simply hasn’t kept up with modern relationships - and we’re finally seeing steps towards change.

Our family Partner and Solicitor, Emma Hopkins Jones has written a short blog explaining what’s been announced and why it matters, particularly for women and children who are often the most affected when cohabiting relationships break down.

This is something she has been passionate about for a long time, both through her work with Resolution's Cohabitation Committee and contributing to national conversations around reform.

If you’re living with a partner (or supporting someone who is), it’s really worth understanding where the law currently stands - and what might be changing.

💬 You can read the full blog here:

Today has brought a significant and long awaited development in family law. The Ministry of Justice has unveiled proposals to strengthen the legal rights of unmarried couples, acknowledging what family lawyers have been saying for many years: the law has not kept pace with modern relationships.

03/06/2026

Proud to support the next generation of business talent 👏

We were delighted to sponsor ThThe Prince of Wales Hospiceusiness Builder Challenge for the second year running – and what a fantastic initiative it continues to be.

At Ridley & Hall, we’re fortunate to work with a wide range of schools, colleges and universities throughout the year, supporting careers and academic development. But this challenge is always a real highlight.

Seeing students take an idea and develop it into a genuine commercial venture from product design through to marketing, sales and compliance is incredibly rewarding. These are exactly the kinds of opportunities that equip young people with the skills and confidence they need for life in business.
As Adam Fletcher, Director and Property Solicitor, said:

“We’re proud to play our part in nurturing students’ ideas and guiding them through the realities of running a business, all while raising vital funds for the hospice.”

A huge thank you to Carleton High School for facilitating the opportunity and supporting such an inspiring programme.

💡 Calling all schools across Pontefract and Castleford… If you want your students to gain real-world business experience while supporting an incredible local cause, we’d strongly encourage you to get involved in the 2026 Business Builder Challenge.

📩 Get in touch with us to find out more�👇 And please tag any teachers, schools or education contacts who might be interested

Young entrepreneurs raise over £1,800 for The Prince of Wales Hospice through Business Builder Challenge

02/06/2026

⭐ Client feedback ⭐

We are always grateful to hear from our clients, and recent feedback for our South Elmsall Residential Property team really reflects what we aim to deliver every day.

From first-time buyers to long-standing clients, we are proud to provide:
💬 Clear and regular communication
🤝 A friendly and understanding approach
⚖️ Professional and efficient support throughout

Thank you for your kind words and continued trust in Ridley & Hall.

02/06/2026

Please join us in celebrating our Property Assistant, Calvin, who has successfully passed the Foundation Stage of his CILEX qualification.

CILEX (the Chartered Institute of Legal Executives) is a respected professional route into the legal profession, offering a structured pathway to becoming a qualified legal specialist. It allows individuals to develop practical, real world legal expertise alongside their work, making it an invaluable option for those building a career in law.

Completing the Foundation Stage is a significant achievement and reflects Calvin’s commitment, hard work, and dedication to developing his knowledge within property law.

At Ridley & Hall, we are incredibly proud to support our colleagues in their professional development. Investing in our people is a key part of who we are, and it is always rewarding to see team members like Calvin progressing and building their careers with us.

Well done, Calvin, we are all very proud of you!

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.

30/05/2026

🌿 Supporting South Elmsall High Street 🌿

High streets up and down the country have changed over the years… but here in South Elmsall, we’re lucky to still have some fantastic independent businesses right on our doorstep.

A Saturday morning tells the story best…
�✅ Queues out the door at S&T Vodden Family Butchers New page – and it’s easy to see why (those BBQ packs 👌) �✅ Fresh bread cakes from Hinitts Bakery �✅ Strawberries, salad and more from Yorkshire Fruit and Vegetables �✅ And we never walk past The Flower Shop - South Elmsall without picking something up 🌸

It’s local, it’s personal… and it’s something worth celebrating.

💬 So, to spread a bit of that feel-good factor, we’re giving away a £50 voucher to spend across these brilliant local businesses!

👉 To enter:
👍 Like our page �🔁 Share this post �👤 Tag a friend who loves (or needs to discover!) South Elmsall high street
🕛 The winner will be selected at random at 12 noon on Friday 5th June.
✨ We’re also on a mission to hit 1,000 followers before June – so every like, share and tag really does make a difference. Thank you for your support!

And while you’re here… �👇 Tell us: which other local shops or businesses should we include in our next giveaway?

Let’s show some love for our high street 💙 �

29/05/2026

The Friday Revival community continues to grow and it’s brilliant to see so many great people coming together socially, supporting each other and some fantastic causes along the way.

We’ve got two events coming up that we’d love you to be part of 👇

🍛 Rescheduled Charity Curry Night – Tulsi – Ropergate Pontefract
📅 Tuesday 23rd June 2026
⏰ 6:00pm for 6:30pm

Firstly, a big thank you to everyone who has already booked your support really does make a difference.
For those who haven’t yet joined us, this is a great chance to enjoy a relaxed evening with colleagues, friends, and family, all while supporting a brilliant cause.

Poppadom’s to start
Mixed starter
Choice of main from the à la carte menu
£10 from every ticket goes to The Prince of Wales Hospice
👉 Book your tickets here:
https://www.trybooking.com/uk/GHBM

🍻 Friday Revival Returns to The Robin Hood Pontefract
📅 Friday 3rd July
⏰ 3:00pm – 5:00pm

We’re really excited to be heading back to The Robin Hood – and hopefully enjoying another fantastic afternoon in the Brewers Yard.
The infamous platter will be making a return
Great company guaranteed
All proceeds going to The Prince of Wales Hospice
👉 Book your tickets here:
https://www.trybooking.com/uk/GHBL

Please book as soon as you can – it really helps ease the organisers’ stress levels and ensures we can make both events as successful as possible.

The Revival community is all about bringing good people together in a relaxed, social setting and these events are shaping up to be exactly that.

Ridley & Hall Solicitors - South Elmsall/Pontefract Oakworth Financial Planning Ltd CFP Group

An end of month social gathering for business owners and managers across Pontefract and the FiveTowns - following on from our inaugural May 2023...

28/05/2026

From first call to final outcome, every interaction matters.

We are incredibly proud to share this feedback, recognising the full client journey:
⭐ Helpful, responsive first conversations with Clair, Adam and Josh
⭐ Clear, compassionate advice from Emma Shinn
⭐ Professional support every step of the way

"Very comprehensive and professional."

"Compassionate… I felt supported and heard."

It is a team effort, and it is exactly how we believe clients should be looked after.

If you need advice, our team is here to help.

27/05/2026

Two extra days to give back. One big difference to our community. 💙

At Ridley & Hall, our colleagues get two paid volunteer days each year to support the communities we’re proud to be part of.

Shelly from our South Elmsall Residential Property team recently used her volunteer day to help Disability Sport Yorkshire:

“I had a fantastic day volunteering alongside many other like-minded individuals to improve the Recreation Centre. I felt very proud to play a small part in helping Disability Sport Yorkshire and the community as a whole.

I would encourage more people to lend a hand to small charities as they rely on goodwill to continue their fantastic work.”

It’s brilliant to see the difference these days can make. 👏

Find out more about the day here:
👉 https://wearewakefield.org.uk/we-are-wakefield-volunteer-day-at-disability-sport-yorkshire-thursday-14-may/

Know a local charity doing amazing work? Tag them below or share how you’ve supported your community.

We Are Wakefield Disability Sport Yorkshire

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.