Blog - Edward Harte Solicitors

Why Everyone Should Have a Will (And Why So Many People Put It Off) Most people know they should have a Will. In fact, if you ask around, you’ll find that many people have been meaning to make one for years. Some simply haven’t got around to it. Others assume they are too young to need one, or believe they don’t have enough money or assets for it to matter. Some feel uncomfortable thinking about the future...

When Building Projects Don’t Go to Plan

19 May 2026

Kate

Building or renovation projects are often exciting at the outset. Whether it is an extension to a home, a commercial development, or refurbishment works, there is usually a clear vision of what the end result will look like. These projects often involve a significant investment of time, cost, and trust in the people carrying out the work. However, in practice, projects do not always run as smoothly as expected. Delays, disagreements, and unexpected issues can arise, sometimes...

Taking on a Commercial Property: What Businesses Should Consider

19 May 2026

Kate

For many businesses, their premises are far more than just a place to operate from. Whether it is an office, retail unit, or industrial space, commercial property often represents a significant investment and plays an important role in how a business functions day to day. If you are considering taking on a commercial property, whether by leasing or purchasing, it is important to understand not only the practical aspects, but also the legal commitments involved. Taking the...

Will Disputes: What Happens If Things Don’t Feel Fair?

19 May 2026

Kate

Losing someone close to you is never easy. It is an emotional and often overwhelming time and dealing with practical matters like a Will can make things feel even more difficult. For some families, concerns arise about whether a Will truly reflects what was intended, or whether everyone has been treated fairly. When that happens, it can lead to what is known as a will dispute. This does not always mean a legal battle. In many cases,...

Can I Still Be Asked to Leave My Rental Property?

19 May 2026

Kate

With recent changes to the law, many tenants are asking the same question: can I still be asked to leave my home? The short answer is yes, but the reasons and process around this have changed. The aim of the new approach is to give tenants more security, while still allowing landlords to take back possession in certain situations. Understanding how this works in practice can help reduce uncertainty and make it easier to know where you...

Starting a Business? Choose the Right Structure for You

12 May 2026

Kate

Starting a business is an exciting step, whether you are turning an idea into reality or taking your existing work in a new direction. In the early stages, there are many decisions to make, but one of the most important is how your business will be set up. The structure you choose will affect how you run your business, how you are taxed, and what responsibilities you take on. Getting this right from the beginning can help...

Do I Have a Personal Injury Claim?

12 May 2026

Kate

Accidents can happen at any time, often when you least expect them. While some incidents are simply unfortunate, others occur because someone else has failed to take proper care. One of the most common questions people ask after being injured is whether they are entitled to make a claim. The answer will always depend on the individual circumstances, but there are some key points that can help you understand where you stand. What is a personal injury...

What Happens When You Separate or Divorce?

12 May 2026

Kate

A Clear Guide to What to Expect Separation or divorce is one of the most difficult experiences a person can go through. Alongside the emotional impact, there is often a sense of uncertainty about what actually happens next. Many people come to us not just for legal advice, but for clarity. They want to understand the process, what decisions need to be made, and what their options are moving forward. While every situation is different, there are...

What Happens When a Dispute Becomes Legal?

12 May 2026

Kate

Disagreements are a normal part of life. They can arise between neighbours, within families, or in business relationships. In many cases, they are resolved through conversation or compromise. However, there are times when a situation becomes more serious. Communication may break down, positions become fixed, and what started as a disagreement begins to feel more formal. This is often the point where people start to wonder whether the matter has become “legal”, and what that actually means....

What Is Professional Negligence and When Might You Have a Claim?

21 Apr 2026

Kate

Most people rely on professionals at important moments in their lives. Whether it is buying a home, receiving financial advice, preparing accounts or handling legal matters, we trust professionals to provide services with care, skill and expertise. When that service falls below the standard that should reasonably be expected, and it results in financial loss or other harm, it may give rise to what is known as a professional negligence claim. Professional negligence can occur across many...

Moving Day Explained: What Happens on the Day of Completion?

21 Apr 2026

Kate

For many people, the day they move house is exciting but also slightly confusing. Clients often ask what actually happens on the day of completion, particularly how the money moves between solicitors and when they will be able to collect the keys. Although moving day can feel busy and sometimes uncertain, the legal process behind the scenes is carefully organised. Understanding what happens during the day can help make the experience feel much smoother. What does “completion”...

Neighbour Disputes: Common Issues and How They Can Be Resolved

21 Apr 2026

Kate

Most people hope to live peacefully alongside their neighbours, but disagreements can sometimes arise. These disputes are often about everyday issues such as noise, boundaries, or trees. While they may not always involve large financial losses, they can quickly become stressful and emotionally charged because they involve people who live close to one another. Neighbour disputes can sometimes escalate if they are not addressed early. In many cases, finding a practical and calm solution can be far...

Common Types of Easements and How They Affect Property Owners

30 Mar 2026

Kate

When buying or owning property, it is not unusual to discover that certain rights exist which affect how neighbouring land can be used. These rights are known as easements. They allow one property to use or benefit from another property in a particular way. Easements are often created so that neighbouring properties can function properly, particularly where access, drainage or utilities are involved. Many property owners are unaware that an easement exists until they review the title...

Easements Explained: Understanding Rights Over Neighbouring Land

30 Mar 2026

Kate

When people think about owning property, they often imagine clear boundaries and complete control over their land. In reality, property rights can sometimes be more complex. In certain situations, one property may have legal rights that affect how neighbouring land can be used. One of the ways this can happen is through something known as an easement. Easements are common in property law, but many people are unaware of them until an issue arises. Understanding what an...