Ridley & Hall Solicitors

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.

05/06/2026

Look our for our next Empowering Women Campaign launch event to be held at South Elmsall.

For more information and to book your place click here: https://www.trybooking.com/uk/GMKX

03/06/2026

We welcome the attempts to keep more children out of the care system by supporting kinship carers and by seeking to expand the number of foster carers.

Our experience is that there still needs to be a significant change in the approach of Local Authorities to families seeking support for kinship care. For far too many potential carers, they face a battle with social services who are determined to characterise blatant kinship care arrangements as “private family arrangements”. Ridley and Hall provide much-needed specialist legal advice for kinship carers.

Commenting Nigel Priestley MBE said, “We are currently in the High Court fighting for a grandfather wanting support for his emotionally damaged grandson where the Local Authority Legal Services has overridden its own admittance that they played a fundamental part in placing the child and controlling what was to happen to him.

We work with foster carers who have been wrongly de-registered after false allegations have been against them. Until Local Authorities recognise the need to support their own foster carers, the numbers of such carers will fall not rise.

CPD accredited public sector news, comment & analysis for Civil Servants responsible for building, shaping and delivering transformational public services. The UK's No1 Public Sector Magazine.

02/06/2026

⭐ Client feedback ⭐

We are always grateful to hear from our clients, and recent feedback for our South Elmsall Residential Property team really reflects what we aim to deliver every day.

From first-time buyers to long-standing clients, we are proud to provide:
💬 Clear and regular communication
🤝 A friendly and understanding approach
⚖️ Professional and efficient support throughout

Thank you for your kind words and continued trust in Ridley & Hall.

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.

29/05/2026

Can “bad behaviour” actually affect your divorce settlement?

Most people are told it does not. But that is not always the full picture.

New case law suggests courts may take serious conduct into account where it would be unfair to ignore it, especially in cases involving abuse or financial control.

If you are going through a separation, this could have a real impact on your outcome.

Read our latest blog to understand what this could mean for you:
👉 Read more: https://ridleyandhall.co.uk/spouses-behaving-badly-when-conduct-can-affect-financial-settlements/

If you need advice, our Family 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.

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.

27/05/2026

Two extra days to give back. One big difference to our community. 💙

At Ridley & Hall, our colleagues get two paid volunteer days each year to support the communities we’re proud to be part of.

Shelly from our South Elmsall Residential Property team recently used her volunteer day to help Disability Sport Yorkshire:

“I had a fantastic day volunteering alongside many other like-minded individuals to improve the Recreation Centre. I felt very proud to play a small part in helping Disability Sport Yorkshire and the community as a whole.

I would encourage more people to lend a hand to small charities as they rely on goodwill to continue their fantastic work.”

It’s brilliant to see the difference these days can make. 👏

Find out more about the day here:
👉 https://wearewakefield.org.uk/we-are-wakefield-volunteer-day-at-disability-sport-yorkshire-thursday-14-may/

Know a local charity doing amazing work? Tag them below or share how you’ve supported your community.

We Are Wakefield Disability Sport Yorkshire

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.