Ben Hoare Bell LLP

18/02/2026

📢 Mental Health Act reforms take effect today

From today (18 February 2026), the first changes under the Mental Health Act 2025 come into force. These reforms begin the process of modernising mental health law, with an increased focus on patient autonomy, dignity, and ensuring detention is therapeutic.

Further changes will follow over the coming years as the Act continues to evolve.

If you or someone you care for is affected by these changes and needs advice or legal representation, our specialist mental health solicitors are here to help.

📞 Contact us on 0191 275 2626

17/02/2026

🥞 Pancake Day at Byker! 🥞

There was a lovely buzz around our Byker office today as the team got into the Pancake Day spirit! Freshly made pancakes were on the menu, with plenty of toppings to choose from - from the traditional lemon and sugar to some sweeter treats.

It’s always nice to take a break, enjoy some good food, and spend time together as a team.

We hope you’ve all been enjoying your Pancake Day too!

***eBell

09/02/2026

🏠Cohabiting couples – what are your rights?

If you’ve separated from your partner and weren’t married, you may be unsure whether you’re entitled to a share of the home or whether you have the right to remain living there. In England and Wales, there is no such thing as a “common-law marriage”, and simply living together does not create automatic property rights.

That said, you may still have a claim depending on factors such as financial contributions, agreements between you, or your circumstances following the separation.

👉 Read our full blog to understand how property and occupancy rights can apply to unmarried couples: https://www.benhoarebell.co.uk/unmarried-but-living-in-the-same-house-what-are-my-rights/

If you need advice tailored to your situation, our family law team is here to help.
📞 0191 565 3112 | 📧 [email protected]

Unmarried couples are not automatically awarded the same rights as married couples. There is no such thing as ‘common-law marriage’.

07/02/2026

⚖️ What are Section 21a proceedings in the Court of Protection?

If a person is deprived of their liberty in a care home or hospital under a DoLS authorisation and is objecting to their placement, the matter can be reviewed by the Court of Protection under Section 21a proceedings.

The court will consider whether the placement should continue or if a less restrictive option may better meet the person’s needs. Family members may also be able to take part in the proceedings.

👉 Read our full blog to find out how Section 21a proceedings work and who can be involved: https://www.benhoarebell.co.uk/what-are-section-21a-proceedings-in-the-court-of-protection/

If you need specialist advice, our Court of Protection team is here to help.
Contact us on 0191 5653112

If a person objects to a placement an application will be made under section 21a of the Mental Capacity Act 2005 to the Court of Protection.

05/02/2026

⚠️ Medomsley Detention Centre Compensation Scheme Still Open

The compensation scheme for survivors of physical abuse at Medomsley Detention Centre remains open. However, it is now entering its sixth year, and it is unclear how long it will continue.

Ben H***e Bell has represented over 500 survivors through this scheme. While compensation can never undo the harm caused, it is an important acknowledgement of the abuse suffered.

If you were abused at Medomsley and have not yet made a claim, we strongly encourage you to seek advice as soon as possible.

📞 Contact our specialist team on 0191 565 3112
📧 [email protected]

The Medomsley Detention Centre Physical Abuse Settlement Scheme set up to provide compensation to survivors of physical abuse remains open.

03/02/2026

☀️ Looking forward to making summer holiday plans?

If you’re separated or divorced, it’s important not to leave arrangements for your children until the last minute. Sorting things out early can help avoid unnecessary stress for everyone involved.

Our latest blog explains what you need to know about taking children abroad and whether consent is required.

👉 Read the blog here: https://www.benhoarebell.co.uk/do-i-need-my-partners-consent-to-take-our-children-abroad/

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

Whether you can take you child on holiday without their father’s consent depends primarily on who has parental responsibility.

03/02/2026

Applications are now open for the North East Solicitor Apprenticeship starting in September 2026.

This 6-year programme offers aspiring solicitors the opportunity to gain paid employment while earning a law degree from Northumbria University- combining hands-on experience with academic study.

📅 Application deadline: 13 February 2026
🔗 Apply here: https://app.geckoform.com/public/ #/modern/21FO0085t9bf7e00ain2o24q13

If you’re considering an alternative route into law, this could be the perfect opportunity.

03/03/2025

We are delighted to say that Rosa Beswick-Maddocks and Yasmeen Afzal have been admitted as qualified solicitors.

We are thrilled that they will stay with the firm on qualification and will start to build up their own specialist caseload.

Rosa has qualified as a solicitor within our Actions against Public Authorities department and Yasmeen has qualified within our Family Law department.

We wish them the best of luck as they continue on in their careers.

03/03/2025

Trainees start their Period of Recognised Training at BHB

We are pleased to announce that two existing members of Ben H***e Bell LLP have taken the next step in their legal career with the firm this week.

Lilly Ord and Olivia Colby have commended their ‘Period of Recognised Training’ (formerly known as a Training Contract) with the firm.

This is an exciting time for them and for the firm as we help them to become qualified solicitors of the future.

Lilly is based in our Actions against Public Authorities & Personal Injury Department and Olivia is based in our Family department.

14/02/2025

16/01/2025

🥁 And the Gingerbread Street People's Choice Award champion is...

Ben H***e Bell LLP's 'The Courthouse'!

Huge congratulations to Lauren Taylor and the team at Ben H***e Bell for capturing the hearts of voters with your incredible build.

Describing their build, the team said: 'We decided to build a Gingerbread Courthouse as this is a vital part of any community to ensure justice and to resolve any disputes between the Gingerbread people. We wanted the Courthouse to look classic and elegant to represent a traditional court buildings we have in our society.'

Thank you to everyone who voted for your People's Choice Award.

All of the entries to Gingerbread Street are currently on display in The Biscuit Factory until 27 December - pop along and see all the creations for yourself.