Legal Aid in Bradford: What to Do If Your Family Case Is Urgent
Sometimes family issues can escalate quickly, and it can feel overwhelming if you’re unsure what your options are, who to ask for help and how you will be able to afford legal support. It can feel even more stressful if you’re dealing with issues of child safety or domestic abuse, but it’s important in these…
TEWV Public Inquiry Update: Families Call for Urgent Safeguarding Action and Greater Transparency
On Tuesday 31 March, Alistair Smith and Sarah Magson attended the latest update meeting with the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) regarding the proposed statutory public inquiry into failings at Tees, Esk and Wear Valleys NHS Foundation Trust (TEWV). While progress continues behind the scenes, the biggest concern among the families in attendance…
Supporting Strategic Growth in the Children’s Care Sector
Ison Harrison has advised on the successful acquisition of a significant portfolio of children’s care homes, marking another milestone in the firm’s ongoing work within the healthcare and social care sector. At the end of March 2026, Resilience Care Homes Ltd completed the purchase of SBL CareServices (UK) Ltd, bringing 19 children’s residential care homes…
How Do Restrictive Covenants Work In A Business Sale?
Restrictive covenants serve as an important function in the purchase of any business (be it share purchase or asset purchase) to protect the value and goodwill of the business following sale. The coverage of the restrictions and the individuals bound to the same are fundamental considerations in determining the protection offered by such restrictions. Following…
Legal Aid for Special Guardianship Orders: What Does This Mean For You?
If you’re caring for a child who can no longer live with their parents, you may be unsure what legal steps you need to take to secure their future. A Special Guardianship Order (SGO) could be the answer, but what does this actually mean for you? A Special Guardianship Order gives a special guardian parental…
Understanding Inquests: Process, Conclusions and Legal Support for Families
An inquest is a public, fact‑finding investigation conducted by a Coroner to establish the circumstances surrounding a death. Its purpose is limited but important. It seeks to determine: Who the deceased was When and where the death occurred How the deceased came by their death An inquest is not a process for determining civil or…
Introducing Our Neurodiversity Champions: Supporting Autistic Clients at Ison Harrison
April is Autism Acceptance Month, kicking off with World Autism Awareness Day on Thursday 2 April. The National Autistic Society describes this month as “an opportunity for everyone to come together and raise awareness, acceptance, and create a society where autistic people are supported and understood….it’s about how you show up, whether you’re supporting your…
Service Charges Explained: What Commercial Tenants Should Challenge
Service charges are one of the most common sources of tension between commercial landlords and tenants. They can significantly increase the overall cost of occupying premises, yet many tenants feel unsure about what they are actually paying for, or if the charges are even valid and enforceable. Understanding the scope of service charges, how they…
March in March Complete: Stepping Up for Veterans’ Mental Health
On Thursday 26th March, our very own Jessica Yates, decked out in full kit and bergen, and completed a 10 mile hike as part of March in March in support of Combat Stress. Jess is known at Ison Harrison, not only for her work in the family law team, but for her charity work. Each…
Mental Health Care Failures: What the St Andrew’s Case Tells Us About Patient Safety
In the wake of recent news reports exposing serious concerns about the standard of care at a Northamptonshire mental health facility, the NHS have intervened and ordered the relocation of hundreds of patients. The story, featured in The Independent, has revealed allegations of abuse, neglect and other safeguarding failings which has led to NHS England…
Campaigners Secure Major Victory As Government Confirms Crossbow Sales Ban And New Licensing Regime
Press Release – March 2026 A decade-long legal loophole that allowed lethal weapons to be sold without oversight is set to close following a sustained campaign by a Yorkshire law firm and a bereaved partner. The Government has formally announced it will prohibit the sale of crossbows and introduce a mandatory licensing scheme for all…
Your Rights as a Parent in a Child Protection Case
It’s natural to feel anxious, defensive or uncertain when social services become involved with your family. Child protection processes can feel overwhelming and often move quickly and involve unfamiliar terminology, legal tests and professional assessments. In all of this, many parents worry that their voice will be lost or that decisions will be made without…
An ‘In Pictures’ look at the Annual Employee Owned Law Conference 2026
The Fourth Annual Employee Owned Law Conference brought a day of inspiration and knowledge sharing to Aspire, Leeds on 4 March 2026. Hosted by Ison Harrison Solicitors, this year’s conference featured a packed programme of inspirational speakers. The conference theme “Points of Difference” set the stage for many conversations, as attendees shared their inspiration and…
Leading law firm expands Bradford presence with new Little Germany office hub
Press Release – March 2026 Employee-owned law firm Ison Harrison has strengthened its presence across West Yorkshire with the opening of a new Bradford office in Little Germany. Ison Harrison’s latest opening marks another major milestone in the firm’s continued expansion, extending its trusted legal services with a specialist focus on legal aid. The firm’s…
Mediation and Alternatives to Court: Why Settling Outside Court Can Protect Your Family and Your Future
When a relationship breaks down, many people worry that the only way to resolve finances or arrangements for their children is to “go to court.” In reality, most families can settle matters more quickly, more privately and more amicably, by using mediation or other out‑of‑court options. These alternatives can often offer a better solution for…
Indemnity Insurance: Does It Cure All Problems?
Indemnity insurance has become a familiar feature of commercial property transactions. Whether you are buying, selling, refinancing or granting a lease, insurers are often asked to cover risks ranging from missing planning documents to defective titles. It can be reassuring to have it in place, but it is not a universal cure. Used appropriately, indemnity…
Spring 2026 Immigration Rule Changes: Key Updates for Employers and Visa Applicants
On 5 March 2026 the Home Office released its Spring Immigration Rules statement, setting out a wide range of changes across work, asylum, settlement, and nationality routes. The update introduces new compliance requirements for employers, expands labour market access for asylum seekers, and tightens entry clearance rules for several nationalities. Notably, the previously signalled “earned…
Give to Gain: Celebrating the Women of Ison Harrison This International Women’s Day
This year’s International Women’s Day Campaign ‘Give To Gain’ encourages a mindset of generosity and collaboration. Give To Gain emphasises the power of reciprocity and support. With this in mind we wanted to showcase some of our inspirational women in this context by hearing in their own words, the amazing things that they give and what they…
How Patient Voices Can Transform Mental Health Services
The forthcoming public inquiry into the Tees, Esk and Wear Valleys NHS Foundation Trust has put mental health services in the spotlight and highlighted the importance of a positive patient experience as well as the clinical care they receive. The inquiry will provide patients and their families a much needed opportunity to have their voices…
A Milestone Year But The Campaign For Crossbow Law Reform Continues
For Laura Sugden, when January 12th passes each year, nothing gets any easier. That was the date in 2018 when she and her partner, Shane Gilmer, were attacked in their own home at Southburn nr Driffield, East Yorkshire, by an intruder, their next-door neighbour Anthony Lawrence. 30-year-old Shane was shot by a crossbow in the…
Cohabitation Disputes and Property Rights: Addressing the “common law marriage” myth and how TOLATA claims work
Many couples live together for years, raise children and buy property, believing they are protected as “common law husband and wife”. However, in England and Wales, there is no such thing as common law marriage. If you separate as an unmarried couple, your rights are very different from those of a married couple or civil…
What Security Can Be Given For Deferred Payments On A Business Sale?
In many company and business sales, deferred consideration forms some of the purchase price, meaning that a portion of the monies are received at a later date, following completion of the transaction. For various reasons, this can come with the risk of the Seller not receiving such payments, as and when they become due under…
Budgeting, Legal Checks, Preparing for the Conveyancing Process and Other Things to Consider as a First-Time Buyer
Buying a home is both exciting and daunting, and it is even more so when you’re buying a home for the first time. The property market is ever changing and in England and Wales there are specific process to be followed, which can feel overwhelming with their complicated terminology and legal requirements. Understanding the process…
Legal Considerations When Buying Property for Development
Whether you are a developer, investor, landlord or even an SME wanting to expand your operations, buying land or buildings for development can give you a considerable commercial advantage. However, as with any big business decisions, it comes with certain risks and knowing your legal obligations is vital. To make the process run as smoothly…
Is Your Business Ready for the Upcoming Payroll & Employment Law Changes?
From April 2026, Yorkshire businesses will face significant changes to payroll and employment law. New compliance requirements, expanded worker protections and the introduction of the Fair Work Agency will reshape how organisations manage people, pay and risk. To help employers prepare, Ison Harrison Solicitors is partnering with Azets, a leading UK accountancy and business advisory…
CCC V Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust : Supreme Court Rules Children Can Claim For “Lost Years”
The Supreme Court’s judgment in CCC v Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust represents a monumental change in the law for child claimants who have suffered a catastrophic brain injury. The judgement overruled the decision in the case of Croke v Wiseman which had prohibited child claimants from claiming for ‘lost years.’ This significant judgement…
When Is Spousal Maintenance Awarded? Understanding Need, Earning Capacity, Duration and Variation Applications
Spousal maintenance remains one of the most misunderstood areas of family law. When a relationship ends, it is normal for separating spouses to feel anxious about how they will manage financially, particularly where one person has had a lower income, career breaks, or childcare responsibilities. At Ison Harrison, our family law team regularly provides legal…
Families’ Voices Shape the Path Toward a Public Inquiry into Mental Health Trust Failings
Senior representatives from Ison Harrison joined families, patients and campaigners this week for a significant engagement meeting with the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC), focused on the set-up phase of the Statutory Public Inquiry into failings within mental health services under Tees Esk and Wear Valley (TEWV) NHS Foundation Trust. News of the…
Living in a Conservation Area: Advice for Homebuyers
If you’re buying a home in a conservation area, it simply means the area has been recognised as having special historic or architectural importance. These areas are protected so their unique character can be preserved for the future. However, if you are looking to buy a property that is situated in a conservation area, what…
Claims Involving Contributory Negligence: What It Means and How It Affects Your Award
When you make a personal injury claim, it is usually because you were in an accident that was someone else’s fault. However, reduce the amount of compensation they have to pay, defendants often argue that the injured person was also partly responsible for causing the accident. This is known as contributory negligence, and it can…
Family Call For Change After Inquest Into Hilary Chapman’s Death
The inquest into the death of Hilary Jane Chapman has concluded, on 4th February 2026, identifying deeply troubling findings about failures in communication and care during her detention under the Mental Health Act at Tees, Esk and Wear Valleys NHS Foundation Trust (TEWV), Lanchester Road Hospital. Hilary was remembered by those who knew her as…
Points of Difference: Ison Harrison to Host the Fourth Annual Employee Owned Law Conference
On 4 March 2026, Ison Harrison Solicitors will proudly host the Fourth Annual Employee Owned Law Conference, bringing together employee owned (EO) law firms from across the UK for a day dedicated to knowledge sharing, candid discussion and collective inspiration. This year’s event takes place at Aspire, Leeds, followed by an evening meal at the…
How Legal Aid Protects Parents as Well as Children in Domestic Abuse Cases
When there is domestic abuse within a family, a parent often decides to seek help out of concern for the wellbeing of their children as well as their own. Yet for many parents in Morley, the decision comes with fear and uncertainty. Worries about cost, court proceedings, or social services getting involved can cause people…
What Warranties and Indemnities Should I Include in A Share Purchase Agreement?
Warranties are contractual promises given by the Seller to the Buyer within the Share Purchase Agreement (‘SPA’), which if proven to be untrue gives the Buyer a rise to claim for damages. Within a SPA, the Buyer will want numerous warranties to be included, such as: Fundamental warranties are usually core, non-negotiable warranties which include…
Ground Rent in England & Wales Capped at £250: What Commercial Landlords and Leaseholders Need to Know
On 27 January 2026 the government published a draft Bill that confirmed a new statutory cap limiting residential ground rent to £250 per year across England and Wales. This forms part of a wider package of reforms to the leasehold system aimed at reducing overall housing costs and strengthening homeownership rights. For many commercial landlords,…
Should I Include Completion Accounts Or Locked-Box Mechanisms In A Share Purchase Agreement?
You have identified a business that you want to buy, you have identified what the value of the business is and how much you are willing to pay, and have a rough estimate or figure in mind, but how do you narrow down that amount to a specific figure to include in the purchase agreement?…
Clinical Negligence: Were You A Patient Of Orthopaedic Surgeon, Mr Leslie Irwin? Concerns Raised Over Negligent Care.
Please call Ison Harrison solicitors today on 0113 284 5000 or email clinneg@isonharrison.co.uk Mr Leslie Irwin, a former Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon who practised at Spire Washington Hospital and within South Tyneside and Sunderland NHS Foundation Trust, is currently under investigation regarding the standard of surgeries he carried out over a period exceeding two decades. Former patients are now…
Common Myths That Prevent Families in Morley Getting Legal Aid
For many families in Morley, they could be unaware that Legal Aid could be available to them. It is often associated with extreme circumstances or assumed to be something only other people qualify for. As a result, individuals facing serious legal difficulties delay, or even avoid seeking advice altogether, believing that the cost will be…
Employer Duties Under Health and Safety Law: Lessons from the Tracel Ltd Metalworking Fluids Case
After the recent prosecution of Tracel Ltd in Bedfordshire we are reminded that employers owe a legal duty to their employees under UK health and safety law. It also highlights how workers exposed to hazardous substances, such as metalworking fluids, may be entitled to claim compensation if employer negligence leads to illness or injury. For…
What to Do If You’re Charged with a Drink Driving Offence
Being caught drink driving and being faced charges can with be unnerving. The consequences can be life changing – not only can you lose your licence, but it could impact your job, your finances, your relationship and potentially your ability to travel abroad. Understanding what happens next and how to respond is therefore crucial. What…
Key Legal Issues Every Tenant Should Review Before Signing a Commercial Lease
Signing a commercial lease is a big commitment for any business. Whether you’re opening your first premises or expanding into new locations, the terms you agree to will determine your legal and financial responsibilities for the duration of the lease. Before completing, it is essential to understand exactly what you are agreeing to and where…
Years Of NHS Trust Failings Confronted At Landmark Meeting Ahead Of Mental Health Public Inquiry
Press Release – January 2026 Individual patients and relatives impacted by safety failings at the Tees, Esk and Wear Valleys (TEWV) NHS Trust gathered in Middlesbrough yesterday for a pivotal briefing as they prepare for a statutory public inquiry. Hosted by legal experts Alistair Smith and Sarah Magson with Kings Counsel Anna Morris at law…
Jess’s Rule: A New Safety Net for Patients
In response to the tragic death of 27-year-old Jessica Brady in 2020, who passed away from stage 4 adenocarcinoma following over 20 GP appointments over a 6 month period with no diagnosis, NHS England and the Royal College of General Practitioners have introduced a vital new patient safety initiative: Jess’s Rule. Jess’s Rule Announced in…
How Docusign Makes Conveyancing Faster and Easier for Clients
In an increasingly digital world, traditional paper processes are being replaced by faster, more efficient alternatives. One of the most widely adopted digital tools for signing documents electronically is Docusign and it is quickly becoming an essential part of modern conveyancing transactions. What is Docusign? Docusign is a cloud-based electronic signature (e-signature) platform that enables…
What Documents Do I Need During the Legal Due Diligence Process?
As part of the purchase of a business, the buyer will conduct a process called ‘Legal Due Diligence’. This process involves the buyer requesting various documents and information relating to the business. Once provided by the seller, the buyer will then review to ensure that they are happy to proceed with the transaction. The due…
Heads of Terms in Commercial Property: Why Early Legal Input Matters
When negotiating a commercial property transaction, the Heads of Terms (HoTs) often set the tone for the entire deal. They outline the key points agreed between the parties before the formal lease or sale contract is drafted. While HoTs are usually expressed as “non-binding,” they carry significant weight in shaping negotiations and expectations. Getting them…
The New UK Road Safety Strategy and What It Means for Personal Injury Claimants
The Government has unveiled a far-reaching new UK Road Safety Strategy, setting an ambitious target to reduce road deaths and serious injuries by 65 percent by 2035. The proposals represent one of the most significant shifts in road safety policy for decades, combining tougher enforcement with increased reliance on in-vehicle technology and stricter driver fitness…
What Are Private Law Children Cases and Can You Get Legal Aid?
When families (usually separated parents) face disputes about children, emotions can very often run high. Whether it’s deciding where a child should live, how much time they spend with each parent, or resolving issues around parental responsibility, these matters fall under private law children cases. In these cases it is vital that you understand your…
New Year Divorce Trends and Strategic Timing
As we head into the New Year, here we explain why January sees a rise in divorce enquiries and how to plan your next steps with confidence. With the festive season drawing to a close, many people find themselves taking stock of their lives and reassessing what they want from the year ahead. For some…
‘Sylvia’s Voice’ – Justice For Dementia Patient
As part of a new series of client stories, we are humbled to receive this blog from our client Christine Marsden. Christine’s mother sadly died at St James’ Hospital, Leeds, following neglect and a lack of basic medical care. Here, Christine shares her story… I write this feeling relieved but also sad. Relieved that this…