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Forgery of signatures presents persistent challenges in the legal sector, particularly when they involve the authenticity of a will. The 2023 case, Fraser v Khawaja [2023] EWHC 3143, serves as a striking illustration of such challenges, showcasing the pivotal role of the court in navigating contentious probate disputes. The case highlights the seriousness of will […]

Japanese Knotweed – Not just a gardener’s nightmare. Japanese Knotweed is classified as a highly invasive, fast-growing plant that poses a significant risk of property damage. If left untreated, it can exploit weaknesses in such things as brick, tarmac and metal piping. It has the capability to regrow from cuttings as small as 2mm and […]

What is mediation? Mediation is a facilitated negotiation process in which disputing parties seek the assistance of a neutral third party, referred to as the mediator, to resolve their conflict. The mediator is chosen by all parties involved and remains impartial throughout the process. Their responsibility is to steer discussions and facilitate a resolution that […]

Inheritance Tax planning is a crucial aspect of financial management, yet it is often shrouded in misconceptions and myths. As the New Year begins, it’s an opportune time to debunk these common misunderstandings and shed light on the realities of effective Inheritance Tax planning. In this article, we’ll address and dispel some of the prevalent […]

The world of property sales can often seem like a labyrinth of complex terms and jargon. Navigating through this linguistic maze is crucial for both seasoned homeowners and first-time buyers. Understanding the terminology associated with house sales empowers individuals to make informed decisions and ensures a smoother and more transparent property transaction process. This comprehensive […]

The ‘Leasehold and Freehold Reform Bill’ is the second part of the Governments legislative package to reform the property system in England and Wales and follows on from the Leasehold Reform (Ground Rent) Act in 2022 which prohibited ground rents for new qualifying residential Leases. The bill was introduced to Parliament on 27th November 2023 […]

The Chancellor’s autumn statement ended with a flourish when Jeremy Hunt closed his speech by pulling a two per cent cut to the national insurance rate for employees out of his exchequer hat. This will see the rate paid by employees reduce from 12% to 10%, with similar cuts announced for the self-employed, with the […]

Ordinarily, when an individual (the donor) makes a gift*, it is considered to be a Potentially Exempt Transfer (PET) for Inheritance Tax (IHT) purposes. If the donor dies within seven years, the PET is taken into account on death and tax is calculated accordingly. If the donor survives for seven years, the PET can be […]

For the past 130 years, the Berkshire, Bucksinghamshire and Oxfordshire (‘BB&O’) Law Society have continued to promote the interests of the profession and have provided a strong focus for lawyers in the local area. On Friday the 13th October 2023 a team from Mercers attended the Annual BB&O Law Society Dinner and Awards. The event […]

On Saturday 30th September 2023 the Mercers’ team traded their usual office attire for walking boots and embarked on a 25-kilometre charity walk to raise funds for their 2023 charity partner, The Chiltern Centre. Armed with water bottles, Mercers gilets and enthusiasm, the team gathered at Purley-on-Thames to begin the walk. The chosen route stretched […]

On Thursday the 14th of September 2023, Mercers held a networking breakfast at the Phyllis Court Club Pavilion to discuss the upcoming Renters (Reform) Bill. The event was attended by local letting agents and was a great opportunity to learn more about the new legislation and how it impacts the industry as well as getting […]

Saturday 9th September 2023 saw the return of the much-loved Henley Farm & Country Show, taking place at Greenlands Farm, Hambleden. The sun was most certainly shining for the Henley & District Agricultural Association, who put together the annual event and take great pride in providing a fun and educational day out for the whole […]