Kerseys Solicitors June 2026 Newsletter
Kerseys Solicitors June 2026 Newsletter
Just a click or call away for all your legal services needs
Kerseys Solicitors move location in Colchester
Kerseys Solicitors LLP is pleased to announce the continued expansion of its presence in Colchester, Essex, as part of a wider period of sustained growth and strategic development across the firm.
Building on the success of its long-established appointment office, on the 11th May the firm launched a full-service office at Lodge Park, Colchester, reflecting not only increased client demand but also a clear vision to invest in locations where Kerseys Solicitors can deliver greater value, accessibility, and collaboration.
Commenting on the expansion, Managing Partner Kimat Singh, said:
“This is not simply about opening another office, it is about strengthening how we serve our clients and how we grow as a business. Our expansion into a full-service presence in Colchester allows us to be closer to our clients, more responsive to their needs and better positioned to support the businesses and communities we work with.”
To read more from Kimat click here
Lodge Park, Lodge Lane, Langham, Colchester, Essex CO4 5NE
[email protected]
01206 584584
Learn more on our website:www.kerseys.co.uk
Key Legal Dates
19 June 2026 – The UK’s data protection framework has been significantly updated by the Data (Use and Access) Act 2025 and a new complaints procedure starting 19 June 2026.
13 July 2026 – The probate application fee in England and Wales will rise from £300 to £526, while the fee for copies of probate documents requested at the same time will drop from £16 to £2 subject to parliamentary approval.
13 July 2026 – Subject to parliamentary approval the MOJ plan to increase family fees:-
Key increases for Family cases are:
- Filing an application for a divorce, nullity or civil partnership dissolution – Going from £612 up to £628
- Application for parental order (Child arrangements, specific issue or prohibited steps) – going from £263 up to £270
- Application for a financial order – going from £313 up to £321
- Search of central index of decrees absolute/final orders – going from £65 up to £89
Five Common Probate Myths
Is the process as simple as you think?
Obtaining probate is often seen as a straightforward administrative process, but it can be far more complex than many people expect. Common assumptions about how assets pass, what executors can do, and how quickly matters progress, frequently lead to delays, disputes and unexpected costs.
‘Many estates appear simple at first glance,’ says Leila Murray, head of the Wills and Probate team at Kersey Solicitors. ‘However, once you look more closely at how assets are owned, how the will was drafted, and whether business or shareholdings are involved, complications can arise very quickly. Executors often do not realise the level of responsibility they are taking on.’
Leila highlights some of the most common probate myths – and explains what you need to be aware of.
Click the link to read the comprehensive blog from Leila Murray, head of Private Client Law.
Bringing Dogs to Work
An employer’s guide
Assistance dogs, such as guide dogs, play a crucial role in helping disabled individuals live independently and employers will usually be legally required to accommodate them in the workplace. But what is the position if an employee asks to bring a dog to work for emotional support?
It is important to understand how to support the employee in bringing their assistance dog to work; the difference between an assistance dog and an emotional support dog; and when employers may have to allow an emotional support dog at work.
Annalie outlines these issues and gives tips for employers considering allowing any employee to bring their dog to work.
Click the link to read the comprehensive blog from Annalie King, head of Employment Law.
How can your Estate after your death be left to the State
Making a will can allow you to leave your estate to whomever you wish
There is something of a myth which exists saying that if you die without a will, your entire estate (in other words all that you own when you die, subject to nuances beyond the scope of this blog) passes to the Crown. The reality is not entirely as straightforward as that. In this blog we shall explore the two ways in which your estate could ultimately be inherited by the Crown.
The first way, and this is indeed entirely possible, is for you to intentionally leave your estate (or part of it) in your Will to the Treasury. It is, unsurprisingly, very uncommon!
The second way of how your estate can be inherited by the Crown is dependent on two factors which must be present: firstly, not making a will, and secondly, having no surviving relatives eligible to inherit under the intestacy rules – these are the default rules on who inherits in the absence of a valid will having been made prior to someone’s death.
To understand, and read more on the processes laid out above, click the link here.
Granting a Reversionary Lease
As a commercial property landlord, you may agree with a tenant that they will stay on in the premises after their current lease ends. If that is still some time ahead, you will want a way to make that agreement binding now and a reversionary lease is a useful way to do this. There are a few legal issues to consider, so you should discuss your plans with your solicitor as early as possible.
‘Landlords are sometimes surprised to hear that we cannot just vary a lease to extend the term,’ says Kimat Singh, head of the commercial team with Kerseys Solicitors. ‘In fact, if we did that, it would be treated as a surrender of the existing lease and the immediate grant of a new one, which would have to be registered at the Land Registry and might attract more tax.’
Kimat explains why a reversionary lease is often the best solution to this problem. Click the link here to read more.
Financial Conduct Authority Firm Checker
Helping you to protect your money
The FCA Firm Tracker is a free tool designed to protect your money by verifying if a financial firm or individual is authorised by the FCA to offer products or services. It helps you avoid scams, confirm correct contact details, and check for permitted activities or historic fines, essential for safe investing or banking.
In the UK, almost all financial firms must be authorised or registered by the FCA. While it won’t remove all risk, using an authorised firm with the correct permissions will greatly reduce your risk of harm. www.fca.org.uk/consumers/fca-firm-checker
New Recruits at Kerseys
To read more about our most recent recruits click the following links Richard, Emily, and Andrew
COMMUNITY NEWS
Constable 250
A Programme Of Exhibitions
Christchurch Mansion Ipswich March 2026 – March 2027
Kerseys are proud to be one of the sponsors of the Constable 250 Exhibition,
celebrating 250 years since the birth of John Constable.
The Hay Wain: Walking Constable’s Landscape
11 July 2026 – 4 October 2026
Constable To Contemporary
24 October 2026 – 28 February 2027
St Elizabeth Hospice – Our Charity Of the Year
St Elizabeth Hospice Midnight Walk – 16 May 2026
Some of our staff volunteering as marshalls at the recent Midnight Walk through Ipswich town centre.
Ipswich Half Marathon – 27 September 2026
We also have five colleagues training for the Ipswich Half Marathon.
If you wish to support them and help raise funds for St Elizabeth Hospice donate through the link below
Kerseys Solicitors – St Elizabeth Hospice our Charity of the Year
Woodbridge Regatta – 19 July
Kerseys Solicitors are delighted to sponsor the Woodbridge Regatta and Riverside Fair once again.
Here’s to fun on and by the water, and memories that last long after the boats dock.
We will have a stall at the Regatta, with games and giveaways. And a limited edition Kerseys football raffle.
So come along, and say hello
We are also supporting
Stowmarket Carnival on the 19 July, and Felixstowe Carnival over their three days 24-26 July
