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Norwich skyline at golden hour — legal news and updates from Nicholsons Solicitors

Latest News

Updates, insights and announcements from our team across Norfolk and Suffolk.

Colourful riverside houses on Quayside in Norwich, with the cathedral spire behind
Personal29 September 2026

Cohabitation rights for unmarried couples: what could change

There is no such thing as a "common law marriage". The Government is looking at new rights for unmarried couples who split up, but for now nothing has changed.

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A row of Victorian terraced houses on the Lowestoft seafront — the family home or the pension on divorce
Personal21 September 2026

The gender pension gap: why divorce can quietly make it wider

Keeping the family home while your ex keeps their pension can feel like the obvious choice. It is also one of the quieter ways the gender pension gap grows.

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Colleagues at work in the Nicholsons office — Samuel McCluskey qualifies as a solicitor
Firm News7 September 2026

Samuel McCluskey qualifies as a solicitor

Samuel McCluskey has qualified as a solicitor and will continue his career with our Commercial Property team in Norwich, having joined the firm as an apprentice.

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Norwich Castle keep above the city — prenuptial agreements in England and Wales
Personal24 August 2026

Prenuptial Agreements in England and Wales: What You Need to Know

Prenups are not automatically binding in England and Wales, but a properly made agreement carries real weight with the courts — and the law may be about to change.

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Waves over the pebbled shoreline on the Suffolk coast — recognising coercive control and the legal options open to you
Personal7 August 2026

Coercive Control: Recognising the Signs and Understanding Your Legal Options

Domestic abuse is not always physical. Coercive control builds slowly, over months or years — and since 2015 it has been a criminal offence in England and Wales.

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The rock groyne and old wooden jetty on Lowestoft beach at low tide — whether you can get divorced online
Personal30 July 2026

Can You Get Divorced Online? What You Need to Know

You can apply for a no-fault divorce online without a solicitor. But that process doesn't settle the finances — and it's the financial side that shapes the years afterwards.

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Norwich Cathedral — Kate Jackson joins Nicholsons to launch the new family law department
Firm News16 June 2026

Nicholsons welcomes Kate Jackson and launches new Family Law department

We're delighted to welcome Kate Jackson to Nicholsons as a Partner, and with her, the launch of a new Family Law department.

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A team meeting at Nicholsons Solicitors — congratulations to our newly qualified solicitor
Firm News3 March 2026

Congratulations to our Newly Qualified Solicitor

Kate Duberley has been admitted as a solicitor after completing her training at Nicholsons, joining the Litigation team.

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Norwich City Hall — what to include in a UK shareholders' agreement
Corporate5 February 2026

Planning for the Future: What to Include in a UK Shareholders' Agreement

A shareholders' agreement is one of the most important documents a company can have. We explain what to include, from decision-making processes and share transfers to deadlock resolution.

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Victorian terraced houses in Lowestoft — what a conveyancer does when you buy or sell a home
Property5 February 2026

What Does a Conveyancer Do?

As the UK marks National Conveyancing Month, we explain the vital role conveyancers play in buying and selling property, from legal checks and contracts to fund handling and ownership registration.

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Norwich Cathedral cloisters — Nicholsons featured in Today's Wills and Probate on estate administration technology
Personal2 December 2025

Today's Wills and Probate Article

Nicholsons Solicitors has been featured in Today's Wills and Probate, discussing how specialist tools like Estatesearch and Exizent support efficient estate administration.

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Historic buildings on Elm Hill, Norwich — lodgers and the law in England
Property24 November 2025

Lodgers and the Law in England

Taking in a lodger can generate additional income, but it is important to understand the legal rules. We cover agreements, tax implications, and how to end the arrangement.

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Riverside houses and a stone bridge in Norwich — what the Renters' Rights Bill means for landlords and tenants
Property11 November 2025

Renters' Rights Bill

The Renters' Rights Bill abolishes Section 21 'no-fault' evictions and introduces a Decent Homes Standard for the private rented sector, bringing significant changes for landlords and tenants.

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Colleagues in discussion at the Nicholsons office — the risks of doing probate yourself
Personal30 September 2025

DIY Probate in England — Understanding the Risks

While there is no legal requirement to use a solicitor for probate, DIY probate carries significant risks including personal liability for executors, missed assets, and tax errors.

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The Forum in Norwich — choosing the right business structure for your company
Corporate14 July 2025

Business Structures: Choosing the Right Option for You

Choosing the right business structure affects tax, liability, and how your business is perceived. We compare sole traders, partnerships, limited companies, and LLPs.

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Open farmland in the Suffolk countryside — resolving boundary and neighbour disputes without going to court
Property23 June 2025

"Good sense" makes for better neighbours than "good fences"

Boundary disputes, noise complaints, and overhanging trees are common causes of neighbour conflict. We explain how communication, mediation, and legal advice can help resolve them.

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Norwich Cathedral — a 'to do' list for making your will
Personal8 May 2025

A 'To Do' list for making your will

Making a will is one of the most important things you can do to protect your family. This practical guide covers listing assets, choosing executors, guardianship, and inheritance tax planning.

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Norwich skyline at golden hour — the responsibilities of a trustee
Personal11 December 2024

Trustees — What responsibilities do they have?

Trustees hold and administer assets for the benefit of others. We explain their key duties including decision-making, asset management, trust administration, and acting impartially.

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A client consultation at Nicholsons Solicitors — Hollie Laird promoted to Senior Conveyancing Executive
Firm News5 December 2024

Exciting News from Nicholsons

Nicholsons Solicitors is delighted to announce the promotion of Hollie Laird to Senior Conveyancing Executive, recognising her dedication and expertise.

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Lowestoft marina — an overview of debt collection and recovering unpaid invoices
Litigation11 November 2024

Debt Collection — An Overview

Recovering a debt can be frustrating. We explain the steps from pre-action letters and issuing claims to enforcement options and insolvency proceedings.

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Norwich city centre — the Autumn Budget 2024 and what its £40bn of tax rises mean for businesses and estates
Corporate5 November 2024

Glass-shattering £40bn budget debut from chancellor

Rachel Reeves delivered Labour's first budget in fourteen years, with approximately £40 billion in tax rises including changes to National Insurance, capital gains tax, and inheritance tax reliefs.

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Lowestoft seafront from the harbour — Nicholsons Solicitors relocates within Lowestoft
Firm News12 August 2024

Nicholsons Solicitors relocates in Lowestoft

Nicholsons Solicitors has moved its head office to Quay View Business Park in Lowestoft, providing modern facilities and improved accessibility for clients and staff.

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Heritage architecture in Norwich — plain English explanations of the jargon used in wills
Personal17 July 2024

Jargon busting — wills

Will terminology can be confusing. We explain common terms including testator, executor, beneficiary, bequest, residuary estate, codicil, intestacy, and probate.

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A riverside apartment development in Norwich — how property owners should prepare for a sale
Property22 May 2024

Property owners and preparing for sale

With signs of a housing market revival, now may be a good time to prepare for sale. We cover instructing a solicitor early, gathering documents, EPCs, and addressing known issues.

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Norwich Cathedral Close — estate planning and securing your family's future
Personal21 May 2024

Open your mind and secure the future

Estate planning ensures your assets are distributed according to your wishes and that your loved ones are provided for after you are gone.

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Colleagues working together at Nicholsons Solicitors — keeping legacies in the family and out of court
Personal13 March 2024

Keeping legacies in the family and out of court

Inheritance disputes are rising sharply, and even modest estates can become battlegrounds that damage family relationships.

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Historic lanes in Norwich city centre — a guide to buying a house without viewing it
Property7 March 2024

A Comprehensive Guide to Purchasing a House Without Viewing

Buying property without a physical viewing is increasingly common, but it requires careful use of technology, surveys, and legal searches to manage the risks.

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Norwich market and city centre — legal tips and requirements for launching a business
Corporate5 February 2024

Legal Tips and Requirements for Launching Your Business

Starting a business in the UK involves navigating a range of legal requirements, from choosing the right structure to complying with data protection laws.

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Architectural detail on a Norwich building — new Companies House transparency rules for UK companies from March 2024
Corporate29 January 2024

New transparency rules to keep companies squeaky clean

From March 2024, UK-registered companies face stronger checks on company names, new rules for registered office addresses, and enhanced scrutiny from Companies House.

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Norwich's historic quarter — why everyone needs a will
Personal18 January 2024

Why Everyone Needs a Will

A will ensures your wishes are respected and your loved ones are provided for, yet many people continue to put off this essential piece of planning.

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Reception at the Nicholsons Solicitors office — Anita Bushell appointed Partner
Firm News11 January 2024

Partner Appointment — Anita Bushell

Anita Bushell joins Nicholsons Solicitors as a partner and head of the Residential Property Department, bringing extensive experience in residential development.

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A meeting room at Nicholsons Solicitors — Susannah Parr appointed Partner
Firm News4 December 2023

Partner Appointment — Susannah Parr

Susannah Parr joins Nicholsons as a Partner and head of the Private Client Department, bringing significant expertise in trusts, wills, and estate planning.

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A workspace at the Nicholsons office — Aileen Newman joins the corporate and commercial team
Firm News7 August 2023

New Appointment — Aileen Newman

Aileen Newman joins Nicholsons Solicitors as a solicitor in the corporate and commercial department, strengthening the firm's growing team.

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The Suffolk countryside — garden alterations and neighbour disputes
Property6 July 2023

Garden Alterations and Neighbour Disputes

Summer garden projects can sometimes spark disputes between neighbours, but open communication and understanding the legal framework can help resolve them.

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Waterfront buildings reflected in Oulton Broad — commercial landlord ordered to pay back the proceeds of crime
Property8 June 2023

Commercial landlord must payback proceeds of crime

A commercial landlord has been ordered to repay £174,000 in rental income after failing to act on a tenant operating an unlawful business.

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Riverside properties in Norwich — eight things to remember when selling a house
Property2 March 2023

Eight Things to Remember When You're Selling a House

From conveyancing and EPCs to capital gains tax and timing, here are eight important considerations when selling your home in England and Wales.

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Norwich townscape and rooftops — eight things to remember when buying a house
Property1 March 2023

Eight Things to Remember When You're Buying a House

Buying a house is one of the most significant investments most people make, and understanding the legal process is essential to a smooth purchase.

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Marina and converted warehouses on Oulton Broad — a warning for commercial landlords
Property9 February 2023

Commercial Landlords beware

Changes to rateable values from April 2023 will directly affect statutory compensation payable to tenants on lease termination under the 1954 Act.

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A cobbled street in Norwich — why January is a good time to prepare to sell your house
Property11 January 2023

Why January is a good time to prepare to sell your house

Getting ahead of the spring rush by preparing your home sale in January can give you a significant advantage in a competitive market.

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Lowestoft town centre — a quick guide to your legal role as a landlord
Property11 January 2023

Your role as a Landlord — A quick guide

As a landlord, knowing your rights and responsibilities around maintenance, finances, and health and safety is essential to staying compliant.

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Lowestoft harbour — Nicholsons Solicitors donates to the Lowestoft Foodbank
Firm News23 November 2022

Nicholsons donate to The Lowestoft Foodbank

Staff across all three Nicholsons offices collected and delivered donations to support the Lowestoft Foodbank's '12 Donations of Christmas' appeal.

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Gardens in Norwich — why everyone should have a lasting power of attorney
Personal23 November 2022

Why everyone should have a Power of Attorney

A Power of Attorney is a valuable document allowing you to plan for the future when you can no longer make decisions for yourself.

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Converted warehouse buildings on Oulton Broad — MEES energy efficiency changes for commercial landlords and tenants
Property11 November 2022

Commercial Landlords and Tenants: Get ready for the MEES changes

The rules on minimum energy efficiency standards are changing again, with MEES requirements soon applying to existing commercial leases.

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Panoramic view of Norwich — new arrivals strengthen the Nicholsons Norwich office
Firm News30 August 2022

Nicholsons' Norwich office bolstered by new arrivals

Nicholsons Solicitors has welcomed four new faces to its fast-growing Norwich team across conveyancing and private client departments.

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A residential street in Norwich — whether you need planning permission for a home office
Property19 August 2022

Do you need planning permission for a home office?

Working from home has become ordinary, but many are caught out when planning permission is needed for a home office.

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Misty farmland in the Suffolk countryside — how the Help to Build loan works for self-build homes
Property19 July 2022

What is the Help to Build loan?

The Help to Build loan is a government equity loan scheme for people in England who want to custom-build or self-build their own home.

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Autumn colour on a Norwich street — stamp duty changes for multiple and mixed-use property purchases
Property11 July 2022

Stamp duty changes ahead for multiple and mixed-use purchases

Property buyers looking to pay reduced stamp duty rates on multiple residential or mixed-use purchases can expect a tightening of the rules.

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Waterside housing in Lowestoft — how the Right to Buy scheme works
Property23 June 2022

How does the Right to Buy scheme work?

The Right to Buy scheme allows most council and housing association tenants in England to buy their homes at a significant discount.

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The Suffolk and Norfolk coast — Nicholsons Solicitors opens a Great Yarmouth office
Firm News23 June 2022

Great Yarmouth Office Opening

Nicholsons Solicitors has opened a new office meeting facility in Great Yarmouth in response to growing presence in the local area.

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Field boundaries across the Suffolk landscape — checking the ground rules to avoid a boundary dispute
Property6 June 2022

Check the ground rules to avoid boundary disputes

Spring garden works often lead to boundary disputes. Knowing the ground rules and talking to neighbours first can save significant cost and stress.

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Lowestoft quayside — HMRC's updated clearance process and timeline for IHT100 inheritance tax forms
Personal1 June 2022

HMRC announces updated approach to clearance process and timeline for IHT100

HMRC has announced changes to the processing of IHT100 forms, altering timelines for when submitters can expect settlement.

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Evening light over Norwich — making your wishes clear in a lasting power of attorney
Personal1 June 2022

Power of Attorney: Making your wishes clear

Choosing the right attorney and making your wishes clear is essential when giving Power of Attorney to a loved one.

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Open fields in Suffolk — whether you need planning permission to make changes to your garden
Property6 May 2022

Do I need planning permission to make changes to my garden?

While planting flowers needs no permission, bigger garden projects like sheds, fences and decking may require planning permission.

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Norwich Castle above the city rooftops — better debt recovery processes for the new tax year
Litigation4 May 2022

Start the new tax year with better debt recovery processes

The new tax year is a good time to sort out your business finances, as late payments can have a catastrophic effect on cash flow.

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A Suffolk village — no-fault divorce and the challenges that remain for divorcing couples
Personal29 April 2022

No more blame but challenges remain for divorcing couples

No-fault divorce saw a surge in petitions in its first week, but challenges remain around financial arrangements and childcare provision.

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The Suffolk coastline — key tax and National Insurance changes for the 2022 tax year
Corporate14 April 2022

New Tax Year — Key changes for 2022 you need to know about

The 2022/23 tax year brings several key changes including National Insurance increases, dividend tax rises, and minimum wage updates.

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Views over Lowestoft — a legal guide to life after divorce
Personal14 April 2022

A legal guide to life after divorce

After divorce there may still be legal matters to resolve, from enforcing financial orders to updating your will and Power of Attorney.

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