https://howardfairbairn.co.uk/ Clear guidance. Established counsel. en Sun, 08 Nov 2026 14:38:05 GMT https://howardfairbairn.co.uk/challenging-attorney-misuse-lasting-power-of-attorney/ https://howardfairbairn.co.uk/challenging-attorney-misuse-lasting-power-of-attorney/ A lasting power of attorney is a document of trust, but trust can be abused. This guide explains the attorney’s duties, the warning signs that matter, and the practical steps families and advisers can take when an attorney appears to have overreached. Howard Fairbairn Wills & Estate Planning Sun, 08 Nov 2026 12:55:24 GMT https://howardfairbairn.co.uk/boundary-adverse-possession-claims-2026/ https://howardfairbairn.co.uk/boundary-adverse-possession-claims-2026/ When a fence, hedge or long-held strip of land no longer matches the registered title, neighbours can find themselves in a dispute that is both personal and expensive. This guide explains the rules for registered and unregistered land, what counts as factual possession, and how to respond to a Land Registry notice. Howard Fairbairn Residential Property Sun, 08 Nov 2026 12:55:24 GMT https://howardfairbairn.co.uk/handshake-behind-contract-side-letter-binding/ https://howardfairbairn.co.uk/handshake-behind-contract-side-letter-binding/ Side letters, email assurances and oral promises are often treated as commercial courtesies. In law, they can be contractual obligations. This opinion piece examines when informality binds, when it fails and how property owners and occupiers can manage the risk. Howard Fairbairn Commercial Property Sun, 08 Nov 2026 08:55:51 GMT https://howardfairbairn.co.uk/when-named-executor-cannot-be-found-remedies-stalled-estate/ https://howardfairbairn.co.uk/when-named-executor-cannot-be-found-remedies-stalled-estate/ A missing, unwilling or incapacitated personal representative can leave an estate frozen at the worst possible moment. This practical guide explains the probate steps, court applications and protective measures available to beneficiaries in England and Wales. Howard Fairbairn Wills & Estate Planning Sun, 08 Nov 2026 08:55:51 GMT https://howardfairbairn.co.uk/reading-service-charge-bill-leaseholder-guide-2026/ https://howardfairbairn.co.uk/reading-service-charge-bill-leaseholder-guide-2026/ Service charge bills rarely arrive at a convenient moment. A structured check of the lease, budget, reserve fund, major works and building safety can turn a confusing demand into a series of clear questions—well before the next invoice lands. Howard Fairbairn Residential Property Sun, 08 Nov 2026 04:58:51 GMT https://howardfairbairn.co.uk/trustees-compass-letter-of-wishes-family-trust/ https://howardfairbairn.co.uk/trustees-compass-letter-of-wishes-family-trust/ A trust deed gives trustees power; a letter of wishes gives them context. This note explains how families can set out their hopes for education, housing and business interests without turning guidance into a binding instruction—and when the document should be refreshed. Howard Fairbairn Wills & Estate Planning Sun, 08 Nov 2026 04:58:51 GMT https://howardfairbairn.co.uk/handing-on-family-firm-without-trouble-succession-checklist/ https://howardfairbairn.co.uk/handing-on-family-firm-without-trouble-succession-checklist/ Family businesses rarely fail because the next generation lacks ability. More often, the handover stalls because the paperwork, the timing and the family conversation were left too late. A practical succession checklist helps owners protect the business and the relationships around it. Howard Fairbairn Business Succession Sun, 08 Nov 2026 00:58:18 GMT https://howardfairbairn.co.uk/before-you-sit-down-making-first-solicitor-meeting-count/ https://howardfairbairn.co.uk/before-you-sit-down-making-first-solicitor-meeting-count/ A first consultation with a solicitor need not be a leap into the unknown. With the right papers, a rough timeline and a few direct questions about fees and next steps, the meeting becomes a focused conversation that saves time, cost and uncertainty later. Howard Fairbairn Wills & Estate Planning Sun, 08 Nov 2026 00:58:18 GMT https://howardfairbairn.co.uk/digital-age-estate-planning-wills-uk/ https://howardfairbairn.co.uk/digital-age-estate-planning-wills-uk/ A will remains the foundation of estate planning, but it no longer tells the whole story. Digital accounts, cloud storage, cryptocurrency and pension nominations sit alongside property and savings—and each needs clear instructions. This guide offers a practical checklist and conversation guide for UK families. Howard Fairbairn Wills & Estate Planning Sat, 07 Nov 2026 21:00:17 GMT https://howardfairbairn.co.uk/commercial-tenant-six-lease-clauses-guide/ https://howardfairbairn.co.uk/commercial-tenant-six-lease-clauses-guide/ A lease renewal is rarely just about rent. The clauses around break options, dilapidations, service charges and repair can shape the cost of occupancy for years. This guide sets out a practical clause-by-clause review for UK business tenants preparing to renew or agree a rent review. Howard Fairbairn Commercial Property Sat, 07 Nov 2026 21:00:17 GMT