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…
Ison Harrison named among the UK’s top ten best places to work by The Sunday Times
Press Release – March 2026 Leading Yorkshire law firm Ison Harrison has secured a prestigious national accolade after being named one of the top ten employers in the UK in the “Best Big Places to Work” category by The Sunday Times. The definitive nationwide workplace survey, developed in partnership with leading employee experience platform WorkL,…
Ison Harrison Trustee Robert Camp Shortlisted for ‘Trustee of the Year’ Award
Ison Harrison are delighted to share the news that Robert Camp, our independent trustee, is a ‘Trustee of the Year’ finalist at the 2026 UK Employee Ownership Awards. With a presence from the beginning, Robert took up their role as independent trustee when Ison Harrison converted to employee ownership in 2022. A qualified solicitor with…
Coroner Rules That Article 2 Is Engaged: Statement On Behalf Of The Family Of Edie Grace Smart
On Thursday 24 July 2025, during the summer school holidays, Edie Grace Smart and a friend were enjoying a summer’s day at the seafront in their hometown of Whitley Bay. They were sitting on some steps when Edie was suddenly taken into the sea by a large wave. Edie’s family want to begin by paying…
Q&A Interview with Sarah Magson & Alistair Smith for Mental Health Awareness Week 2026
As part of Mental Health Awareness Week 2026, we are interviewing Alistair Smith and Sarah Magson, personal injury solicitors at our Middlesbrough branch. They have been supporting the call for a public inquiry into the Tees, Esk and Wear Valleys NHS Foundation Trust (TEWV), which has now been confirmed, and they work with families from…
Legal Aid for Family Law in Bradford: 3 Things Local Families Need to Know
Family matters that result in legal disputes can be stressful and challenging. It can be intimidating to deal with other parties, courts and lawyers; many people find this overwhelming. Having legal representation will support a party through this. When a person does not have the financial means to pay for a family law solicitor is…
Broken promises and continued failings: families demand urgent action as Government drifts on TEWV Public Inquiry
Press Release – May 2026 Relatives and patients affected by serious failings at Tees, Esk and Wear Valleys (TEWV) NHS Foundation Trust have voiced growing anger at the continued delay to a promised public inquiry, with legal representatives at Ison Harrison warning that the lack of progress risks undermining confidence in the Government’s commitment to…
How Families Can Seek Answers After Mental Health Care Failings
Mental Health Awareness Week 2026 will be happening from Monday May 11th to Sunday May 17th, and the 2026 theme is ‘Take Action’. The focus is predominantly on improving a person’s mental health, but is very appropriate given the intense scrutiny surrounding the Tyne, Esk and Wear Valleys (TEWV) NHS Foundation Trust statutory public inquiry,…
How Legal Aid Supports Families Through Court Proceedings in Bradford
Concerns over solicitors fees and meeting the costs of legal proceedings can often be a barrier to pressing forward with a family law matter. It can feel overwhelming to consider taking a family law matter further when you are already in a difficult situation and cannot meet the possible costs of a legal case. This…
Key Takeaways from Recent High Court Decision on Military Hearing Loss Claims
A recent High Court decision in Abbot and others v Ministry of Defence has set out new guidance on how hearing loss claims involving military service personnel should be approached. Currently the case forms part of wider group litigation, but its implications are significant for any current or former service personnel who may be considering…
Why Now Is the Right Time to Put a Lasting Power of Attorney in Place
Recent media commentary on the subject of financial planning has brought an important but still underutilised legal safeguard into the spotlight. It has highlighted the need for us to not only manage our money now, but plan ahead and put protections in place, in case the unexpected should happen. This week, consumer finance expert Martin…
How Social Workers Decide if a Child is at Risk
When social services first contact a family, it can be unsettling. Parents often feel confused, anxious or like they are being judged. However, social services’ main focus is the welfare of the child and the process is guided by a clear legal framework. Understanding how social workers approach a situation can make a significant difference…
4 Things To Know About Inheritance Tax Changes
Inheritance Tax (IHT) rules are changing, with important reforms having recently taken effect from April 2026 and further changes to follow in April 2027. These developments may affect many families, business owners, and farmers across Yorkshire and beyond. Understanding what is changing now gives you time to review your plans and avoid unexpected tax issues…
Legal Due Diligence When Buying Commercial Property: What Is Often Missed
Buying a commercial property, whether as an investment or for owner occupation, always requires careful legal due diligence. The process is designed to uncover risks that could affect value, future use, or your ability to dispose of the property at a later date. Yet despite the checks most buyers expect, there are areas that are…
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…