Ridley & Hall Solicitors - Huddersfield

11/06/2026

Happy Pride Month 🏳️‍🌈

At Ridley & Hall, being an inclusive and welcoming firm is part of who we are. We are proud to support the LGBTQ+ community and to be involved in our local Pride events each year.

We are looking forward to celebrating at Leeds Pride and Huddersfield Pride this July. Keep an eye on our page to see what we get up to and how our team is getting involved.

👉 Follow us for updates and join us in celebrating Pride across our communities.

05/06/2026

There’s been some really important news this week about the rights of unmarried couples 👇

For years, family lawyers have been saying that the law simply hasn’t kept up with modern relationships - and we’re finally seeing steps towards change.

Our family Partner and Solicitor, Emma Hopkins Jones has written a short blog explaining what’s been announced and why it matters, particularly for women and children who are often the most affected when cohabiting relationships break down.

This is something she has been passionate about for a long time, both through her work with Resolution's Cohabitation Committee and contributing to national conversations around reform.

If you’re living with a partner (or supporting someone who is), it’s really worth understanding where the law currently stands - and what might be changing.

💬 You can read the full blog here:

Today has brought a significant and long awaited development in family law. The Ministry of Justice has unveiled proposals to strengthen the legal rights of unmarried couples, acknowledging what family lawyers have been saying for many years: the law has not kept pace with modern relationships.

04/06/2026

A fantastic event for the family team in Barnsley with the launch of our Empowering Women through Divorce service. Please save the 14th July at 12.30pm for the Huddersfield launch if this groundbreaking service which aims to provide clarity and confidence to empower women to make choices about their future.

01/06/2026

⏳ Did you know executors often have a full year before beneficiaries can expect to receive their inheritance?

This is known as the “executor’s year” and it plays an important role in estate administration. But what does it actually mean for beneficiaries and what should you expect during that time?

Our latest blog breaks down:
• What the executor’s year is
• Why delays can happen
• When concerns may be justified
• What beneficiaries can do if they are worried

If you are waiting on an estate or want to better understand the process, this is a must-read.

👉 Read the full blog here: https://ridleyandhall.co.uk/the-golden-year-for-executors-what-beneficiaries-need-to-know/

📩 Get in touch with our team if you need advice or reassurance on 0800 860 62 65 or by email on [email protected]

Are you a beneficiary who is concerned about a lack of progress in relation to a loved one’s estate? Perhaps months have passed since the funeral, you have heard very little from the executors, and you are beginning to wonder whether the delay is normal or whether something is wrong.

28/05/2026

From first call to final outcome, every interaction matters.

We are incredibly proud to share this feedback, recognising the full client journey:
⭐ Helpful, responsive first conversations with Clair, Adam and Josh
⭐ Clear, compassionate advice from Emma Shinn
⭐ Professional support every step of the way

"Very comprehensive and professional."

"Compassionate… I felt supported and heard."

It is a team effort, and it is exactly how we believe clients should be looked after.

If you need advice, our team is here to help.

26/05/2026

⚠️ Applying for a UK spouse or partner visa in 2026?

Even strong applications can be refused if the evidence is not prepared correctly.

Common issues we see include:
❌ Financial documents that do not match
❌ Not enough proof of your relationship
❌ Inconsistencies across your application

In our latest blog, we explain exactly what you need and what to avoid, including a clear evidence checklist to help you get it right first time.

👉 Read the full guide: https://ridleyandhall.co.uk/uk-spouse-partner-visa-requirements-2026-evidence-checklist-common-refusal-reasons/

If you need support with your application, our Immigration team is here to help.

Yorkshire solicitors. Nationally renowned, client-focused. Legal 500 recommended. 24/7 free live chat. Services: Divorce, Children, Wills, Probate, Property, Inheritance Disputes.

25/05/2026

🌼 May Bank Holiday notice 🌼
Our offices will be closed today, Monday 25th May.

We hope everyone enjoys the bank holiday and makes the most of the spring break.
We will be back and ready to help from Tuesday.

22/05/2026

We’re proud of Katarzyna Zatorski for attending OPOKA’s First National Conference last week, focused on supporting victims of domestic abuse within the Polish community in the UK.

Kasia said:
“I felt deeply humbled by the survivors’ stories and truly inspired by their courage and strength in taking steps to protect themselves and their children.”

A powerful and important event highlighting the impact of coming together to support those who need it most.

21/05/2026

The Government has recently announced further support for families navigating separation, including extending the Family Mediation Voucher Scheme and introducing new online tools to assist parents in making decisions about their children.

The voucher scheme now continues to offer up to £500 towards the cost of mediation, reinforcing the growing focus on Non-Court Dispute Resolution helping families resolve issues without the stress, delay and cost of court proceedings.

Mediation can be a really effective option: it’s often quicker, less confrontational and more cost-effective, while still allowing you to get independent legal advice alongside the process.

Alongside this, new digital tools including the Child Arrangement Planner are now available to help parents explore and consider practical arrangements for their children. These tools are a helpful starting point, but they can’t replace tailored legal advice. That’s where we come in.

At Ridley & Hall’s Family Team, we work alongside these resources to make sure you feel fully supported:

1. Clear advice on your options from the outset
2. Guidance on what arrangements are realistic and in your child’s best interests
3. Support through mediation and negotiations
4. Strong representation if court becomes necessary

Our priority is helping you achieve the best outcome for you and your children, in the least stressful way possible. If you’re separating or struggling to agree arrangements, don’t wait for things to escalate. Contact Ridley & Hall’s Family Team today for clear, practical advice and support from the very beginning.

If you need advice, please contact us on 0800 860 62 65 or by email at [email protected]

https://www.gov.uk/government/news/families-spared-time-and-money-during-separation-thanks-to-government-action

Measures will help separating families save cash and settle childcare issues more easily.

20/05/2026

Our Associate, Nicki Butterworth and family had a fantastic time at the Farnley Festival on Saturday.

She attended as Ridley & Hall Solicitors were proud to be one of the event sponsors.

The festival, which is only in its second year of running, had live entertainment from local bands throughout the day and a variety of small local businesses, including lovely stalls from Cece & Me and Florence and Flamingo. Kate and Noah’s Ark with their adorable and unusual animals was an absolute hit for the children. At the entrance to the event was another hidden gem, the Field, the menu looks delicious and worth a visit if you are in the area!

The festival helped raise funds for some incredible local causes including Forget Me Not Children's Hospice, The Kirkwood,
Farnley Tyas C of E School and Farnley Tyas Bowling Club .
A huge well done to everyone involved in organising such a successful community event. It’s always inspiring to see so many people come together to support organisations that make such a difference.

Already looking forward to next year!