What services do we provide?
Whether you are buying your first property, moving house or purchasing a property for investment purposes Horwood & James will guide you through what is, for many clients, one of the largest financial commitments of their lives.
Throughout this demanding period your relationship with an experienced, approachable and pro-active lawyer can be key to a smooth and successful transaction.
Where necessary we can also provide advice on co-ownership issues, the granting and enforcement of easements and rights, residential tenancies – grant, renewal and termination – and investment property purchase and management.
We act for commercial property clients ranging from sole traders operating a business from leasehold premises to companies holding large commercial property portfolios.
Our experienced team of lawyers guides clients through the process of taking or granting leases and their renewal and termination.
We also act for clients managing development and regeneration projects and process subsequent sale and lease disposals.
Our agricultural clients include clients with substantial land holdings and small holders and we deal with farm sales and purchases, issues concerning the Transfer of Entitlements and Countryside Stewardship.
We also advise on the taking and granting of easements, agricultural tenancies and negotiation of Overage Agreements.
Horwood & James deal with a wide rang of litigation from Landlord & Tenant and debt collection to disputes concerning Wills and inheritance issues and all types of commercial disputes.
Litigation can be a finely judged balance between fighting tooth and nail for the best possible outcome and knowing when to compromise.
Our experienced team of litigators will guide you through the process, advising on the benefits of mediation, arbitration and where necessary on to Court proceedings.
Horwood & James employment lawyers deal with both contentious and non-contentious employment cases.
We advise on unfair dismissal, redundancy and redundancy processes together with all aspects of discrimination in the workplace.
Our team is also highly experienced in drafting employment contracts, policies and procedures and can advise both employers and employees on Compromise Agreements.
Whether you are an employee faced with problems at work or an employer needing to set up watertight and workable procedures in the workplace we can provide all of your advice requirements.
Horwood & James appreciate the difficulties that can arise following the death of a family member or friend. Whether or not the deceased has left a Will, our understanding, patient and sympathetic staff will offer advice and support to bereaved relatives, personal representatives and beneficiaries on all aspects connected with the administration of the estate in question.
In the unfortunate cases where, following a death, a dispute arises in connection with the matters such as the validity of a Will and/or the distribution of the estate pursuant thereto, a member of our staff will be able to advise thereon with a view to ensuring that the points at issue are resolved as swiftly and as economically as possible.
Despite the importance of leaving an appropriately worded Will, many people find this a difficult topic to approach. Horwood & James recognise this fact and, whether at our offices or in your own home, our experienced staff will be pleased to discuss with you the relevant issues to ensure that, whatever your age and circumstances, your Will reflects your wishes as to the division of your estate upon your death, safeguards the interests of your family and arranges your affairs so that, for the benefit of your heirs and successors, as little Inheritance Tax as possible is paid by reason of your death.
In addition to leaving a tax efficient Will, Inheritance Tax can also be saved by taking certain simple steps at appropriate times during lifetime and, sometimes, by redirecting promptly an inheritance received from a deceased relative or friend. Horwood & James understand the choices involved and will be pleased to offer advice thereon.
The opening years of the 21st Century have seen many changes in this expanding area of the law and the making of the correct decisions at the right times can help to ensure that the individual concerned receives the care and financial assistance to which they are entitled. All members of the Horwood & James Private Client team have considerable experience in assisting elderly and/or disabled clients and their families in choosing the correct course of action to adopt in their particular circumstances and also in advising on all aspects relating to the management of a vulnerable individual's financial affairs pursuant to Enduring and Lasting Powers of Attorney and/or the appointment by the Court of Protection of a Deputy.
Our team seeks to give practical advice and will try to help you resolve your differences by agreement perhaps with the help of a referral to mediation. If agreement is not possible we will guide you through the court process. We are always mindful of the potential financial and emotional cost that these proceedings can bring.
We can assist with:
- Married, unmarried and civil partners
- Property, financial and pension arrangements on divorce or separation
- Enforcement of Orders
- Deeds of Separation
Whether you are having difficulties in agreeing arrangements for your children following divorce or separation, have issues regarding Paternity or Parental Responsibility or are in need of help in Care or Adoption Proceedings, we will be able to advise and assist you.
We can help with:
- Residence and Contact matters
- Paternity and Parental Responsibility issues
- Care and Adoption proceedings
- Removal to another country
We can help with:
- Immediate Injunctions
- Finding a place of safety
- Help from the police