Ison Harrison Boosts North West Presence with Acquisition of Dootsons Solicitors
Press release – September 2026 Employee-owned law firm Ison Harrison has acquired long-established North West solicitors Dootsons, marking its first major acquisition outside its Yorkshire heartland in its 48-year history. The deal, which completed on 18 September, adds three historic high street offices across Greater Manchester, Cheshire and Merseyside to Ison Harrison’s growing Northern network….
Planning Ahead: How Wills and Powers of Attorney Protect Your Family
Life is busy, vibrant and ever-changing. Between work, family life and day to day commitments, it is easy to put planning for the future to the bottom of the list. Many people assume that making legal arrangements is something to think about later, but in reality, planning ahead is one of the most practical and…
Your Rights When Social Services Are Involved With Your Children
If social services have contacted you about your child, it is completely understandable to feel worried, upset or unsure about what might happen next. Many parents fear the worst straight away, but social services involvement does not automatically mean your child will be removed from your care. Often, the aim is to understand what support…
Long-Awaited Appointment Of Public Inquiry Chair Offers Hope To Individuals And Families Affected By Failings At TEWV NHS Foundation Trust
Press Release – September 2026 Law firm Ison Harrison, which represents hundreds of patients and bereaved families affected by failings at Tees, Esk and Wear Valleys NHS Foundation Trust (TEWV), has today welcomed the appointment of His Honour Judge John Potter as Chair of the statutory public inquiry into the Trust’s services. This news comes…
Caught on a Dash Cam? Can Footage Be Used as Evidence?
The short answer is: yes, it is possible for dash cam footage to be used as evidence against you. However, there’s often more to it than that. In this article, we’ll look at how and when dash cam footage might be used and when it might be challenged. If you have been accused of a…
Relationship Breakdown in Armed Forces Families: What Happens Next?
A relationship breakdown can bring additional practical challenges when one or both partners serve in the British Armed Forces. Issues around accommodation, finances, pensions and children can all be affected by military life and may need to be considered alongside the usual arrangements following separation. Many non-serving partners move frequently to accommodate their serving partner’s…
Fact or Fiction? Can Social Workers Remove Children from Their Parents?
It is a common misconception that social workers have the power to remove children from their families. In reality, it is much more complicated. The removal of a child from their family is a very serious matter and, in most cases, can only be forced by having an order from the Family Court. There are…
Family Law Surge Drives Major Middlesbrough Expansion for Ison Harrison
Press Release – September 2026 Leading law firm Ison Harrison is to quadruple the size of its Middlesbrough operation and significantly expand its regional team, driven by a surge in demand for family law and domestic abuse legal services across Teesside. Just twelve months after opening its doors in the region, the firm will take…
Contesting a Will: The Main Grounds, Evidence Needed and Early Steps to Take
Discovering that a loved ones will does not reflect what you expected can be upsetting and confusing. You may have been left out unexpectedly, received much less than you anticipated, or simply feel that something about the circumstances in which the will was made doesn’t seem right. In some cases, there may be legitimate reasons…
Settlement Agreements Explained: What Every Employee Should Know Before Signing
Settlement agreements are often associated with workplace disputes, but in reality, they are commonly used in a wide range of employment situations, including redundancies and mutually agreed exits. In a recent episode of The Legal Compass podcast, Employment Solicitor Sanjay Rall discussed the practical realities of settlement agreements and explained why employees should never assume…
5 Tips for Simplifying the Divorce Process
Going through a divorce can often be a very difficult time, filled with complicated emotions and upheaval. This does not mean that the mundane practicalities of the legal divorce process have to be difficult, however. In recent years, the divorce procedure has been made more straightforward and less antagonistic by the introduction of No Fault…
£325,000 Personal Injury Settlement Secured After Client Was Previously Advised to Accept £110,000
Personal injury solicitor Simon Helliwell has secured a £325,000 settlement for a client who suffered significant and permanent injuries in a serious road traffic accident. The client approached Ison Harrison following a recommendation from a relative after she and her family became concerned about the advice she had received during the handling of her claim…
What Happens If an Executor Fails to Carry Out Their Duties?
An executor is someone appointed in a person’s will to carry out the terms of that will. It is a significant responsibility, and if the executor does not fulfil their duties properly it can cause a huge amount of disruption to the process of dealing with the estate of the person who has passed away….
Menopause in the Workplace: Employer Responsibilities and Legal Considerations
In recent years, there has been growing recognition of the ways in which menopause can negatively affect women in their working lives. In 2024, we highlighted new guidance that had been issued by the Equality and Human Rights Commission surrounding menopause symptoms in the workplace. And with ever-increasing acknowledgment of these difficulties, it is important…
A Balanced Look at Recognition, Evidence and Early Intervention in Cases Where Alienating Behaviour Is Suspected
It is not uncommon for tensions to arise between separated parents which can have an unfortunate knock-on effect on the relationship between a child and one of their parents. In some cases, there can be concerns that a child’s unexplained reluctance, resistance and refusal to spend time with a parent can be explained by a…
The Experienced Team Behind Our Military Injury Claims Service
Military claims are unlike most other personal injury cases. They require an understanding of military life, specialist legislation, the Armed Forces Compensation Scheme and the unique challenges faced by serving personnel, veterans and their families. As more members of the Armed Forces community seek legal advice following service-related injuries and illnesses, building a team with…
Assigning and Subletting a Commercial Lease: Legal Risks and Landlord Consent
Commercial leases do not always run their full course with the original tenant. Businesses relocate, expand, downsize, restructure, or sell their operations. When this happens, assigning or subletting a commercial lease can provide flexibility, but it is rarely as simple as handing over the keys. Both tenants and landlords must understand the legal and commercial…
Immigration Rule Changes from July 2026: A Guide for Applicants and Families
If you’re planning to make a UK immigration application this summer, it’s worth checking whether the latest Immigration Rule changes could affect you. The Home Office has published a new Statement of Changes to the Immigration Rules, with amendments taking effect from 30 July and 3 August 2026. Some of the updates clarify existing rules,…
Child Arrangements and the Pathfinder Approach, Putting Children First After Separation
Child Arrangements and the Pathfinder Approach, Putting Children First After Separation When parents separate, one of the most important issues to resolve is what happens in relation to the children. This can include where a child lives, how much time they spend with each parent, and how important decisions about their welfare are managed. In…
How to Negotiate on Price During a Property Transaction
Practical tips for buyers when survey or search results reveal unexpected issues Negotiating the purchase price of a property is often part of the conveyancing process, particularly when new information comes to light. In England and Wales, the agreed price is not legally binding until exchange of contracts, which means buyers can renegotiate where survey…
Statement on Behalf of the Family of Ricky Swindells Regarding His Death Following Contact with Greater Manchester Police
The family of Ricky Swindells are devastated by his death following contact with Greater Manchester Police in Salford on 24 July 2026. Ricky was 28 years old. He was a much-loved son, brother, uncle and friend, and his loss has left his family heartbroken. The Independent Office for Police Conduct is now investigating the circumstances…
Common Types of Professional Negligence and How to Seek Compensation
When you instruct a professional to help you with something, you expect them to get it right. Whether it’s a surveyor in a house purchase, an accountant giving tax advice, or a solicitor helping you with a legal case, you rely on their judgment and skills to get the job done properly. So if things…
Your Roles and Responsibilities as a Trustee and How to Administer a Trust Properly
Acting as a trustee is often seen as an honour. It usually means someone trusts you to look after their assets and carry out their wishes. However, many people don’t realise that becoming a trustee also brings important legal responsibilities. If a trust is not administered properly, trustees can, in some circumstances, be held personally…
The Legal Implications of Remote Working for UK Businesses
Years after the Covid-19 pandemic, remote working remains an important fixture of the UK employment landscape. Whilst the proportion of employees who work remotely has fallen from the days of lockdowns and social distancing, ONS figures from May 2026 suggest that working from home (in some form) remains in the lives of roughly 41% of…
What to do if a Property Dispute Delays a House Sale
Delays can be all too common when buying or selling a house. Searches, surveys, title defects – they can all take time to resolve. But when a dispute arises in connection with a house sale, it can feel a lot more serious and uncertain. If you’re a buyer, property dispute delays can put your plans…
Maternity Review Misses Vital Coroner Data, Renewing Reform Calls
Press Release – July 2026 A prominent clinical negligence and inquest specialist has warned that a landmark review into England’s maternity services risks costing lives by completely ignoring evidence from coronial investigations. The independent investigation into maternity and neonatal services in England, published by Baroness Amos, followed a government-ordered rapid review into deep-seated safety concerns….
How Equity Release Can Affect Your Property and Your Estate
Equity release is increasingly being used by homeowners to unlock the value tied up in their property without having to sell or move. For many, it provides greater financial flexibility in retirement, allows them to support children or grandchildren financially, or releases capital for home improvements or other investments. However, equity release is far more…
Yorkshire Legal Powerhouse Breaks New Ground with Landmark Manchester Expansion
Press Release – July 26 One of the North’s fastest-growing law firms is expanding outside its traditional home territory for the first time in its 48-year history. Ison Harrison, which was founded in 1978, has officially opened its 27th regional office, choosing the heart of Manchester’s commercial district for its historic first move into the…
Indefinite Leave to Remain Through Marriage Explained
Indefinite leave to remain (ILR) is the process through which a person is granted permanent settlement status in the UK, and is most commonly used by spouses and partners of British citizens or already settled people. Being granted with ILR means there are no further immigration time limits or visa extensions for a person and…
Keeping Your Will Up to Date: Life Events That Should Trigger a Review
A will is not a document you prepare once and file away. It should evolve alongside your personal circumstances, your assets, and your intentions. Failing to keep a will up to date can result in unintended consequences for your loved ones and, in some cases, may render parts of the will ineffective altogether. In England…
Divorce and the Family Home: What Are Your Legal Rights?
What happens to the family home can be one of the most contentious issues in a divorce or when dissolving a civil partnership. If a dispute arises, knowing the legal rights you have over the home can help you to understand what is and isn’t reasonable when agreeing a financial settlement This blog will give…
The Impact of Higgs v Farmor’s School: What Employers Need to Know
The Court of Appeal’s decision in Higgs v Farmor’s School has become one of the most significant recent developments in employment law relating to belief discrimination, freedom of expression, and workplace conduct. For employers across England and Wales, the case provides important, and practical, guidance on how to manage risk when employees express controversial views,…
Breast Cancer Survivors Demand Inquiry into Failings at County Durham and Darlington NHS Foundation Trust
A letter of apology from County Durham & Darlington NHS Foundation Trust acknowledged patients’ harrowing experiences of poor care following an investigation spanning more than ten years. The poor service within the breast care team provided by CDDFT led to many patients suffering delays in diagnosis of cancer, undergoing unnecessary surgical procedures, and in some…
Why Your Digital Assets Should Form Part of Your Will
When people make a Will, they usually think about their home, savings and personal possessions. However, a significant part of a person’s wealth, memories and important information now exists online. From email accounts and social media profiles, to online banking, cryptocurrency, subscriptions to music and tv streaming service and photos, digital assets are becoming an…
Donna Ockenden Review Highlights Systemic Maternity Care Failures at Nottingham University Hospitals Trust
The Donna Ockenden Independent Maternity Review was published yesterday after nearly four years of investigation into Nottingham University Hospitals (NUH) NHS Trust’s maternity services. The publication of the final review marks a significant moment for families affected by maternity care failings at Nottingham University Hospitals Trust. The review follows years of concerns about patient safety,…
Emily Moore Inquest [Rolling Coverage]
A jury is hearing evidence at Crook Civic Centre as the inquest into the death of Emily Moore examines the circumstances surrounding her care and death while she was under the care of Tees, Esk and Wear Valleys NHS Foundation Trust (TEWV). Emily, from Shildon, died in February 2020 aged 18. Her death has been…
Lease Extensions: Your Rights to Extend Your Residential Lease
For many leaseholders, particularly those who own flats, a lease is one of their most valuable assets. However, as the lease term reduces, it can affect the property’s value, make mortgages harder to obtain, and create difficulties when selling. Understanding your right to extend your lease can help protect both your home and your investment….
Spouse Visa Refused? Common Reasons and What to Do Next
You can feel devastated and helpless if your spouse has been refused a visa, particularly when you have spent a long-time preparing information and gathering documentation, and believed you had done everything correctly. In these circumstances you may find yourself separated from your partner and children and feeling confused and anxious about what the future…
Ison Harrison Named Law Firm of the Year as Rapid North East Expansion Drives Growth
Press release – June 2026 Leading law firm Ison Harrison has been named Law Firm of the Year at the Northern Law Awards (NLA), marking a major milestone in its expansion strategy across the North East. The accolade, in the category of law firm with under 50 employees in the North East region, comes during…
Why High Net Worth Divorces Require More Than Family Law Advice: A Coordinated Approach To Protecting Complex Family Wealth
Divorce is rarely just a legal process. In high net worth asset cases, it often involves complex financial arrangements, significant assets and important decisions that can affect both immediate outcomes and long-term financial security. For individuals with significant wealth, the stakes are higher and the margin for error is smaller. Business interests, pensions, investments, trusts,…
Pros And Cons of Carrying Out Commercial Property Searches
When buying, leasing or refinancing commercial property, one of the key decisions you need to make early on is whether to carry out commercial property searches as part of the wider commercial conveyancing process. For some transactions, searches are seen as non-negotiable. In others, parties may question whether they are strictly necessary, particularly where there…
Slip, Trip and Fall Accidents at Work: When Can You Claim?
Slip, trip and fall accidents at work are among the most common causes of workplace injury across England and Wales. From wet floors and trailing cables to uneven surfaces and poor lighting, everyday hazards can quickly lead to serious harm. If you have been injured in a workplace accident that was not your fault, you…
What Happens if a Family Court Order Is Ignored? Understanding Enforcement Options
When family arrangements break down, having a court order in place can be a relief at what can feel like the end of a long process. For some parents and former partners, however, if a court order is ignored, delayed or partially complied with, this can bring additional stress when parties are trying to move…
Ison Harrison Secures South Yorkshire Foothold With New Regional Office
Press release – June 2026 Leading employee-owned law firm Ison Harrison has extended its reach into South Yorkshire with the launch of a new, fully staffed branch in Penistone. The opening marks the 25th office for the expanding regional firm and its second new location of the year, following the recent establishment of a city…
Nottingham University Hospital’s Trust Still Requires Improvement
A recent BBC Panorama documentary, Maternity Failures: The Fight for Justice, highlighted the ongoing struggles families have faced trying to obtain answers into maternity failings they suffered at Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust (NUH). Sadie Simpson, an inquest specialist and clinical negligence solicitor, has represented several families affected by the failings at NUH’s maternity services….
Ison Harrison Achieves Silver Award in the Armed Forces Covenant Employer Recognition Scheme
Ison Harrison is proud to announce that it has been awarded the prestigious Silver Award as part of the Defence Employer Recognition Scheme (ERS), recognising the firm’s ongoing commitment to supporting the Armed Forces community. The Defence Employer Recognition Scheme celebrates organisations that actively demonstrate their commitment to the Armed Forces community. Through its Bronze,…
Can You Be Dismissed For Social Media Posts? UK Law Explained
Social media is an enormous part of many people’s lives, and for many businesses and institutions it is also a key pillar of their marketing and public relations strategies. It is perhaps unsurprising then that employers are increasingly conscious of what their employees are posting online – both inside and outside work. Is this overstepping…
Who Counts as Vulnerable in Family Law? And How Legal Aid Can Help in Bradford
Please be aware that this blog discusses sensitive and distressing topics such as domestic and sexual abuse. If you are suffering any form of abuse, there are resources which can help, including the National Domestic Abuse Helpline and Samaritans. Protection is something that we expect from the law, especially in situations where we feel vulnerable…
A Long Wait for Answers: Reflections on the Inquest of Nicholas “Nicky” Markham
After more than two years of waiting, the inquest into the death of Nicholas “Nicky” Markham has finally concluded. For his family, this was not simply a legal process, but a long, painful struggle to understand how a much‑loved son, partner and brother died while in the care of a mental health service. Nicky died…
Restraining Orders vs Non-Molestation Orders: Understanding the Difference
When a relationship breaks down or domestic abuse comes to the surface, the law offers several routes to secure protection. Two of the most common are Restraining Orders and Non-Molestation Orders. At first glance they may appear similar since both are designed to prevent harmful behaviour, but in practice they operate in different legal arenas…