A recent High Court decision has highlighted the complex and often misunderstood issue of “habitual residence” in international child cases, particularly where families relocate abroad and later separate. In the case of AM v AF (Return Order:...

Members of the Watkins Solicitors Education Law team recently attended the Together for SEND conference, held on 16 March, where they met with families, education professionals and local organisations to share information about legal support for children...

Last week Beverley Watkins, Managing Partner at Watkins Solicitors, visited the University of Bristol to speak with law students about the realities of working in legal aid and the importance of access to justice. The session formed part of the...

Many first-time buyers worry about what happens if problems arise during the home buying process. Whether it is an issue with the survey, the mortgage, or information uncovered during conveyancing checks, buyers often want to know whether they can withdraw...

Many first-time buyers feel anxious about the results of a property survey. Surveys are an important part of the home buying process because they help identify potential issues with the property before the purchase is completed. In a recent video shared...

For many first-time buyers, receiving a mortgage offer is a key milestone in the home-buying process. However, buyers are often unsure what a mortgage offer actually means and when they should expect to receive it. In a recent video shared during First...

When buying a property, many first-time buyers are surprised to learn that a number of searches must be carried out as part of the conveyancing process. These searches provide important information about the property and the surrounding area, which may not...

When buying a property, many first-time buyers want to understand exactly what their conveyancing solicitor will check before the purchase completes. These checks are an important part of the legal process and help ensure buyers fully understand the...

People buying their first home often want to understand how long the conveyancing process is likely to take. While every transaction is different, having an idea of the typical timeframe can help buyers plan their move and manage expectations. In a...

People buying their first home often ask when they should instruct a conveyancing solicitor during the property process. Timing can make a real difference to how smoothly a transaction progresses, particularly for first-time buyers who are navigating the...

People buying their first home often ask whether they need a solicitor or a conveyancer, and what the difference is between the two. This is a common question, particularly for first-time buyers who are navigating the property process for the first time. ...

People buying their first home often focus on the purchase price and deposit, but there are several additional costs to consider during the process. One of the most common questions our Conveyancing team receives from first-time buyers is what extra costs...

People often contact us when they are thinking about buying their first home and are unsure what deposit they need to get started. One of the most common questions our Conveyancing team receives from first-time buyers is how much deposit is required to...

Parents sometimes contact us after being told that if they want a residential school or college placement for their child, they must sign a Section 20 agreement. Section 20 of the Children Act 1989 allows a local authority to accommodate a child through...

Parents sometimes contact us after receiving a decision from the First-tier Tribunal (Special Educational Needs and Disability). This is the independent court that hears appeals about Education, Health and Care Plans, including refusals to assess, refusals...

Parents sometimes contact us with questions about what happens after a young person turns 19 and still has an Education, Health and Care Plan. There can be confusion about whether support continues and what types of provision are available at this stage. ...

Parents and young people sometimes contact us with questions about what happens if a young person with an Education, Health and Care Plan receives an offer from a university. There can be uncertainty about whether the EHCP continues and what support will be...

Parents sometimes contact us with questions about whether developing life skills can count as education within an Education, Health and Care Plan. This can be particularly important for young people who may struggle with independence and daily living tasks....

Parents sometimes contact us asking which statutory deadline applies in February for children transferring from primary school to secondary school, and what happens if that date falls on a weekend. For children moving from primary to secondary school,...

Parents sometimes contact us asking about the difference between an Individual Education Plan, often referred to as an IEP, and an Education, Health and Care Plan. The two documents can sound similar, but they are very different in legal terms. In a...