What Next? The First 5 Questions To Ask Your Lawyer

divorce lawyer consultation

Approaching divorce can be a whirlwind, from the difficult conversations, paperwork to living arrangements –  it’s hard to know where to start. Take a breath, you can approach the process one step at a time. Finding the right divorce lawyer to support you can make things a lot easier. They are there to provide clarity […]

These Are The Most Common Reasons For Divorce And They Might Surprise You

reasons for divorce

Divorce can happen at any point during a marriage be it one year, five years or fifty years. Often the separation can be unpredictable, challenging and emotional. The reasons for divorce are personal and vary, that being said there are common grounds for divorce that many file under. Here we explore the main reasons marriages […]

Here Is How to Divorce Without Going To Court

Family Lawyer

If you are approaching the end of your marriage and are thinking about legally separating, it is likely an emotional and confusing time. Divorce can be a scary concept for many couples and is often associated with fighting, expense and a sense of failure. This does not have to be the case. Navigating an amicable […]

What Do You Do If An Employee’s Visa Is Refused?

Refused sponsor visa

Hiring talent from overseas has become an important way for UK businesses to diversify, grow and develop their teams. At Waterstone Legal guiding employers through the recruitment process is a field we thrive in. This makes us one of the best immigration law firms in London. Having a lawyer on board from the start of […]

For Love Or Visa? How To Get A Spouse A Visa In The UK

UK Spouse Visa

When it comes to moving around the world, there are many motivations – though none are as great as love. If you are living in the UK and would like your partner to join you, a spouse visa application needs to be made. There are certain requirements, fee’s and a set process that needs to […]

Key Immigration Updates for Business Owners in 2025

UK immigration lawyers

Now we have arrived in January, it’s time to get back to business. If you are looking to employ workers from overseas this year, as an employer you may be responsible for assisting with visa sponsorship and more. To stay one step ahead, this article covers the key immigration updates that could affect your business […]

How To Get A Business Visa For The UK

business visa application

The beginning of the year is a great time for goal setting and if setting up your business in the UK is on your 2025 wish list, Waterstone Legal can help. Getting clear on how to get a business visa for the UK is a top priority. Our immigration team is among the best immigration […]

The Top Legal Trends That Could Affect Your Business in 2025

Legal trends in 2025

Whilst Christmas is a time to relax and unwind, it provides the perfect opportunity to read up and get ahead for a successful and legally compliant 2025. One concern for many business owners is how changing legislation can affect their business next year. From data protection, to regulating the use of AI to employee rights, […]

SDLT UPDATE

Our conveyancing solicitors are dedicated to completing your transactions as quickly as possible before 31 March, 2025 (SDLT increase deadline). However, because of the involvement of multiple parties in your transactions that are beyond our control, we are unable to guarantee completion. Therefore, if completion does not take place by 31 March, 2025, we will not be responsible for any increase in SDLT payable. In the event that your matters are not completed before 1 April, 2025, please make sure you have sufficient funds to cover the additional SDLT.

Please note the following changes:

1. The threshold (being the amount of the purchase price that will be free from Stamp Duty) is currently £250,000. This will be reduced to £125,000.

2. The threshold for First-time Buyers Relief over which SDLT will be payable is currently £425,000. This will be reduced to £300,000.

3. The maximum purchase price for which First-Time Buyers Relief (as above) can be claimed at all is currently £625,000. This will be reduced to the previous level of £500,000.

If you are purchasing a property, and are in any doubt please visit the governments stamp duty calculator at https://www.tax.service.gov.uk/calculate-stamp-duty-land-tax/#!/intron. Where possible we will have given you advice on the different amounts payable before and after the change but if you have any further queries, then please do let us know.