MJP Law

15/10/2026

Unmarried couples do not have the same rights as married couples. There is no such thing as "common law marriage".

This year the government has been consulting on giving cohabiting partners more protection if they separate, and on inheritance rights if a partner dies without a Will. It is a consultation, so nothing has changed yet.

What that means in real life today:
• Owning a home in one name can leave the other partner with limited rights
• Contributions to a mortgage or renovation may need to be proved
• A partner may not inherit automatically if there is no Will

A cohabitation agreement and up-to-date Wills can give you clarity now, whatever happens with reform.

At MJP Law, we help couples put practical protection in place before problems arise.

If you live with a partner and are unmarried, a conversation now is easier than an unnecessarily awkward disputes later.

13/10/2026

Own a property abroad? Your UK Will may not cover it.

Land and buildings are usually governed by the law of the country where they sit. That is why a separate Will there can make things simpler for your family.

There is one catch. A carelessly worded UK Will can accidentally revoke your foreign Will.

In our latest blog, we explain:
• Why a local Will matters
• How to keep your UK and foreign Wills working together

Read the full blog here: https://www.mjplaw.co.uk/blog/estate-planning-for-clients-with-property-abroad

If you own property overseas, our team in Wimborne and Kinson are always happy to help.

Owning property abroad requires careful estate planning to ensure compliance with local laws and simplify the administration of your estate in that country. A will specific to the foreign jurisdiction ensures that the property is distributed according to your wishes while adhering to the legal requ

08/10/2026

Non-Molestation Orders and Occupation Orders: What You Need to Know

Protective orders can sound similar at first, but they serve different purposes, and it is common to apply for both together.

A non-molestation order protects you from harassment, threats, intimidation, or abusive behaviour. It is focused on personal safety.

An occupation order decides who can live in the family home, who may be asked to leave, and how the home is used. This order addresses living arrangements and access to the property.

Where safety is a concern, applying for both at the same time often gives you the fullest protection, covering your personal safety and your right to remain in the home.

The right approach depends on your unique situation. Things to consider include any history of abuse, whether children are involved, who currently lives in the home, and what level of protection is needed right away. It is essential to seek advice promptly. If you feel unsafe, delaying action can make the situation more difficult.

At MJP Law, our Family Law team handles protective orders with sensitivity and urgency, ensuring your safety and peace of mind remain our priority.

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OUR SERVICESFamily Law MJP Law are experts in family law with services including divorce, child contact, financial settlement and pre-nuptials. Our friendly team of solicitors will help you with your case.We aim to provide practical solutions in resolving family related issues as promptly and amicab...

06/10/2026

Timing is everything for homeowners & sellers when it comes to lease extensions. The earlier you act, the more value you protect and the smoother your move will be.

Did you know a short lease can shrink your property’s value and limit mortgage options?

Acting early can expand your buyer pool, increase your sale price, and make your property more attractive to lenders, but sometimes negotiating with buyers and letting them extend is the smarter move. Every situation is unique, and the right strategy depends on your lease length, ground rent, and the current market.

At MJP Law, will review your title, landlord profile, and costs, then give you a clear, jargon-free roadmap. If you’re already mid-transaction, we’ll coordinate lease extension steps seamlessly with your conveyancing, ensuring nothing stalls your sale.

Our mission: protect your property’s value and keep your move progressing.

Ask about our lease extension service:

[email protected]

Save this post for the link to more information on leasehold properties

Our Conveyancing team regularly deal with leasehold conveyancing. Some questions they often get asked are: Why is my flat leasehold? What does it mean? What does it mean if my flat is “share of freehold”? Read on to find out.

01/10/2026

29/09/2026

Complimentary Half-Hour Phone Consultation

All new family law clients can take advantage of a complimentary, no-obligation half-hour telephone consultation with our family law experts.

To schedule an appointment, please contact us at 01202 842929 or [email protected].

24/09/2026

Local Legal Support across Dorset. Legal advice should feel approachable, not intimidating.

At MJP Law, we support clients across Dorset from our offices in:
• Wimborne
• Kinson

Each office is part of the same joined-up team, offering clear advice across key areas including conveyancing, family law, Wills, probate and estate planning.

For many clients, local matters. It means being able to speak to real people, understand the process, and feel supported by a firm that knows the area and the community.

Whether you are moving home, planning for the future, or dealing with a family issue, the first step is often just knowing who to speak to.

22/09/2026

Estate planning for blended families: Why clear decisions matter. Blended families are increasingly common, bringing unique estate planning challenges.

The law does not always reflect what feels fair or expected. If you have children from previous relationships, stepchildren, a new partner, or want to protect assets for different people, a simple Will may not be enough.

Common questions include:

• Should your partner be able to stay in the home?
• Should children inherit immediately or later?
• Do stepchildren need to be provided for specifically?
• What happens if your partner remarries?
• Who should act as executor?
• Would a trust be appropriate?

These conversations are not always easy but having them early ensures that everyone understands your wishes and helps avoid confusion later.

Good planning can protect relationships as well as assets.

17/09/2026

Legal reform is all over the news. But how does it affect you and your daily life?

Recent months have brought legal updates that impact families, homeowners, landlords, tenants, and those planning for the future.

We have seen discussions around:
• Reform of the home buying and selling process
• Changes affecting landlords and tenants
• A greater focus on resolving family disputes outside court where appropriate
• Continued debate around cohabiting couples and financial rights
• More emphasis on digital systems across parts of the justice system

Legal news can often feel distant and irrelevant. However, these changes may quickly become personal and significant.

They may affect how you sell your home.

What happens if you separate.

Whether you are protected as an unmarried couple.

How a rented property is managed.

What information you need before signing documents.

Here is what matters most: A legal headline only matters if you understand how it applies to your own circumstances.

At MJP Law, we help you cut through the jargon and understand the practical steps you may need to take. Whether you are moving home, dealing with a family issue, planning for the future, or simply trying to make an informed decision, we are here to help.

14/09/2026

Last week we had an amazing day at Bulbury Woods Golf Course, where we sponsored the charity golf day organised by Derek J Rolls, one of our fantastic estate agent introducers.

The event was raising money for the Stroke Association, a cause that means a lot to so many families, where we managed to raise £800!

A brilliant result, and a pleasure to support Derek J Rolls and everyone who took part.