MJP Law

01/09/2026

Prenuptial and postnuptial agreements are often misunderstood. You may have heard they are unromantic or only for the wealthy.

However, agreements can help you have clear, honest conversations about money, property, and what each person expects in the future.

A prenup is made before marriage.
A postnup is made after marriage.

They can be particularly useful where there are:

• Family businesses
• Inherited assets
• Second marriages
• Children from previous relationships
• Unequal contributions
• Property owned before the marriage

It is important to get proper advice, so the agreement is fair, and everyone knows what is being agreed to.

At MJP Law, we help you decide if a prenup or postnup is right for you and make the process clear and comfortable.

27/08/2026

Myth: You only need a solicitor when something goes wrong

Truth: Early legal advice can actually prevent more problem.

We can help you
• Understand what you are signing
• Avoid unclear agreements
• Protect your position before a dispute starts
• Make sure documents reflect your intentions
• Plan for future changes
• Spot risks you may not have considered

This is true whether you are buying a home, separating, writing a Will, sorting out child arrangements, or dealing with property ownership.

Getting advice early is not about creating conflict. It is often about stopping problems before they start.

At MJP Law, we aim to make things clear, so you can make good decisions before small issues turn into big ones.

25/08/2026

Do you think of a ‘Lasting Power of Attorney’ as something only for later life? They are about so much more than you think, and preparing this document is why families often wish they had completed it earlier.

A Property and Financial Affairs LPA can allow trusted people to help with money, bills, bank accounts and property.

A Health and Welfare LPA can help with decisions about care, medical treatment and wellbeing if you cannot make those decisions yourself.
Without LPAs, families may need to apply to the Court of Protection before they can act, which can take time and create stress when decisions are already urgent.

Choosing your attorneys is not just a formality. It is about choosing people who understand you, can work together, and will act in your best interests.

We want to be there for you.

20/08/2026

When a relationship ends, it is more common for people to think court is the only next step
But in many family law cases, court is no longer the first or only option.

There is a strong focus on Non-Court Dispute Resolution (NCDR).

NCDR means finding ways to agree without going to court. This might be through mediation, solicitor negotiation, collaborative law, or arbitration for financial matters.

The aim is to help separating couples resolve issues in a more constructive and less adversarial way, where it is safe and appropriate to do so.

This is especially helpful for parents, who often need to keep talking and making decisions together after the legal process is over.

Of course, court is still necessary in some cases, especially where there are safeguarding concerns, domestic abuse, urgent risks, or complex disputes that need a judge’s decision.

Our latest blog explains:
• What NCDR means
• When a MIAM may be required
• Why family courts encourage alternatives to litigation
• When court may still be the right route
• How a solicitor can support you before, during and after mediation

If you are separating or sorting out child or money matters, knowing your options early can make everything feel less stressful.

At MJP Law, we regularly assist clients navigating the difficult process of separation, divorce, and child arrangements. One clear trend in recent years is the increasing use of non-court dispute resolution methods as a first step in resolving family law issues.

18/08/2026

Buying a home shouldn’t feel like solving a puzzle with missing pieces. But too often, buyers are left in the dark until late in the process.

In June 2026, the government published a home buying and selling reform roadmap. The goal is to make sure buyers get high-quality information earlier in the process.

The message is clear: better information upfront means fewer surprises, less stress, and more confidence in your decisions.

Expect clearer details about property condition, leasehold or freehold status, charges and restrictions, building work and permissions, search information, and material issues that could affect the sale.

Of course, this doesn’t replace the need for careful conveyancing. In fact, it makes your choice of conveyancer more important than ever. A good conveyancer will not just pass documents on. They will explain what those documents mean, what needs checking, and what could affect your decision.

Find out how MJP Law can help you navigate the new home buying landscape.

13/08/2026

When parents separate, there is always one question that dominates all others:
“What happens with the children?”

It is never just about who has them and for how many nights; great child arrangements are built on practical details too.

School runs, clubs and activities.
Handover times and items that move between homes.
Holidays and travel arrangements.
Birthdays and extended family occasions.
Passports and paperwork.
Communication agreement if plans need to change.

The clearer these points are, the less stress and confusion for everyone involved.
Every arrangement should centre on your child’s welfare, routine, and stability, while staying realistic about work, travel, and school commitments.

At MJP Law, our Family Law team guides parents through these decisions, offering calm, practical support every step of the way.

Children thrive when the adults around them have a clear, thoughtful plan.

11/08/2026

Are You Selling Your Home After Many Years? Here’s What You Need to Know
If you have lived in your home for years, selling can seem simple. You know your property, what work has been done, your neighbours, and your area.

But buyers and their solicitors now require more paperwork than ever.
Laws, forms, and expectations often change. You may be asked for documents you haven’t thought about in decades.

Here are some common documents you might need:
• Building regulation certificates
• FENSA certificates
• Planning permissions
• Guarantees for works
• Boiler installation records
• Leasehold or estate charge information
• Details of disputes or notices

Missing paperwork? There are still practical solutions. Don’t panic and don’t guess. Expert help is available.

Thinking of selling? Connect with our conveyancing team early. Get ahead, avoid surprises, and make your move with confidence.

06/08/2026

Well done to our Private Client team!

04/08/2026

Buyers assume that owning a freehold property means total freedom to change or use your home as you wish.

That’s not always the case.

Freehold properties may still have covenants, restrictions, rights of way, estate charges, and shared area contributions attached. This could mean limits on home alterations, parking rules, requirements to maintain boundaries, or payments for private roads and green spaces.

The issue is not simply whether those rules exist.

The key is to know what these rules require, if they’ve ever been breached, and how they could affect your plans as a new owner.

At MJP Law, our conveyancing team reviews every title carefully and lays out the practical impact in plain English.
That way, before you buy, you know exactly what you’re taking on.

30/07/2026

Divorce Is One Process. Finances Are Another.

A divorce ends the marriage. But it does not automatically end the financial connection.

For the people who only realise this after the fact, can have a real shock.

If there is no court-approved financial order, future claims can still be made, even after the divorce is final.

That is why a financial settlement matters.
A financial settlement can cover property, savings, pensions, income, debts, and future claims. Sometimes, it includes a clean break order to give both people certainty and a fresh start.

At MJP Law, our Family Law team explains the process in plain English and helps you understand exactly what still needs to be resolved after separation.

Ending a marriage is one step. Securing your financial future is just as important.
Protecting your financial future is another.

Find out more how we can help you by visiting our website.
https://www.mjplaw.co.uk/family-law