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Monday 9am - 5:30pm Tuesday 9am - 5:30pm Wednesday 9am - 5:30pm Thursday 9am - 5:30pm Friday 9am - 5:30pm

Carter Bells LLP

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Carter Bells LLP

Carter Bells is a modern firm with traditional values and has been serving Kingston and its surrounding areas for 159 years. We are fair and transparent.

We are experienced and have specialised knowledge. We work in our clients’ interest.

15/10/2026

Can someone really become the legal owner of land simply by occupying it for long enough?

Adverse possession, sometimes referred to as "squatter's rights", can allow someone to apply to be registered as the owner of land where strict legal requirements are met. For registered land, an application can generally be made after 10 years of adverse possession, but the registered owner is usually notified and has an opportunity to respond.

It is a complex area and far less straightforward than the nickname suggests.

Read our guide through the link below.

https://www.carterbells.co.uk/services/dispute-resolution/dispute-resolution-guides/what-is-adverse-possession-an-explanation-of-the-reality-behind-squatters-rights/

14/10/2026

What does a Notary Public actually do?

A Notary Public is a specialist lawyer whose principal role in England and Wales is authenticating documents for use abroad. This can involve verifying identity, witnessing signatures and carrying out a formal notarial act so that a document can be relied upon overseas.

Notarial work is a separate legal profession, even though many notaries are also solicitors.

At Carter Bells, this service is provided by Partner Richard Bland, a qualified Notary Public who assists both individuals and businesses with documents requiring notarisation and, where necessary, legalisation.

Find out more about the process and what you may need to provide through the link below.

https://www.carterbells.co.uk/services/wills-trusts-probate/notary-public/

08/10/2026

Property ownership can change without a house being sold.

A transfer of equity is the legal process used when someone is added to or removed from the ownership of a property. It may be needed following a change in relationship, family arrangements or financial circumstances.

There can also be mortgage, tax and lender requirements to consider, so it is important to understand the wider implications before the transfer is completed.

At Carter Bells, our Residential Property team can guide you through the process and provide clear advice based on your circumstances. Get in touch to find out how we can help.

07/10/2026

Buying business premises is a major commitment, and the legal checks go well beyond agreeing the price.

Depending on the property, issues such as title, rights of access, restrictive covenants, planning and permitted use, searches and funding requirements may all need to be considered before you commit.

Identifying potential issues early can help you understand whether the property will work for the way you intend to use it.

Here at Carter Bells, our Commercial Property team advises businesses and investors on buying and selling commercial property. Get in touch with the team if you are considering your next property move.

06/10/2026

National Work Life Week is a useful reminder of the importance of balancing professional and personal responsibilities.

Flexible working can play an important part in achieving that balance. Employees have a legal right to request flexible working, while employers must consider each request reasonably and follow the correct process.

Whether you are an employer looking to put clear and consistent procedures in place, or an employee who would like to understand your rights, our Employment Law team can provide practical advice tailored to your circumstances.

Get in touch with Carter Bells to find out how we can help.

01/10/2026

Legal needs rarely fit neatly into one part of life.

A house move may coincide with a change in family circumstances. A business decision can raise questions about property or disputes. Planning for the future may involve both personal and financial considerations.

Based in Kingston upon Thames, Carter Bells brings together a range of legal expertise to support individuals, families and businesses through these different stages. With roots in the local community stretching back to 1858, we combine long standing experience with a modern and practical approach focused on each client’s needs.

To learn more about Carter Bells and how we can support you, follow the link below.

https://www.carterbells.co.uk/

24/09/2026

Here at Carter Bells, we really appreciate the kind feedback shared by our clients.

“We were dealt with professionally with kindness and promptly.”

Thank you to our client for taking the time to leave this review, and well done to Elaine Guy for this lovely feedback.

22/09/2026

Fun fact of the month!

Did you know a property can acquire a legal right to light through its windows?

Under the Prescription Act 1832, a right to light can arise where natural light has been enjoyed through a window or other opening for 20 years without interruption, subject to certain conditions.

This can become particularly important when a neighbouring property is extended or developed, as planning permission does not automatically override an established right to light.

A surprisingly specific property right that can have a very real impact on development plans!

18/09/2026

Next Friday, on 25 September, Carter Bells will once again be hosting a Macmillan Coffee Morning to raise funds for Macmillan Cancer Support.

Lukas Lyons, a paralegal in our Private Client department, is organising this year’s event, and we look forward to spending time together over coffee and cake in support of a cause that means a great deal to our team.

Following the sad loss of our colleague, Valerie, to cancer last year, supporting Macmillan has particular significance for us. Valerie will be in our thoughts as we raise funds to help the charity continue providing support to people living with cancer and their families.

Our thanks to Lukas and everyone helping to make the morning possible!

17/09/2026

Making or updating a Will is an important part of planning for the future.

It allows you to set out how you would like your estate to be handled and who you would like to benefit. It is also important to review your Will when your circumstances change, for example following a marriage, divorce, the birth of a child or a significant change in your finances.

In England and Wales, getting married or entering into a civil partnership can revoke an existing Will unless certain exceptions apply, so keeping your Will up to date is important.

Our Wills, Trusts and Probate team can help you put the right arrangements in place and review them as your circumstances change. Get in touch to find out how we can help.

https://bit.ly/3SvFCLB

Address

Kings Stone House, 12 High Street
Kingston Upon Thames
KT11HD

Opening Hours

Monday	9am - 5:30pm
Tuesday	9am - 5:30pm
Wednesday	9am - 5:30pm
Thursday	9am - 5:30pm
Friday	9am - 5:30pm

Website

http://www.carterbells.co.uk/

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Nuevo Lawyers Ltd
Quadrant Court, 49 Calthorpe Road, Edgbaston, Birmingham

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