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Giving Back to Our Community: AST Hampsons' Charity and Fundraising Highlights of 2026

Mon, 26 Oct 2026 11:36:12 GMT

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Supporting our local communities has always been an important part of who we are at AST Hampsons. As a firm with strong roots in Bury and Rochdale, we believe in making a positive difference beyond the legal services we provide, whether through fundraising, charitable partnerships, volunteering our time or supporting causes close to our hearts.

Throughout 2026, our team has been proud to support several incredible charities by taking part in fundraising events, providing professional services for charitable causes and continuing our longstanding relationships with organisations that make a real difference to individuals and families.

As we reflect on our charitable activities this year, we would like to share some of the highlights and recognise the fantastic organisations we have had the privilege of supporting.

Continuing Our Longstanding Support for Springhill Hospice

Springhill Hospice holds a particularly special place in the hearts of everyone at AST Hampsons.

We have proudly supported the Hospice since 2003 and, through our membership, fundraising activities and involvement in events, have raised an incredible £27,392.26 to support its vital work. Over the years, our fundraising efforts have included everything from skydives and abseiling challenges to Make a Will campaigns and our own Race Day, held in memory of former Senior Partner Peter Taylor.

As one of Springhill Hospice's Business Buddies, we remain committed to supporting the Hospice through regular donations, sponsorship, fundraising and participation in events.

One of this year's highlights was taking part in the 3 Reservoir Ramble in September, which raised an impressive £48,401 . Members of our team joined fellow participants for a scenic walk covering just over 12km. Despite the mixed weather, everyone enjoyed a fantastic day, with a brilliant atmosphere and a wonderful turnout of people supporting such a worthwhile cause.

The event was especially meaningful for our team as we walked in memory of David Salisbury, husband of our colleague Louise Salisbury, who sadly passed away earlier this year.

Our involvement with Springhill Hospice also extends beyond fundraising. Joanne Ford, who specialises in Court of Protection matters and Lasting Powers of Attorney, has continued to provide a legal advice workshop as part of the Hospice's Dementia Drop-in Service, offering valuable guidance and support to individuals and families.

Springhill Hospice provides specialist palliative care to people living with life-limiting illnesses, alongside essential support for their loved ones. We are incredibly proud of our longstanding relationship with the Hospice and look forward to continuing our support in the future.

Supporting Bury Hospice Through Charitable Will-Writing and Donations

Another important cause we have been delighted to support this year is Bury Hospice, which provides specialist care and support to patients and families within the local community.

Throughout January, AST Hampsons offered a free standard Will-writing service in exchange for a charitable donation to the Hospice. This initiative gave individuals the opportunity to put important arrangements in place for their future while contributing to a charity that provides invaluable care to people when they need it most.

We are pleased to have been able to use our legal expertise to benefit such a worthwhile local cause.

Taking Part in Francis House Children's Hospice Make a Will Month

In September, AST Hampsons was pleased to support Francis House Children's Hospice by participating in its Make a Will Month campaign.

As part of the initiative, participating solicitors across Greater Manchester waived their usual Will-writing fees and instead invited clients to donate to the charity. The campaign provided a fantastic opportunity to encourage individuals to make a Will while raising valuable funds for Francis House Children's Hospice and the essential services it provides.

Becoming a Corporate Partner of The Christie Charity

A particularly exciting development in 2026 was AST Hampsons becoming an official Corporate Partner of The Christie Charity.

We are proud to have donated the firm’s written-off client account balances in support of the charity and delighted to receive a medallion on The Christie's special recognition donor wall, alongside other local businesses and individuals.

The Christie Charity supports life-changing and life-saving projects that go beyond what the NHS can provide, helping to fund world-leading cancer research, pioneering treatments, enhanced patient care and improved facilities. Its work makes an extraordinary difference to patients and their families.

We look forward to developing our partnership and getting involved in further fundraising activities and initiatives in the future.

Attending the Vistry Group Charity Ball in Support of Crisis

Our charitable involvement has also included supporting organisations that tackle important social issues.

In September, members of our Bury Conveyancing team attended the Vistry Group Charity Ball, held at the Kimpton Clocktower Hotel in Manchester. The event was organised in support of Crisis, a national charity dedicated to ending homelessness and helping people rebuild their lives.

It was a wonderful evening, bringing people together to raise awareness and support for an incredibly worthwhile cause. Our team thoroughly enjoyed being part of the event and contributing to an initiative focused on making such a positive impact.

Making a Difference Together

We recognise the tremendous contribution that charities and community organisations make every day. From providing specialist healthcare and supporting families through difficult times to tackling homelessness and funding groundbreaking medical research, their work is invaluable.

We are proud that our team continues to embrace opportunities to give back, whether by taking part in physical challenges, attending fundraising events, sharing professional knowledge or supporting charitable campaigns. Our involvement with these organisations reflects our commitment to the communities in which we live and work, and we are grateful to everyone who has helped make our charitable activities possible.

We would like to thank our colleagues, clients, charity partners and everyone who has supported our fundraising efforts throughout 2026. We look forward to continuing these relationships and supporting more fantastic causes in the years ahead.

AST Hampsons Welcomes New Family Solicitor Chiara Ozuzu

Wed, 29 Jul 2026 16:34:30 GMT

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AST Hampsons is delighted to announce the appointment of Chiara Ozuzu as a Solicitor in the firm's Family Department.

Chiara joined AST Hampsons last month, bringing with her a wealth of experience in family law and a genuine commitment to supporting clients through what can often be some of life's most challenging circumstances.

After undertaking her training contract at a law firm in Stockport, Chiara qualified as a solicitor in July 2022. She then joined the Family Department at a practice in Ashton-under-Lyne, where she worked for 2 years advising clients on a broad range of family matters. During this time, she gained valuable experience in cases involving children, financial settlements and injunction proceedings.

Following this role, Chiara moved to a local firm to broaden her expertise by undertaking legal aid work while continuing to handle private family law matters. This experience has further strengthened her ability to support clients from a wide range of backgrounds with compassion, professionalism and practical legal advice.

Speaking about her new role, Chiara said:

"I'm delighted to have joined AST Hampsons and to be part of such a respected and supportive team. I look forward to continuing to develop my experience in family law, expanding my legal knowledge and helping our clients achieve the best possible outcomes."

Welcoming Chiara to the firm, Jennifer Worcester (Partner and Head of Family) said:

"I am thrilled to welcome Chiara to the AST Hampsons team. Her experience across a variety of family law matters, together with her enthusiasm for developing her expertise and delivering excellent client care, makes her a fantastic addition to our family department. I look forward to supporting her as she continues her career with the firm."

Everyone at AST Hampsons is pleased to welcome Chiara and wishes her every success in her new role.

Rising Star: Tanaka Basikolo Qualifies as a Solicitor

Thu, 02 Jul 2026 18:54:51 GMT

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Congratulations to Tanaka Basikolo who recently qualified as a Solicitor in our Litigation Department

Tanaka, a law graduate, joined AST Hampsons in May 2024 as a Paralegal whilst also during this time, working towards achieving SQE1 qualification. In January 2025 Tanaka passed SQE1. The firm then offered her a training contract, and she became a trainee solicitor.

In June 2025 Tanaka then started preparing for SQE2 and sat this exam in January 2026. She was informed on 21 May 2026 that she had passed on the first attempt and was subsequently then able to apply to be admitted to the Roll of Solicitors. Tanaka was admitted and qualified as a solicitor on 29 June 2026.

Since joining the firm Tanaka has been working alongside Giselle Williams, Marie Jones and more recently Emma Lodge and Keira Tonge in our litigation department.

Tanaka, when commenting on her time working at AST Hampsons said “My team and the firm have been very supportive during this hard and exhausting journey. They have been very understanding which I think helped a lot. I have had the chance to take part in advocacy, alternative dispute resolution, drafting and client interviewing, which made preparing and then sitting the SQE2 a lot easier as it tested those practical skills.”

Commenting on Tanaka’s success, Giselle Williams said “I am so proud of Tanaka working full time whilst studying for SQE2. I look forward to watching her develop with AST Hampsons.”

Looking to the future, Tanaka said “I would like to stay in commercial litigation and assist on more complex matters and possibly undertake more training in alternative dispute resolution and shareholder disputes. I’d like to specialise and focus on these areas and gain more experience in general in this area of law.”

Outside of the office, Tanaka is committed to mentoring and improving access, support and representation for future solicitors from underrepresented and disadvantaged backgrounds. To support this, Tanaka will be taking part in a Webinar on 6th July 2026 hosted by The BAME Woman in Law, titled “The SQE Journey”. Tanaka will also be speaking at the Manchester Professionals Networking Mixer hosted by Afrosocial UK on 23rd July 2026, to share transparent, practical insights around navigating the SQE route.

Congratulations and well done, Tanaka! We are very proud of you and what you have achieved.

AST Hampsons Honoured with Blue Plaque Celebrating the Taylor Family Legacy

Tue, 23 Jun 2026 19:00:42 GMT

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AST Hampsons Solicitors is proud to announce that a new blue plaque has been installed at our Rochdale office in recognition of the late Peter Lyon Taylor and the remarkable contribution made by the Taylor family to both the firm and the local community for over 145 years.

The plaque has been awarded by the Rochdale Business Improvement District (BID), an initiative supported by Rochdale Borough Council, which celebrates individuals, organisations and landmarks that have played a significant role in shaping the borough's rich history and heritage.

A Lasting Tribute to Peter Taylor and the Taylor Family

The plaque has been dedicated in honour and memory of Peter Taylor, AST Hampsons' former Managing Partner, whose leadership, commitment and dedication helped guide the firm through an important chapter of its history. Peter was an initially an active member of the BID’s steering group and later joined the Board of Directors. He was extremely proud of his home town of Rochdale.

The Taylor family has been synonymous with legal services in Rochdale since the late 19th century, with successive generations serving as partners within the firm and helping to build the reputation for trusted legal advice that AST Hampsons continues to uphold today.

The inscription on the plaque recognises the Taylor family's longstanding connection to the area and commemorates:

Edward Lyon Taylor (1879–1932)
Lyon Watson Taylor (1906–1969)
Thomas Ralph Taylor (1911–1915, killed in action)
Brian Edward Lyon Taylor (1940–1976)
John Lyon Taylor (1950–1997)
Peter Lyon Taylor (1980–2024)
James Lyon Taylor (2007–present)

The Significance of Blue Plaques

Blue plaques are widely recognised as a way of marking places of historical importance and celebrating individuals who have made a lasting contribution to their communities. Within Rochdale borough, the plaque scheme helps preserve local heritage by highlighting people, buildings and organisations that have played a significant role in the area's history.

A Proud Moment for AST Hampsons

The unveiling of the blue plaque is a proud and poignant moment for everyone at AST Hampsons. It serves not only as a tribute to Peter Taylor's leadership and service of both the firm and Rochdale, but also as a lasting reminder of the values, dedication and community spirit demonstrated by the Taylor family over many decades.

Commenting on the award, James Taylor (Partner & Head of Residential Property), said:

"I am honoured that Rochdale BID has recognised the contribution of my Dad and the Taylor family generally through the installation of this blue plaque. My Dad’s commitment to the firm, our clients and the wider Rochdale community was immense, and this tribute reflects the enduring legacy that he, and previous generations left on AST Hampsons and on Rochdale generally. Dad was very proud to be actively involved in the Rochdale BID and championed Rochdale wherever he could. He was also very proud of our family’s history, the contribution of past Taylor generations to the town and the general legacy in Rochdale. I know that Dad would have been thrilled to see the family’s contribution formally recognised as part of Rochdale's history, as am I."

The plaque can be viewed at AST Hampsons' Rochdale office, where it stands as a permanent reminder of a family whose dedication has helped shape both the firm and the community it continues to serve.

Keira Tonge Completes Business Administration Apprenticeship

Wed, 20 May 2026 19:03:11 GMT

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Congratulations to Keira Tonge who recently passed her Business Administration Apprenticeship

Keira joined AST Hampsons in November 2023 as a receptionist and has been studying the business administration qualification with Qdos Training, via remote learning, whilst working within her role. The course has allowed Keira to gain a deeper understanding and appreciation of all the moving parts that form AST Hampsons and gain knowledge and skills that now form a base for her future career.

Keira, when commenting on her time working at AST Hampsons said “I am grateful to everyone at AST for the constant support and recognition. Having such great colleagues who are always willing to offer advice made the experience much easier. Especially Sharon, who has been my mentor on reception since I started. Sharon is the best of the best and learning from her directly was invaluable, I have developed a world of knowledge and skills.

I also worked closely with Jennifer Worcester (Partner & Head of Family) throughout my apprenticeship. I am incredibly grateful to Jennifer for all the opportunities she provided me with as well as always being available and so positive. Jennifer always offered her support and was present for every meeting and review to ensure I was making progress.”

Commenting on Keira’s success, Jennifer Worcester said “I am incredibly proud of Keira's journey so far. She has grown in confidence and maturity throughout her apprenticeship and consistently demonstrates a calm and professional approach. Her progression into a Paralegal Apprenticeship is thoroughly deserved.”

At the beginning of this year Keira moved to the Litigation department and is now enrolled at Oldham College where she will begin her Paralegal apprenticeship in May.

Well done, Keira! We are very proud of you and what you have achieved so far.

Sundee Rutter Wins Outstanding Apprentice Award

Thu, 07 May 2026 19:06:52 GMT

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Congratulations to Sundee Rutter who was recently presented with the Outstanding Apprentice Award at Oldham College.

In February, Sundee received notice that she had been nominated and was chosen out of 700 apprentices to receive the award. Sundee was nominated based on her studies and performance on the paralegal course and won the award for her faculty (law and business at Oldham College). Sundee’s teacher delivered a lovely, heartfelt speech stating how thrilled she was with her progression.

Sundee joined AST Hampsons in March 2022 as an apprentice Business Administration Assistant whilst studying at Oldham College one day a week. During this time Sundee provided admin assistance to the partner of our commercial department. This is also where she initially gained exposure to property law and realised this was an area that she would like to progress into as a paralegal. At this time Sundee also worked on reception at our Yorkshire Street office in Rochdale and found this to be very developmental with learning and improving her skills, particularly in the early stages of her role.

In January 2024, Sundee passed her Business Admin Apprenticeship with distinction and started the Paralegal Level 3 Apprenticeship, completing this in August 2025. Sundee was thrilled to be the first person at Oldham College to complete the new paralegal assessment standard and achieve distinctions across the board!

While Sundee was studying this course, she assisted Ben Tatters (Partner) and several solicitors in our commercial department. This enabled Sundee to learn about different areas of property law such as adverse possession, of which she went on to do her exam project on for the paralegal end point assessment. Sundee thoroughly enjoyed the course and says she saw a big change in her confidence during this time, as well as improving her understanding of concepts of property law.

We were delighted to also see that Oldham College did a case study on Sundee’s achievements. Link here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NBP1Eo6iY9U

Sundee began the Solicitor Level 7 Apprenticeship exemption route with BPP Law School in September 2025 which she will complete in 2031, allowing her to achieve a law degree. She will then proceed to sit her SQE exams to qualify as a solicitor later that year.

Currently, Sundee is learning key areas of law such as public law and contract law and has passed both her formative and summative assessments in these areas. She is now studying tort law and is preparing for the upcoming formative exam in this area.

Sundee has been given the responsibility of progressing files under Ben Tatters’ supervision, meaning she is responsible for tasks such as drafting legal documents, understanding and adhering to SRA regulatory requirements, completing AML checks and updating clients and problem solving to progress matters to completion.

Commenting on Sundee’s success, Ben Tatters (Partner and Head of Corporate & Commercial Property) said “Sundee has really progressed during her time studying to become a qualified paralegal and the staff at Oldham college are great. We worked closely with them to ensure that Sundee got the necessary support at work to be able to understand what is needed to work as a paralegal and to help her pass her course.

Sundee has gained in confidence over this time, and her legal knowledge and skills have come on considerably to the point where she is able to undertake work on files, producing work to a high standard. She is now on the road to becoming a qualified solicitor and AST Hampsons and my department will continue to support her in this journey.

Fostering and developing new talent is a key aim of AST Hampsons and Sundee is a great example of what can be achieved when talent and a supportive working environment are combined.”

Sundee, when commenting on her time working at AST Hampsons said “The firm is very supportive of young people trying to make their way up the career ladder and has always encouraged my development from the business admin apprenticeship to paralegal apprenticeship, and then to the solicitor apprenticeship. We decided that I would complete the apprenticeships in this way as each has transferable skills which naturally progresses onto the following course, so it has been a nice way to gradually ease my way into the legal field without being overwhelmed as there is lots to learn!

The partners at the firm are approachable which means that If I ever have a concern about my studies or need extra support with something I am learning, there is no doubt that I can discuss this with them and get that support put in place.

AST Hampsons is a big team and has a family orientated vibe to it! If you are interested in developing a legal career and are eager and willing to learn and apply yourself, AST Hampsons is great at recognising this and will invest in you to achieve your goals.

My future goal is clear – to become a qualified solicitor and to put my skills to use helping people achieve their objectives.”

Sundee has recently set up a weekly study group with the other solicitor apprentices, in which they cover the content needed for the SQE exams.

Sundee commented “I introduced this as I appreciate many of us here are studying for the SEQ exams and the solicitor apprenticeship courses are very challenging, so it is nice to have familiarity and solidarity knowing we are all in it together! We can help each other as one person’s area of weakness could be another person’s area of strength meaning we can all help to improve our knowledge of the law.”

All of us at AST Hampsons could not be prouder of Sundee and what she has achieved so far, and we are excited to see what she achieves in the future.

The Renters’ Rights Act 2025

Tue, 21 Apr 2026 19:12:05 GMT

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The Renters’ Rights Act 2025 marks the most significant overhaul of the private rented sector in a generation and Landlord’s need to be prepared.

Coming into force from 1 May 2026, the Act introduces wide-ranging reforms that will significantly change how landlords manage their properties, tenancies, and possession strategies.

Key changes include:

Abolishment of ‘no-fault’ evictions (Section 21) – landlords will now need a valid legal ground to recover possession.

End of fixed-term tenancies – all tenancies transition to periodic agreements
Stricter rules on rent increases – limited to once per year with at least two months’ notice
Cap on rent in advance – no more than one month’s rent permitted upfront
Expanded tenant rights – including the right to request a pet and protections against discrimination
Increased compliance and enforcement measures – including a proposed landlord register

The aim of these changes is to provide greater stability for over 11 million renters, while placing new legal and operational responsibilities on landlords.

What does this mean in practice?

The changes will require a more structured and legally robust approach to the following:

Regaining possession of properties
Reviewing tenancy agreements and documentation
Managing rent reviews and tenant communications
Ensuring compliance with evolving regulatory requirements

At AST Hampsons our litigation team are working closely with landlords to prepare for these reforms and adapt to the new legal landscape.

If you would like to discuss how the Renters’ Rights Act may impact your properties, please get in touch.

Inheritance disputes are on the rise: How to protect your loved ones

Mon, 30 Mar 2026 19:14:23 GMT

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Inheritance disputes are on the rise, with more than 1 in 5 UK adults saying they would consider challenging a will or inheritance if they felt it was unfair or did not reflect the deceased’s intentions.

So, what can you do to make sure your loved ones won’t have to face disputes in the future? Whilst every situation is unique, there are a few things everyone can do to ensure you and your family are best prepared for the future.

Write a will

Nearly half of people in the UK state they’re worried an outdated or missing will could cause disputes among their family. And yet, 48% of people do not have a will in place.

If you’re one of them, it’s time to take action now. Without a will, your family could be left exposed to uncertainty, disagreement and, increasingly, formal legal disputes. Not having a will in place is actually one of the main reasons for inheritance disputes, according to the latest research conducted by The Association of Lifetime Lawyers.

Update your will

Your will should be treated as a living document – evolving as your life changes. So, if your circumstances are changing, you should consider updating this legal document to make sure you’re still protecting the people you care about and avoid legal disagreements.

It’s best practice to review your will every five years or after major life events such as getting married, becoming a grandparent, changes in your financial situation or starting a business, a death in your family, or if you or one of your beneficiaries has obtained a Gender Recognition Certificate.

Communicate your wishes and have difficult conversations

Planning for the future sometimes means facing difficult topics. But we’d recommend having those conversations before it’s too late to make sure your wishes are heard.

Letting your loved ones know about your wishes not only provides them with peace of mind for things such as funeral plans, but it will also help them to know what to expect. That way, things you’ve outlined in your will won’t come as a surprise to them.

Take action now

If it’s been a while since you last looked at your will, or you don’t have one yet, now is the time to take action.

At AST Hampsons, our Accredited Lifetime Lawyers offer specialist expertise in later-life legal matters. We can help you and your family put clear, legally robust plans in place to help ease your mind and avoid inheritance disputes in the future.

If you’re concerned about inheritance disputes, or are looking for advice on setting up or updating your will, please contact Giselle Williams (Partner & Solicitor, Head of Litigation) on 0161 763 1000 or email: GWilliams@asthampsons.co.uk

AST Hampsons – Looking Back at 2025

Wed, 28 Jan 2026 19:16:10 GMT

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From celebrating new appointments within the firm to abseiling down the Trafford Palazzo, as we move towards the end of the first month of 2026, we look back at some key milestones and events from 2025.

During the past year we have seen colleagues set out on new paths and welcomed five new starters. We also celebrated the return of two members of our team from maternity leave and supported over eight colleagues as they progressed through their legal qualifications.

To further support our charities, we held free Will months for Springhill Hospice (who we are proud to be a Business Buddy for) and raised a total of £4,222.62 from our events held in memory of Peter Taylor. We also continued to work with Bury Hospice and Francis House.

At the start of the year, we were delighted to announce the promotion of Joanne Ford to Partner. Joanne has been with AST Hampsons since 2016 and has developed the Court of Protection Department and is now head of the Court of Protection team. Joanne’s dedication and specialist knowledge has been invaluable to AST Hampsons’ growth, so we were thrilled to welcome her as a partner within the team.

In March, we were thrilled to announce that Gemma Worthington passed her paralegal course with distinction and qualified as a Court of Protection Paralegal. This impressive accomplishment came as no surprise to those who have witnessed Gemma's dedication and hard work over the time she has been with the firm. Well done, Gemma!

In April, we celebrated Angie Dickinson being a loyal employee for 25 years. Thank you for all your hard work and your commitment to AST Hampsons over the years Angie! A fantastic achievement.

As we headed into the summer, members of staff took part in AST’s ‘Big Drop’ by bravely abseiling down the Trafford Palazzo at the Trafford Centre. The team raised an incredible £2,604 for Springhill Hospice. Well done to everyone who took part!

In August, after many years working with AST Hampsons as a Licensed Conveyancer, we were delighted to announce the appointment of Helen O’Sullivan to Partner. The promotion was a very well-deserved recognition for all Helen’s efforts and consistent support to the firm and her clients.

We also said congratulations to Sundee (Paralegal in our Commercial team) who obtained a distinction in her End Point Assessment for her CILEX result. We are very proud of Sundee’s hard work and commitment.

The AST Summer Party also took part this month, which was one of our beloved former Senior Partner’s, Peter Taylor’s, final wishes. Peter wanted to treat everyone to a party and a great time on him. The day was incredibly special with so many familiar faces from past and present, along with friends and family of the firm attending and sharing their memories. A truly wonderful way to remember Peter. The event also raised £1,618.62 for Springhill Hospice.

Thank you to our clients, colleagues and of course our incredible staff for your continued support during the year. We are looking forward to making many more memories in 2026!

We are delighted to announce the appointment to the Partnership of our Helen O’Sullivan.

Thu, 21 Aug 2025 19:18:40 GMT

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After many years of working with us at AST Hampsons, we are delighted to announce the appointment to the Partnership of our Helen O’Sullivan.

Helen, is a Licensed Conveyancer and has for many years been a well-known and well-respected name in Residential Conveyancing. She has worked in the industry for 40 years, 38 of those dealing with property and so is extremely experienced.

During her time with AST Hampsons, she has been instrumental in growing the department and in particular, supporting younger members of the team and many a less experienced solicitor, with technical issues regarding property matters. The work Helen deals with is mainly from repeat or referred clients and she is always extremely busy.

Regardless, she has always found time to investigate and deal with difficult issues, so far with a 100% success rate, which have been brought to her.

The promotion to partner is very well-deserved recognition for her efforts and consistent support to the firm and her clients.

Gemma Worthington qualifies as a Court of Protection Paralegal

Tue, 11 Mar 2025 20:20:49 GMT

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AST Hampsons are thrilled to announce that Gemma Worthington has passed her paralegal course with distinction. This impressive accomplishment comes as no surprise to those who have witnessed Gemma's dedication and hard work over the time she has been with the firm.

Gemma began her legal career at the age of 18 and, whilst raising three daughters, has pursued her professional development with the support of the team at AST Hampsons. Choosing to specialise in Court of Protection matters, her work focusses on supporting vulnerable people and assisting in managing their affairs. She is highly regarded by clients who draw on her approachable manner and her genuine commitment to helping support many different clients and their families through difficult times.

Joanne Ford, Partner at AST Hampsons, commented, “We are delighted with the continual growth of our Court of Protection team, and Gemma qualifying into this area means we can continue to offer the very best advice and assistance for our clients. We are very proud of her achievement!””

Joanne Ford appointed Partner at AST Hampsons Solicitors

Tue, 04 Feb 2025 19:22:43 GMT

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AST Hampsons Solicitors is delighted to announce the promotion of Joanne Ford to partner. Joanne has been with AST Hampsons since 2016, making significant contributions to the Private Client department. In particular she has developed the Court of Protection Department and is now head of the Court of Protection team.

Joanne works with lay and professional deputies to assist and support applications to the Court of Protection and is also a Court appointed deputy.

Joanne’s work varies from making Court applications to appoint deputies, to obtaining authority in respect of specific issues such as orders for the sale or purchase of property. Joanne also advises deputies on the extent of their authority when it comes to the management of a vulnerable person’s affairs.

Louise Salisbury, Head of Private Client says: “Joanne’s dedication and specialist knowledge of Court of Protection/Mental Capacity law have been invaluable to AST Hampsons growth. Her commitment to building the Department has been exceptional, and we are thrilled to welcome her as a salaried partner. This promotion is a well-deserved recognition of her commitment to the firm and to providing the best support for vulnerable clients.”

Joanne Ford says: “I am incredibly proud to have been part of AST Hampsons for the past nine years. It has been a privilege to work alongside such a talented and supportive team. I am particularly proud of our work, and to be able to support many different clients and their families through what can be a difficult and emotional time.

Navigating the 2024 UK Budget: Key Considerations for Buy-to-Let Landlords and How AST Hampsons Can Help

Tue, 19 Nov 2024 19:25:53 GMT

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The 2024 budget has brought changes for landlords, making it more important than ever to carefully plan your property portfolio and exit strategies. Whether you hold assets personally or through a limited company, understanding the legal implications of selling and the opportunities for structuring your investments is critical. At AST Hampsons, we work closely with landlords, accountants, and financial advisers to ensure a smooth and successful process, tailored to your goals.

The 2024 Budget: Challenges and Opportunities

With the Stamp Duty Land Tax (SDLT) surcharge on additional properties rising by 2% in respect of each bracket going from 3% to 5% at the lowest range, the costs of acquiring new buy-to-let properties have increased. Meanwhile, Capital Gains Tax (CGT) on residential properties remains unchanged, but other investments are now subject to higher rates. These changes may prompt many landlords to reassess their portfolios or consider an exit strategy.

It’s worth noting that tax advice plays a crucial role in any property transaction. While AST Hampsons can guide you through the legal process, we strongly recommend consulting a qualified tax adviser to ensure your plans align with your financial objectives. We can also connect you with trusted professionals if needed.

Asset vs. Share Sales: Choosing the Right Approach

For landlords operating through a limited company, a key decision when selling is whether to sell individual properties (asset sale) or the company itself (share sale). Both options have distinct advantages and considerations:

a) Advantages of a Share Sale

Cost Savings for Buyers: Buyers of company shares pay Stamp Duty or Stamp Duty Reserve Tax at a rate of 0.5%, a fraction of the SDLT rate on direct property purchases. This can make your offering more attractive to prospective buyers.
Flexibility with Mortgages: In a share sale, existing loans secured against the company’s properties typically remain in place. This avoids the immediate need for refinancing, although the buyer may renegotiate terms post-sale. If you, as the seller, have given personal guarantees, you’ll likely want to secure a release as part of the transaction. Without this, you could remain liable for company debts even after the sale. If a release isn’t possible, clearing the company’s mortgages on completion may be necessary.
Streamlined Transactions for Larger Portfolios: For buyers seeking a portfolio, acquiring a company avoids the need to transfer individual properties, simplifying the process.

b) Considerations in a Share Sale

Due Diligence: Buyers will scrutinise the company’s financial history and legal obligations. Any liabilities—such as unpaid taxes or disputes—could impact the sale price or lead to complications.
Complexity: Negotiating a share sale involves a more intricate legal process than selling properties outright. This makes professional advice essential to protect your interests.

c) Selling as an Individual

Individual landlords generally sell properties outright, requiring the repayment of associated mortgages upon completion. While simpler, this approach lacks the potential tax efficiencies and flexibility of a share sale.

Planning Your Exit Strategy

Deciding how to exit a property investment is as important as planning the acquisition. Whether you’re seeking to retire from the rental market or reinvest in other opportunities, having a clear strategy ensures you maximise the benefits of your hard work.

Key considerations for your exit plan include:

Legal and Financial Advice: Selling properties, particularly through a company, often requires collaboration with solicitors, accountants, and financial advisers. At AST Hampsons, we work closely with these professionals to create a seamless process and can recommend trusted advisers if needed.
Post-Sale Plans: After a sale, you may need to explore options for reinvesting proceeds or managing liabilities, such as personal guarantees. Our team can introduce you to mortgage and financial brokers to assist with refinancing or planning your next steps.
Portfolio Transfers: For landlords holding properties individually, transferring them into a limited company might reduce tax liabilities over the long term, but it’s important to weigh this against the upfront costs of SDLT and CGT.

A well-planned exit strategy ensures that your sale is not only legally compliant but also aligned with your financial goals.

How AST Hampsons Can Help

At AST Hampsons, we provide expert advice to landlords and property investors, offering tailored support to meet your needs. Whether you’re selling assets, considering a share sale, or exploring the portfolio transfer into a company, we’re here to help.

Our services include:

Legal expertise in share and asset sales, ensuring all aspects of the transaction are handled smoothly, from due diligence to personal guarantees.
Collaboration with your financial team: We work hand-in-hand with accountants, financial advisers, and mortgage brokers to ensure every part of your sale or transfer is professionally managed.
Access to trusted professionals: Need tax advice or help securing new financing? We can connect you with experienced advisers and brokers to complement our legal services.
Comprehensive support for exit strategies, helping you achieve your goals with minimal stress.

Based in Rochdale and Bury, our team has decades of experience guiding landlords through complex legal processes. Whether you’re managing a single property or a large portfolio, we’ll help you navigate your next steps with confidence.

Take the Next Step with AST Hampsons

Whilst we are yet to see the full impact of the 2024 budget on the buy-to-let market, it is bound to have an effect making it essential to approach property transactions with a well-informed strategy. With AST Hampsons by your side, you’ll have the legal expertise and professional network to make your plans a success.

Contact us today to discuss your goals and how we can assist. Together, we’ll ensure your investments are structured for success—whether you’re expanding, selling, or planning for the future.

The Leasehold and Freehold Reform Act 2024

Wed, 13 Nov 2024 19:28:18 GMT

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As of 24 May 2024, the Leasehold and Freehold Reform Act (“the Act”) became law. The purpose of the Act is to improve the rights of homeowners and regulate the relationship between residential landlords and tenants. As of July 2024, the previous government enacted a few amendments to the Building Safety Act; it is for the current government to implement the rest of the Act, which is likely to be completed in stages between 2025 and early 2026. Until then, the current laws are applicable. However, we would like to highlight key changes we believe you should be aware of.

The Changes to come

Lease extensions and the right to acquire the freehold

It will be cheaper and easier for tenants to make an enfranchisement claim (acquire a share of their freehold). Tenants will no longer be required to pay their freeholder’s costs when doing so.
The standard lease extension for houses was 50 years and 90 years for flats. This will increase to 990 years for houses and flats.
Other than in exceptional circumstances, the sale of new leasehold houses will be banned in England and Wales. New houses will be freehold from the outset.
The Act will remove the requirement for leaseholders to have owned their house or flat for two years before they can extend their lease or buy their freehold.

Building management

Leaseholders will be allowed to appoint a managing agent of their choice, making it easier and cheaper for them to take over management of their building.
Freeholders who manage their building will be required to belong to a redress scheme (managing agents are currently required to be), to make it easier for leaseholders to challenge poor practice by freeholders.
Homeowners who possess properties made up of mixed tenure (freehold and leasehold) will be granted comprehensive rights of redress, so they can receive more information about the charges they pay, and they will have the ability to challenge how reasonable the charges are.

Service charge

For transparency, freeholders and managing agents will be required to issue standardised bills for service charges to leaseholders. This allows for bills to be easily challenged and scrutinised.
The Act will scrap the presumption that leaseholders pay their freeholders’ legal costs when challenging poor practice and or service charge.
Excessive buildings insurance commission for freeholders and managing agents will be banned for transparent and fair handling fees.

Ground rent

Tenants will be able to vary their lease to replace the ground rent for a peppercorn. This will be subject to payment of a premium. The right applies to leases for houses and flats with a remaining term of at least 150 years.
Varying the lease to replace the ground rent for a peppercorn will be a standalone right. Meaning, tenants do not need to claim a lease extension or enfranchise to exercise this right.
The buy-out premium will be capped at 0.1% of the value of the property. This is to ensure that the premiums are affordable for the leaseholders.

What does this mean for landlords?

We suggest that residential landlords/freeholders conduct a diligent risk assessment of their property portfolio, as it is important to understand your position and the obligations introduced by the new Act should you face leaseholders who seek to implement their rights.

At AST Hampsons, we are committed to keeping up to date with the Leasehold and Freehold Reform Act and how it affects our clients. For further advice and information, contact Giselle Williams or Mason Mott-Roberts.

AST Hampsons, Solicitors, Receives "Outstanding Employer" Award from Oldham College

Wed, 29 May 2024 19:32:19 GMT

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AST Hampsons, Solicitors, Receives "Outstanding Employer" Award from Oldham College

AST Hampsons, Solicitors, are proud to announce that they have been presented with the prestigious "Outstanding Employer" award by Oldham College. This accolade recognises AST's commitment to investing in apprentices and fostering a culture of excellence in partnership with Oldham College.

Oldham College is celebrating the remarkable success and contributions of both apprentices and employers who work together to shape the future of our industry. AST Hampsons have stood out as an employer dedicated to providing exceptional opportunities for apprentices, thereby contributing to the development of a brighter future for the firm and the legal profession.

Anna Murzell, Partner at AST, said “In an era where succession planning is paramount but often overlooked, we are proud to make significant progress in cultivating the next generation of legal professionals through our Paralegal Apprenticeship programme with Oldham College. We are always eager to provide a supportive learning environment where apprentices can thrive, guided by mentors who are dedicated to nurturing talent and carving out clear career paths.

The landscape of employment is evolving rapidly, yet not all employers consider succession planning as a priority. Identifying this gap, AST Hampsons are committed to fostering a pipeline of skilled professionals who will shape the future of the firm, thereby enabling and developing the provision of legal services to the local and wider communities. Their innovative approach ensures that all team members of the future are equipped with the necessary expertise and experience to excel in their roles.

The allure of the Paralegal Apprenticeship lies in its accessibility and opportunity. Unlike traditional routes, our programme is open to individuals who may not have considered legal careers while in school. This inclusive approach has created interest from young people eager to embark on a rewarding career path.

Since the early 2000s, AST apprenticeships have been instrumental in bridging the gap between education and employment. The programme not only equips apprentices with practical skills but also cements their abilities and skillsets, when passing down training and experience to new candidates from mentors who have been through similar journeys.

Transitioning to a career can be daunting for any young person. However, our programme offers a robust support system that ensures apprentices feel supported and confident in their journey towards professional growth.

Anna also said “Once qualified, our apprentices journey continues as they grow and develop their roles within the firm. We have found that this programme, when staged and progressed carefully can greatly improve the quality of the learners journey and success, aiding staff retention and as a result, greater continuity within the firm.

We are hopeful that the apprentices of today, will be the Partners of our future”.

A Tribute to Our Beloved Team Member and Friend

Thu, 29 Feb 2024 19:34:18 GMT

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It is with great sadness that we announce the sudden passing of Julie Caine, a loyal and well respected member of our AST family and cherished secretary to Peter Taylor.

Julie had been with us for 18 years, she was more than just a colleague and anyone who worked with her enjoyed her wit and dry sense of humour.

Our thoughts and deepest sympathies are with Julie’s family and loved ones during this difficult time. She will be missed by us all.

Introducing Ben Tatters: Your Commercial Property Solicitor

Thu, 15 Feb 2024 20:36:56 GMT

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With over 23 years of experience in commercial and property law, Ben has smoothly navigated a wide ranging caseload of transactions involving commercial property leases, sales, purchases, and refinancing for his clients.

Ben has represented clients on both sides of the table, serving commercial landlords and business tenants in lease agreements and sub-leases. His expertise also extends to advising clients on matters including Overage Agreements, promotion agreements and acquiring sites for residential development and subsequent plot sales. He is also well-versed in assisting clients using their pensions (SIPPS and SASS’s) in commercial property matters.

Ben's client portfolio is as varied as his expertise, ranging from aristocratic figures and professional sportsmen to everyday individuals and national companies to sole traders. He is a trusted adviser to clients and seeks to understand a business to be able to help in whatever way is needed either directly with advice or by making introductions to his larger network of contacts.

Ben’s career has been conducted across a wide range of areas and he is committed to finding practical solutions that align with his clients' goals.

Outside of work, Ben cherishes time with his family—his wife, four sons, and two dogs. When he's not immersed in legal matters, you can find him indulging in his passions for swimming, running, and attending classical and folk music concerts.

James Taylor, Partner at AST Hampsons said “Ben's professional yet approachable demeanour and dedication to client satisfaction make him a valuable addition to the AST team as we continue to provide expert legal services across the UK to our long-standing Clients.

Christmas 2023 sees AST Hampsons are supporting the Samaritans Operation Christmas Child

Wed, 04 Oct 2023 19:38:43 GMT

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AST Hampsons are supporting the Samaritans Operation Christmas Child.

The Samaritans help spread Christmas cheer to less fortunate children across the world. The Christmas project involves the packing a shoe box with items which are then sent to children living in poverty.

If you would like to join in with us, the process is simple;

You purchase a barcode for £5.00 following this link: https://www.samaritans-purse.org.uk/.../follow-your-box.../

Then pack a shoe box yourself with gifts such as toys, school supplies or hygiene items, attach the barcode and drop the box at one of our offices.

Alternatively, you can sponsor a box for us which we will pack and send once provided with the barcode.

For a list of shoe box gift suggestions and restrictions on what you can pack, please see here: https://www.samaritans-purse.org.uk/.../what-goes-in-my.../

Please note that if you would like to participate we need your donations by Friday 10th November 2023.

Should Alternative Dispute Resolution be mandatory? Or, alternatively, are you entitled to “your day in Court”

Tue, 05 Sep 2023 19:43:10 GMT

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At AST Hampsons we consider there to be various advantages to the parties engaging in Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) such as mediation arbitration and joint settlement meetings. This is a view largely taken by the Courts. It can be argued that since Lord Woolf’s review of the civil justice system in 1996 the Courts have stressed time and again that litigation be treated as a last resort. After all litigation is often a slow, complex and costly process.

Despite these efforts, the Courts have never ruled that engaging in ADR should be compulsory. In the 2004 case of Halsey v Milton Keynes General NHS Trust , the Court of Appeal ruled that forcing the parties to mediate “would be to impose an unacceptable obstruction on their right of access to the court” – a breach of Article 6 under the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR).

The question of compulsory ADR is now being revisited by the Court of Appeal in Churchill v Merthyr Tydfil Borough Council – a claim relating to Japanese Knotweed against a local authority. When rejecting the claim, the Defendant referred the Claimant to their internal complaints process. The Defendant subsequently argued that this process, which is argued by the Council to be a form of ADR, should have been followed prior to the commencement of legal action. This argument was rejected by the County Court but permission was allowed for the appeal to be heard in the Court of Appeal.

If the appeal in Churchill succeeds then the 19-year precedent of Halsey will be reversed. It could well affect all forms of civil litigation – no matter the dispute. It is no surprise then that a number of bodies have intervened in the case. Just recently the Law Society Gazette has published details of the Civil Mediation Council’s, the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators’ (Ciarb) and the Centre of Effective Dispute Resolution’s (CEDR) involvement.

The case of Churchill is due to be decided at a future date.

At AST Hampsons we promote ADR as a cost-effective and quicker way to resolve disputes. For more information, contact Giselle or Mason.

Celebrating 10 years of same-sex marriage

Thu, 10 Aug 2023 19:55:43 GMT

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On 17.07.2013, the Marriage (Same-Sex) Couples Act received Royal Assent, meaning that same-sex couples were entitled to marry in England and Wales.

The legislations provides for those who are in same-sex relationships to marry, whether in a civil ceremony or a religious one. The legalisations also offers protection to those religious organisations which do authorisation such marriages, and therefore, supporting freedom of religion to all religious organisations.

On 29 March 2014, the country witnessed same-sex marital ceremonies take place for the first time in England and Wales. According to the ONS within the first 48 hours, 95 same-sex weddings took place. Between March 2014 and October 2015, 15,000 ceremonies took place.

In this day and age, it is difficult to fathom that same-sex marriage was at one point not legal, and the Nullity of Marriage Act 1971 very much endorsed such ideology. The radical change in the law was a much needed reform, and celebrates the notion that “love conquers all”.

Here at AST Hampsons Solicitors, we are very much in support of the LGBTQIA+ Community. We offer legal advice to anyone and everyone; no matter the individual’s sexuality and/or gender identity. At the end of the day “love is love.”

If unfortunately, your relationship with your spouse has broken down and you are needing legal advice, our Family Law department offer a free 30 minutes initial consultation . To speak with one of our trusted and very experienced Solicitors, contact reception to book your initial appointment today on 0161 763 1000.

Spotlight on Nathalie Speakman

Tue, 18 Jul 2023 20:06:31 GMT

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“We are very excited to announce, that our firm’s Nathalie Speakman, has qualified as a Solicitor!

Nathalie has been with us for almost three years, and we have seen her go from strength to strength in her work.

Nathalie is a Solicitor within our Family Law department and works closely with Jennifer Worcester, Head of the Family Department and Partner.

In recognition of Nathalie’s accomplishment, we thought it would be a great time to share with you some info on our bright enthusiastic member of our team.

Spotlight on Nathalie Speakman

What is the most memorable moment of your life so far?

Buying my first house.

If you could have dinner with any historical figure, who would it be and why?

It would be pretty cool speaking to Martin Luther King, or Rosa Parks and hearing about their fight for the civil rights of black people.

What is the best piece of advice you've ever received?

From my Law Tutor at college, “Fail to prepare, prepare to fail”.

What is the best piece of advice you can give that you have learned whilst working in the legal profession?

Persevere, even through difficult times. I started my first job in a Law Firm at the age of 19, and worked in the administration department. There have been many challenges along the way, and a lot of having to prove myself – but I managed to get there in the end!

How do you feel now you have qualified as a Solicitor?

That (more-or-less) anything is possible.

How do you unwind and relax after a long day?

Snuggles with my dog, Reuben, and going to the gym.

What is one skill or hobby you've always wanted to learn but haven't had the chance to yet?

When I was really young I used to go horse riding, so I would like to get back into that one day… and to learn Greek!

If you could travel anywhere in the world right now, where would you go and why?

Growing up, I would go to Sanibel, Florida with my parents, every-other-year. I would love to be back on Sanibel beach, with an iced coffee, reading a book and watching my Dad fishing.

What is one thing you're grateful for today?

The support that I have from my family and friends.

Who has been the biggest influence on your work life and why?

That would be my boss, Jennifer Worcester – she’s supportive, understanding and encouraging! Plus a fab lawyer! She’s my mentor at work (and sometimes my personal life). Also, my parents. They have an incredible work ethic.

If you could have a superpower, what would it be and how would you use it?

I have no idea. I don’t have the imagination to come with an answer for that. Perhaps the gift of time travel so I could go back and experience my favourite memories, again.

What is the most challenging thing you've ever done, and what did you learn from it?

Going to Law School. Perseverance. Also, being super intelligent does not necessarily mean you will be a strong lawyer. Being passionate counts for a lot.

What is your favourite quote and why does it resonate with you?

“Fail to prepare, prepare to fail” – because it applies to anything and everything. Whether it is preparing for a court hearing, or preparing a meal.

How do you define success in your own life?

Having a career that enables me to support myself financially and also being surrounded by loved ones.

What is one thing you would change about the world if you had the power to do so?

I wish I could say something deep and meaningful here – but I’m going to go with – improve the cost of living situation!

What is your go-to way to overcome obstacles or setbacks?

Reminding myself that challenges and obstacles are part of life. Some things are not meant to be, and that is okay. Although, being a control freak it can be frustrating at times.

What is the most interesting thing you've learned recently?

I am forever learning new things about people and my work. My clients are very diverse in many different ways. It is interesting to experience how others deal with going through such awful and difficult times. I often find it encouraging and inspiring how strong people can be.

If you could have a conversation with your future self, what advice would you give yourself?

Live in the moment, and enjoy being young(er).

What is a goal or dream you have for the next five years?

To make partner and to have a Jaguar F-Pace.

What is the best piece of advice you would give to someone starting their career?

If you are not 100% sure about having a career in law, it is not for you. It is not something you can do half-heartedly.

Thanks, Nathalie!

Nathalie and Jennifer are very experienced Matrimonial Lawyers, and together they make a wonderful team.

Our Family Law Solicitors deal with a wide variety of family issues, from divorce and matrimonial finances to child arrangements and cohabitation disputes; to name a few.

If you are going through a difficult time at the moment concerning a family law matter, please contact our Family Law department and ask for Nathalie or Jennifer for a free 30 minute telephone consultation. Please contact 0161 763 1000 or bury@asthampsons.co.uk to arrange your free appointment today.

AST Hampsons Announces Rochdale Offices Merger and Expansion Strategy

Tue, 04 Jul 2023 20:11:07 GMT

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AST Hampsons, one of the leading law firms in the area, is pleased to announce the successful merger of its Yorkshire Street office with their South Parade branch and expansion of its Bury office. This strategic move aims to streamline operations and provide an improved customer experience for both clients and employees.

The decision to merge the Yorkshire Street office with the South Parade branch comes as a result of AST Hampsons' commitment to continuously adapt and enhance its services. By consolidating resources and expertise into one central location in Rochdale, and expanding our office space in Bury the firm can optimise efficiency and communication, and can better serve its growing client base.

Our South Parade office was chosen by Rochdale Council as one of the feature buildings in Rochdale Town centre and as such has undergone improvement works to its shop front. This was the natural time for the firm to also consider potential internal improvements in order to accommodate more of the team under one roof. This also comes after the opening up of the river Roch in front of our South parade building, the addition of the Metrolink station over the last few years and more recently the opening of the successful Riverside shopping centre just by our South Parade office.

Our South Parade office has also been part of AST Hampsons since 1865 and has seen five generations of the Taylor family join the firm.

The Commercial and Corporate team, known for their exceptional business legal services and extensive industry knowledge, will now be operating mainly from the South Parade office. The team members are delighted to come together under one roof, as it will enable a better coordination, knowledge sharing, and foster even stronger relationships with clients.

"We are pleased to announce the merger of our Yorkshire Street office with our South Parade office and can be contacted there," said Peter Taylor, who is the fourth generation of Solicitors in the Taylor family and Consulting Partner at AST Hampsons. "This decision reflects our commitment to growth, innovation, and exceptional client service. By uniting our Rochdale teams under one roof, and expanding our Bury office space, we aim to further strengthen our capabilities and provide an enhanced experience for our valued clients."

Ou r litigation an d ac counts teams have moved into our expanded Bury office space.

AST Hampsons remain committed to their clients and is confident that the merger will lead to improved efficiency, enhanced collaboration, and an even higher level of service across the board. Clients can expect a seamless transition and continued access to AST Hampsons' comprehensive range of legal expertise.

For more information about AST Hampsons and its legal services, please visit the website at www.asthampsons.co.uk

AST Hampsons Expands Office Space at Bury Branch: A Testament to Business Growth and a Stellar Team

Thu, 08 Jun 2023 20:14:08 GMT

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In an exciting development for AST Hampsons, their Bury branch have undergone a significant expansion of its office space. Their office is conveniently located just off junction 2 of the M66 and has ample free parking spaces. The expansion is a testament to the remarkable growth the business has experienced in recent years, as well as the exceptional team of professionals driving their success.

AST Hampsons, a prominent player in the industry, has consistently demonstrated its commitment to delivering high-quality services to clients. Their expertise spans a wide range of fields, including Conveyancing, Commercial , Private Client, Family and Litigation services . With a strong focus on client satisfaction and a dedication to staying ahead of the curve, it comes as no surprise that the firm have achieved significant success and necessitated this expansion.

The decision to expand the office space at the Bury branch reflects AST Hampsons' recognition of the importance of accommodating their growing team. As the business continues to attract talented professionals and expand its client base, providing an environment that fosters collaboration, innovation, and productivity becomes increasingly crucial.

One of the key factors contributing to the business' ongoing success is its exceptional team of people. AST Hampsons are known for the ability to attract and retain a talented legal team who bring a wealth of knowledge, skills, and experience to the table. By nurturing a positive and supportive work culture, the business has created an environment where employees can thrive and reach their full potential.

The expansion of the office space in Bury will undoubtedly enhance the business' ability to provide top-notch services to clients. With a larger and more efficient workspace, AST Hampsons can streamline its operations, optimise workflow, and accommodate an ever-growing team. This expansion will enable the business to better meet the evolving needs of its clients while maintaining the highest standards of professionalism and service excellence.

If you're seeking reliable and comprehensive legal service, AST Hampsons is an excellent choice. They are well-equipped to handle a diverse range of requirements. Whether you're an individual seeking personal legal assistance or a business looking for expert financial advice, AST Hampsons have the expertise and experience to assist you.

By choosing them, you can benefit from their unwavering commitment to client satisfaction and their ability to provide tailored solutions. The team of professionals take the time to understand each client's unique needs and objectives, delivering personalised services that produce optimal outcomes.

In conclusion, AST Hampsons' decision to expand their office space at the Bury branch is a clear indication of their impressive business growth and the exceptional team of professionals behind their success. If you're in need of reliable legal, accounting, or financial advisory services, look no further than AST Hampsons. With their expanded office space and a team of dedicated experts, they are well-positioned to meet and exceed your expectations. Contact AST Hampsons today to benefit from their outstanding services and experience first-hand the difference their exceptional team can make.

King Charles' Coronation

Tue, 02 May 2023 20:17:43 GMT

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Please note that the office will be closed on Monday, 8th May, for the Coronation of King Charles III

Will News

Wed, 11 Jan 2023 20:21:40 GMT

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11 January 2023

Three quarters of parents in the North West have no legal guardian in place to care for their children in the event of their deaths

Research commissioned by SFE (Solicitors for the Elderly) and AST Hampsons, Bury & Rochdale shows 76% of parents in the North West have no legal plans in place to make sure their children are looked after, should the parents die.

According to the research, parents in the region are almost completely unaware of the risks of not identifying a legal guardian in a will. Only one in ten (13% of) parents in the North West understand that social services or the courts can step in to decide what happens to your children if you don’t have a will in place.

SFE, a membership bod of over 1,700 UK solicitors specialised in advising people planning for the future, is calling on parents to make sure they have an updated will in place ahead of Update Your Will Week 2023 (23rd – 29th January).

Louise Salisbury, Head of Private Client & Partner at AST Hampsons explains:

“It’s shocking how many parents don’t have a will in place or haven’t appointed a legal guardian for their children. Godparents don’t count as legal guardians, so to avoid the risk of the courts deciding what happens to your children, you really should make a will and update it every five years.

“It’s crucial to keep your will up to date and take legal advice when life-changing events happen, like getting re-married or having children. Our research shows that four in ten wills in the North West are out of date, and many people in the region don’t have one in the first place.”

The new research commissioned by SFE and carried out by Censuswide also reveals:

Around half of respondents in the North West (52%) have experienced a life changing event, such as getting married, divorced or having a child, since they last updated their will – meaning it is likely to be out of date.

Over one fifth (22%) of respondents in the North West know someone who has been affected by something going wrong with a will.

One fifth (19%) of respondents in the North West believe it’s possible to update a will by amending the original document and initialing the changes – it is not possible to legally update a will this way!

We recommend reviewing and updating your will every five years, or when a major change in your life occurs that impacts you or your loved ones, such as divorce, marriage, a new birth or even death in the family. Having an up to date, well drafted will is crucial in ensuring your wishes are carried out in the way you’d like when you die.

Contact Louise Salisbury or her team today.

Summer Regional – with Pink Link

Mon, 22 Aug 2022 20:23:14 GMT

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Earlier this year, AST Hampsons Solicitors decide to join partnership with the Pink Link Networking Community which is a Business Networking Forum to support women in business. Our firm’s Nathalie Speakman, who is to qualify as a Family Solicitor in 2023, has been the front-man of the partnership and is driving those business connections between the brilliant members of Pink Link and our firm.

So for the first time, our firm exhibited at Pink Link’s Summer Regional event at Farringdon Lodge, in Preston on 11 August 2022. Nathalie and our firm’s Giselle Williams, Solicitor and Head of Litigation, represented our firm and set up a fantastic stand to show the other ladies in business what and who AST Hampsons Solicitors are about.

The day was filled with laughter, networking, competitions, great food and course exchanging inspirational stories of success.

DWP claims portal for underpaid state pensions

Mon, 25 Jul 2022 21:24:32 GMT

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As solicitors specialised in supporting older and vulnerable clients, we would like to bring to your attention a new website launched by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP), which allows next of kin to make claims for underpaid state pensions.

It’s estimated that around 134,000 people had been underpaid and are owed around £1bn. By the time the issue had been discovered, many of these people had died.

Until now there has been no easy way for those who believe their deceased family member was underpaid to make sure DWP had their contact details and knew who to pay, in the event of an error being found.

After pressure from campaigners, DWP has produced a user-friendly website to be used by the next of kin of those who believe that a deceased family member was underpaid state pension.

This comes too late to benefit the person who was underpaid but at least their family will receive some compensation for the error.

Visit: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/request-information-about-underpaid-state-pension-for-someone-who-has-died#how-to-find-out-if-someone-was-underpaid

Setting up a new business?

Tue, 14 Jun 2022 20:26:56 GMT

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It’s much easier to set up a business using a company purchased from Companies House or an intermediary in these days of the World Wide Web. It is cheap and quick to organise, but people generally don’t know the intricacies of Articles of Association or indeed what their company can and cannot do.

AST Hampson Solicitors are experts in all matters relating to company formations and offer professional advice and guidance that will help you avoid the pitfalls and save money and time by getting it right in the first place!

It is important to remember that the company is a separate legal entity and cannot be used as a personal banking system and any personal transactions are illegal and are serious issues particularly in the event of insolvency. Such personal banking infringements will attract the attention of HM Revenue and Customs with legal penalties.

AST Hampsons Solicitors employs a specialist team to deal with Company and Shareholder Disputes, Breach of Contract, Valuations of Companies and any matter that may arise from the sale or purchase of a new business, and the firm can help support you when needed most.

AST Hampsons is a firm advocate of Alternative Dispute Resolution and regard the courts to be the last resort.

By instructing AST Hampsons today you will be relieved of the burden, allowing you to get on with running your business with total peace of mind.

Before buying your new company, speaking with our Expert Team makes good sense because they will advise you how to proceed and inform you of legal requirements when doing so. When buying or selling one that they own business people can make sure that everything is done correctly by acting on expert legal advice.

Based in Rochdale and Bury, we have been at the heart of the business community in Lancashire for over 170 years. We are a well-established and highly experienced firm of Solicitors specialising in Business Matters for small and middle-sized businesses, plus Family Law, Housing and Property, Clinical Negligence, Personal Injury and Wills and Probate.

AST Hampsons work hard to make complex legal matters easier to understand using plain language and a friendly approach. We have developed sound business relationships with many long-term business professionals and new-start-up businesses.

Interested in seeking Professional Legal advice? Contact AST Hampsons today!

Litigation Department Expansion

Wed, 06 Apr 2022 21:28:21 GMT

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AST Hampsons are expanding their Litigation Department and here’s what that means for you.

AST’s Litigation Department has strengthened and expanded the services already offered which means the firm now has over 45 years combined experience and knowledge to help to provide practical advice for all on a wide-range of issues. As a long-standing legal practice, the Team at AST know what it’s like for business owners having to deal with various situations that can crop up as part and parcel of running a business.

You may be in need of a property litigator if you are having issues or you may need probate advice when problems arise. Whatever your issue, we can offer no-nonsense, pragmatic advice. Other areas we offer assistance are

Partnership Disputes
Shareholder Disputes/Breach of Warranty Claims
Contract Disputes and breaches
Landlord and Tenant, commercial or residential
Boundary disputes
Debt Recovery
Insolvency advice
Dispute Resolution
Contentious Probate
ADR
Property Litigation

Here at AST Hampsons, we can manage the situation when you can’t, for whatever reason. We understand how it all works and what needs to be done to protect you/your growing business and help you over the stumbling blocks that come your way.

We can also offer mediation services, which can be a useful tool to help avoid going to lengthy, expensive and stressful Court proceedings.

Don’t hesitate to call us now or in the future if business gets complicated, we are here to help.

2022: The year of the amicable divorce

Fri, 25 Mar 2022 20:29:25 GMT

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If you have already considered separating from your spouse, you may have heard or read that as of 6th April 2022 you are able to apply jointly for a divorce with your spouse. That is of course if you are both agreeable that the best way forward is a divorce. In order to keep matters as amicable as possible, you can proceed with your joint divorce application until the end goal; to have your marriage dissolved by way of a ‘Final Order’. Which, until 6th April 2022 will be referred to as “the Decree Absolute”.

Believe it or not, this is a process which many lawyers have campaigned for in Parliament for over 20 years. It is also one of the most critical changes in Matrimonial Law for over 50 years. The main purpose behind this significant change is to remove the “blame” element and, or to ensure that couples who are going through a divorce are able to minimize conflict where possible. Particularly if there are other issues in dispute between the parties relating to other sensitive matters, such as finances or child arrangements. Who knows, there may reform in the future where financial and children proceedings can be more harmonious.

However, in the meantime, law-makers have created a revolutionary process to encourage parties to work together, as opposed to against one another.

Nonetheless, if you, unlike your spouse, are wishing to proceed with a divorce you are still able to make an application without their agreement.

Making the decision to divorce your spouse is one that nobody should make overnight, and with that in mind, Parliament have introduced a new “20 week cooling off period” after the application for divorce has been issued. This is to give one or both spouses the opportunity to consider whether reconciliation is possible, and/or time to make other decisions such as living arrangements, or settling finance.

It is hoped that with this regime, the parties will be able to remain amicable throughout their divorce and concentrate, where necessary, on dealing with the finances and/or child arrangements with same amicable approach.

At AST Hampsons we offer a free initial consultation for new clients. Please contact us on 0161 763 1000 to arrange an appointment today to speak with one of our specialist Family Lawyers.

Good Divorce Week

Sun, 21 Nov 2021 20:30:53 GMT

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Spread the word and join the heard in readiness for 'Good Divorce Week from 29th November to 3rd December 2021'.

Here at AST Hampsons we advocate the message from Family Resolution in supporting couples, especially parents going through separation or divorce.

We understand and empathise with our clients who are also parents and going through such a difficult period in their lives. Not only are they having to go through the emotions of separating from their partner, who is also the parent of their child, but they are facing the battle and pressures of attempting to ensure that their child(ren) experience as little disruption to their lives and daily routine as possible.

There is a very fine line in finding the balance between helping your children maintain their current routine and helping them adapt to the new normal.

At AST Hampsons we are well aware of the pressures and challenges that families have faced throughout the pandemic, particularly for couples who have decided to separate or divorce. This is why we are spreading the word of "Good Divorce Week" in raising awareness as to how parents can be supported so that they can support their children through this unfamilar and emotional time in their lives.

We want to provide our clients with as much information as possible to help them through this uncertain time, please therefore follow the below link to download the free PDF for Family Resolutions guide, "Parenting through separation".

https://resolution.org.uk/publications-books/parenting-through-separation/

If you are going through this challenging time in your life and need some advice and support, please contact our Bury office to arrange your free 30 minute consultation today with one of our family law experts; either Jennifer Worcester or Nathalie Speakman on 0161 763 100

Probate experts warn against online wills

Tue, 02 Nov 2021 20:32:59 GMT

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The growing popularity of online will writing could lead to a ‘surge’ in contested probate cases down the line, probate experts have warned.

Funeral Solution Expert, a research and consultancy firm, analysed 26 online will writers and found that consumers are often mistaken as to whether their affairs are 'simple' or 'complex', and that the companies themselves ‘offer very little liability for something going wrong’.

‘There is no doubt that an online will can be a good solution if affairs are genuinely simple and can save money versus a more traditional solicitor route,' said Simon Cox, co-founder of Funeral Expert Solution. ‘But our research shows that 65% of consumers who rate their own affairs as “simple” subsequently reveal through questioning that their affairs are in fact “complex”.’

He added that the sector is storing up an ‘ever-increasing bank of wills’ that will be contested once those who made them have died.

The concerns were echoed by Michael Culver, chairman of Solicitors for the Elderly, who said: ‘It’s shocking that whilst solicitor are required to have professional indemnity insurance covering claims potentially as high as £2m or £3m (and many firms go for optional additional cover that can take this as high as £10m per claim), other professionals offering wills limit their liability to the cost of the will.’

The pandemic is believed to have fuelled a rise in will making, with Farewill reporting a 267% increase in the number of wills written at home between 2019 and 2020.

Farewill’s head of legal, Lorraine Robinson, said the business had long recognised, and campaigned for closing gaps in the protection of customers of unregulated firms. However she questioned whether the risk is posed only by the unregulated sector. 'As a solicitor myself, unfortunately qualification as a solicitor is not a guarantee of an individual solicitor or a regulated firm’s depth of understanding of a specialist area of law. For that, as an industry, we often look instead to qualifications such as those offered by STEP, which are open to regulated and unregulated professionals alike.'

She added that many businesses in the unregulated sector are members of voluntary organisations which prescribe minimum levels of indemnity cover. 'To suggest all unregulated will writers are uninsured undermines the diligence and responsibility of many in the sector.'

Article Source The Law Society

It’s not your fault or mine

Tue, 08 Jun 2021 21:34:57 GMT

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BREAKING NEWS

From 6th April 2022 those who are seeking to divorce can apply without there being any element of blame on their spouse.

After years of debate Government ministers finally announced yesterday that from spring 2022 married couples are permitted to divorce without one party pointing the finger at the other.

This long-awaited reform will be brought into force by the Divorce, Dissolution and Separation Act 2020. It is hoped that this reform in the law will minimise or at least reduce conflict between the parties during an already difficult time in their lives.

For the past almost 50 years, couples are able to apply for divorce on the premise that their relationship has broken down irretrievably and this is due to;

(a) Adultery
(b) Unreasonable behaviour
(c) desertion
(d) 2 years separation with consent
(e) 5 years separation

However, the shape-shift should assist the parties’ by taking a more holistic approach, where it is accepted by both parties that the marriage has irretrievably broken down and that neither party should feel responsible. It will also encourage the parties to consider and focus on the other aspects of their separation such has child arrangements and/or the division of matrimonial assets.

Kate Garraway: Finding Derek – Issues regarding Powers of Attorney

Wed, 24 Mar 2021 20:45:16 GMT

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In the recent documentary “Kate Garraway: Finding Derek” has highlighted the devastating time TV presenter Kate has faced since her husband, Derek Draper, was admitted to hospital with Covid-19 in March 2020. During the documentary, Kate openly spoken about the financial issues she has had in respect of accessing her husband’s accounts without a power of attorney.

Kate Garraway’s heart-breaking story of her husband Derek’s year-long battle with Covid has been made even more complicated by the lack of legal protection she and Derek had in place. Kate was unable to access funds to manage her husband’s care or refinance her mortgage. She didn’t even have the legal right to see his medical notes, owing to data protection.

“Research by SFE, shows that 65% of us think our next-of-kin will make medical and care decisions for us if we are no longer able to. In reality, this isn’t the case unless a Health & Welfare Lasting Power of Attorney is in place. Whilst there’s been a rise in the number of enquiries made about Lasting Power of Attorneys (LPAs) during the pandemic, only 22% of people in the UK actually have one.

“To avoid this difficult kind of legal situation it’s important to use a specialist lawyer who is experienced in this area of the law, and is trained to support people making these crucial, complex and difficult decisions. According to Which? 22,000 LPAs are rejected every year so it’s essential that you get your legal documents right.”

Louise Salisbury , Solicitor at AST Hampsons and member of SFE (Solicitors for the Elderly), the membership organisation for specialist solicitors who support older and vulnerable people

“Why are Grandma and Grandad getting a divorce?”

Tue, 02 Feb 2021 20:49:44 GMT

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At AST Hampsons, we have noticed a significant growth of older individuals seeking advice on divorce and the matrimonial financial process. Regardless of the age of our clients, we ensure that we can tailor our advice to that individual, whilst taking into account their needs and their circumstances.

After the Divorce Reform Act 1969 became in law in 1971 getting a divorce became much easier and accessible for those who no longer wanted to remain in their marriage. As a result, the divorce rate grew. For the first time ever, divorces in the UK exceeded 100,000.

So why after decades of marriage, having had children and winding down in retirement would someone in their 70’s want to formalise their separation with a divorce? Going through a divorce is challenging at any age, but sometimes it is inevitable and due to a social shift in attitude it has become more acceptable. Thus, the older generation are feeling less compelled to remain in a marriage when they know it is over.

Given the growth of instructions from older clients, we have noticed there are several trends as to why they are seeking a divorce at a later stage in their lives...

Separate lives

Those who are either newly retired or have been so for a while have realised that they have a lot more free time. Particularly, if their children have grown up, flown the nest and have their own children to care for. Nevertheless, the parties are finding that with the more time they have, they are making less time for each other. They have spent their lives raising their children, going to work, adding to their pension, and whilst doing so, they have lost that spark and drifted apart from their partner.

Zoom Quizzes …

Some may see recognise that as a result of Covid-19, older individuals are becoming more familiar with technology so they can take part in their family zoom quizzes or face timing their friends. With the help of technology, older individuals are learning that there is life beyond being parents and grandparents and that they can still have that role whilst living in separate households.

“I do”

As medical science and modern technology improves, we are living longer, compared to society 60 to 70 years ago. With this individuals are getting married on in later life and due to the shift in attitude about this, it has become socially acceptable. This is a huge contrast to the views of society decades ago, when it was the norm for individuals to get married their late teens and early 20’s. Whilst marriage still happens at a young age, it happens less today than it did back then.

Less financially dependant

Throughout the decades, women have successfully climbed the career ladder, and have become more financially independent, and naturally less dependent on their husband. The latter being one of the reasons as to why women felt that they must stay in their marriage. However, as a result of this, and reforms to state pension, women are being awarded further contributions for being the homemaker for the children. Thus, more than ever, women over 60 are more financially independent.

At AST Hampsons we offer a free initial consultation for half an hour. Please call to speak to one of our Specialist Family Lawyers if you want to know your more about options in respect of a divorce and your matrimonial finances.

Handling of domestic abuse allegations within private children proceedings

Thu, 21 Jan 2021 20:54:31 GMT

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This week, the Court of Appeal are hearing what is being referred to as a “Landmark case” in respect of how domestic abuse cases are being handled by Judges within the family courts.

According to, “ Domestic abuse and private law children cases: A literature review” by Adrienne Barnett (Brunel University London) for the Ministry of Justice Analytical Series 2020, findings and estimates from predominantly quantitative studies based in England and Wales indicate that the prevalence of domestic abuse in private law children cases is considerably higher than in the general population, with allegations of findings of domestic abuse in samples of child arrangements/contact cases ranging from 49% to 62%.” These shocking figures must raise alarm bells to family lawyers as to the significance of the allegations made within private children proceedings, and that such allegations should not be swept under the rug.

This week’s headlining Court of Appeal case consists of four conjoined appeals concerning marital rape, partner rape and coercive control; all which occurred within private children proceedings, particularly where contact was concerned.

The appeals have been brought by mothers who have made severe allegations against the fathers of their respective children, and wishing to challenge the rulings of circuit judges made within the last 18 months. Two of which relate to decisions made by Judge Robin Tolson, who found in one case that there was no rape because the mother did not take “physical steps” to stop the accused. In the other case, Judge Tolson ruled the mother’s allegations of rape were ‘deeply unconvincing’ because she had intercourse with the Father on other occasions.

These rulings are based on archaic attitudes and as such have been criticised by Barrister Christopher Hames QC, who is representing the mother in the former case, ands stated in his written outline to Sir Andrew McFarlane, Lady King and Lord Holroyde, “In this appeal, as in other cases, the real question is not limited to what happened, but whether those events were abusive themselves, and/or whether there is sufficient evidence of patterns of behaviour which is demonstrative of an abusive relationship… It should not be taken that just because a woman has consented to sex in the past that she should be taken as consenting every time...I would have hoped that is an assumption long assigned to the judicial dustbin.”

Hames QC highlighted Tolson’s decision that the incidents raised (by the Mothers) in these cases were “insignificant themselves” and dismissed the fact that some victims do not always consider themselves as victims, which may be one of the reasons they do not report the abuse to the Police. Barrister Amanda QC representing the mother in the latter case, also argued, “The Judge (Tolson) was wrong to find the mother’s case weak because she did not confirm to his stereotype of the ideal victim as she delayed in reporting allegations.’

As this case continues to be heard, it is likely that it with reveal more discrepancies as to how the judiciary perceive and handle these allegations of domestic abuse in private children cases, which should provide guidance to family lawyers in the future.

AST Hampsons Supports Mission Christmas

Tue, 15 Dec 2020 21:57:03 GMT

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After an unprecedented year the staff at AST got behind the annual initiative to support and donate gifts to children living in poverty.

Recognising that this Christmas might be tougher as a result of the pandemic and effect on families, Zoe Clough, Partner, co-ordinated the office wide effort and delivered gifts generously donated by our staff and families to the local Rochdale depot.

A huge thank you to all our staff who got involved and have made a difference to a child's Christmas this year!

Good Divorce Week

Mon, 30 Nov 2020 20:59:40 GMT

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Good Divorce Week is an annual campaign that aims to promote practical and constructive ways for separating parents to put the needs of their children first. Organised by Resolution, which is made up of more than 6,500 family lawyers and other professionals, this campaign focuses around the benefits of early legal advice.

Resolution believes that the process of separating, sorting out finances and arranging child care should be done in a way that minimises conflict and keeps the best interests of any children involved at the heart of proceedings. By seeking early professional advice, couples have the benefit of considering a range of options and making a decision that is most suitable for them.

You can expect the family department at AST Hampsons to

Listen to you, be honest with you and treat you with respect.
Explain all the options and give you confidence to make the right decisions.
Help you focus on what’s important in the long-term.
Help you balance financial and emotional costs with what you want to achieve.
Work with others to find the right approach and the best solutions for you.
Manage stress in what can be an already stressful situation.

If you are considering separating or a divorce please contact Jennifer Worcester for a free first consultation by emailing jworcester@asthampsons.co.uk or by calling 0161 7631000.

Rising Star at AST Hampsons

Fri, 02 Oct 2020 21:02:14 GMT

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AST Hampsons are delighted to announce that Hamza Tahir has qualified into the firms Commercial Department. Hamza has trained with the firm for 2 years working closely with the local community assisting SME and investors.

Commenting on Hamza’s qualification, Senior Partner Peter Taylor says:

“It is an important day for the firm. I am delighted for both Hamza and ourselves that in this challenging climate we are able to recognise the contribution and efforts of Hamza and share the celebration of his qualification and formal admittance to the roll of solicitors. Our team continues to go from strength to strength and we are looking forward to what the future brings with Hamza on board. As a fourth generation solicitor in the borough of Rochdale I am immensely proud to see how the firm continues to develop and strives for the best in serving our clients and the local community”.

Commenting on his qualification Hamza says:

“I am thrilled to qualify with such a prestigious local firm. I have grown up in Rochdale and aspired to work at AST Hampsons most of my life! Today affirms my commitment to AST Hampsons and Rochdale and I look forward to working with our clients old and new as I develop my career in the firm”.

AST Hampsons are based in Rochdale and Bury and can be contacted on 01706 65 33 22 or 0161 763 1000, info@asthampsons.co.uk or www.asthampsons.co.uk

Scam Alert

Thu, 09 Jul 2020 21:04:41 GMT

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We have received reports of fraudsters impersonating our firm, using a similar name, incorporating ‘AST’ and contacting people to attempt to gain instructions to deal with claims for Road Traffic Accidents and Personal Injury.

The calls are from a range of different numbers and area codes. We have reported the situation to the Solicitors Regulation Authority and the Information Commissioners Office and would urge anyone who has a similar experience to report to the ICO using their website to report spam texts and nuisance calls https://ico.org.uk/make-a-complaint/nuisance-calls-and-messages/spam-texts-and-nuisance-calls/

AST Hampsons LLP do not make cold calls and we would urge the public to be cautious with providing any personal information to any caller without verifying their identity. If you are uncertain about who is calling you, please hang up and call our office numbers which are advertised on our website.

Making a will during COVID-19 – Lockdown

Thu, 21 May 2020 21:07:16 GMT

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The last few weeks have seen huge changes in the way we live our lives. The pace has been so fast that many are struggling to keep up with events.

How to make a will and adhere to social distancing

For England & Wales

The COVID-19 (coronavirus) crisis has caused a surge of interest in making and updating wills. Many solicitors’ firms are keeping their virtual offices open and their staff are able to work from home. Many are able to take instructions from clients via telephone, Facetime and Zoom instead of face to face meetings. Drafts can still be sent via email or via post. We suggest that before your first “meeting” with your solicitor that you prepare as much as possible, think about what questions you want to ask, put together a list of your assets and finances, think about those that you wish to include in your will and those you wish to oversee it. Many firms do send out a questionnaire to complete and return in advance. Once approved and agreed, final copies can be sent to you for signature.

How to get a will witnessed and adhere to social distancing

Social distancing can make it difficult to find witnesses to wills. The Wills Act 1837 states that to be valid a will must be signed in the presence of 2 witnesses so that all 3 – will maker and witnesses – are present together. The crisis has pushed people to be creative in their arrangements. For example, wills can be witnessed by neighbours through a window or from the garden gate as long as all 3 are present together and can see each other sign. The witnesses then add their signatures, names and address in case they need to be contacted later to prove the signing of the will. Everyone would need to use their own pen and perhaps wear gloves.

Solicitors for the Elderly and the Law Society are pushing the government to pass emergency laws to relax the witnessing rules. Soldiers on active service have long been able to make a will without witnesses and the law may be changed quickly to extend this privilege to all.

However, the law relating to wills in Scotland is different and, in particular, the law relating to the signing of wills in Scotland is very different from the law currently in force in England.

For Scotland

In this section, we highlight some important practical differences when making a will in Scotland during lockdown. Much of the information in the section above on England and Wales applies to making a will in Scotland too. However, the law relating to wills in Scotland is different and, in particular, the law relating to the signing of wills in Scotland is very different from the law currently in force in England and Wales.

Should I make a Scottish will?

It is important to note that just because you are living in Scotland, it does not necessarily mean that your solicitor will advise you to make a Scottish will. It is usually advisable for somebody who is domiciled in Scotland to make a Scottish will. Your solicitor will be able to discuss this with you in the context of your personal circumstances and advise you whether you should make a will in Scotland or should make will in accordance with the laws of another country.

How do I sign my Scottish will?

Just as was noted in our previous blog, wills can be posted or emailed to you for signing in Scotland. If the document is emailed to you, you will need access to a printer as you cannot sign your will electronically.

If you are making a Scottish will, it is not essential that your signature is witnessed by another person for the document to be deemed legally valid. It is, however, strongly advised that your signature is witnessed by one other person (unlike the two witnesses required south of the border). This is because if your signature is not witnessed, then your will would have to be ‘set up’ in court, in the event of your death. This process can be costly and time-consuming because it means that affidavit evidence as to your signature has to be obtained after your death. An affidavit is a legal statement sworn in the presence of a Notary Public. It is therefore advisable, wherever possible, to have your signature on your will witnessed to avoid the need for this.

Again, as was noted in our last blog, you can arrange for your will to be witnessed by somebody standing at an appropriate distance in the light of the current guidelines.

It is imperative that the witness watches you sign the document, but they do not need to read it. Your witness must be over the age of 16 and should not be named in the document.

Alternatively, if you are unable to arrange for your signature to be witnessed by somebody in your presence, or you are uncomfortable doing so, your solicitor can witness you signing your will over video link technology such as FaceTime or Zoom, so long as the solicitor feels that it is appropriate for them to do so in all the circumstances.

Wills can and are still being made during the current circumstances. It is important that you explore the possibility of making a will with your solicitor if you haven’t had the chance to do this already.

How we at AST Hampsons are dealing with the effects of Covid-19

Fri, 01 May 2020 10:07:38 GMT

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A few months ago none of us would have envisaged working under the conditions we find ourselves now.

It has been a steep learning curve over the last few weeks but on reflection we are pleased with what we have achieved and the way in which the team at AST Hampsons has responded to ensure that we are able to keep cases moving for our clients while acquiring new juggling skills in working from home, supporting our elderly neighbours and of course, the challenge of home schooling at the same time!

Right now, none of us know how the virus and the lockdown are going to affect either ourselves, our families or our business practices in future but we are absolutely certain about one thing and that is that we will find a way in which to progress.

The housing market has been affected by delays due to the restrictions imposed as a result of the pandemic but our Conveyancing teams are all working (remotely in the main as are all of our departments) to ensure that as soon as restrictions are lifted, dates for house moves can be agreed.

We have been able so far and continue, to progress a number of matters for our clients where the properties are empty to include equity transfers and investment purchases and we have also happily been able to complete house purchases and re-mortgages where the purchaser/owner is already resident.

Similarly our Commercial team have been dealing with loan agreements, advice regarding corporate restructure and leases as well as sales and purchases of business premises.

Our Family team have been continually busy dealing with requests for advice and support in managing arrangements for children in light of the current pandemic; advising as to options in respect of financial issues and conducting court hearings - now by video and telephone!! This is in addition to progressing as appropriate current cases for clients, whether this be divorce, or financial and children matters.

Our Wills and Probate team have never been busier with many more clients having the time to consider planning for their future and also with COVID-19 concentrating their thoughts on arranging their wills or powers of attorney and of course progressing applications for probate and estate administration.

Within the Clinical Negligence and Personal Injury team matters continue very much as usual although with the reduction in travel there is a lower level of enquiry in relation to road traffic accidents.

All of our teams are able to conduct ‘face to face’ meetings via video conferencing and in some circumstances where it is essential, arrangements can be made for appointments within our offices. Our clients are still able to contact us through the usual routes of our direct dial numbers, office numbers and email and we are pleased to be able to continue in a very much ‘business as usual’ manner to ensure that we can provide the services our clients have come to expect over the years.

Making Wills and Lasting Powers of Attorney during Covid19

Mon, 27 Apr 2020 10:12:27 GMT

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It is estimated that about 60% of the adult population do not have a Will and not surprisingly The Telegraph reports that Will and Lasting Power of Attorney instructions are up by 30%. Difficult times are upon us but we are finding new ways of working so that matters can be progressed whilst observing social distancing.

Many people are not aware that for a will to be valid it must signed in accordance with the strict requirements of Section 9 of the Wills Act 1837, 183 years ago they couldn’t have envisaged the situation that we now find ourselves in! Apart from the main requirement that a person must have sufficient mental capacity to make a Will it also needs to be signed in the presence of the person making the will and 2 witnesses (and there are some restrictions on who can be a witness, the most important being that the witness cannot be a beneficiary or the spouse of a beneficiary otherwise the gift to them will fail) and all have to be present at the same time.

In normal times clients attend at our office and we would provide the witnesses. However we now have to be more inventive. We can discuss instructions by telephone or by Facetime or Zoom and we then confirm instructions and send a draft, usually by email, but by post if that is preferred. Once the draft has been approved we send out the original Will in the post for signature. It’s lucky that so far we have had dry weather as we are suggesting that the 2 witnesses could stand in the garden or on the drive (with their own pens of course!) the person making the will signs the will in sight of the witnesses and then stands back at least 2 metres, but still in the line of sight and the witnesses then step forward and witness the signature. They also have to sign and then print their names and address. The will is then dated. This can also work through a window with the person making the will on one side and the witnesses on the other. We have a demonstration video on our website that is proving popular . It is also possible for a person to sign on behalf of the person making the will, in normal times this is usually done if a person is physically unable to sign or if they cannot see and in those cases we add a special clause to the will. In due course when normality returns we will be happy to reprint the will and have it signed in our office.

For Lasting Powers of Attorney (which can be Health & Welfare or Financial) only one witness is required for each signature but most importantly the document has to be signed in a strict date order ie the person making the Lasting Power of Attorney signs first in the presence of the witness and then the Certificate Provider (who confirms the persons understanding of the document and that the person is not being forced into making the Power of Attorney) signs and dates and then the attorneys can sign. If not done correctly the Office of the public Guardian will reject the document when it is submitted to them for registration. We will explain the signature requirements and then check the document when it is sent back to us for registration.

We’re here to help and ensure your Will and Lasting Power of Attorney is done properly during this difficult time and our experienced team will be happy to guide you through the process. Contact Louise Salisbury, Zoe Clough or Joanne Ford for advice and assistance.

Care Home Fees

Tue, 03 Mar 2020 10:13:53 GMT

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Read the 'Solicitors for the Elderly' article on the costs of care home fees and options available if you do not want to sell your home to pay for your care fees.

https://sfe.legal/care-home-fees/

AST Hampsons and Shanley Wright

Wed, 20 Nov 2019 10:14:54 GMT

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We had hoped to post happy news regarding the finalisation of our discussions with Cath Shanley and her firm Shanley Wright. Cath and AST Hampsons had, in recent months, been working toward her and her team, joining the AST Family on 1st November this year. However, it is with great sadness that we have to give the news of Cath Shanley’s passing just the weekend after she closed her doors.

Cath who was a well-loved and well respected member of the legal community in the local area, was known to many of the AST family personally and to more professionally. It would be a regular occurrence to find that Shanley Wright were on the other side of many a property transaction. Her professional, considerate and good humoured conduct during the course of a transaction will be sorely missed.

Despite our sadness, we are pleased that Laraine and Sharon are with us now to help provide consistency and continuity for Cath’s existing clients and to respect her memory. We were very much looking forward to having Cath with us, providing the benefit of her experience, while at the same time, reducing her hours so that she was able to pursue her personal interests and take a well-deserved rest when she wanted.

Hike on Probate Fees Scrapped!

Thu, 17 Oct 2019 10:15:55 GMT

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AST Hampsons Probate Team welcome the government’s decision to stop the proposed increases in fees for probate. Zoe Clough says of the decision – this is great news for all of our clients, we are absolutely delighted that our bereaved clients will no longer have to deal with this tax at a time when they are already suffering the loss of a loved one.

For more information on this news item from the Law Society, click the link here https://www.lawsociety.org.uk/news/press-releases/u-turn-on-probate-fees...

No-fault divorce law

Fri, 12 Apr 2019 10:19:20 GMT

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Jennifer Worcester, our Head of Family commented, this is a step in the right direction – it is a move which all of our family team will be happy to discuss with anyone thinking about divorce.

https://www.theguardian.com/law/2019/apr/09/no-fault-divorce-law-coming-...

AST Hampsons Celebrates Its Staff

Mon, 04 Feb 2019 10:24:46 GMT

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It was a memorable start to the year for AST Hampsons, who marked a number of long serving staff with a lunch in their honour.

Many of our team have worked with the firm in excess of 15 years, but 2019 sees three staff members in particular recognised for 25 years, 30 years and 35 years service respectively!

Sheena Corrin in our Residential Property team in Bury has worked in the firm for over 35 years (more including a short career break to raise children!).

Liz Anker, one of our Family secretaries based at South Parade joined AST over 30 years ago and Karen Fearnley, a secretary at South Parade celebrates a 25 year milestone.

The occasion doubled up as a celebration for Zoe Clough's promotion to equity partnership and was a super occasion to recognise the loyalty and celebrate the journey that AST Hampsons has been on over the decades.

Commenting on the occasion, Peter Taylor says:

"Out of respect to the ladies concerned, I won't dwell on the length of their service except to say that they have spent virtually all their adult lives working in our firm, (in and around raising their families!) and their loyalty is just brilliant and truly appreciated."

We look forward to continuing this special tradition with younger members of the team working within the firm oday.

Find out more about our history at: https://www.asthampsons.co.uk/about-us/about-ast

Charlie Robinson Wins Apprentice of the Year at the Rochdale Business Awards

Mon, 04 Feb 2019 10:21:41 GMT

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It was a proud night for the AST team when Charlie Robinson, an apprentice currently working within our conveyancing team, was crowned “Apprentice of The Year” at the Rochdale Business Awards.

Charlie joined AST Hampsons as a junior apprentice on the Business Administration course and has displayed an ambition to develop within the firm since she started.

Charlie has gained confidence dealing with clients and has progressed rapidly from a purely administrative role to assisting on conveyancing files under the supervision of Anna Murzell, who recruited Charlie into the firm. She is currently part way through her training to become a qualified paralegal.

Commenting on Charlie’s success, Anna says:

As a firm AST Hampsons have been committed to the apprentice scheme for a number of years. There has been some negative press in the news recently about the scheme however, we have found that it has been an excellent platform for young people from within areas local to our 3 offices to gain new skills and begin a successful career. All of our past apprentices have gained full time employment within the firm and have progressed to become valued members of the AST community, Charlie is no exception and seems to have found the perfect show case for her talents. She is an asset to our team and will be an excellent conveyancer.

Charlie fought of stiff competition on the night and on behalf of the firm we want to wish Charlie a huge congratulations - we can’t wait to see what the future brings!

Business Growth Prompts AST Hampsons Bury Office Move

Tue, 29 Jan 2019 10:27:00 GMT

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In the wake of substantial growth, AST Hampsons Bury Office is relocating to bespoke offices at Waterfold Business Park.

The modern, accessible office spans two floors with disabled access and free client parking. It is conveniently situated near to the Village Hotel giving easier access to both local clients and those travelling from further afield.

Founded in 1852 AST Hampsons has offices in both Bury & Rochdale and offers a range of business and personal legal services to clients both locally and nationally. The offices are open from 9am to 5pm Monday to Friday and are also open on a Saturday from 9:30am to 12:30pm.

Commenting on the move, James Taylor, Partner based at our Bury office states:

“The relocation of our Bury office to Waterfold Business Park, marks a new chapter for us following steady growth over a number of years. We are proud to have built up our client following as a result of the hard work of our expanding and dedicated team. We have outgrown our existing premises and this move is an exciting new progressive development for us and one we have considered carefully to ensure that we continue to develop and adapt in a changing market whilst retaining our bespoke personal service.”

AST Hampsons looks forward to welcoming existing and new clients to the new office and continuing to support the local community. We also look forward to joining the business community at Waterfold Park.

AST Hampsons' Rochdale offices are unaffected by the move.

Probate: the best way to deal with the Will and estate

Wed, 23 Jan 2019 11:29:40 GMT

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Louise Salisbury, Head of our Wills and Probate department highlights the reply to an article regarding the regularly debated topic of estate administration from a colleague in the industry which explains why it is a great idea to appoint a solicitor to deal with the estate and also why their fees are not unreasonable.

Click to here read the article

Rochdale bid is a "Yes Vote"

Wed, 23 Jan 2019 10:34:33 GMT

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AST Hampsons are delighted that the vote to have a Business Improvement District (BID) in Rochdale was a landslide success. A BID is agreed when businesses within a specific geographical area vote to invest collectively to improve their trading environment.

Our senior partner Peter Taylor, who was on the steering committee which resulted in the successful result, will now be one of the directors of the BID company going forward, which will be tasked with organising and running the BID for the next 5 years.

Peter is proud of Rochdale as the town where he was born, raised and has worked all his life. Peter’s family have been practising law in Rochdale for five generations and Peter did not hesitate to take up the opportunity to get involved with the Rochdale BID when invited, working alongside similarly minded businesses with the core aim of improving and promoting Rochdale.

Peter says:

“Now that local businesses have given the BID their overwhelming support it will be up to all of us on the BID committee to make sure that we are wise and creative in the way that we utilise the funds that will be available to us. This will complement the programme of investment that we can all see is presently being made in our town, promoting and showing it for what it is – a unique blend of history and opportunity going forward.”

Take a look at this short video in which Peter sets out why the BID is so important:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ACWhUabIUkI

We wish Peter and all those involved success in running the BID. We hope that local businesses will enjoy participating in this exciting venture. Since 2004, over 300 BIDs have been proposed and approved by business communities in England and Wales, and this is our chance!

For further information please have a look at the Rochdale BID website which can be found at: http://rochdalebid.co.uk/

Rochdale launches Business Development District

Fri, 10 Aug 2018 10:39:01 GMT

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Rochdale launches its own Business Development District (BID) with support from AST Hampsons.

AST Hampsons fully supports the creation of a BID for Rochdale. Our partner Peter Taylor was asked to join the steering group which now meets monthly. This is exciting news for Rochdale! Our town now has so much going for it with the opening of the river Roch and the multimillion pound development of the town centre. Local business are encouraged to participate and to vote in favour.

Please see link to Rochdalebid.co.uk

Interview with Peter Taylor, Managing Partner

Thu, 29 Mar 2018 10:43:49 GMT

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Peter Taylor is a Senior solicitor and managing partner at AST Hampsons. He qualified in 1980 and became managing partner of AST Hampsons in 2008. Read his spotlight interview below.

1. Tell us a bit about yourself – who you are and what your role is?

Senior solicitor and managing partner specialising in company / commercial work including : - Commercial property sales and purchases, leases etc., pension fund transfers, business sales and purchases, company acquisitions, sales, mergers and restructuring.

2. When did you join AST Hampsons LLP and can you explain about your family background and connections to the modern day firm?

I qualified in 1980 in the firm Standring Taylor and Co, which merged with Athertons in 1989 to form Atherton Standing Taylor, and became the senior partner in the mid 1990’s. We then merged with Hampsons in 2001 to become AST Hampsons of which I became managing partner in 2008. I am 4th generation solicitor in the same firm – the first being my great grandfather Edward Lyon Taylor which qualified in 1879 and was articled to Mr John Standring. I am proud that my son James, is also a partner and thus the 5th generation.

3 . What is the most unusual or interesting job that you have ever been involved with?

I particularly enjoy acting for local companies / businesses and never cease to be amazed at the entrepreneurial spirit pervading in this area. Examples are composites, including a company which manufactured the equipment for the dinghies used in the Olympic sailing team, plastics including some products for which I have organised the patents, aluminium extrusion, fire proof fabrics that can withstand over 500 degrees C, and a company which invented very sophisticated flame detectors which supplies the military and even has its products in the Red Arrow hangars. I enjoy the challenge of lateral thinking in order to get a deal through. I can be quite challenging sometimes when faced with people who just tick boxes or are incapable of thinking outside them.

4. What do you like most about AST Hampsons?

The people. We are a happy hardworking and genuinely caring bunch, and it is an honour to be the senior partner.

5. Can you describe a typical day?

Hard work and humour.

6. If you were stuck on a desert island with three things, what would you bring?

A piano, a way of playing music (wind up gramophone with LP’s ??) and I would have to learn to fish, so fishing tackle. Am I allowed a girl Friday as well?

7. What is your hidden talent?

Writing songs and music… and being wiser than some might expect!

Two new members join our Partnership team

Wed, 21 Mar 2018 10:56:46 GMT

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AST Hampsons LLP were delighted to announce the addition of two new members to the Partnership team at the start of this year.

Both Zoe Bell from our Wills & Probate department and Anna Murzell from our Housing & Property department were already members of our Management team and have been working hard to strengthen and develop the firm alongside the Partners. Our aim is to ensure the continued provision of our wide range of services for the future and by growing our partnership team we are further strengthening our ability to do this.

Anna’s specialism is operations, IT and compliance together with Conveyancing and Zoe, Head of our South Parade office has been with the firm for many years and has extensive experience in dealing with elderly client work, she is a member of Solicitors for the Elderly and STEP affiliated.

Commenting on the appointments, Peter Taylor , the Senior Partner of AST Hampsons says:

" I am deeply proud with what we have all achieved in having such a balanced partnership now that we have on board Anna and Zoe. I truly think that this will enable us to provide a quality of legal service which will be for the benefit of all of our clients both present and future. We are now a thoroughly modern, well run organisation and for me this is a joy. "

Stamp Duty & your First Time Purchase

Mon, 27 Nov 2017 11:11:20 GMT

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Once again the Budget has brought about a change to Stamp Duty which will have a significant impact on many of our client’s new home purchases.

First Time Buyers will benefit where the purchase price is up to £300,000.00 as they will from 22nd November have no stamp duty liability at all.

On this basis if the purchase was completed last week at £297,500.00 they would have been paying £4,875.00 – from 22nd November the amount is £0 - that certainly is a bonus!

Where the purchase is between £300,000.01 and £500,000.00 there will be a liability for a payment of 5% of the amount above £300,000.01 and up to £500,000.00

See below the calculations for Stamp Duty payable by First Time Buyers pre and post budget

The stamp duty change will apply in England and Northern Ireland, and Wales up to the end of March 2018. Scotland has an independent system.

Where we have provided our clients with costs at the start of a transaction, we are now recalculating the amounts due and will be happily advising what the difference will be (and returning funds where applicable).

It must be said that this change comes with a few more requirements to meet :

We will be clarifying all of these points with our clients before completion of their purchase.

The HMRC Stamp Duty Calculator can be found at https://www.tax.service.gov.uk/calculate-stamp-duty-land-tax

Dementia and Lasting Powers of Attorney

Wed, 22 Nov 2017 11:14:35 GMT

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As members of Solicitors for the Elderly, AST Hampsons Private Client team are keen to promote awareness to ensure that people get the care, consideration and advice they need when it comes to issues such as Dementia, and Lasting Powers of Attorney . Head of Private Client department Louise Salisbury says when considering Lasting Powers is;

Plan early

While you have capacity, it’s vital that you get your affairs in order and choose the best people to manage your affairs, in case of an accident or illness. You can’t appoint an attorney once you lose capacity.

Choose carefully

Think carefully who you want to appoint as your attorney and have an open conversation with them so they understand your wishes and what their responsibilities will include. Consider appointing more than one person as your attorney so they can share the responsibility.

Consider appointing a professional

A family member might not always be the best person to act as your attorney. Instead, you can appoint a professional such as a solicitor. They can act as a neutral third party and make unbiased decisions that are in your best interests. Bear in mind this usually involves a cost.

Think about different circumstances

Consider how you would like your attorney to manage your property and financial affairs in different situations. For example, are you happy for your property to be sold to pay for your care costs?

Address the difficult questions

Your attorney might have to make difficult decisions about your health and welfare. If you have specific wishes around your care plans, medical treatment, or end of life wishes, make sure you discuss this with them and make your choices clear in your document.

Seek professional advice

Shop-bought and online LPA kits may be suitable for those with very straightforward financial situations or with considerable legal experience, but for most people, seeking professional legal advice is the best way of ensuring that an LPA is effective, legally robust and safe.

Keep your plans current

Make sure you keep your LPA updated if your circumstances change. Your choices around the people you want responsible for your finances and wellbeing may change, such as following a marriage or divorce, when children reach adulthood, or if parents

There are/have been two programs on TV relating to these issues this week :

Channel 4’s Dispatches, Monday 8pm,

Tish Hanifan, Head of Business Development at SFE and Joint Chair of The Society of Later Life Advisers (SOLLA), will be appearing on a feature titled: ‘How to Avoid the Dementia Tax’. Tish will be discussing the risks involved with using unregulated ‘estate planning practitioners’ and the importance of speaking to a qualified specialist around such matters.

ITV Tonight, Thursday 7:30pm

Caroline Bielanska, former SFE CEO, and author and trainer for STEP, will be discussing the potential abuse of powers of attorney, following Denzil Lush’s comments earlier this year. Caroline’s interview focuses on the safeguards people can put in place to ensure their LPA is robust and the importance of using a specialist lawyer.

AST Joins Forces with Hudson & Taylor

Wed, 27 Sep 2017 11:20:06 GMT

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Two of Rochdale’s most long established firms, AST Hampsons LLP and Hudson & Taylor are joining forces to bring together over 250 years of history and shared values, serving the local community.

AST Hampsons LLP will continue, but will incorporate Peter Miller from Hudson & Taylor with his staff practising from AST Hampson’s existing buildings at 128 Yorkshire Street and 7 South Parade, Rochdale. Hudson & Taylor’s Shaw based office, known as Colin Ashworth & Co will be serviced via the Rochdale offices and where appropriate, home visits.

Peter L Taylor, Managing Partner comments:

“I am delighted to welcome Peter Miller and his staff into AST Hampsons LLP. My old Firm, Standring Taylor & Co is one of the 9 firms that eventually became AST Hampsons LLP and there are many who still remember it and its history. I am sure the same will apply to Hudson & Taylor which has been established in Rochdale since 1910 and is greatly respected by many Rochdalians and others as a supplier of good quality legal services. I feel privileged to welcome Peter and believe that his experience and expertise will be a great asset to AST Hampsons LLP going forward. It is important that we work together to continue to provide the best legal services for our clients both locally and further afield and are attractive to future clients because we can provide a local service which is second to none in what are challenging times for Solicitors going forward”.

Peter Miller comments:

“I am very much looking forward to becoming part of a well respected, proactive and progressive firm and working alongside Peter Taylor and his partners. Our respective firms have enjoyed an excellent relationship over decades and I see this development as truly beneficial to clients old and new”

This adds to the planned and successful period of growth for AST Hampsons LLP. We have expanded our Bury office and developed and grown our probate, commercial and conveyancing departments.

Our growth has resulted in Louise Salisbury (formerly of Molesworths) and Jillian Josephson (from QualitySolicitors and DWF) joining as partners and the successful team of Anna Murzell and Helen O’Sullivan from a local conveyancing firm who joined us in 2015. We have appointed new heads of department to both our Family - Jennifer Worcester, and PI & Medical Negligence – Samantha Labor, departments and will continue to strengthen and develop our firm with the addition of Anna Murzell as partner in January 2018.

Together we continue to grow and develop all areas of our firm and look forward to providing our wide range of services to both our existing and new clients in future.

Changes to Powers of Attorney May Leave Older and Vulnerable at Risk

Tue, 26 Sep 2017 11:22:25 GMT

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Louise Salisbury from AST Hampsons based in Rochdale and Bury has joined fellow members of Solicitors for the Elderly in warning against proposals to turn the LPA registration process fully digital.

An LPA is a powerful legal document that allows a person to appoint trusted individuals to make important decisions about their finances and property on their behalf. Under the current process, a ‘wet signature’ – the physical signing of the document – is required by individuals who wish to register an LPA. But in a paper released on Thursday, the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) called for a fully digital system, whereby documents could be registered completely online.

Louise Salisbury said: “We are extremely concerned by the FCA’s push for fully digital powers of attorney. Although we welcome initiatives that make LPAs more accessible, the security of older and vulnerable people is paramount. Under the current system, the FCA’s vision of a secure, end-to-end digital LPA registration process is simply not possible.

“Removing the requirement of a wet signature has the potential to put thousands of people at risk of fraud and financial abuse. An LPA requires the understanding and consent of the donor, but without the witnessing of a physical signature, what is to stop a family member or friend registering a document on someone else’s behalf, perhaps even without their knowledge?

“LPAs are extremely powerful and complex documents, and the prospect of being able to take control of someone else’s bank account and even their property with the few clicks of a button is frankly reckless.”

Solicitors for the Elderly is an independent, national organisation of over 1,500 lawyers, such as solicitors, barristers, and chartered legal executives, who provide specialist legal advice for older and vulnerable people and their families. Last year, the organisation released a report raising concerns around the current online system for LPAs, which it claims already leaves older and vulnerable people open to abuse.

LPAs are processed by the Office of the Public Guardian (OPG), a public body under the Ministry of Justice. The OPG has previously considered changing the LPA .

The Alzheimers Show

Wed, 10 May 2017 11:28:33 GMT

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Described as ‘ the UK’s leading event for dementia care with practical advice, information, products and services to help those caring for or affected by Alzheimer’s, dementia and memory loss.’

'Whether you are a family carer, healthcare professional, person with dementia or simply want to learn more, The Alzheimer’s Show features practical workshops, informative presentations and talks, Q&A’s with dementia experts, professional advice clinics and dementia and care specialists in one place.

tide will have a stand at the Manchester Event for both days and also run an ‘open mic’ session on Friday 23rd in the Talks & Topics Theatre ‘Shining a light on carers’ rights’, so carers will have the opportunity to ask questions and find out about their rights.

www.alzheimersshow.co.uk/manchester/conference-programme/

You will also have the opportunity to meet the ‘tide’ team too, so please come and say hello at our stand.

tide will not have a presence at the London Event this year, but the organisers have very kindly offered a code to obtain free entry to both the London and Manchester Shows to members of tide who are current and former carers. If this applies to you and you are able to get to these events, please use the following code to apply for the ticket on their site: ALSH17

For further information about the shows please follow the below

www.alzheimersshow.co.uk

Proposed Probate Fee Hike Scrapped!

Mon, 24 Apr 2017 12:32:12 GMT

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AST Hampsons Louise Salisbury and Zoe Clough, both members of Solicitors for the Elderly..

“We are delighted to hear the proposed probate fees have been dropped. It was very clear from the offset that the new system was nothing more than a backdoor tax and the Government had abused its powers in pushing them through under the guise of a fee.

“To call the new system ‘proportionate’ was frankly ridiculous when you consider that some larger estates were set to see a 13,000% increase in fees.

“What’s more, by proceeding with the changes, ministers point-blank ignored the views of almost every respondent involved in the consultation process.

“Since then, SFE has campaigned hard, alongside other organisations, to have these changes reviewed. Our organisation is made up of over 1,500 lawyers across the country and not one member agreed with the fees.”

“In the meantime, we have seen a dramatic increase in enquiries from older and vulnerable people worried about the fees. Our fear was that some people may have been led to attempt to avoid the fees by decreasing the value of their estate, thereby leaving themselves with insufficient assets to provide for the rest of their life. With the current social care crisis facing the country, the unintended consequences of this change could have been disastrous. We are extremely relieved to hear this has now been avoided.”

Government goes ahead with 'stealth tax' probate fee hikes of up to £20k, despite consultation showing just 2% were in favour

Fri, 10 Mar 2017 12:38:17 GMT

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Probate fees are currently a fixed fee of £155.00 when made through a solicitor for all estates worth £5,000.00 plus. The Ministry of Justice has just confirmed that from May the Probate Fees on some estates will increase by almost £20,000.00.

AST Hampsons Head of Wills and Probate Department, Louise Salisbury said
“The current fee of £155.00 (when the application is made through a solicitor) is often funded by the solicitors firm until Probate is granted and bank accounts can be accessed. With such huge increases this is likely to change causing hardship and inconvenience , although there will be no fee for estates below £50,000.00 the charges for estates between £50,000- £300,000.00 will be £300.00 and between £300,000.00- £500,000.00 will be £1000.00. This is an enormous increase bearing in mind that the work undertaken by the Probate Registry is the same whatever the value of the estate .”

Claire Davis, Director, SFE (Solicitors for the Elderly) said:

“SFE is extremely disappointed to see that the consensus to reject the proposed probate fees has been ignored.

" For the 62% of estates that use a solicitor, probate registry performs a purely administrative role, and the value of the estate has no bearing on the work undertaken.

“To burden larger estates with a significantly larger fee is an unfair form of taxation. For people in this situation, their property is often their primary asset, and they have little cash to pay for higher probate fees, on top of other necessities such as IHT or the use of a solicitor.

“The increase in probate fees will place a burden on families at a sensitive and distressing time and is likely to put people who are vulnerable and/or elderly at risk. Our fear is that such clients might be persuaded to take steps to avoid probate fees, even if the effect is to leave them with insufficient assets to provide for themselves for the rest of their life.”

We are pleased to see the comment has already been featured in a This Is Money article this morning, alongside several other professionals who agree with our point of view.
To see the full article, click here

Mission Christmas. Was a Great Success in 2016

Fri, 23 Dec 2016 11:46:41 GMT

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I took our collection of presents over to the Key 103 drop off yesterday. They were really pleased to accept them and I spent a little while in the drop off centre with some of the volunteers. They were sorting through the thousands of donated presents trying to make sure that the right gift gets to the child it has been requested for. It really is just like elves in Santa’s workshop checking all the letters written by children asking for something for Christmas – only in many cases it is parents, children’s centres, schools and other organisations who have written in and asked for a specific gift for a child who otherwise will get nothing.

I have attached a couple of pictures of one of the marquees where the donated gifts are brought to be sorted, behind this there was an enormous warehouse filled, floor to ceiling with labelled gifts – it is an amazing operation and so many people were in there having given up their time to volunteer. There were thousands of presents waiting to be sorted still but the volunteers said that this year, they were very much down on their collection totals and they are worried they will not meet the targets for this year. That means there could well be children going without.

Thanks to all who responded and gave a gift – there are 30 more children who will receive a present Christmas morning because of you and a massive THANK YOU to Mr Paul Watson, it is only because of you we have made this a company effort!

By Anna Murzell

Divorce rate continues its downward trend

Fri, 23 Dec 2016 11:44:11 GMT

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The latest release of divorce figures reveal that the number of divorces in England and Wales in 2014 fell by 3.1% compared with 2013 and were 27% lower than a recent peak in 2003.

A continuing rise in cohabitation is thought to be a likely explanation which could mean that their relationships are stronger when they come to get married or they are simply choosing not to marry in the first place.

Figures indicate that the only age group which had an increased divorce rate in 2014 was women aged 55 and over and one possible reason for this is thought to be the relaxation of the attitudes of modern society towards divorce over the past 10 – 20 years.

People are perhaps recognising that they do not have to stay in unhappy relationships and the number of dating websites and groups that are aimed at older people show that it is possible to build new relationships no matter what age they divorce.

Resolution Launches new Code of Pratice

Fri, 23 Dec 2016 11:42:37 GMT

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Resolution has launched a new Code of Practice for its members.

Resolution (a specialist organisation for family solicitors) says it chose to revise the Code of Practice to reflect the changing family justice environment.

Resolution members follow a Code of Practice that promotes a constructive approach to family issues and considers the needs of the whole family, in particular the best interests of the children.

The principles of the code are widely recognised and have been adopted by the Law Society as recommended good practice for all family lawyers.

The code requires lawyers to deal with each other in a civilised way and to encourage their clients to put aside their differences and reach fair agreements.

Members of Resolution pledge to:-

A trusted lawyer can play a big part in helping to sort out issues involving your family. Wherever you are, there is a Resolution member near you, ready to help.

Call for No Fault Divorce

Thu, 22 Dec 2016 11:48:46 GMT

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150 Resolution members met with MPs and Peers on 30 November 2016 to discuss the introduction of “No Fault Divorce”

The problem with current divorce law is that unless couples wait until they have lived apart for two years, they can only apply for a divorce, by apportioning some sort of blame. This often creates conflict, making it more difficult to then agree arrangements for child care and in respect of a financial settlement.

Resolution support the idea that removing blame from divorce will not make it more likely that people will separate. It simply makes it easier for people to manage their separation with as little conflict and stress as possible. Removing blame will enable people to separate in a more dignified way.

Over three quarters of the family lawyers who took part in a survey agreed that their clients struggle to understand why they have to assign blame in the petition especially if they have both agreed to separate.

Nigel Shepherd, National Chair of Resolution said “It is clear that current divorce law is not fit for today’s modern society”

“Divorce is already difficult enough; we don’t need it to be made harder by the law pushing couples into conflicts and arguments”

Urgent warning about Government’s ‘risky’ online legal tool

Fri, 25 Nov 2016 11:56:05 GMT

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AST Hampsons has joined a number of organisations representing older and vulnerable people to raise serious concerns around the Government’s online tool for creating Lasting Powers of Attorney (LPAs).

An LPA is a powerful legal document that allows a person to appoint trusted individuals to make important decisions about care and finances on their behalf, in the event of a loss of mental capacity through an accident or illness such as dementia.

In May 2014, the Government’s Office of the Public Guardian (OPG) launched its online LPA tool, which it claims allows people to create the documents without the need for professional advice from a solicitor.

But a new report, published by a coalition of organisations led by SFE, warns that anyone creating an LPA without taking specialist legal advice faces a significantly higher risk of being left with an ineffective legal document, incurring additional application fees, and even becoming a victim of fraud or coercion.

The report also raises concerns around the potential of a completely digital system proposed by the OPG, whereby ‘wet signatures’ – the physical signing of the document – would no longer be required.

AST Hampsons is a Full Accredited member of SFE, and said: “The prospect of being able to submit an LPA application entirely digitally is extremely concerning, and raises some serious questions around the potential for fraud and financial abuse.”

During a study conducted for the report, participants were invited to create LPAs using the OPG’s online tool and other ‘DIY’ methods. The study revealed that:

Some of the forms did not accurately express the way in which participants would want their affairs and welfare to be handled in the future .

Documents made using DIY methods were more likely to contain elementary mistakes, rendering them ineffective and requiring additional application fees .

Following consultation with a solicitor, most participants made significant changes to the permissions of their documents regarding how and by whom their affairs were managed.

AST Hampsons are able to advise you on all aspects of Attorney powers and duties.

AST Hampsons open their doors

Fri, 21 Oct 2016 12:11:59 GMT

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AST Hampsons have reopened their doors to the ground floor once again at 7 South Parade, ten months after severe flooding hit Rochdale town centre on Boxing Day 2015.

The floods, caused by the River Roch bursting its banks, saw four feet of water submerge parts of the town centre, including South Parade, The Esplanade and The Butts, causing widespread damage to 324 properties and forcing many local businesses to close their doors while repairs took place. AST Hampsons are delighted to be back and welcoming clients once more from their South Parade premises.

Will in favour of landlord is overturned by brothers

Tue, 06 Sep 2016 12:18:00 GMT

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A will made by a physically and mentally impaired man in favour of his long-term professional carer and 'supporting landlord' has been overturned in the England & Wales High Court on the grounds of lack of knowledge and approval of its contents...

Read the full article on STEP

Resolving financial claims for those getting divorced

Sun, 31 Jul 2016 12:24:50 GMT

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The Family Justice Council has produced detailed guidance on “financial needs” on divorce.

The President of the Family Division has commented that the guide “provides a succinct summary of the law as explained and developed in the leading cases.

The guide can be viewed here: http://www.familylaw.co.uk/system/froala_assets/documents/931/family_jus...

This follows an earlier guide issued in April 2016 aimed at people representing themselves in divorce proceedings, called “Sorting out finances on divorce” This can be viewed here:-

http://www.judiciary.gov.uk/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/fjc-financial-nee...

Legal Aspects of Dementia

Fri, 22 Jul 2016 12:21:15 GMT

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Following on from the success of the programme last year Louise Salisbury ,Head of the Probate Department and Sadie Green trainee solicitor attended at Unsworth Cricket Club at the request of the Alzheimer's Society to present a talk on Legal Aspects of Dementia as part of the Alzheimer's SHARED programme - Support , Help in Accessing Resources and Engaging Well with Dementia - the session was well attended and after the talk which included information about Lasting Powers of Attorney , wills , inheritance tax and Court of Protection applications there was a lively question and answer session at which attendees asked a number of questions and various concerns that attendees had were discussed .

AST Hampsons 10K run for charity

Tue, 31 May 2016 12:27:11 GMT

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Once again this year a team from AST Hampsons have run the Manchester 10K for charity!

This years team were Louise Salisbury, Head of our Wills and Probate Department, James Taylor, Head of Conveyancing and Sadie Green, Trainee Solicitor.

They were raising funds for Bury Hospice this year and are still making efforts to raise as much as possible for the charity throughout the remainder of the month. If anyone would like to help with the fund raising you can donate here

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Sadie said that the atmosphere was amazing and the support from the crowds was brilliant despite the day ending with a heavy downpour. Everyone had a great time and we are looking forward to entering again next year with a larger team!

His scribbled will meant I could keep our home

Sun, 27 Mar 2016 12:32:02 GMT

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The number of unmarried couples living as a family has risen by 33pc in the last decade - making this the fastest growing family type.

Also on the rise are the problems which result when an unmarried partner dies without a will, potentially stranding the survivor without property or other assets.

The Cohabitation Rights Bill - which aims to better protect the rights of people who lived together following one of their deaths - is still passing through Parliament and unlikely to be effective until next year at the earliest.

Until then cohabitees are being warned that they have no legal rights to any assets when their partner dies without a valid will being in place.Under rules of intestacy only married or civil partners, or some close relatives such as children, can inherit.

Web designer Sue Singer, 56, reflects regularly on the lack of protection for cohabitees and the risk of the surviving partner having to sell property on the death of the other. It was almost “by luck”, she says, than an informal will written by her partner months before his death, a decade ago, was able to be validated after his death. It ensured she could live on in their shared home. Ms Singer and her partner, Paul Dixon, had been together for 16 years.

In an unfortunate turn of events Mr Dixon, a cancer sufferer, died suddenly while sill planning to write a formal will. As the couple were unmarried the rules of intestacy did not apply. Ms Singer’s only option was to track down a makeshift will that he had written while the couple were on holiday six months previously. They had been staying in Oludeniz in Turkey and Mr Dixon decided to paraglide above the shoreline. Ms Singer said: “He really wanted to go paragliding but I said that he wasn’t to do it without having written a will.”

He hand-wrote a short will on a piece of paper and two waiters from the hotel agreed to sign and witness it. The will was forgotten.

In the following months Mr Dixon was diagnosed with lung cancer. Ms Singer said: “Paul was still in the process of drawing up the will and the final copy was ready for signing but he died before he could sign it. We thought we had loads of time.” Ms Singer was left in an almost impossible situation as most of their assets, including their home, were in his name. She consulted her partner’s accountant - who had already been assisting with preparing his will - about what she should do.

The “Turkish will”, as they referred to it, turned out to be vital in the process. But she needed to use probate to legitimise the document. Probate is the process by which a court grants someone the authority to deal with the property, money and possessions of a deceased person and they are usually sought by the executor of a will or a person acting on their behalf. The will, although signed by the two waiters in the hotel, did not include their full names and addresses and therefore, according to the Probate Office, was invalid. Sue said: “I had the details of the hotel but I had no idea if the people who witnessed it would be there. I found a Turkish lawyer and he rang the hotel. “The barmen were not at work that day but the hotel called me back later to say that they remembered us and they agreed to go to a notary and complete the missing details. “The nearest notary who was qualified was in Istanbul - I paid for flights, accommodation and his time.” Without a signature, the new will was not valid.

Finally, her accountants could proceed with the probate and the will was made official. Sue said: “Our house was worth about £280,000, we had two studios together as well and the business, so I would probably have lost about £400,000 and been homeless if the Turkish will hadn’t existed.” Carol Cheesman from Cheesman’s Accountants, the firm invloved, said: “It’s critical that there is a will in place if you’re unmarried as you never know what’s around the corner. “I knew that these were his wishes but even though we had a final draft of the later will this was not seen as legal without his signature.”

Nick Hill from the Money Advice Service said: “If you’re not married to your partner it’s even more important to have a will - they won’t be automatically entitled to any part of your estate otherwise. “While the details of inheritance vary across the UK, your estate could be divided up among other family members or could even end up going to the state. Having a will lets you choose how your assets are divided and who will be in charge of this.” Writing a will There are a number of ways to get a will drafted. Options include using a solicitor or a will-writing service. The fee for using a solicitor will vary depending on the firm and complexity of the will. You can spend as little as a few hundred pounds or up to several thousand. Every March and October you can get a free will through freewillsmonth.org.uk. You need to be over 55 to qualify. There are 26 locations in England & Wales that take part in the campaign.

Charlotte has completed her Apprenticeship!

Wed, 16 Mar 2016 12:35:06 GMT

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Charlotte Peate, AST Hampsons junior cashier has completed her Business Administration Diploma.

Charlotte who has been employed by AST Hampsons in Rochdale since May last year, did exceptionally well in her GCSE exams gaining 2 A* grade, 5 grade A’s and 2 grade B’s and then went on to college to complete her A-Levels and came out will great results for all three subjects.

Charlotte states that she chose the Apprenticeship route for a number of reasons, she said “It is great to be able to earn while you learn and work alongside experienced staff who provide support in a secure and professional environment while you gain relevant skills. The role has given me the chance to gain a qualification and also have options for further/higher qualifications within this profession. All in all it is a great way to build your CV and start your career without the worry of the bills mounting up while you are at Uni.”

Sarah, Charlottes Assessor states that ‘’Charlotte is an outstanding learner; she ensures all her written work is to the highest of standards. It has been rewarding to see Charlotte grow in confidence and into her job role. She is a valued member of the team at AST Hampsons and will have the chance to further develop into her chosen career.’’

Anna Murzell, Management Executive with AST Hampsons Solicitors firmly believes in the benefits of recruiting apprentices to complement the service provided by the company. Anna explains: “The apprenticeship scheme works well for everyone. It’s a stepping stone for young people to get on the career ladder and it offers tremendous value for them to gain an insight into the world of work. It’s important to nurture the apprentices so they can grow in confidence, experience and skills.”

Anna notes that Charlotte is keen and willing to learn and soon became a valued team member who contributes to the smooth running of the day to day office functions. Anna continues: “Here at AST Hampsons we have had huge success with our apprentices. It is very rewarding to be part of a young person’s development and to watch them achieve. I would recommend any business to consider recruiting an apprentice as a valuable resource to enhance any company.”

Anna Murzell shortlisted for “Business Woman Of The Year” at Rochdale Business Awards

Thu, 05 Nov 2015 12:38:07 GMT

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Anna Murzell has been shortlisted as a finalist for the 2015 Rochdale Business Awards for “Business Woman Of The Year”.

Commenting on her nomination, James Taylor, Partner at AST Hampsons says:

“We are thrilled and very proud of Anna’s nomination for Rochdale’s Business Woman of the Year. We were delighted that Anna and her team decided to join our firm earlier in the year and Anna brings a different dynamic to our business. Good luck Anna!”

Anna is based mainly in our Rochdale office and can be contacted on 01706 653322.

Rochdale firm boosts expansion plans by welcoming new team

Mon, 06 Jul 2015 12:40:11 GMT

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AST Hampsons is pleased to announce that a new team has now joined effective from July 2015.

The team, who have spent the last 9 years growing and developing Title Transfer Property Lawyers (TTPL) will bring AST Hampsons a breadth of experiences in many fields. This investment will support the firm’s plans for growth in both conveyancing as well as other parts of the organisation.

Commenting on the appointments, James Taylor said:

“We are thrilled that Anna Murzell, Helen O’Sullivan and their team have joined us. I am very proud of our existing team and feel very sure Anna’s team will make us even stronger. Like ours, Anna’s team include the customer experience as their top priority. This is an exciting time for not only our conveyancing department but also for the firm as a whole”.

Whilst the newly expanded conveyancing department will still be headed by James Taylor, Anna Murzell will join the firm as a Management Executive and assist with business development initiatives in conveyancing and also in all other departments. Anna was chosen due to her unique background as a business woman which will serve the firm’s plans to grow as an organisation.

James Taylor continues: “Helen O’Sullivan is a very experienced conveyancer and if ever we were asked to name a conveyancer we respected in Rochdale Helen’s name would always come up. She is very hard working and enthusiastic.”

Anna Murzell says: “The team and I are all very excited to have joined AST Hampsons and are looking forward to helping grow and develop the conveyancing department and other areas of the firm"

The rest of the team is made up by Maria, a highly experienced legal secretary and three young ladies who are on a business apprenticeship scheme through Hopwood College. They are eager to learn and create a career for themselves!”

Landmark Ruling Could Open Floodgates for Financial Claims

Mon, 23 Mar 2015 12:41:45 GMT

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The Supreme Court in a landmark decision (Wyatt –v- Vince (2015) UKSC15) has allowed a wife to proceed with a financial claim against her former husband 22 years after their divorce.

Dale Vince married Kathleen Wyatt in 1981 when they were both penniless travellers living a “new age” lifestyle. They divorced in 1992. In 1995 Vince founded Ecotricity, now one of the UK’s biggest green energy companies. He is said to be worth £107 million. Wyatt took Vince to Court in 2014 seeking £1.9 million.

The High Court ruled that Wyatt’s claim should be considered but this was overturned by the Court of Appeal after Vince argued it had been lodged too late. The Supreme Court has now allowed Wyatt’s appeal against that decision.

The ruling essentially now paves the way for anyone without a completed Financial Order to bring a claim against their former spouse regardless of how long ago they divorced.

The case highlights the importance of ensuring that all financial matters are finalised at the time of divorce and a Court Order is obtained. Otherwise it could lead to future claims for a share of the wealth earned after the divorce many years later.

It is therefore vital that people getting divorced should ensure through their divorce lawyer that all financial matters are finalised and immune to future claims by way of what is called a Clean Break Order. Any divorcees who do not have a Clean Break Financial Order in place should review their situation as they may now face claims against them in the future.

AST Hampsons are experts in this field and will be pleased to advise anyone who is concerned about their position as a result of this important case.

New Commercial Premises

Fri, 24 Apr 1019 10:17:36 GMT

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AST Hampsons were thrilled to be able to assist Heritage Boiler Systems Limited with a new commercial lease at their premises in Liverpool.

Andrew Wilcock, one of the directors had previously used AST Hampsons for his conveyancing and returned to us when he had a requirement for a new lease.

Heritage Boilers has enjoyed a successful first year of trading and urgently required premises to allow it to continue with its business and expand.

Having sourced premises, Heritage Boilers called Jillian Josephson in our commercial team and set out its property requirements.

Working together with the directors and under tight time constraints, the new lease for Heritage Boiler was completed and the next chapter of Heritage Boiler begins in premises ideally suited for its business.

Speaking of his experience with AST Hampsons, Director Andrew Wilcock comments:

“Heritage Boiler Steam Services Ltd would like to thank Jillian and her team at AST Hampsons in Rochdale for helping our company find a new premises situated in Huyton Liverpool.

Throughout the process AST Hampsons were professional and kept Heritage Boiler Steam Services fully updated.

HBSS would highly recommend Jillian and her team, and once again thank them for making a smooth and easy transition for our business”.

If you are thinking about taking a lease of commercial premises, and need help or would like a chat about the legal process, please call our team on 01706 767 904.