HOMS Assist

19/10/2026

“Let’s just keep insurance out of it.”

It can sound like the simplest option after a minor road traffic accident, particularly when everyone just wants to get home and move on.

The difficulty is that the full picture may not be clear at the roadside.

Vehicle damage can often be assessed relatively quickly. An injury may take longer to become apparent, and symptoms can develop or change in the days that follow.

HOMS Assist Partner John Ringrose explains why it is important to exchange the correct details, keep a record of what happened and avoid making an important decision while you are still shaken or under pressure.

The aim is not to make the situation more complicated. It is to make sure any decision you make is based on the full picture.

15/10/2026

🏡 Considering downsizing? Getting your legal affairs in order early can make a significant difference.

HOMS Assist's William Donovan, Conveyancing Solicitor and Property Law Expert, features today in The Irish Times, sharing his insights on the legal considerations involved in selling a home.

From planning compliance and title deeds to property boundaries, William highlights the importance of addressing potential issues well in advance of a sale.

Read the full article by Alison Gill in The Irish Times: https://www.irishtimes.com/property/residential/2026/10/15/how-to-downsize-the-key-steps-to-make-the-move-worth-it/

Despite the challenges, if you plan early and make yourself familiar with the market, the move is very doable

14/10/2026

Budget 2027 brings higher inheritance tax thresholds, but what does that mean if you’re planning to leave a home to your family? 🏡

The usual parent-to-child threshold has increased to €420,000 for gifts and inheritances from 7 October 2026. Previous taxable gifts in the same group count towards that allowance, including certain parental contributions towards a house deposit.

For estates already in probate, the date of death usually determines which threshold applies. Completing probate after the change does not automatically bring an earlier inheritance within the new limits.

HOMS Assist Partner Claire Tuohy explains what needs checking, including the tax implications of selling an inherited property and the increased Help to Buy support for qualifying first-time buyers.

Read the full guide:
https://homsassist.ie/news/budget-2027-inheritance-tax-property-ireland/

05/10/2026

Irish Road Safety Week takes place from 5–11 October, with a national focus on preventing deaths and serious injuries on Irish roads.

Throughout the week, attention will turn to practical areas of road safety, including tyre safety, the risks facing young drivers and keeping children safe on our roads.

At HOMS Assist, we work with people and families following serious road traffic accidents. We see how the impact of a collision can extend far beyond the road itself, affecting a person’s health, work, independence and family life.

That makes the focus of Irish Road Safety Week an important one. Road safety is ultimately about prevention and reducing the number of people who ever have to experience those consequences.

Learn more about Irish Road Safety Week through the Road Safety Authority.

02/10/2026

We’re pleased to share that HOMS Assist has been shortlisted for two Irish CX Impact Awards 2026: Best Customer-Centric Culture – SME and CX Impact in Public Sector & Professional Services.

The awards recognise organisations that pay attention to the needs of the people they serve and can demonstrate how they are improving their experience.

For us, that is particularly relevant to legal services.

Clients often come to HOMS Assist following an accident, a bereavement or when making an important decision about their family, property or future.

Alongside the legal advice itself, they need to understand what is happening, who is helping them and what they can expect next.

Being shortlisted in both categories recognises the work taking place across HOMS Assist to make that experience clearer and more supportive, from the first conversation through to the conclusion of a matter.

Thank you to our solicitors, claims specialists, administrators and support teams across the firm, and to our clients for continuing to place their trust in us.

Read more about our nominations: https://homsassist.ie/news/shortlisted-for-two-irish-cx-impact-awards/

24/09/2026

A property sale can appear ready to close until an unresolved Local Property Tax issue brings the transaction to a halt.

Outstanding returns, unpaid liabilities, an unverified exemption or the need for specific Revenue clearance can all affect whether a sale is able to proceed as planned.

For sellers, discovering an issue late can mean unexpected payments, additional documentation and pressure on an agreed closing date. It can also have a knock-on effect where the sale is linked to the purchase of another property.

This is why the LPT position should be reviewed early in the conveyancing process, giving enough time to identify what Revenue requires and resolve any issues before closing.

Our latest article explains LPT Revenue clearance, the difference between general and specific clearance, and what buyers and sellers should be aware of during a property transaction.

Read the full article here: https://homsassist.ie/news/lpt-revenue-clearance-property-sales/

21/09/2026

Women are often told that pain or injury is simply part of childbirth. However, severe or lasting maternal trauma should not automatically be dismissed as normal.

Third and fourth-degree tears, injuries during a caesarean section and postpartum complications can have a significant long-term impact on a mother’s health and everyday life.

Not every birth injury is the result of medical negligence. Where an injury was not identified, treated appropriately or properly managed, however, it may be important to understand what happened.

In this video, medical negligence solicitor Marie Moloney explains when maternal birth trauma may warrant further investigation and why women deserve to have their concerns taken seriously.

Learn More about Protecting Your Rights in Birth and Gynaecological Claims here: https://homsassist.ie/services/birth-gynaecological-claims-legal-advice/

10/09/2026

If you have been injured at work, reporting the accident to your employer is an important first step. However, it may not be enough to meet the legal requirements of a Section 8 Letter of Claim. ⏱️

Under the Civil Liability and Courts Act 2004, written notice of a potential personal injury claim must generally be sent to the person or organisation believed to be responsible within one month of the accident.

This is separate from telling your manager, completing an internal accident report or recording the incident in the workplace accident book.

Depending on how the accident happened, notice may need to be sent to your employer or another party involved, such as a contractor, property owner or equipment supplier.

Missing the one-month deadline does not automatically prevent you from bringing a claim. However, it may affect whether you can recover some or all of your legal costs, even if your claim succeeds.

If the accident happened more than one month ago, do not assume that it is too late to seek advice. A solicitor can assess what happened, identify who should receive the notice and advise you on the possible effect of the delay.

HOMS Assist Partner Sean Fitzgerald explains the Section 8 deadline and what injured workers should know:

https://homsassist.ie/news/section-8-workplace-accident-deadline/

03/09/2026

After an accident, it can be difficult to know what to do next or whether you need legal advice.

Important evidence may become harder to obtain over time. Speaking to a solicitor early can help identify what should be preserved, explain the legal issues involved and give you a clearer understanding of your options.

John Ringrose is a Partner and Head of the HOMS Assist Cork office. He supports clients following serious injuries, road traffic accidents, workplace accidents and accidents in public places.

If you need advice following an accident, our team is here to listen and help you understand the next step.

Be Heard. Be Guided. Be Represented.

01/09/2026

Passing a family business to the next generation is one of the most important decisions a family can make.

A Family Limited Partnership may allow parents to pass on value while retaining control of the business. A Discretionary Trust may provide greater protection where children or other beneficiaries are young, vulnerable or not yet ready to manage significant assets.

Each structure brings different tax, cost and compliance implications. With Capital Acquisitions Tax at 33%, it is important to consider those differences early.

In our latest guide, HOMS Assist Partner Claire Tuohy explains how both structures work, who they may suit and the potential planning traps to be aware of.

Read the full article here: https://homsassist.ie/news/family-partnerships-v-discretionary-trusts/