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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
Corporate and Commercial Team achieve Tier 1 recognition
1 October 2026
For the first time, Berry Smith’s Corporate and Commercial team has achieved a Tier 1 ranking in Wales in Legal 500, the prestigious independent guide to the legal profession in England & Wales, reflecting the team’s reputation for providing commercially focused advice to businesses, entrepreneurs and organisations. The team advises across a broad range of […]
Recent Changes to the Employment Rights Act 2025 Timetable
1 October 2026
On 25 September 2026, the government provided an update to its implementation timetable for the Employment Rights Act 2025. As a reminder, even though the Employment Rights Act 2025 received royal assent on 18 December 2025, the majority of its provisions did not come into effect on that date and will only come into effect […]
Changes to the Employment Rights Act 2025 from October 2026
1 October 2026
The UK employment landscape is currently undergoing one of its biggest expansions in a generation, as a result of the Employment Rights Act 2025 (ERA). So far, ERA has made a number of key changes to areas such as Statutory Sick Pay, whistleblowing and family leave rights, including the introduction of a day one right […]
Berry Smith Lawyers is delighted to announce the promotion of Catrin Mackie to Partner in its Commercial Property team.
30 September 2026
During her career, Catrin has built a strong reputation for providing pragmatic and commercially focused advice to a wide range of clients, including developers, investors, landlords, tenants and owner-managed businesses. Her expertise spans acquisitions and disposals, commercial leasing, property development and investment transactions. Commenting on the promotion,Martin Pursall, Partner in Commercial Property said: “Catrin brings a wealth of […]
A New Playbook for Board-Level Departures
22 September 2026
Authors: Robyn Davies, Mike Shutt, Sarah Alford, Sam Evans Board takeaway: senior manager exits will need stronger governance, clear performance metrics, evidence-based documentation and robust contractual documentation post January 2027. From 1 January 2027, the risk profile around senior management exits is set to change significantly. For many years, boards have often approached executive departures […]
Automatic Renewal Clauses: New UK Subscription Rules Coming in January 2027
14 September 2026
Automatic renewal clauses are widely used in subscription agreements, memberships and recurring service contracts. They allow a contract to continue automatically for a further period unless the customer gives notice to cancel. For businesses, this can provide continuity and reduce administration. However, customers need to understand clearly when a contract will renew, what they will […]
Don’t Let Your Contract Travel Without a Map: Jurisdiction Explained
2 September 2026
Contracts are designed to provide certainty. They set out what each party has agreed to, what happens if things go wrong, and how disputes should be handled. But when a contract involves businesses, individuals, or transactions across different regions or countries, one important question can easily be overlooked: where will a dispute actually be dealt […]
Court of Appeal Clarifies the Difference Between “Indefinite” and “Perpetual” Contracts
1 September 2026
Businesses often enter into long-term commercial agreements without considering what happens when the relationship needs to come to an end. While it is usually straightforward where a contract specifies a fixed term and notice period, the position can become less certain where an agreement simply states that it will continue “indefinitely”. A recent Court of […]
The Right to Offend? Freedom of expression in the workplace
1 September 2026
As public debate surrounding topics as diverse as the Israel-Gaza conflict and gender identity have become increasingly polarised, workplace discourse has become increasingly fraught. These wider societal developments have left many employers questioning the extent to which employees can freely express their political opinions in the workplace and the pitfalls of trying to limit such […]
EHRC updated Code on Single-Sex Services and Spaces: What Employers Need to Know
1 September 2026
The Equality and Human Rights Commission’s (“EHRC”) updated Code of Practice for Services, Public Functions and Associations came into force on 5 August 2026 (“the Code”), replacing the previous 2011 version. While the Code is not directed at employers and does not alter the law itself, it provides important insight into how the EHRC interprets […]
Pensions on Divorce: Don’t Overlook One of Your Most Valuable Assets
26 August 2026
When couples separate, attention often focuses on the family home, savings and arrangements for children. However, one of the most valuable assets in a marriage is frequently overlooked: pensions. In many cases, a pension can be one of the most valuable assets, and be worth more than the family home. Failing to consider pension provision […]
Late payment crackdown: what the Government’s new proposals mean for businesses
25 August 2026
Background The 2024 Labour Manifesto committed to tackling late payment so that small businesses and the self-employed are paid on time. That commitment was reinforced on 31 July 2025, when Prime Minister Keir Starmer launched Backing your business: our plan for small and medium-sized businesses, placing late payment reform at the centre of the Government’s […]