Delays at the England’s biggest regional divorce centre reached unprecedented levels in 2018. Figures obtained by the Law Gazette found the average waiting times for each stage of the divorce process at Bury St Edmunds increased significantly last year, confirming many lawyers’ concerns about the centre’s ability to cope. Bury St Edmunds is the main centre for
The legal side of property transactions can be a lengthy and complicated process. A recent study found that the average conveyancing case involved 130 documents, as well as 300 emails between clients and agents or lawyers. In light of this, UNU Group has launched a free legal helpline, designed to offer help and support. The
Justice Secretary David Gauke announced that no-fault divorces are to become law in the UK. At present, a couple must be married for a year and a day before they can apply for divorce. If after this time they choose to divorce, either partner can file for it, but only if certain conditions are met. Either the marriage must
A new property tax is being considered for people buying property in parts of the UK who are non-UK residents as part of the government’s effort to help control the rise of house prices. The Treasury has launched a consultation into proposals to add 1% onto the stamp duty paid when buying a home in
No-fault divorces are to be introduced into law. Justice Secretary, David Gauke, confirmed he will bring in legislation enacting the reform in the next session of parliament, removing the need for separating couples to wait for years or allocate blame for the collapse of their relationship. Under the Matrimonial Causes Act 1973 in England and
A new report suggests city living is at its least affordable levels for home buyers since 2007. The study by Lloyds Bank found that the average house price in a UK city in 2018 equated to 7.2 times average annual earnings. This makes the cost of buying a home the least affordable since 2007. The
The Law Commission are proposing a shakeup of immigration rules in order to make them easier to understand. The aim is to simplify the current 1,100 pages of regulations. The proposals include an audit of overlapping rules and a limit to the number of times a year the rules are changed. The Law Commission believes
The government is working on a new house sale agreement aimed at speeding up the buying process which will be trialled later this year, according to Housing Minister Heather Wheeler. Wheeler said the aim is to develop a standard reservation agreement and officials are working with the industry led Home Buying and Selling Group. Furthermore,