Bretherton Law

Bretherton Law We have over 50 years experience of providing quality legal services. Our areas include: child law, conveyancing, wills and probate and litigation.

Every landlord needs to fully understand the legal aspect of purchasing a buy to let property. In addition to the standa...
05/09/2024

Every landlord needs to fully understand the legal aspect of purchasing a buy to let property. In addition to the standard conveyancing process, there are a few additional legal checks that are required for a buy to let property purchase. These checks are important to ensure that you are making a sound investment and that there are no legal or financial issues with the property. On our website we explain. https://bit.ly/4f5DTD9

The majority of law firms have now withdrawn from Legal Aid work altogether as it is no longer financially viable.The lo...
02/09/2024

The majority of law firms have now withdrawn from Legal Aid work altogether as it is no longer financially viable.
The long-term result of these cuts has been to remove access to justice for millions of people with low incomes. Bretherton Law have been helping and supporting vulnerable individuals and families in Hertfordshire for over 50 years, and we will continue to do so by offering Legal Aid work in Family and Children Law wherever possible. There are children in need of protection, parents who desperately want to raise their children but just need a little extra support, and grandparents who want to give their grandchildren a safe and loving home when their own children have been unable to do so. All of these people, and many others besides, are supported through our commitment to Legal Aid work. https://bit.ly/4cXXmny

A Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA) is a legal document that determines who will make important decisions for you if you a...
31/08/2024

A Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA) is a legal document that determines who will make important decisions for you if you are no longer able to do so. LPAs are essential for those at risk of developing dementia (anyone who's old) but what about younger people? What would happen to your spouse or dependent children if an accident or illness rendered you incapacitated? A spouse or partner does not have automatic rights to access your finances. If you are not married your partner has no rights to make medical decisions on your behalf.

An LPA enables the people of your choice, people you trust, to make decisions for you, when you can't and is certainly not just for the old.

More info on our services: https://bit.ly/43pqFvs

A Will is a document that informs people of what you want to happen to your wealth and possessions when you die. Now ac...
27/08/2024

A Will is a document that informs people of what you want to happen to your wealth and possessions when you die.

Now according to the graph above, which shows age-specific death rate per 1,000 population in the UK (2021), the majority of us will live until a reasonable age so only older, rich people really need a Will right?

Wrong!

Firstly, not everyone makes old age as indicated by the graph in the image. Sad but true.

Secondly, it’s not just the rich that need a Will. Anyone with children should have a Will so guardians of the parents’ choice can be appointed should the worse happen.

Cohabitees are another group that certainly need a Will. There are no automatic rights for cohabitees to inherit anything from their partner which can (and does) leave people in difficult situations when a partner dies.

Those with wealth and assets should definitely create a Will and cannot assume everything will pass to a spouse. In the absence of a Will only a specified amount will go to a spouse and the rest is distributed according to the laws of intestacy. Those with wealth should also consider how to legally protect their assets from inheritance tax and, potentially, care home fees.

So when is the right time to create a Will? I guess the simple answer is as soon as you have someone or something to protect.

If you need help drafting a Will please get in touch. https://bit.ly/43pqFvs

We have worked with and supported many families who have experienced Social Services’ intervention. With our help and a ...
25/08/2024

We have worked with and supported many families who have experienced Social Services’ intervention. With our help and a willingness from parents and extended family to work towards a long-term solution to family problems, there can be a happy ending.

For example, we recently represented a client in her early 20s. When she was 17, she became pregnant. The father was violent towards her whilst she was pregnant which resulted in the removal of the baby. So, what happened when she became pregnant for a second time? Read her story.....https://bit.ly/4bNKJdI

A big thank you to Harpenden Dance School who offer classes for children aged from 2 years+, including ballet, pointe, t...
23/08/2024

A big thank you to Harpenden Dance School who offer classes for children aged from 2 years+, including ballet, pointe, tap, modern theatre, and contemporary jazz, plus adult classes for ballet-tone, tap, and jazz. They have generously donated to our Just Giving page which is raising funds for the local branch of The Hygiene Bank (Harpenden, St Albans, Luton and Hemel). For more information how you can support this fantastic charity by simply joining a Facebook group please visit: https://bit.ly/4aWrQFy

If you have an unregistered property and are contemplating selling in the near future, you may want to consider getting ...
21/08/2024

If you have an unregistered property and are contemplating selling in the near future, you may want to consider getting it registered first. Whilst it is not impossible to sell unregistered property, it's notoriously complex and in some cases, the buyers’ solicitors may demand that the property is registered which can create long delays and potentially the loss of a buyer. For more information on the process visit our website. https://bit.ly/43pmfos

If you are thinking of buying a new build property, then this article is a worthy read. The legal process for buying a n...
21/08/2024

If you are thinking of buying a new build property, then this article is a worthy read. The legal process for buying a new build property is slightly different than buying an established property, on our website we explain. https://bit.ly/3ydLiiZ

A massive thank you to Blissful Being who offer 100% natural, handcrafted and uniquely made just for you bespoke aromath...
21/08/2024

A massive thank you to Blissful Being who offer 100% natural, handcrafted and uniquely made just for you bespoke aromatherapy blends, holistic therapies and coaching. They have generously donated to our Just Giving page which is raising funds for the local branch of The Hygiene Bank (Harpenden, St Albans, Luton and Hemel). For more information how you can support this fantastic charity by simply joining a Facebook group please visit: https://bit.ly/4aWrQFy

As a parent in England and Wales, it is essential to be aware of your rights when interacting with child social services...
19/08/2024

As a parent in England and Wales, it is essential to be aware of your rights when interacting with child social services. Navigating the complexities of such situations can be overwhelming, but understanding your rights empowers you to advocate for yourself and your child effectively. On our website we explain the key rights you have when dealing with child social services: https://bit.ly/3LsVoiX

The answer is no. The government website states that for small estates that have a total value of less than £5,000 proba...
16/08/2024

The answer is no. The government website states that for small estates that have a total value of less than £5,000 probate is not required however some financial institutions will allow a pay out of balances up to £50,000. For some (but not all) estates where there is a surviving spouse, and assets are held jointly, probate may not be necessary. However, if you are not sure it's always best to check with a professional to avoid problems further down the line. Talk to the team at Bretherton Law and we can give you an honest (and free) assessment on the need for probate and, if you do need it, we can provide a quote for professional assistance. More information on our website: https://bit.ly/43pqFvs

If you are looking to take the first step on the property ladder or are moving house for the first time in years you may...
13/08/2024

If you are looking to take the first step on the property ladder or are moving house for the first time in years you may want to brush up on the conveyancing process. In this guide we take you through the key aspects of buying a property and explain some of the terminology you will need to know.
https://bit.ly/4f6Yh6S

Address

27-31 Verulam Road
Saint Albans
AL34DG

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 5pm
Tuesday 9am - 5pm
Wednesday 9am - 5pm
Thursday 9am - 5pm
Friday 9am - 5pm

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About Bretherton Law - Our History

At Bretherton Law we maintain a commitment to providing high-quality services and attention to all our clients, an objective shared by all staff of the firm. The firm celebrated its 50th birthday in 2015 – an endorsement of our adaptability through changing times. The Bretherton Law team sees the current market as offering real and substantial opportunities to the firm to both expand our current client base and consolidate our relationships with existing clients.

Jeremy Bretherton established the practice as a sole general practitioner in 1965, operating from an office in Romeland Hill, St Albans. As a high street practice he offered a wide range of services for friends, family and local businesses, growing the practice by establishing a sound reputation for his integrity, knowledge and professionalism. The practice grew over the following 25 years with a number of solicitors joining, each offering more specialised services in crime, family law and mental health, as well as property law, private client work and services for small businesses.

Bretherton Law is currently headed up by Sandra Bradley, who joined the firm as an assistant in 1986, and become one of five partners in 1989. Two of those partners remained with the firm as consultants until 2016, continuing the firm`s reputation for offering experienced, professional advice. In 2004 Sandra Bradley took over sole ownership and in 2014 the firm began trading as a limited company with ABS status. Bretherton Law was a member of the Quality Solicitors group between 2012 and 2016.