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February 2, 2024
The history of Maidstones stag
The statue once described as “a dramatic, rampant stag, rearing up on its hind legs, full of masculine raw energy” is well-known by all Maidstone residents and locals, but less well known is where it came from. The Stag was sculptor Edward Bainbridge Copnall’s largest piece of work and for it he was awarded a […]
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February 2, 2024
Stamp duty and ‘mixed use’ land and property
A recent tax tribunal ruling highlights the confusion surrounding buying mixed use property or land and how much Stamp Duty Land Tax (SDLT) is payable. This decision clarifies what some people have seen as a ‘loophole’ and HM Revenue and Customs look closely at the amount of SDLT being paid on mixed use land and […]
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February 2, 2024
“Squatters’ rights” versus “legal owner’s rights”
Adverse possession (more commonly known as “squatters’ rights”) is the way in which rights of ownership over land can be obtained without the legal owner’s agreement. Sounds unfair? It depends… If you are a legal owner, you obviously would not wish to receive a letter from the Land Registry stating that they have received an […]
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January 31, 2024
Land option agreements and buying land for development
The Government has a focus on economic recovery and growth and house building has already been singled out as one way of achieving this, especially here in the South East. In September the Housing Secretary announced a new £12 billion investment boost to help deliver more affordable homes and homes for social rent. To achieve […]
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January 30, 2024
Criminal solicitor turns detective to retrace family history
Gullands’ Criminal Solicitor Patrick Bligh, has recently turned detective as he embarked on a journey which took him to Italy to retrace his father’s World War Two experience. Patrick’s father, Ken Bligh, was a Lieutenant in the Royal Engineers fighting in North Africa when he was captured and became a prisoner of war, held in PG 49 […]
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January 19, 2024
Charities and land disposal changes for trustees to be aware of
Trustees should be aware that sections of The Charities Act 2022 came into force in June 2023 which amends some of the rules relating to the disposal of charity land. There are still some final sections of the Act, namely 18 and 23 which at the time of writing this article are still due to […]
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January 15, 2024
Gravesham’s Top Companies 2023 Celebrate
It was an evening of fun and celebration as Gravesham’s top companies celebrated this year’s Gravesham Business Awards which the team here at Gullands are proud to sponsor. The entry standard was once again very high, so this year the judges decided to have 13 finalists who brought their teams along to the Inn on […]
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January 6, 2024
Staff profile Legal eye on Julie Hobson
Name: Julie Hobson Position: Head of Department/Partner Department: Matrimonial and Family Areas of expertise:I work in the Matrimonial and Family department of Gullands. My job is to work with the client to resolve their matter. The breakdown of a relationship is almost always incredibly difficult, but the legal side of things should not be traumatic. There are various […]
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September 20, 2023
Family farming partnerships – a brief guide for avoiding the most common causes
Farming families and the businesses they run may have grown over time and sometimes in a fairly adhoc way, but it is never too late to consider the relationships in the operation, especially when a new generation is about to join, or an older generation plans to leave. Many issues often come to light when […]
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September 20, 2023
Mediation – does it work when a relationship breaks down?
Emotions run high when a relationship ends, and mediation can help to discuss some of the practical issues such as finances and arrangements for children and pets. Mediation provides the forum and the process, but it must be a voluntary process. If you or your ex-partner are unsure about the process, then it can be […]
