MJP Law

16/06/2026

We are delighted to receive this review from a recent client, thank you.

"Professional, Efficient, and Highly Recommended.

I had an excellent experience with this solicitor. They were professional, supportive, and helpful from start to finish.

They recommended a great barrister and provided clear, practical advice throughout.

They took the time to explain anything I didn’t fully understand and made sure I knew how everything worked within the family court process. Thanks to their guidance, I achieved the result I was hoping for.

A special thank you to Georgia, Amanda, and Claudia, who were all incredibly helpful and supportive throughout.

I would highly recommend their services."

11/06/2026

A covenant is simply a legal promise about land. In conveyancing, they usually fall into two categories:

1) Restrictive covenants
These are promises not to do something, for example, no caravans on the drive, no business use, or no extensions without consent. These can bind future owners, so they can still matter years after the covenant was first written.

2) Positive covenants
These are promises to do something, for example, maintain a boundary fence or contribute to the upkeep of a private road or green space. The key point is that positive covenants do not automatically pass to new freehold owners in the same way restrictive covenants do. They often need a mechanism to bind the next owner, commonly a Deed of Covenant or a title restriction requiring the buyer to enter the covenant on completion.

One practical note that surprises people: the Land Registry title does not always neatly label covenants as “positive” or “restrictive”. Often, the register points you to the deed where the wording sits, and you may also see a restriction on the title that effectively forces the covenant to be taken on when the property is sold.

If you are buying, the important question is not “are there covenants?” but “what do they actually require, who can enforce them, and have they been breached?”

09/06/2026

Knowing the Difference Helps You Act Faster!

Non-molestation, occupation, restraining orders, they sound similar but serve very different purposes.

It’s easy to mix up different types of protective orders, which can slow down the process of getting the right help.

A non-molestation order protects against harassment, threats, or intimidation.

An occupation order determines who stays in or returns to the family home and on what terms.

The best option depends on safety, living arrangements, and whether children are involved. Even if things seem calm most of the time, living together after separating can quickly raise tensions.

Knowing your options and getting advice early can make a big difference and help keep everyone safe.

If you need guidance on protective orders email [email protected] for confidential advice.

04/06/2026

What does “Good Service” Looks Like?

Good legal service is not loud. It is clear, steady, and reliable.

Clients often tell us the hardest part is uncertainty, not the law itself.

Good service means plain-English explanations, written clarity on what is included, realistic guidance, and consistent updates. It also means being able to ask “basic” questions without feeling rushed.

Whether you are moving home, planning for later life, or dealing with a family change, the experience should feel supportive and structured.

The best outcomes are often built on communication, not complexity.

02/06/2026

Deputyship: When There Is No LPA

When someone loses capacity, and there’s no LPA in place, families are often faced with applying for a Deputyship Order.

A Deputyship Order from the Court of Protection lets someone step in and manage the affairs of a person who can’t make decisions for themselves.

This is often needed to handle money, pay bills, or make important choices.

Applying takes time and involves dealing with court paperwork, providing evidence, and ongoing duties after the appointment. That’s why many people set up LPAs in advance, to avoid future stress and delays.

If you must apply for Deputyship, getting good advice early makes a real difference and helps you stay on top of your responsibilities.

28/05/2026

Separated: But We Still Live Together

More couples these days choose a 'soft separation.'

This means ending the relationship but continuing to live in the same home for some time.

It can be the most practical choice when children, finances, or housing make moving out right away impossible.
But without clear boundaries, it can lead to problems that could be avoided.

Our latest blog covers what to look out for and how to protect yourself and your family, including:
• Considering the financial responsibilities
• How living together affects divorce under the no-fault system
• How to reduce confusion for children
• Practical steps to prevent resentment and disputes
• Why early advice can save stress later

If this sounds familiar, or you think it could be your situation soon, be sure to have a look.

Read the full blog here:

Not every separation means someone moves out immediately. More couples are choosing what we call a “soft separation” deciding to end the relationship but staying under the same roof for a while. It can make practical sense, especially when children, finances, or housing come into play.

26/05/2026

A few things that are easy to keep meaning to sort and never quite do.

With Bank Holiday at the end of the week why not start getting things done.

Here are 6 things that are worth a quiet five minutes:

1. Your Will - Do you have one? Is it up to date? Marriage, divorce, a new child, a new property, any of these can affect what your current will does (or doesn't) do.

2. Lasting Powers of Attorney - There are two types: financial and health & welfare. Both matter. Neither takes long to set up. Most people don't have either in place.

3. Your mortgage - When does your current deal end? If it's within the next 12 months, it's worth knowing your options before you slip onto a standard variable rate.

4. Your property - If you co-own a home, do you know whether you hold it as joint tenants or tenants in common? It affects what happens to your share upon your death.

5. Beneficiaries and executors - Do the people you'd want to handle things know that? Have you told them where your documents are?

6. A conversation you've been putting off - Sometimes the most useful thing on a life-admin list isn't a form or a document. It's a conversation with a partner, a parent, or a sibling.

Knowing where you stand is a good place to start.

If any of these have raised a question, our team will help you identify the right person for a straightforward chat.

21/05/2026

Family Matters!

Our Family Law team can assist you in the following areas:

 Relationship breakdown - including divorce, separation agreements, and financial arrangements

 Child maintenance and arrangements following separation/divorce

 Protective orders - such as non-molestation and occupation

 Protecting your future - including pre-nuptial, post-nuptial, and cohabitation agreements

We also offer a free, no-obligation, 30-minute phone consultation for all new clients.

19/05/2026

Want to make probate easier?

You may think probate is just paperwork, but the reality is that it surprises even the most organised executors.

After years of helping families with probate, we’ve learned it’s rarely as straightforward as people hope.
Executors often start out thinking it’s a simple checklist, but quickly run into property valuations, HMRC forms, asset collection, and debt settlement. When property needs to be sold, there’s even more to coordinate.

Add in the possibility of missing beneficiaries or family disagreements, and it’s easy to feel overwhelmed.

We offer support at any stage, whether you want one-off advice or someone to handle the whole process.

Our goal is to make things clear, organised, and less stressful for families.

14/05/2026

Great time had by all at the BBQ on the Green in Sturminster Marshall! 🌭☀️

We were delighted to sponsor such a fantastic community event and see so many people enjoying the day.