Porter Dodson is boosting their offering in the Southwest Private Client sector by the appointment of Susannah Emson (formerly Bower) as a Partner...
    Porter Dodson’s Commercial Dispute Resolution team are celebrating a win in the companies and insolvency division of the High Court on behalf of a...
    In a recent case the High Court determined that an investor shareholder potentially suffered unfair prejudice when the company failed to comply with...
    What does International Women’s Day mean to you?
    The term ‘leasehold enfranchisement’ relates to rights enjoyed by certain tenants of residential flats under long leases. For example, the right to...
    Did you hear about the rather sticky situation that recently unfolded at Avanti West Coast, leaving a sour taste in the mouths of many? You may have...
    Porter Dodson Solicitors were pleased to be involved with the successful completion of an asset purchase agreement between David and Charles and...
    Porter Dodson is delighted to announce the appointment of Solicitor Antonia Power as Head of Commercial for our Exeter office, fortifying our ...
    In an era where the mere mention of a new legislative term can evoke anxiety, the landscape of leasehold property ownership is undergoing a...
    What is Parental Responsibility?‘Parental Responsibility’ or ‘PR’ is the bundle of rights, duties, powers, responsibilities and obligations that...
    Porter Dodson’s Corporate Commercial team recently supported local food and drink producer Framptons Limited with the sale of its entire issued share...
    Robyn Greenway, a Senior Legal Advisor in our Private Client Team in Wellington often deals with a large number of intestate estates, and knows these...
    Whilst the volume of Contentious Probate disputes continues to rise exponentially, thankfully most discontented individuals seek remedy and...
    Porter Dodson Solicitors, a top 200 UK law firm, proudly announces the appointment of Jenny Shepherd as a Partner in the Wellington office, effective...
    Though it does not occur often, sometimes two people die in circumstances which render it difficult, or indeed impossible to determine who died first.
    The process of surrendering a lease is a nuanced aspect of landlord-tenant relations that demands careful consideration. Trainee Solicitor, Jill...
    In his latest monthly Q&A, Property Litigation specialist Will Bartley delves into the rising concerns surrounding new-build housing and the surge in...
    We recently published a blog detailing the rent review process and the issues around serving a rent review notice. See Rent Review in Commercial...
    In property law, if the lease expressly provides, forfeiture allows a landlord to re-enter their commercial property following a breach of the...
    The Government utilised the King’s Speech last week to introduce further proposals to reform leasehold ownership of homes. One proposal was the...
    Porter Dodson staff from across the firm’s seven offices came together in two locations for a fun evening of quizzing, hosted at the Hankridge Arms...
    Since 2021, there has been a marked increase in Contentious Probate Claims noted by legal professionals practicing in this sector. It has been...
    If you are separated from your child’s other parent or are currently involved in Court proceedings regarding your children, and want to take the...
    Evelyn Adfield, Partner and Head of Department for Corporate Commercial at Porter Dodson has been ranked as a Band 1 Lawyer for Corporate Commercial...
    Most commercial leases contain a rent review clause; a mechanism which enables the landlord to review the rent at set intervals. The rent will be...
    When it comes to real estate, the concept of restrictive covenants plays a significant role in shaping land use and property development. These...
    Though it may sound fanciful, legal professionals practicing in Contentious Probate often hear accusations of forged signatures on Wills and similar...
    You may have read about the recent case involving Lloyds Bank and an employee who dropped the N-bomb at a training seminar. Would you automatically...
    On Sunday 17th September, the Porter Dodson netball team made the trip to London to debut in the Law Society Sevens Netball, an annual one-day...
    In his latest monthly Q&A, Property Litigator Will Bartley highlights the importance of the new guidance for private and social landlords regarding...
    On Monday 14th August Porter Dodson hosted the first Taunton Professionals Hockey Tournament at Taunton Vale Sports Club in aid of Children’s Hospice...
    The Local Authority may issue care proceedings when they have concerns that a child is at risk of significant harm. Examples of neglect Examples...
    The Landlord and Tenant Act 1954 (the Act) provides tenants of commercial premises (exclusions apply) a right to renew their lease when the initial...
    Porter Dodson was excited to take to the water for another year, competing in the annual RNLI Raft Race at West Bay in Dorset. A team of advisors...
    Welcome to the era of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in the workplace! As technology continues to evolve, it's important to stay ahead of the curve and...
    Porter Dodson are delighted to have advised Unison Triumph Investments (UK) Limited on the recent acquisition of Hotel Riviera in Sidmouth –...
    Following a flurry of recent local business transactions, Porter Dodson are pleased to have advised Coombe Farm Retail, a provider of premium organic...
    Is DIY divorce worth the risk? The UK competition watchdog has announced that it intends to examine claims made by online divorce services in light...
    Porter Dodson recently gifted a huge and beautifully illustrated map of Sherborne dating from 1834 to Dorset History Centre where it will be...
    Porter Dodson is thrilled to have been recognised in the latest global Chambers and Partners High Net Worth guide. The guide differentiates the best...
    Property Litigator Will Bartley, discusses what happens when joint-owners no longer wish to jointly own their Property, and what steps can be taken...
    A landlord under a Farm Business Tenancy (FBT) might wish to bring the tenancy to an end for a number of reasons. For example, they may wish to...
    Porter Dodson Partner, Julia Perrins, was awarded the Lifetime Achievement Award for services to legal practice at the recent Devon and Somerset Law...
    David Culshaw, partner in the Porter Dodson Corporate Commercial Team, has acted for iAM Compliant Limited (iAM) on its recent second round of...
    Porter Dodson’s Commercial Property Team recently acted for Vispring Limited, the luxury British bed manufacturer, in the acquisition of their new...
    It can be very daunting attending court for the first time, especially during care proceedings. Care proceedings are a court process started by a...
    After years of delay from its original announcement in 2019, the Renters (Reform) Bill 2023 was finally introduced in Parliament on 17th May. The...
    Landlords of commercial premises beware; minimum energy performance standards are now in place which could lead to hefty fines for those in breach. ...
    What is a PLO letter? A PLO letter will be sent to you if a Local Authority become concerned about your child’s wellbeing. The Local Authority will...
    On 29th April we were extremely proud to see 11 of our female cyclists take part in Ride the Night, an annual event where women cycle through the...
    We are pleased to announce that Porter Dodson has appointed a new Associate to the Property Disputes Team. Will joins the firm with more than 7...
    UK government’s proposal to limit a residential landlord’s ability to evict tenants without a specific reason, commonly known as “no fault”...
    Stop firefighting and start preventing fires
    In March this year the Government published a new 'How to Rent' guidance checklist.
    We are very pleased to announce a new visual brand style to reflect our evolving brand identity. The new brand features modern and sleek design...
    Porter Dodson's Sherborne team are pleased to announce that from March this year, they will be taking on a new office in Sherborne. The new office,...
    A recent case, Grand View Private Trust Co Ltd & Anor v Wen-Young Wong & Others (Bermuda) (2022) UKPC 47, dealt with by the Privy Council has...
    HMRC has recently updated the Trust Registration rules, extending the scope of the trust arrangements that are required to be registered in the UK.
    Options: Yes, No, Don't Know...These were the responses available to a vendor of a property in London whose claim by the purchaser has recently hit...
    Recent figures have indicated that, with over 3.5 million partners currently cohabitating in the UK, cohabiting (i.e. unmarried) Partners are the...
    Often, the property disputes team at Porter Dodson are instructed by clients to secure a Court order directing a party to do an act (e.g. vacate a...
    John Lewis released it’s highly anticipated 2022 Christmas advert on 10th November. The British Department store used it’s iconic Christmas...
    Credit Control is the strategy businesses use to monitor and review unpaid customer invoices. Here are our top 5 tips for businesses to be on top of...
    Following the implementation of the Divorce, Dissolution and Separation Act 2020 in April this year, many people are choosing to issue their own...
    Are you a former client of McClures Solicitors or Universal Wealth Preservation, and have you set up an ‘Asset Protection Trust’ (also known as a...
    Family law is evolving all the time to meet the changing needs of our society and to keep pace with scientific progress. Parents need to be aware of...
    In light of the potential legal costs involved in instructing a Solicitor, whether to contest the validity of a Will or in defending such a...
    Porter Dodson is pleased to welcome Paul Watkins, who joins us as a Partner in the Bridport office and brings with him a wealth of experience in the...
    When fixed term of a commercial lease expires, there may be various options available to the landlord or the tenant however, these options will be...
    We are pleased to announce that Helen Williams has been promoted to a Partner at Porter Dodson. Having joined the firm in 2021, Helen has brought...
    What are your neighbours' rights and what may be the consequences of an infringement? A property can acquire a right to receive light through its...
    Are you a trustee of a trust created by a will or lifetime settlement? If so, there are new trustee obligations to fulfil with HMRC before 1st...
    One of the most powerful remedies available to a landlord of commercial (non-residential use) property is the right of re-entry, described in leases...
    In the recent Court of Appeal judgment of Da Silva v Hesleton & Ors (2022) EWCA Civ 880, there has been a landmark decision as to the correct...
    There has recently been a lot in the news about the apparent rise in what are known as “predatory marriages”, particularly in respect of the effect...
    Where there is any dispute or uncertainty about the meaning of a will, the courts can be asked to decide the point.However, the court’s ability in...
    The recent case of Cooper v Chapman (2022) resulted in a somewhat remarkable judgement regarding the validity of a will.
    If you have been notified about a challenge to a will relating to an estate in which you have an interest, you may wonder whether you can defend the...
    Marriage is certainly on the decline. Data from the office for national statistics shows that the latest marriage rates are the lowest on record....
    Disputes regarding wills and estates are increasingly common. This is largely due to more complex family arrangements (i.e. second or later...
    Back in February, Storm Eunice caused widespread property damage and destruction, together with power cuts, to many households. Because of the...
    It is often not until someone discusses their wishes and affairs that they recognise the importance of a will. We frequently deal with families and...
    On 1 April 2022, the energy price cap increased by 54% allowing energy companies to charge up to £1,971 per year. With so many households already...
    If you have been notified about a challenge to a will relating to an estate in which you have an interest, you may wonder whether you can defend the...
    Porter Dodson has achieved We invest in people gold accreditation from Investors in People. This is the third consecutive time that the firm has...
    A big consideration for many when they are thinking about how to contest a will or are facing a challenge to the validity of a will, is how much it...
    One of the most common agreements between a landlord and tenant is an assured shorthold tenancy agreement. This type of tenancy agreement permits a...
    When it comes to the process of contesting a will, there is no legal requirement for a solicitor to be instructed. There is absolutely nothing...
    There is no requirement that you use a solicitor, or licensed conveyancer, when buying a house. You could choose to represent yourself. However, when...
    If you have found out about a will having been made in circumstances where you question the validity of the same, an initial question you may ask is,
    Tenants of residential long leases generally enjoy rights to extend the term of their lease. They may also enjoy rights in respect of the management...
    As part of the process of contesting a will, you will need to make sure that you can successfully challenge the validity of the will. The usual...
    On 6th April, radical changes to the law on divorce came into force when the Divorce, Dissolution and Separation Act 2020 was finally implemented.
    UK Top 200 law firm Porter Dodson, based across Somerset & Dorset, has appointed a new Managing Partner. Kate James takes on the role from Rob Fox,...
    The pandemic continues to affect everyone, albeit in different ways and to differing extents, with charities especially being hit hard over the last...
    If a person is missing and presumed to be dead but there is no body, then several difficulties can arise.
    The past few years have seen substantial growth in the number of people marketing their leasehold properties to be let on a short-term basis with...
    Porter Dodson has further strengthened its employment law offering with the appointment of two new associates into the Employment Law Team, Sarah Cook
    Porter Dodson, has been ranked once again in Chambers UK (2022).
    On 1 October 2021, the notice period required to be given to tenants occupying residential property in England under an assured shorthold tenancy...
    Porter Dodson has once again been recommended in the Legal 500 UK.
    Porter Dodson is delighted to be recognised in the Devon and Somerset Law Society (DASLS) Regional Awards 2020 for Corporate Social Responsibility...
    Porter Dodson has appointed a new associate to the Dispute Resolution Team. Helen Williams joins the firm with more than 15 years’ experience in the...
    Once again, Porter Dodson has been ranked in the global Chambers High Net Worth guide.
    Law firm Porter Dodson, based across Somerset & Dorset, has promoted two leading lawyers to the position of associate.
    We are very proud of our Charity of the Year programme and the support it receives from our staff. With 8 offices across Somerset and Dorset, we are...
    On 6 April 2022, the Divorce, Dissolution and Separation Act 2020 was implemented, heralding no-fault divorce. Read more in our blog post: No-fault...
    All of our teams are well known for the first-class service they provide to our clients.
    We have all been affected by the pandemic, feeling a sense of isolation and loneliness at being cut off from family and friends, but this is...
    Law firm Porter Dodson, based across Somerset & Dorset, has appointed David Culshaw to the partnership.
    We are very proud of our Charity of the Year programme and the support it receives from our staff. With 8 offices across Somerset and Dorset, we are...
    We would normally host Christmas drinks for all our offices in December. Like many others we have been unable to celebrate Christmas in our usual way...
    Porter Dodson has again been ranked in leading legal directory Chambers UK.
    Porter Dodson has been recommended in the Legal 500 UK's 2021 edition.
    In a controversial announcement made by the Government on 25 July 2020, wills witnessed via video link are to be legalised temporarily. As expected,...
    On 21 July 2020, HMRC published draft legislation proposing changes to the working time requirements for Enterprise Management Incentive (EMI) share...
    Porter Dodson has been ranked in the global Chambers High Net Worth guide once again.
    We recommend that everyone has a power of attorney in place. It will ensure that your affairs can be managed in the event you do not have capacity to...
    A key role not always emphasised is the care of our elderly. Care funding, whether it is in the home or in a residential/nursing home environment,...
    Certain people who have been in hospital under the Mental Health Act 1983 (‘sectioned’) can get free aftercare when they leave hospital. Section 117...
    If you, or a loved one, are struggling to manage at home, the thought of getting some kind of care can be stressful, not least because of the costs...
    What is parental alienation? Parental alienation involves the psychological manipulation of a child by one parent against the other, without any...
    What is a care home top-up fee? If you are not eligible for NHS continuing healthcare but you have social care needs and are therefore eligible for a...
    If you have been told that you need to move into a care home but you do not have a primary health need and are therefore not eligible for NHS...
    NHS-funded nursing care (FNC) is care that is provided by a registered nurse for people who live in a care home and require it. The care home...
    The assessment for eligibility for continuing healthcare (CHC) funding is complex. Unfortunately, there are no strict or simple definitions of what...
    The firm and several of its lawyers have recently been ranked in independent legal guides, The Legal 500 UK and Chambers UK. The guides recommend law...
    Sometimes a challenge can seem unattainable, but Porter Dodson’s riders were determined not to let this one beat them! Led by experienced rider, Phil...
    We are delighted that newly appointed partner, Michelle Wilson, has been recognised by the Chartered Institute of Legal Executives (CILEx) National...
    Are you considering a prenuptial agreement? According to a recent survey*, if you’re under 25, the answer is yes. Of the 136 respondents aged between...
    A bike repair masterclass took place last Wednesday for the 'tryhard ten' taking on the ‘great eight’ office cycle challenge on 5th September in aid...
    With the day of our ride fast approaching, many of us are trying to strike the balance between getting in plenty of last minute rides, but without...
    Training seems to be going well to date. We have managed two big training rides, both around 80 miles, and team morale seems good. Time is ticking...
    We are delighted to be shortlisted in the Medium Law Firm of the Year category at the Law Society’s prestigious Excellence Awards 2019, the highest...
    The earlier the better is the answer. Property sales and purchases are often fraught with unnecessary difficulties and delays, such as chains...
    On 6 April 2022, the Divorce, Dissolution and Separation Act 2020 was implemented, heralding no-fault divorce. Read more in our blog post: No-fault...
    Porter Dodson has been ranked in the global Chambers High Net Worth Guide for a consecutive year.
    Having been invited to attend our Garden Party to promote our bike ride which is taking place in September in aid of the RNLI, I was slightly...
    Porter Dodson's Yeovil office has presented their charity of the year 2018-19, Yeovil Freewheelers, with a cheque.
    Porter Dodson is delighted to have retained the Investors in People Gold standard accreditation after being assessed against the new framework,...
    Porter Dodson is delighted to be shortlisted in the Chartered Institute of Legal Executives (CILEx) National Awards 2019 for the Law Firm of the Year...
    Kate, Robyn, Scott, Barnaby, Rob Titcombe and I converged on the village of Yetminster south of Yeovil and Sherborne for a second ride out this last...
    Our first joint training ride started well with a bright sunny morning. The team assembled and was ready to go at the appointed time. There were a...
    I feel the 5th September is creeping closer now and negative thoughts are starting to sink in. So was I absolutely crazy to sign up to the Porter...
    Local charity, Somerset Sight, has been presented with a cheque by Porter Dodson's Taunton office.
    Last night our young professionals hosted their second Yeovil Young Professionals (YYP) event, this time held in our offices at Telford House.
    Last November, the firm entered the Devon & Somerset Law Society Awards (DASLS). We put forward five individuals, one team and two firm-wide...
    Last week we were delighted to relaunch our FAB (Dorset) forum at the Shire Hall in Dorchester. Local businesses, with an emphasis on those in the...
    We were joined at Wincanton last week by clients and professional contacts for a day at the races. Despite placing an order for good weather, the sun...
    Porter Dodson and Milsted Langdon were delighted to co-host a wine tasting evening at Dorset Wine Company in Poundbury on Wednesday 6th March.
    Porter Dodson was delighted to welcome local businesses to a fundraising night for St Margaret's Hospice at Lanes Hotel on Thursday evening.
    When it comes to employment-related disputes, most employers immediately think about unfair dismissal. Thanks to the abolition of fees in July 2017,...
    Porter Dodson, Symonds & Sampson, Handelsbanken and Albert Goodman set up the Young Rural Business Forum (YRBF) to support young people working in...
    We've only just started working with Baboo Gelato, so the relationship is still in it's infancy. It happened by accident really. We publicised our...
    We've been working with Justin and his team at Langham since 2014. Each year, we buy their wine, specially branded with our logo, for gifts to staff...
    It was absolutely brilliant meeting Martin Crabb from Ford Farm. From having a tour of the factory to seeing their fantastic onsite cave which was...
    Based in Piddlehinton, Piddle Brewery produces a selection of bottled and cask beers and also some ciders. Look out for them at various events in...
    Located just down the road from our office, touring this bastion of Bridport life should be on everyone’s bucket list. Why not enjoy one of their...
    We're currently working with Fordington Gin to host a tasting evening at the Shire Hall in Dorchester with Baboo Gelato. This is part of our FAB...
    What could be better than to make history bringing Thomas Hardy's favourite cheese back to life? That's exactly what the Davies family did,...
    Dorset Shellfish is a family run business based in Portland and owned by Caroline Dever. Whilst husband Graham and son Karl are out on their sailing...
    We first met Katy from the Bayside Bakery at the Honiton Show in 2017 and were taken by her Bayside Blondie brownies. Since then, we've regularly...
    We went to visit the wonderful Capreolus Fine Foods and were fortunate enough to be given a tour of the premises by Karen herself. Seeing all of the...
    We've been working with Dorset Market Kitchen (DMK) since early 2016. They have catered for our private party at The Melplash Show, a Partners'...
    Resolution is a group of family lawyers, and other professionals, that promotes a non-confrontational approach to resolving family disputes. Members...
    Most people have heard of whistleblowing and associate it with sectors such as the NHS or care industry. However, the legislation applies to all...
    When couples divorce, if they are unable to agree on how their assets should be split, the Court can be asked to determine how their resources should...
    There are two ways to bring an end to a marriage – annulment or divorce. While a divorce legally ends a marriage, an annulment declares the marriage...
    Porter Dodson has once again been ranked in Chambers UK, a leading legal directory.
    If you, or a loved one, are struggling to manage at home, the thought of getting some kind of care can be stressful, not least because of the costs...
    Porter Dodson has been recommended in the leading industry guide Legal 500 UK (2018-19).
    This blog post relates to previous divorce laws. On 6 April 2022, the Divorce, Dissolution and Separation Act 2020 was implemented, heralding...
    How often have you read in the news about celebrities and footballers achieving a “quickie divorce”? In fact, there is no such thing – not even for...
    The World Mental Health Organisation has designated 10th October each year as a day to raise awareness for mental health and for people/businesses in...
    Collaborative law is an alternative way of dealing with divorce, children issues and the resolution of financial matters following the breakdown of a...
    The position of siblings under UK Inheritance Tax (IHT) law received further media coverage last week, prompted by the Utley sisters and also by a...
    This blog post relates to previous divorce laws. On 6 April 2022, the Divorce, Dissolution and Separation Act 2020 was implemented, heralding...
    Cohabiting couples are the fastest growing family type in the UK, with approximately 3.3 million in 2016. Unmarried partners often assume they enjoy...
    Not a day goes by at the moment without sexual harassment claims being splashed across the media. You might think that this is a problem reserved for...
    This blog post relates to previous divorce laws. On 6 April 2022, the Divorce, Dissolution and Separation Act 2020 was implemented, heralding...
    Porter Dodson has once again been ranked in the global Chambers High Net Worth guide.
    Following the implementation of the Divorce, Dissolution and Separation Act 2020 on 6 April 2022, if you wish to start a divorce you can do so based...
    Porter Dodson has strengthened its Corporate Commercial offering with the appointment of David Culshaw. He joins as an Associate Solicitor, working...
    Let’s be frank, talking about mental health is an awkward process. Awkward for the sufferer and awkward for the listener. Take by way of comparison a...
    It is likely that at some point either you, a family member or a friend will be appointed to act as a Personal Representative of an estate.
    Local charity, League of Friends Musgrove Park, has been presented with a cheque by Porter Dodson.
    The General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) comes into force on 25 May 2018. The new regulations place new and greater responsibilities on data...
    An estimated 57% of all working days lost to ill-health are due to stress, depression or anxiety *. Stress is the most common cause of long-term...
    This blog post relates to previous divorce laws. On 6 April 2022, the Divorce, Dissolution and Separation Act 2020 was implemented, heralding...
    This blog post relates to previous divorce laws. On 6 April 2022, the Divorce, Dissolution and Separation Act 2020 was implemented, heralding...
    When it comes to deciding who keeps what following a divorce, some personal belongings, often termed as ‘chattels’, are more emotive than others....
    ‘Deeds’, as most people remember, is a large parcel of old documents, such as conveyances. These show how the property has passed between each person...
    Porter Dodson has appointed a new partner to its family team. Cathryn Smithjoined the firm in 2015 and works in the Yeovil office with some 75...
    With the introduction of workplace pensions, pension benefits are fast becoming one of the most valuable assets that will need to be taken into...
    The General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) comes into force on 25 May 2018. GDPR compliance captures all manner of personal data processed by...
    This blog post relates to previous divorce laws. On 6 April 2022, the Divorce, Dissolution and Separation Act 2020 was implemented, heralding...
    Common law marriage is fake news A ‘common law marriage’ does not exist. It is a myth, a figment of the imagination, a fiction, a nonsense: it does...
    The divorce process is stressful enough. Many do not realise that obtaining a divorce does not bring to an end the financial links between divorcing...
    Although bothmediation and collaborationare alternative methods of resolving issues betweendivorcingand separating couples, they differ...
    Frustrating, isn’t it? As an employer, you naturally expect to be able to control things within the workplace but then some clever legal judgment...
    Football, they say, is a game of two halves. However, the concern has been that when it comes to recruitment, FA recruitment policy has been...
    This blog post relates to previous divorce laws. On 6 April 2022, the Divorce, Dissolution and Separation Act 2020 was implemented, heralding...
    Apprenticeships are like the ‘little black dress’ of the employment world; they never go out of fashion. Indeed, the Government is keen to create...
    The European Court decided that a self-employed window salesman, who successfully claimed worker status, was entitled to claim unpaid holiday pay for...
    Elderly Theft: Robbing the Relatives, which was broadcast on ITV1 on Thursday 30th November, certainly sets out in no uncertain terms the devastating...
    As an employer, you may sometimes despair at the antics of your staff. If so, perhaps spare a thought for an Australian employer who was left with a...
    You may think that once you are divorced, your surname will revert to your maiden name or whatever surname you used before your marriage.
    Following on from part one of our GDPR update - GDPR – What does it mean and is your business compliant? - below are some of the most significant...
    At last, we have had some long-awaited good news from the budget for the housing market.
    The resignation of Michael Fallon last week from the role of Defence Secretary was notable in being the first resignation from a senior government...
    On 25th May 2018, a little over six months away, the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) will come into force, replacing the Data Protection...
    Most employees who work for more than 6 hours are entitled to a rest break of 20 minutes, but what if your employees are too busy to take their...
    Results from a recent survey by The Office for National Statistics identify that the number of couples divorcing has risen for the first time in 7...
    The Government’s Department of Health advises that one in four of us will experience mental ill health at some point in our lives.
    Under measures announced by the Government today, all parents in full-time and part-time employment would be entitled to two weeks' bereavement leave...
    Porter Dodson has been recommended in the latest edition of the Legal 500 UK (2017).
    The new corporate offences of failing to prevent the facilitation of UK and non-UK tax evasion create potential liability on employers for their...
    An estranged adult child who, along with her siblings, had been disinherited from benefitting from her late father’s estate worth in the region of...
    We are delighted to have been ranked in the global Chambers High Net Worth guide.
    A recent case in the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) has been big news in the past week and heralded by some as a victory for the employee in...
    When you come to sell your property so much happens very quickly, especially if you are lucky enough to find a buyer promptly.
    The odds are you’ve reserved the right to suspend employees accused of misconduct whilst you investigate the allegations against them, either within...
    It may come as a surprise but the laws governing Wills date back to 1837. In the last 150 or so years, there have been many changes within society,...
    Life is complicated enough for employers. Any sensible business worries about its staff, its duty of care to staff and its compliance with a long...
    A retired senior judge, Mr Lush, has commented today warning about the risks of Powers of Attorney. Whilst his warnings are valid, the concern is...
    Employment Tribunals are currently consulting over increasing compensation for discrimination claims.
    Employees at the Taunton office held regular fundraising events and activities, such as dress down days, bake sales and Office Olympics, to raise...
    The Supreme Court has confirmed that Employment Tribunal and Employment Appeal Tribunal fees are unlawful and will be quashed.
    The recent case of Chesterton Global Limited -v- Nurmohamed 2017 has allowed for the first time the Court of Appeal to consider what it means for a...
    Founders of the well-known South West based Moles Brewery, Black Rat and West Country Gold Cider brands have recently sold the company to Tolchards...
    A recent report* highlighted that too much time spent checking social media whilst on holiday could result in arguments and even complete...
    Since Stephen Mahoney, Partner at Porter Dodson, took over as Vice President of the Dorset and Somerset Law Society (DASLS), his involvement has...
    The European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) yesterday refused to intervene in the case of terminally ill baby Charlie Gard.
    You may have heard about the recent case of Ali v Capita Customer Management Limited - a case which found that a new father had been directly...
    On Monday, members of our Taunton office had the opportunity to meet with the President of the Law Society, Robert Bourns, to discuss issues...
    In the long-running case of Fulton & anor v Bear Scotland Ltd, the Employment Appeal Tribunal has confirmed that in claims involving ongoing unlawful...
    It’s not uncommon. You’re busy and trying to multi-task and accidentally hit ‘reply all’ or ‘forward’ when you shouldn’t. Before you know it, your...
    The recent case of The Government Legal Services (GLS) v Brookes has highlighted the need for employers to exercise caution when using selection...
    Dorset charity, Mosaic, has been presented with a cheque by Porter Dodson.
    Stephen Mahoney, Partner and Wellington Office Head, has recently been elected Devon and Somerset Law Society's (DASLS) Vice President.
    With the new regulations surrounding communications coming into force in May 2018, St Margaret’s Hospice is asking their supporters to complete a...
    In March 2017 the Supreme Court’s ruling in Ilott v The Blue Cross and others (previously known as Ilott v Mitson) was handed down. Despite a number...
    Next month (April 2017) sees the introduction of a new inheritance tax allowance that is going to significantly improve the tax position of many...
    A lawyer ex-husband sought permission to appeal an Order that he continue to pay maintenance to his former wife but permission was refused.
    Over the years there have been several cases whereby unscrupulous people have sold or tried to sell properties that are not owned by them.
    As a result of this case, on 6 April 2022, the Divorce, Dissolution and Separation Act 2020 was implemented, heralding no-fault divorce. Read more in...
    The recent case of Bandara v British Broadcasting Corporation (2016) highlights the need to think carefully when issuing disciplinary sanctions, not...
    A recent report of a hearing in the Appeal Court is a timely reminder that when people divorce, a judge is entitled to take account of all of the...
    The case of a Pimlico plumber who has questioned his precise employment status examines the entitlement of individuals working in an increasingly...
    A Judgement of the Court of Appeal is a timely reminder that people who divorce should conclude their financial arrangements, or run the risk of...
    A recent hearing before High Court Judge Peter Jackson flagged up the often very difficult decisions the Family Court is forced to make when parents...
    The recent case of Stratford v Auto Trail VR Limited suggests that in some circumstances, you can.
    Yeovil charity, Yeovil Hospital Charity, has been presented with a cheque by Porter Dodson.
    Nothing sparks more debate than when the Ministry of Justice falls foul of the law over which it presides.
    A recent case acts as a timely reminder to employers that they may be held responsible for the improper behaviour of their staff at work social...
    Following the case of the wind farm millionaire, Wyatt-v-Vince, where the wife successfully obtained a lump sum payment many years after the parties...
    Porter Dodson has moved to new offices in Yeovil, located at Telford House, The Park, which is in a prominent position overlooking the Hospital...
    Porter Dodson is delighted to have been shortlisted for the 2017 Devon & Somerset Law Society Law Firm (11+ Partners) of the Year, and Innovation...
    Porter Dodson, has once again been ranked in Chambers UK.
    The legal principles surrounding property ownership can be complicated and promises made can be binding.
    In October 2015, several drivers submitted claims against taxi company, Uber, claiming that they are workers and should, therefore, be entitled to...
    The Porter Dodson Moonraker team met yesterday with our very own Bear Grylls, Phil Stocker.
    As a Firm, we support many local projects and networking events around Somerset and Dorset. Our most recent endeavour was a networking bike ride...
    So there we all were, sat quite happily at our desks one September afternoon, minding our business, when a very innocent looking email arrived from a...
    Porter Dodson has been recommended in the leading industry guide, Legal 500 UK (2016), once again.
    In August 2016, a family won their legal battle to overturn their brother’s will after it was found that the deceased, David Poole, did not know and...
    If you are considering getting divorced, you are likely to have many questions about the process. One of the key questions asked is ‘when is best to...
    Inheritance disputes are never far from the headlines with more people realising that they may (in certain circumstances) be able to bring a claim...
    Following the landmark result of the referendum, interested parties may be inclined to capitalise or speculate on what comes next, but the immediate...
    Somerset charity, St Margaret’s Hospice, has been presented with a cheque by Lesley Gaskell, Partner at Porter Dodson.
    Employees who take customer or client information when they leave their job might want to reconsider their actions following a recent warning from...
    Despite declaring a decision by the Supreme Court to allow his ex-wife to pursue a financial claim against him twenty years after they divorced,...
    Porter Dodson has been awarded the Investors in People Gold standard, joining the top 7% of accredited organisations across the UK who believe in...
    Our television screens will soon be ablaze with some of the biggest events of the sporting calendar – the 2016 UEFA football European Championships...
    The provision of affordable housing has been a hot topic both in the media and Government for many years. Local Planning Authorities seek to control...
    Well, a week has now passed since the Porter Dodson Pedalers completed the DSAA C2C cycle challenge. Firstly, I have to say that parading past my...
    When advising our clients about various disciplinary and performance issues, one of our first queries is likely to be about the employee’s terms of...
    The rather sad tale of equestrian lover Kristin Liden is a timely reminder of the precarious position of the so-called common law wife.
    The Lawyer magazine reported last week that across a spread of financial measures, Porter Dodson showed the 7th best growth performance of the Top...
    Jane Morris gave up her career after she and her husband decided that she should stay at home and care for their three children. Her husband, Peter...
    This blog post relates to previous divorce laws. On 6 April 2022, the Divorce, Dissolution and Separation Act 2020 was implemented, heralding...
    From 1 April 2016, workers aged 25 and over are entitled to the National Living Wage, currently set at £7.20 per hour. It is, in effect, a new level...
    In just about every collaborative case handled, and the same is true for mediated cases, there comes a point where one or other of the parties, or...
    It took at least a week before the enormity of the event and the challenges it would bring really sunk in. In my naivety I assumed I would be able to...
    In February 2016, a woman won her legal battle to stop her partner’s share in their property passing to his estranged wife, but the matter did not...
    The Employment Tribunal has ruled that an employee at Starbucks was discriminated against on the ground of disability as a result of dyslexia. This...
    In May of this year, Joy Woollerton, one of our Residential Property legal advisors, will be trekking the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu to raise funds...
    Signing up for the event... Having joined the Firm last year, I’ve only recently learned of the Dorset and Somerset Coast 2 Coast (C2C) cycling...
    Somerset charity, St Margaret’s Hospice, has been presented with a cheque by Robert Fox, Managing Partner and Yeovil Office Head.
    Lasting Powers of Attorney (LPA) are becoming more popular as people plan ahead for a time when they may like or need assistance with their financial...
    The Royal Courts of Justice is set to hear a challenge against the legal ban on heterosexual couples entering into civil partnerships today, 19th...
    Judges from the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) have ruled that employers can read workers’ private messages sent via chat software and webmail...
    It was announced in the Autumn budget last year that an additional Stamp Duty Land Tax (SDLT) charge of 3% on the entire purchase price would be made...
    The Law Commission, which advises the government on reform, has carried out a scoping review of marriage law and concluded that it is outdated,...
    Porter Dodson is delighted to have been shortlisted for the 2016 Devon & Somerset Law Society Law Firm (11+ Partners) of the Year Award category.
    A well-known football player, in his mid 30s, has won a High Court ruling for a review of the child maintenance payments he had been ordered to pay...
    Somerset charity, The Conquest Centre, has been presented with a cheque for a significant sum of money by Lesley Gaskell, Partner in the Taunton...
    Porter Dodson has been ranked in the 2016 edition of Chambers UK once again.
    It is becoming increasingly common for employees not to have a fixed place of work. Many sales agents and home-based workers spend their time on the...
    The Supreme Court has today handed down two important Judgments. These send a clear message to all those involved in settling their financial...
    On 10th October 2015, a team of solicitors, managers, legal advisors and support staff from the firm completed the Commando Challenge in aid of the...
    Numerous employment law changes came into force today as a result of the Deregulation Act 2015. Key changes include:
    Porter Dodson, has once again been recommended in the recent edition of leading industry publication, Legal 500 (2015).
    The average manager spends 20 working days each year dealing with absence issues; that’s one month out of twelve or just over 8% of working time. It...
    Porter Dodson, a UK Top 200 law firm, has today merged with the highly regarded local solicitors, Austen Whetham & Guest of South Street, Bridport.
    Most of us can say that at some point we’ve had a complaint about goods or services, relating to things such as retail companies, home improvement or...
    In the recent case of The British Waterways Board v Smith, the Employment Appeal Tribunal found that Mr Smith was fairly dismissed because of...
    The Government is consulting on the tax treatment of payments made to employees upon termination of their employment.
    A recent census by the Office for National Statistics (ONS) found that 9% of people in the over 65 age bracket had divorced by 2011. Ten years...
    On Wednesday, the Chancellor George Osborne announced in the summer budget that a special Inheritance Tax relief for family homes will be introduced...
    In addition to the current legislation regarding the calculation of holiday pay, there have been a number of recent court judgments on the topic.
    A Judge in the West Country has taken the unusual step of asking for help from the Press to trace a Somerset mother, who has gone on the run with her...
    Employers who do not guarantee staff any hours of work and prevent them from working for another employer will no longer be able to enforce such...
    Our Business Excellence Manager, Phil Stocker, and Taunton office head, Stephen Wray, joined nearly 600 other cyclists on Sunday 17 May 2015 for the 5
    Today, a judge in Northern Ireland has handed down an eagerly awaited judgment in relation to a row over a message supporting gay marriage to be iced...
    Over the last couple of weeks, we have fielded numerous calls and emails from worried business owners in respect of the emerging position over...
    Commercial lease break clauses continue to be a rich source of dispute and a challenging economic climate makes it easy to understand why. For...
    The National Minimum Wage (NMW) is the minimum hourly rate of pay that the majority of workers should be paid.
    The Chancellor announced during the recent Budget that the government will review the uses of deeds of variation as these can currently be used to...
    Porter Dodson has further strengthened its Commercial services offering with the appointment of Victoria Walker. She joins as Partner in the Yeovil...
    Further to our earlier post on a former wife making financial claims years after divorcing her ex, five Supreme Court Justices have ruled that the...
    The press have widely reported the case of Wright, where a divorced wife was told by the court to get a job and not to expect her former husband, a...
    Last summer we were fortunate enough to see a wonderful array of family heirlooms when we hosted an antique valuation afternoon tea at Crowcombe...
    Coming up with an idea is only just the start for those venturing into new business. Turning that idea into trading reality involves time, energy,...
    Spring will soon be upon us and the green fingered amongst us will be looking forward to getting into the garden to carry out some long awaited...
    This time of year is particularly tough for businesses. A number of factors, including the inertia caused by the festive shutdown, can lead to a cash...
    This time last year I commented that the changes in lending rules in the Spring were likely to lead to a flurry of activity before the changes were...
    The Supreme Court is dealing with an appeal that could have far reaching consequences for people who divorced decades ago but did not deal with...
    The European Court of Justice (the ECJ) has ruled in the case of Kaltoft v Municipality of Billund (Case C-354/13) that obesity can constitute a...
    We recently commented on the UK Employment Appeal Tribunal case of Bear Scotland v Fulton (“the EAT case”) which ruled that holiday pay should also...
    The Shared Parental Leave Regulations (“SPL Regulations”) provide parents with a new legal right that will allow them to share caring...
    The Chancellor’s announcement on Stamp Duty Land Tax levels is a positive and welcome move. I welcome the very short notice which meant that no-one...
    [This post was last updated in December 2017]
    Following on from their recent recommendation in the Legal 500, Porter Dodson’s position as one of the leading law firms in the South West has been...
    Today’s ruling in the Employment Appeal Tribunal (EAT) has confirmed that holiday pay should include overtime pay. This overturns the UK’s previous...
    In October 2014, The Times wrote an article on the subject of unregulated will-writing. It stated that a legal watchdog report warned that tens of...
    Family courts will presume that each parent will play a role in the life of their child as a result of the parental involvement provision which came...
    Since 1 October 2014, fathers and partners of an expectant mother are entitled to take unpaid time off work to accompany the expectant mother to...
    In England & Wales we operate two forms of conveyancing: one for property which is unregistered and the other where the property is registered with...
    In a recent ruling regarding financial settlement in a divorce case, Mr Justice Mostyn said that new relationships are a “fly in the ointment of...
    This blog post relates to previous divorce laws. On 6 April 2022, the Divorce, Dissolution and Separation Act 2020 was implemented, heralding...
    UK top 200 law firm, Porter Dodson, has once again been recommended in the leading industry publication Legal 500 (2014), further reinforcing their...
    Having heard there would be a change to the law on 1st October governing the distribution of a person’s estate when they have died without a valid...
    With property prices in the south west remaining high in relation to salaries and more attractive mortgage deals only being available to those with a...
    If an Employment Tribunal member is apparently asleep for 15 – 20 seconds during a hearing and is observed drooling (though presumably drooling isn’t...
    With three-quarters of the UK population supporting charities over their lifetime, it’s easy to remember that there is a big difference between...
    In a recent case a former employee of Enterprise Rent-A-Car was prosecuted under section 55 of the Data Protection Act 1988 (the Act) by the...
    At the TUC Congress today, Shadow Business Secretary Chuka Umunna says he will abolish the current Employment Tribunal system. The clear message is...
    Recent media coverage of the case of a child removed from hospital in Southampton and taken to Spain for medical treatment highlights how important...
    The recent High Court case of Stagecoach South Western Trains Ltd v Hind (2014) has reconsidered the landowner’s duty to inspect trees on their land....
    The BBC has today reported on pressure to outlaw discrimination against employees on the grounds of tattoos. “Body art” is enjoying record levels of...
    Stamp Duty Land Tax (“SDLT”) on property acquisitions is expensive. It is a tax which has not kept pace with inflation. The bands for SDLT have not...
    Landlords of residential properties, and their agents, who may have thought they were up to speed on the regulations governing registration of...
    Porter Dodson is delighted to announce the appointment of Nicholas Clegg and Chris Pemberton to the role of Partner following the firm’s...
    As we commented in a previous blog post, chancel repair liability still continues to cause headaches for property lawyers and owners.
    The Court of Appeal has recently given judgment on a case which highlights falling rents following the recession. In the case of Barclays Wealth...
    Making a Will has never been more important. The “traditional” family unit of Mum, Dad and 2.4 children is now merely one of the myriad of family set...
    On 26th June 2014, the Government published their prospectus for a loan fund for custom built homes. The prospectus sets out how to access part of...
    This week sees the second reading of a private member’s bill, the Divorce (Financial Provision) Bill, which was introduced by Baroness Deech earlier...
    Over the last few months there have been various legal developments relevant to medical practices. There are also other important changes on the...
    At Porter Dodson, we try to avoid bamboozling clients with legal jargon, but often get asked what is meant by the term “Caveat Emptor”. Translated...
    When thinking of making a Will, most of my clients assume that they can leave their estate to whomever they please and in any fashion they like....
    Until 6 April 2014 it had long been a cornerstone of a commercial landlord’s powers that, in the event of default in payment of rent, a landlord was...
    Questions and answers arising from the second in our series of Renewables seminars held across Somerset and Dorset. Additional questions and answers...
    The Telegraph reported this month that Family Law firms have seen “a surge of interest” in pre-nuptial agreements since the publication of the Law...
    The European Court of Justice (ECJ), in the case of British Gas v Lock, has held that holiday pay should not be limited to basic salary when the...
    In the landmark ruling of Clyde & Co v Bates van Winkelhof the Supreme Court has confirmed that a member of a limited liability partnership (LLP) is...
    As in previous years, Porter Dodson has sponsored the Great Somerset Walk in aid of St Margaret’s Hospice. As well as being a fund raising event, it...
    This blog post relates to previous divorce laws. On 6 April 2022, the Divorce, Dissolution and Separation Act 2020 was implemented, heralding...
    When you are discussing the costs of buying a house or flat with your solicitor, he or she should mention searches. If you are getting a mortgage to...
    Porter Dodson’s Taunton office has raised £1200 for its 2013/14 nominated charity, the Beacon Centre. The money has been raised by employees holding...
    Written within the lecture notes of a nineteenth century lawyer named Abraham Lincoln are the words “Discourage litigation. Persuade your neighbors...
    New applications for Child Maintenance are now being dealt with by the Child Maintenance Service. Existing cases using the Child Support Agency will...
    On Tuesday 6th May 2014 would-be claimants in the Employment Tribunal will first have to make contact with the arbitration service ACAS. This allows...
    Nick Williams has retired from Porter Dodson after more than 30 years with the Firm.
    Our property lawyers have been struggling with the knotty subject of chancel repair liability for decades, so why has it only just come to the...
    Obesity in the UK is a growing epidemic. The UK is the tenth fattest country in the world and one of the fattest in Europe with levels of obesity...
    Porter Dodson recently co-hosted a free Renewables seminar alongside Old Mill Accountants and Solar Systems in Somerset. The seminar provided an...
    As of 6 April 2014, it is no longer possible for an employer to reclaim Statutory Sick Pay (SSP) from its national insurance contribution. This is as...
    The Children and Families Act was given Royal Assent on 13th March 2014 meaning reforms will be introduced as part of the re-launched family court...
    Spring is in the air, Autumn crops are enjoying a respite from the rain, lambing is well under way and the ground is now being prepared for sowing...
    We often a get asked for a “conveyancing” quote, so we thought we’d take a look at what the term “conveyancing” means; although we prefer to talk of "
    The Department for Business, Innovation and Skills has published new regulations on consumer contracts which are intended to harmonise distance...
    Making a Will is an important part of planning for the future and, for most, is hugely important in ensuring that their family and friends are...
    The Children and Families Bill awaits implementation shortly. We used to have “custody” and “access” of children on separation of parents. Then in...
    Comic Enterprise Limited (Comic Enterprise) commenced proceedings against Twentieth Century Fox Film Corporation (Fox) for trade mark infringement...
    The Transfer of Undertakings (Protection of Employment) Regulations 2006, or TUPE, protects employees when they transfer from one employer to another...
    There has been a lot of media coverage about the most re-tweeted photograph taken at the recent Oscars ceremony. But who owns the intellectual...
    Stephen Wray (Office Head at Taunton office), Ben Hingley and Bruce Weir
    This blog post relates to previous divorce laws. On 6 April 2022, the Divorce, Dissolution and Separation Act 2020 was implemented, heralding...
    The European Commission has recently presented a new proposed framework agreement with the intention of driving the EU towards a low carbon economy....
    The short answer is….? Almost certainly, yes. Not so much a question of “when” but “how high”?
    Plans for the world's first man-made, energy-generating lagoon were submitted for planning approval on 7th February 2014. Swansea Bay Tidal Lagoon...
    With the rush of the 31 January deadline for tax self-assessment behind us for another year, business owners may well turn their thoughts to whether...
    Calculation of Holiday Pay should include Commission and Over-time: Recent cases of Neal v Freightliner Ltd ET/1315342/12 and Lock v British Gas...
    By Nicholas Clegg, Finance Director
    Somerset and Dorset solicitors Porter Dodson has recently (January, 2014) installed solar panels onto its roof to help reduce its carbon footprint.
    The Law Commission has called for pre-nuptial agreements to be made legally binding in England and Wales. This recommendation follows a three year...
    On the 22nd November members of Porter Dodson’s Taunton office are doing a sponsored cycle ride in the reception area, covering 115 miles, which is...
    Porter Dodson’s position as one of the leading law firms in the South West has been further enhanced by its ranking in the latest publication of...
    Porter Dodson LLP is delighted to announce that their Fertility and Parenting team, headed by Partner Louisa Ghevaert, has been ‘Highly Commended’...
    Porter Dodson’s position as one of the leading law firms in the South West has been further reflected in the mention of six of its Partners and...
    Porter Dodson is delighted to be participating in the 2013 St Margaret’s Hospice Make a Will Week initiative which runs from 9th September – 13th...
    Volunteers across Dorset are gearing up to pedal for their parish at this year’s Ride & Stride event. The annual fundraising day, organised by...
    The Legal Ombudsman published this week a guide for people considering using a lawyer. The guide, which includes a list of top ten tips, is...
    Leading legal directory Chambers UK has announced that it is to name four of Porter Dodson’s Partners as “Leaders in their Field”.
    The end of June will mark the end of an era as wills, trusts and probate specialist Jill Griffin retires after 44 years’ service with leading...
    Catch up on the latest news regarding Renewables and Employment Law in the June edition of the Somerset Chamber of Commerce Newsletter.
    Porter Dodson Solicitors & Advisors, a UK Top 200 Law Firm with offices in Somerset and Dorset, is pleased to be supporting this year’s Somerset...
    Porter Dodson Solicitors & Advisors was delighted to support the Great Somerset Walk in support of St Margaret’s Hospice.
    Porter Dodson Solicitors & Advisors’ Taunton team recently welcomed more than a hundred guests to its offices at Blackbrook Business Park. The early...
    After more than 30 years with the Firm, Nick Williams retired from the Partnership of Porter Dodson at the end of April.
    Porter Dodson Solicitors & Advisors hosted a reception for guests at this year’s Ladies Day at Taunton Racecourse.
    Ensuring that your business continues to grow year on year can be difficult; particularly in the current climate and it’s understandable for...
    Amanda Jones, Associate and Family Law Solicitor, explains the value of pre-nuptial agreements.
    Somerset and Dorset Solicitors Porter Dodson are pleased to sponsor the Western Gazette Business Awards 2013 in the category of Great Innovation...
    Data protection is not just for “big business” – protecting customer and employee personal data is a key issue for any business or organisation,...