Law For Life

In this episode of Law for Life, Chris is joined by Eddie Bell from Franklin Solicitors to break down one of the most important legal documents you can have in place – a Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA).

They explain what an LPA is, the difference between property & financial affairs and health & welfare LPAs, and why having both can offer complete peace of mind. The conversation explores when an LPA can be used, how mental capacity is assessed, and why it’s not just something to think about later in life.

You’ll also hear practical advice on choosing the right attorney, what powers they actually have (and don’t have), and how to avoid common misunderstandings. Plus, the process of setting up an LPA, how long it takes, and what happens if you don’t have one in place when it’s needed.

Whether you're planning ahead for yourself or supporting a loved one, this episode offers essential guidance to help you make informed decisions and protect your future.

#LawForLife #LastingPowerOfAttorney #LPA #LegalAdvice #EstatePlanning #UKLaw #FranklinSolicitors #PowerOfAttorney #FinancialPlanning #HealthAndWelfare #LegalPodcast #FuturePlanning #MentalCapacity #SolicitorAdvice

AI is transforming the way businesses operate—but when it comes to legal matters, how far can you really trust it?

In this episode of Law for Life – The Franklin Solicitors Podcast, Chris is joined in the studio by Tya from the Corporate Services team to unpack the growing role of artificial intelligence in the legal world. From drafting contracts to preparing court cases, AI tools like ChatGPT are becoming increasingly common—but they come with serious risks.

The conversation explores why legal work isn’t just a simple “input and output” process, the dangers of relying on templates or AI-generated agreements, and real-life examples where things have gone badly wrong—including fake case law appearing in court. Tya explains why legal documents require precision, experience, and human judgement, and why even small wording errors can leave businesses exposed.

They also discuss where AI can be useful—such as helping to clarify ideas or summarise instructions—while reinforcing why it should never replace professional legal advice. If you run a business or are tempted to cut corners with legal paperwork, this is an essential listen.

For advice or support, the Corporate Services team at Franklin Solicitors are on hand to help you protect what matters most.

#LawForLife #FranklinSolicitors #BusinessLaw #AI #ChatGPT #LegalAdvice #SmallBusiness #Contracts #Entrepreneurship #UKBusiness #LegalPodcast #ArtificialIntelligence #RiskManagement #CorporateLaw

A major shake-up in employment law is now underway, and businesses across the UK need to be ready. In this episode of Law for Life, Chris sits down with Sara Marshall from Franklin Solicitors to break down the key changes in the Employment Rights Act and what they mean in practice. From statutory sick pay and redundancy rules to unfair dismissal and tribunal timelines, this episode highlights what employers need to act on now—and what’s coming next. Essential listening for any business owner or manager navigating the evolving workplace landscape.

#EmploymentLaw #BusinessUK #HRAdvice #EmploymentRights #FranklinSolicitors #LawForLife #WorkplaceLaw #UKBusiness #HRCompliance #LegalUpdate

What legal rights do couples actually have when they live together but aren’t married? It’s a question many people assume they know the answer to — but the reality under UK law often comes as a surprise.

In this episode of Law for Life, Chris is joined by Zoe Hale from the Family Law team at Franklins Solicitors to explore the often-misunderstood world of cohabitation law. As more couples choose to live together without marrying, understanding the legal implications of sharing a home, finances and assets has never been more important.

One of the biggest myths addressed in this discussion is the idea of the “common law marriage”. Many people believe that living together for a certain number of years automatically gives them the same legal rights as a married couple — but in England and Wales, that simply isn’t the case. Zoe explains why this misconception persists and what the law actually says.

The conversation looks at what happens when unmarried couples buy property together, how ownership structures such as joint tenancy and tenants in common affect rights, and what can happen if a relationship breaks down. The episode also explains the legal framework used when disputes arise, including the Trusts of Land and Appointment of Trustees Act 1996, often referred to as TOLATA.

Chris and Zoe also discuss practical steps couples can take to protect themselves before moving in together. One key option is a cohabitation agreement — a legal document that sets out how finances, property and responsibilities will be handled during the relationship and what should happen if it ends. While it may feel unromantic to plan for the possibility of separation, it can prevent significant disputes later on.

The episode explores how these agreements work, what information is needed to create one, and why each partner should obtain independent legal advice before signing. Zoe also explains the difference between a declaration of trust and a cohabitation agreement, and how they can work together to provide clarity over property ownership and financial arrangements.

Other topics covered include joint bank accounts, savings disputes, household expenses, financial disclosure, and how agreements should be reviewed when major life events occur — such as having children, receiving an inheritance or changes in employment.

With cohabitation becoming increasingly common, this episode provides essential insight into an area of law that many people don’t fully understand until it’s too late. Whether you’re planning to move in with a partner, already sharing a home, or simply curious about your legal rights, this discussion offers clear and practical guidance on how to protect yourself and plan ahead.

#CohabitationLaw #FamilyLaw #UKLaw #LivingTogether #PropertyLaw #LegalAdvice #LawForLife #FranklinsSolicitors #RelationshipsAndLaw #KnowYourRights

Major changes are coming to the private rented sector, and if you’re a landlord or tenant, this episode is essential listening.

In this edition of Law for Life, the podcast from Franklins Solicitors, we’re joined by Nieve Jones from the litigation team to break down the sweeping reforms introduced by the Renters’ Rights Act, due to take effect from 1 May 2026.

Described as the biggest shift in rental law since the Housing Act 1988, this legislation will fundamentally change how tenancies operate across England.

We cover:

• The abolition of Section 21 “no fault” evictions

We also discuss the practical realities — what landlords should be doing now to prepare, how the courts are likely to interpret the new grounds, and why getting your paperwork right will be more important than ever.

Whether you’re a seasoned landlord, a first-time investor, or a tenant wanting to understand your rights, this episode provides a clear, plain-English guide to what’s changing and what it means for you.

For tailored legal advice, contact the litigation team at Franklin Solicitors.

#RentersRightsAct #LandlordLaw #TenantRights #PropertyLaw #UKProperty #Section21 #Section8 #FranklinsSolicitors #RentalReform #HousingLaw

Inheritance Tax – it’s one of those topics many people don’t fully understand, but it can have a huge impact on families and future planning.

In this episode of Law for Life, the Franklins Solicitors podcast, Chris sits down with Eddie Bell from the Wills, Trusts and Probate team to unpack the often confusing world of IHT. From thresholds and tax rates to common myths and costly mistakes, this episode offers a clear and practical overview of what inheritance tax really means for you.

They discuss:

• What inheritance tax actually is and who it affects

With inheritance tax receipts rising and thresholds frozen for years, this is no longer just a concern for the “super wealthy”. Whether you’re planning your estate, supporting your children financially, or simply want to understand the rules, this episode provides essential guidance.

As always, personal advice is key – every situation is different.

If you’ve found this helpful, make sure you subscribe for more practical legal insights from the team at Franklins Solicitors.

#InheritanceTax #EstatePlanning #WillsAndProbate #LawForLife #FranklinsSolicitors #FinancialPlanning #UKTax #WillWriting #Trusts #FamilyFinance

Georgia Harris, a solicitor from Franklins, joins the podcast to break down redundancy in clear, practical terms. The conversation covers what redundancy actually means in law, when and why it usually happens, and whether it is a fair reason to dismiss someone. Georgia explains what a fair redundancy process should look like, the alternatives employers should consider before making redundancies, and what employees are legally entitled to. The episode also looks at what steps an employee can take if they want to challenge a redundancy decision, and how Franklins can support both employees and employers through the process.

#Podcast #EmploymentLaw #Redundancy #WorkplaceRights #UKEmployment #HR #LegalAdvice #FranklinsSolicitors #BusinessSupport #EmployeeRights

In this episode, Eddie Bell, a solicitor in the Wills and Probate team at Franklins Solicitors, joins Chris Gregg for a clear and practical discussion about probate and what really happens when someone passes away. Eddie explains the role of an executor, the first steps families need to take, and how to gather date-of-death valuations. He also explores dealing with liabilities, how inheritance tax is paid, and whether executors can be compensated for their time.

The conversation moves into common questions such as how long probate takes, what happens with shareholdings, and whether any other taxes might arise. Eddie also covers what to do if an executor doesn’t wish to act, whether a will can be changed, and the legal position when there’s no will at all.

This episode is designed to make a complex and often confusing process more understandable, offering clarity when people need it most.

#podcast #probate #wills #inheritancetax #legaladvice #franklinssolicitors #chrisgregg #estates #executor #uklaw #miltonkeynes

In this episode of Law for Life, we sit down with employment law solicitor Georgia Harris from Franklins Solicitors for a clear, comprehensive look at one of the biggest legal shake-ups in decades: the Employment Rights Bill. As the bill reaches its final stages in Parliament, Georgia breaks down exactly what employers and employees need to know before the new rules come into force.

Georgia explains how the proposed legislation will overhaul existing employment law, from day-one rights for unfair dismissal to sweeping changes in statutory sick pay, family-friendly rights, and protection around maternity, paternity and parental leave. She outlines what these changes mean in practical terms, why businesses need to start preparing now, and how contracts, policies and staff handbooks may need a complete refresh.

We also explore the wider political background, including how the bill emerged from Labour’s manifesto and why it is considered one of the most significant updates to UK employment law in decades. Georgia offers valuable guidance for businesses navigating this transition period and highlights how Franklin’s can support employers with contract reviews, policy updates and legal clarity during the rollout.

Whether you're an employer trying to stay compliant or an employee wanting to understand your new rights, this episode gives you the essential insight you need before the reforms arrive in 2026 and 2027.

#EmploymentLaw #EmploymentRightsBill #UKLaw #HRUpdates #FranklinsSolicitors #LawForLife #EmployeeRights #UnfairDismissal #StatutorySickPay #FamilyFriendlyRights #LegalPodcast #BusinessCompliance #UKEmployers

In this episode of Law for Life with Franklins Solicitors, host Chris Gregg sits down with family law expert Nikita Bhara to discuss one of the most emotionally charged and misunderstood areas of law – divorce. Nikita explains how the 2022 introduction of no-fault divorce has transformed the process, removing the need for blame and making it easier for couples to separate with dignity. 

The episode walks listeners through each stage of the divorce process, from filing an application online to obtaining a conditional order and finally a final order. 

Nikita also offers valuable insights on the division of assets, consent orders, pet custody, and financial settlements, as well as the importance of taking time to reflect before finalising the decision. With practical, jargon-free advice, this episode helps demystify a stressful topic and shows how Franklin Solicitors can guide clients through divorce with compassion and clarity.

#LawForLife #FranklinsSolicitors #FamilyLaw #DivorceLaw #NoFaultDivorce #LegalAdvice #ConsentOrder #FinancialSettlement #DivorceProcess #UKLaw #MiltonKeynes #Northampton #LegalPodcast #NikitaBhara #ChrisGregg #SolicitorsUK #DivorceSupport #LawPodcast