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Individual &
Family Services
Our Individual & Family Services
We provide an expert, friendly and supportive service to help our clients understand their legal position and to reach their objectives. We are completely transparent when it comes to costing and will provide accurate estimates. In certain circumstances we can fix costs at the outset.
Whether your need is selling or buying property, putting in place a Will or Power of Attorney, assisting with estate administration following the death of a loved one, or providing advice and representation following relationship breakdown we are here to provide a high quality and dependable service and to make things as stress free as we can.
We also regularly deal with other legal matters affecting individuals, including employment advice and disputes, including professional negligence claims, property disputes and probate disputes.
Do not hesitate to contact us for an initial discussion as to how we may assist you.
Guides and further
information
Individual Sector
We have produced a number of guides to provide helpful background information on a variety of topics that are often relevant to individuals. These can be accessed below or via our Guides Index at the top of the page. These guides provide initial information and not legal advice – please contact us to discuss your requirements and how we may be able to help.
Latest News
When the Worst Happens: Legal Steps After a Data Breach
26 November 2025
In an era where businesses rely heavily on digital systems, a data breach: the unauthorised access, disclosure, or loss of personal information such as customer names, addresses, financial details, or login credentials, can have serious consequences. Beyond the immediate disruption, a breach can damage client trust, attract regulatory scrutiny, and expose a business to significant […]
Autumn Budget 2025: Minimum Wage Rise and Auto-Enrolment Implications
26 November 2025
Background The Chancellor is expected to confirm in the November 2025 Budget that the National Living Wage will rise by around 4% from £12.21 to at least £12.70 per hour in April 2026. This increase will have significant consequences not only for pay but also for workplace pension contributions under the auto-enrolment regime. Auto-enrolment requires […]
Employment Law Update: Extension of Acas Early Conciliation Period
26 November 2025
Background On 4 November 2025, the Employment Tribunals (Early Conciliation: Exemptions and Rules of Procedure) (Amendment) Regulations 2025 were laid before Parliament. These regulations extend the maximum Acas Early Conciliation period from six weeks to twelve weeks. The change will apply to all EC notifications submitted on or after 1 December 2025. Early Conciliation Framework […]
Equality, Fairness, and Civil Litigation: The relationship between the Equality Act 2010 and the Civil Procedure Rules
18 November 2025
Berry Smith has successfully defended a claim for unfair prejudice brought against a director and shareholder in a care company, but during the course of that claim, the unsuccessful Applicant shareholder (who is a solicitor) applied for retrospective variations to the court timetable and relief from sanctions arising from her non-compliance with previous directions. The […]
Due Diligence in M&A: Identifying Data Protection Risks Before You Buy
18 November 2025
Personal data has become a most critical asset in any merger or acquisition. For businesses data drives customer engagement, operational performance, and revenue growth. Yet, under Data Protection laws, acquiring a company without thoroughly reviewing its privacy compliance can lead to significant exposure—regulatory investigations, reputational damage, and fines of up to £17.5 million or 4% […]
Beaujolais and Business: Can you contract over a glass of wine?
18 November 2025
With Beaujolais Nouveau celebrations in full swing this week, many Welsh businesses will be raising a glass with colleagues, clients, and referrers. It’s a great opportunity to strengthen relationships, but it’s also a moment when business talk can blur into something more serious. A familiar scene unfolds every year, over lunch and a few glasses […]
UK IPO Fees to Rise in April 2026: Why Businesses Should Act Now
18 November 2025
A Significant Fee Increase Is Coming From 1 April 2026, the UK Intellectual Property Office (IPO) will introduce a wide-ranging fee increase across trademarks, designs and patents. Subject to parliamentary approval, the rise will average around 25%, marking the first trade mark fee increase in nearly three decades. For businesses, this means that delaying filings […]
Case Update: Court of Appeal Confirms Invalidation of Adidas Position Trade Marks
18 November 2025
A significant chapter in the dispute between Adidas and fashion brand Thom Browne has now closed, with the Court of Appeal confirming that several of Adidas’s position trade marks for its famous three-stripe design are invalid. This is a notable decision for rights holders, marking the first time the Court of Appeal has considered the […]
One Week to Go: Prepare Now for UID Filing at Companies House
13 November 2025
From 18 November 2025, a key change under the Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act 2023 (ECCTA) will come into effect. All UK company directors and persons with significant control (PSCs) will need to verify their identity and hold a Unique Identifier (UID) – sometimes referred to as a personal verification code – which must […]
Berry Smith Named in The Times Best Law Firms 2026
13 November 2025
Berry Smith is delighted to announce that the firm has been recognised in The Times Best Law Firms 2026, achieving a place as a new entry in the category for Company and Commercial Law – see it here: Berry Smith Lawyers The Times’ annual list highlights the leading law firms across England and Wales, based on recommendations […]
Resolution’s Good Divorce Week 2025: Finding a Better Way Forward
10 November 2025
This week marks the start of Resolution’s Good Divorce Week – an opportunity to shine a light on this positive, forward-thinking approach to family law. It’s about showing that there is a better way – one that prioritises compassion, communication, and constructive resolution over confrontation. The need for a better way The Family Courts are […]
Small Print, Big Problems: What You Missed When You Clicked Accept
6 November 2025
We’ve all done it – scrolled to the bottom of a page, ticked a box, and clicked “Accept” without reading a word of what we just agreed to; from free Wi-Fi logins to online subscriptions to supplier portals. In many cases, we’re accepting legally binding terms without fully understanding the consequences. For businesses, this can […]