News

Many families are increasingly worried about “Gifts Gone Wrong”, where lifetime gifts intended to reduce future Inheritance Tax (IHT) liabilities end up creating unexpected tax bills. Recent HMRC data, released...

As of 17 November 2025, the copy fees for Probate Grants and Wills have increased from £1.50 to £16 per document. This increase has been implemented by the Court and...

The Government has announced plans to change family law in England and Wales. It intends to remove the long-standing presumption that it is usually best for a child to have...

Knife crime remains a serious issue across the UK, and its relevance to cases of domestic abuse cannot be overstated. Many incidents of domestic violence involve the use of knives...

This article follows on from our recent training session on covert recordings in family law, kindly hosted by Amy Stout and Anushka Kangesu of 3DJB. Their insightful session highlighted the...

We are delighted to announce that Crane & Staples has achieved a record year of recognition in the Legal 500 UK 2026 guide. The firm has maintained its strong rankings...

The end of an unforgettable season. This Summer at Crane & Staples has been full of achievements, celebrations and community spirit. As we step into Autumn, it is a great...

Navigating the complexities of care home fees can be daunting. Understanding the financial implications and legal responsibilities is crucial for both individuals and their families. At Crane & Staples, we...

Understanding the key commercial letting terms for tenants is essential before signing any agreement.  Whether you’re leasing office space, retail premises or an industrial unit, entering into a commercial lease...

There’s no place like Crane & Staples. At Crane & Staples Solicitors, we are proud to be part of the Welwyn Garden City community. That is why we are delighted...

The Wills Bill 2025 is a proposal to modernise and reform the law surrounding wills in England and Wales. The Wills Act 1837 was introduced almost 200 years ago. It...

This year marks 100 years since the introduction of the Law of Property Act 1925. This piece of legislation continues to underpin property law in England and Wales today. In...

You may be aware of the recent data breach affecting the Legal Aid Agency (LAA), which has been reported by the Ministry of Justice. This breach relates to a cyber-attack...

In the latest episode of ‘The Martin Lewis Money Show’, the Moneysaving Expert discussed the importance of Wills and Powers of Attorney. He also answered some frequently asked questions about...

Is it time to update your Will? Update Your Will Week runs from 3rd-9th March 2025. During the week, the Association of Lifetime Lawyers is urging people to review their...

This article provides an overview of the upcoming changes to Inheritance Tax (IHT) rules in England and Wales. We outline what is expected to change in the coming years and...

Lifetime gifts could be the perfect way to spread the love this Valentine's Day. There are several advantages to making lifetimes gifts. However, there are also various rules, exemptions, and tax implications you should be aware of when making lifetime gifts. So, if you are Clueless about lifetime gifts but think it’s About Time you made some, you may find this romcom-themed article helpful!

In this blog post, Children Lawyer Sian Churchill gives an update on life as a disabled lawyer for UK Disability History Month 2024. UK Disability History Month is an annual...

We wish all our clients, contacts and members of the community a Merry Christmas and a healthy, happy and prosperous New Year. The festive season at Crane & Staples is...

Will Tyler KC (36 Group), Andlib Mohsin (4BC) of Counsel, and our Sian Churchill represented a Mother in the Father’s appeal against a County Court decision not to move the...

As of 26 October 2024, a new legal duty will come into force in the UK, requiring employers to take reasonable steps to prevent sexual harassment in the workplace. This...

Crane & Staples Sponsors Local Youth Teams: Welwyn Garden City Cricket Club Juniors and Panshanger FC U11 Pumas At Crane & Staples, we are proud to support local youth teams...

After 35 years at Crane & Staples, and an extraordinary 48 years practising as a solicitor, it is with a mix of pride and sadness that we announce the retirement...

Navigating the responsibilities of an executor after a loved one’s death can be overwhelming, especially during such an emotional time. This comprehensive guide offers step-by-step instructions on what an executor...

Employers often face difficult decisions when employees engage in criminal behaviour outside of work. This article explores the legal considerations and challenges employers must navigate when deciding whether to dismiss...

The Private Wealth Law team at Crane & Staples are celebrating their third consecutive ranking in the Chambers & Partners High Net Worth Guide. Crane & Staples in the Chambers...

Once you have power of attorney over someone, you may wonder what this means and how you action it. This article will explain what you can do as someone’s attorney....

If you are looking to purchase a property, you may find the below tips for first time buyers a useful starting point. For most people, buying a house is the...

When the relationship between a company and its senior executives, at board level or below, sours, a parting of the ways is usually inevitable. This is called a Senior Exit....

Head of Care Solicitor Sian Churchill and Counsel Jessica Redford (3DJB) appear in reported case: A Local Authority v The Mother & Ors [2024] EWFC 19 (B) representing a Father...