HK Law

🌞 HK Law is excited to sponsor the Swanage Carnival! We're crossing our fingers for sunny weather and can't wait to see everyone at the bar - our team will be serving up delicious refreshments there. Make sure to look out for us in the parade too - we're ready to join the fun!

Through our HK Financial Advice Service, (HKFAS) we provide independent financial advice to help our individual and business clients achieve their financial goals.

Our approach is straightforward. You tell us about your current situation and your financial objectives. We develop a practical plan designed to help you meet those objectives.

Read our latest newsletter here get the latest update on retirement matters and pension guidance, and find out why Trusts are a powerful tool for estate planning.

You can access the services of HKFAS at any of our offices or through a home visit. To find out more visit the HKFAS website - https://hkfas.co.uk/.

Navigating the probate system can be challenging, and bereaved families are currently waiting months for probate grants, far exceeding the expected 16 weeks. ⏳

In this article, Charlotte Parsons, Associate Chartered Legal Executive at HK Law, highlights common issues causing these delays, including backlogs and HMRC complications. 💭

Our expert team can ease the burden on executors, ensuring accurate and efficient handling of probate matters.

📞 For more information, contact Charlotte Parsons at 01202 725416 or [email protected].

Probate delays: don’t shoot the messenger! | HK Law, Humphries Kirk | Dorset Solicitors Delays in the probate system have hit the headlines of late, with bereaved families having to wait many months to obtain a grant of probate – a stark contrast to the 16 weeks the Government says the application should take. Adding to this, further delays at HMRC mean that estates are taking much l...

Today, we are delighted to celebrate Victoria Pearson’s 20th anniversary with HK Law. Victoria joined the firm in 2004 and became Managing Partner in 2021. Under Victoria’s leadership, the firm has gone from strength to strength, including a major rebrand from Humphries Kirk to HK Law.

Reflecting on her journey, Victoria commented, “From day one, HK Law has always been about the people at the firm. Such an amazing team who are a great pleasure to work with.”

To mark the occasion, the HK Law teams across all 8 of our offices are enjoying a delightful selection of cakes.

From all of your colleagues at HK Law - Congratulations Victoria!

If you are interested in a career at HK Law, check out the Careers section of our website - https://buff.ly/3OMEb6l.

A warm welcome to our 2024 placement students! 👏

We're thrilled to welcome Anne-Lise Thepaut to our Parkstone office, Kaylah Brooks to our Poole office, and Emma Smith to our Wareham office. Over the next 40 weeks, they'll be gaining valuable experience through a range of legal disciplines, whilst we support their progression through study and exams. 🎓

🖥 Are you interested in a 40-week placement with us? We are currently accepting applications for 2025 trainee intake - find out more here: https://buff.ly/4d4qAAT

Easy, seamless, and refreshing - well done to Roger Cole for the brilliant feedback
received from a very happy client. 🎉

Roger, from our Company Commercial team, ensured the deadline was met, securing
the successful purchase of another business for our client.

We understand business ventures can be daunting, so we make it simple with our expert guidance. If you need advice regarding commercial, corporate, or employment law, get in touch with the team at your nearest HK office: https://buff.ly/4bhSN6U

Prepare your property for a greener future! Our latest article, by David Blackmore,
highlights how climate change could impact the sale of your home. 🌍

Explore the critical steps you can take to address environmental challenges, like
flooding and subsidence, to ensure a successful sale. Transparency and
proactive measures can turn potential obstacles into selling points. 🏡

📞 For personalised advise on navigating potential complexities, contact your Residential Conveyancing team at your nearest office https://buff.ly/4bhSN6U

https://buff.ly/3VZoQCa.

Climate change: what to consider when selling a property | HK Law, Humphries Kirk | Dorset Solicitors Climate change is likely to affect most if not all our homes, and homebuyers are much more conscious of environmental issues nowadays, which is something to be aware of if you are selling. ‘If your home is already affected, other properties in your neighbourhood probably will be too. Often, you ca...

Meet Charlotte Parsons, HK Law's Dementia Friends Ambassador. 💙

Charlotte is passionate about reducing the fear and stigma surrounding dementia. She regularly hosts informative sessions for local businesses and community groups, recently holding sessions with Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance volunteers, Hall & Woodhouse Brewery staff, and even a virtual session.

To find out more about becoming a Dementia Friend, contact Charlotte on 01305 231791 or email [email protected]. https://buff.ly/3zT7L5l

The Leasehold and Freehold Reform Act 2024 brings significant changes to property ownership in the UK.

Aimed at creating fairer terms for leaseholders, the New Act includes:

📌 Extending lease terms by 990 years and removing some of the costs traditionally borne by leaseholders.

📌Marriage value costs for leases below 80 years are abolished, benefiting those with short leases.

📌Most types of new homes must be sold as freehold, curbing unfair leasehold practices.

Curious to know how these reforms affect your plans to extend your lease or purchase a freehold? Get in touch with our property team at your nearest HK Law office for more details and personalised advice https://buff.ly/4bhSN6U

Leasehold and Freehold Reform Act 2024 | HK Law, Humphries Kirk | Dorset Solicitors The Leasehold and Freehold Reform Act 2024 (the New Act) received royal assent on 24 May 2024. The intention of the New Act is to create fairer terms for leaseholders and reduce the cost of extending their leases. While the exact implementation date of the New Act remains unclear, details are expect...

We are delighted to share some wonderful feedback for Liam Voysey, a Solicitor in our Corporate & Commercial Law team.

At our firm, we strive to ensure our clients receive the best service possible, balancing professionalism with a personal touch, and Liam exemplifies this commitment through his dedication and attention to detail.

If you are in need of legal advice, whether it's drafting agreements or other legal services, we are here to help. Our team is ready to provide you with expert guidance tailored to your unique needs. https://buff.ly/433SN7j

Seeking a Part time (3 days per week), Senior Practice Administrator to join our Practice Management Team. This role will be based within Parkstone office initially but will relocate to another office within the Poole/ Bournemouth conurbation next year.

This is a busy role for an individual with strong admin and secretarial skills to provide comprehensive administrative support to the Practice Manager. Candidates must have a minimum of 2 years’ recent and relevant experience in a similar level role and will ideally possess a recognised Business qualification.

For more information and how to apply, click here: https://buff.ly/45Vmc4Q

We understand wills and trusts can be overwhelming, which is why we're here to support you through the entire process.

Thank you to Alistair for his expertise in assisting this client, which was concluded within a timely manner.

If you need assistance in navigating a trust or will, get in touch with our experts at your nearest office: https://buff.ly/433SN7j

We are currently seeking a full time Junior Developer and Trainer to join our team. The role is to work within the IT Department function to assist in the development, testing, deployment, maintenance, support and training of applications that support the firm in its use of legal technology. These may be current applications or new applications that the firm is considering.

The role could be based from any of our offices (Poole, Bournemouth, Wareham, Dorchester, Swanage, Blandford, Crewkerne) and there will be a requirement to travel to all of them on an infrequent basis to meet the needs of the role, so you must be able drive and have your own vehicle.

Follow the link for more information and how to apply: https://buff.ly/4f6yZ90

Saturday saw a team of runners from HK Law take part in the Dorset & Somerset Air Ambulance's 2024 Twilight Shift 5k Fun Run around their Henstridge Airbase. On a blustery, but warm evening the team enjoyed the opportunity to join other runners in jogging round the airfield and raising funds for the charity. Well done to the HK Law team for raising over £500 in sponsorship and thank you to the Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance team for organising a very successful event.

Last Friday a team from HK supported the Dorchester Poundbury Rotary Club at the Charity Race Night. The team enjoyed the opportunity to socialise with both colleagues and loved ones while thinking up legal related names for the horses in the HK Law Derby, and helping to raise over £2,000 for the Rotary Club's chosen charities - Dorchester Poverty Action, and Poundbury Food Bank. Congratulations and thank you to the Rotary Club for a very enjoyable and successful evening.

Last week, as part of HK Law's monthly Friday treat, a few of our offices chose to celebrate National Cream Tea Day which was on 28th June! ☕

Delicious scones, cream, and jam were enjoyed by all, accompanied by an array of both sweet and savoury treats 🍓🥪.

Thank you to our office supervisors who ensure our treat days are delicious and can be enjoyed by all staff!

If you are selling a leasehold property with a problem or dispute, it's crucial to be transparent with potential buyers. Whether that relates to disputes over service charges or complaints about the landlord or management company.

While you can still put your property on the market, managing buyer expectations and addressing any ongoing problems is key.

Contact Chris Bland at HK Law in Parkstone for advice on navigating these complexities, guidance on what to disclose, and ensuring your sale proceeds smoothly. https://buff.ly/4bhSN6U

Selling a leasehold property where there is a problem or dispute | HK Law, Humphries Kirk | Dorset Solicitors If you are selling a leasehold property, as part of the standard conveyancing process, your buyers will expect you to provide certain information about your property. There are set forms for this, including one which relates specifically to leases that asks if you are aware of any problems regarding...

Soaking up the Summer sunshine! 🍦☀️ Our Parkstone team had a delightful treat last week with a visit from the ice cream man on Friday Treat Day. A perfect way to enjoy the summer and some delicious ice cream!

After almost 40 years with HK Law, we bid a very fond farewell to Susan Woodford as she leaves
for retirement.

As one of our longest serving team members, the Bournemouth office got together on Friday afternoon to celebrate Susan's 37 years with the firm.

Katharine Jones, Senior Partner, visited the Bournemouth office to wish Susan well, saying "Susan is something of an institution, her dedication and thoroughness will be greatly missed by all."

On behalf of HK Law, we'd like to say a huge thank you to Susan and wish her a long and happy
retirement - thank you Susan!

At HK Law we know how stressful buying or selling a property can be. That's why our expert Conveyancing team work hard to make sure the process goes as smoothly as possible. Focussing on the details and providing excellent support to clients is why the team consistently get 5* ratings and recommendations.

Well done to Matthew and Frankee for the great feedback from your clients.

If you need a recommended conveyancer to help you with buying or selling a property, or a lease extension, then get in touch with your nearest office today - https://buff.ly/433SN7j

Friday marked Martin King’s last day with HK Law before he heads off to enjoy his well-earned retirement.

After many years in London and Essex, Martin relocated to Dorset, a place he has cherished since childhood. During his 40-year career, Martin has served in both the public sector and as a solicitor for 29 years. He has a special talent for making the will-making process straightforward and offering reassurance during challenging times, which has been appreciated by clients and colleagues. His work has fostered trust and reliability, leaving a positive impact on our firm and the local community.

"Martin has been appreciated as a friendly face around the office, well-regarded as a solicitor by both clients and colleagues, and will certainly be missed.” says Katharine Jones, Senior Partner.

As Martin enters this new chapter, on behalf of all your colleagues and clients, we extend our best wishes for a happy retirement.

Legal Support or Trainee Legal Support – Full time (part time considered) – Blandford

We are now seeking an addition to our Legal Support team based in the Land Department at our Blandford office. The role is full time although part time (Minimum of 25 hours over 5 days may be considered). This is an office based position so you will need to live within commutable distance of the office.

The role will involve supporting the Lawyers within our Land team, assisting them with administration and secretarial tasks relating to conveyancing process and procedure.

https://buff.ly/3KTlyvi

Dealing with finances upon divorce is a complex and challenging issue that all couples going through the divorce process need to obtain legal advice on.

In her latest article on the financial aspects of divorce, Hayley Coyne explains what couples need to consider and how professional legal advice can empower clients to make informed decisions and reach a fair settlement.

If you have any questions about how to move forward with reaching a financial settlement or, wish to discuss any aspect of the divorce process, contact our family law experts who, will be happy to discuss further with you in a Discovery Call.

Book your Discovery call on our website - https://buff.ly/3y4v6QH or contact your local office https://buff.ly/4bhSN6U.

As proud sponsors of the D-Day exhibition at The Keep in Dorchester, HK Law was delighted to host our clients for a private viewing of the remarkable displays at the museum.

The event kicked off with an exclusive tour of the exhibits, where we had the rare opportunity to see the only surviving D-Day ration pack. Our guests were fascinated by the stories of the brave individuals from Dorchester and Dorset who played a crucial role in the success of D-Day.

Hearing from museum researchers about the local contributions to this pivotal moment in history was truly enlightening.

The evening concluded with delightful drinks and canapés, providing the perfect setting for reflection and conversation.

Thank you to The Keep Museum for hosting us and to all our staff and clients who joined us to make the evening a success.

www.hklaw.uk

Last night, some of our talented team of Trainees and Lawyers enjoyed a delightful evening at The Britianna in Ashley Cross.

The venue provided the perfect setting for the team to socialise outside of the office and enjoy some Al Fresco dining.

Moments like this allow our junior staff members to build the foundations for a strong and supportive future within the firm. 🍽🥂☀

'With rising temperatures and longer summers, it is easy to see the appeal of a house with a swimming pool,’ agrees Matthew Parker, a Chartered Legal Executive in the residential property team at HK Law. ‘However, this amenity can raise issues, both practical and legal. So, it is important to do your homework first.’

Here he offers some advice before taking the plunge: https://buff.ly/3xmMK28 🥽🌊

Buying a house with a swimming pool | HK Law, Humphries Kirk | Dorset Solicitors Many of us dream about having our own pool, especially as summer approaches. What better way to beat a heatwave? And, on a more practical note, swimming is great exercise, suitable for all ages and fitness levels. So, if you are searching for your next home, a house with a pool may be high on

The Party Wall etc. Act 1996 (Act) provides a mechanism to prevent or resolve disputes between neighbours who are disagreeing over work being done to a shared wall, or when excavations might adversely affect a neighbouring building 🏘

Michelle Dixon, a Partner in our Construction Law team, explains:

• What are your rights and responsibilities under the Act?

• Common causes of a party wall dispute.

• Cause of damage and the Taylor case.

Michelle can help negotiate with your neighbours to try and settle the dispute amicably or handle your case if the matter needs to go to court. For further information, please contact Michelle at 01202 725400 or email [email protected].

Resolving a building dispute over a party wall | HK Law, Humphries Kirk | Dorset Solicitors The Party Wall etc Act 1996 (Act) provides a mechanism to prevent or resolve disputes between neighbours who are disagreeing over work being done to a shared wall, or when excavations might adversely affect a neighbouring building. ‘On the face of it, the Act states that if you carry out work on y...

We know family law issues can be confusing and emotional. At HK Law, we’re committed to providing compassionate support from the very start. Book a free discovery call with our expert Family Law team today.

We’ll listen to your unique situation, clarify your options, and guide you towards the best possible resolution. Don’t face this journey alone—reach out for a helping hand.

👉 Book your complimentary call: https://buff.ly/3y4v6QH

We are seeking a full-time NQ – 3 years PQE Private Client Solicitor or Chartered Legal Executive to join the Private Client department at our Crewkerne office. This is an office-based role with limited opportunity for home-working, therefore you must live within a reasonable distance of the office or be willing to relocate.

Our Crewkerne team is made up of two highly experienced Private Client Lawyers and several Support Staff, who are in turn, part of the largest department in the firm. For this particular role, you must have an excellent all-round working knowledge of private client law and be comfortable working within a team towards a team target.

This is an ideal role for individuals seeking career progression in the longer term as the firm offers a transparent pathway to Associate level and beyond.

To find out more and how to apply, click here: https://buff.ly/4b6ErFV

Our team of dedicated conveyancing solicitors know that keeping their clients up to date in a professional, approachable, and timely manner, helps take the stress out of buying or selling a property. And, it's why they consistently get great feedback from their clients.

Well done to Caroline for supporting your client through the sale of the property by providing such excellent service.

If you need expert help with buying or selling a property, a lease extension, or equity release, then get in touch with our property team at your nearest HK Law office: https://buff.ly/4bhSN6U