Security for Costs in UK Litigation: What International Businesses Need to Know
In UK litigation, a defendant can apply for an order requiring the claimant to provide security for costs — a financial guarantee to cover the defendant’s legal costs if the claim fails. This is especially relevant for international claimants, including those based in China. When Can Security for Costs Be Ordered? A UK court may […]
Immigration Rules HC836 – A Summary of the Latest Immigration Changes
A suite of important immigration rule changes are set to take effect in July 2025 (Immigration Rules HC836) marking a significant shift across several key areas of the UK’s immigration framework. The amendments highlight a more flexible residence test under the EU Settlement Scheme (EUSS), corrections to the Private Life route for children and young […]
Who Gets to Keep the Dog in a Divorce? A Recent Case Sheds Light
While one might typically expect the most contentious financial issues in a divorce to involve the family home or a business, the case of FI v DO [2024] EWFC 384 instead centred on the ownership of a golden retriever puppy and who gets the dog in a divorce. To many people, pets are like family […]
R v BMJ – Risks of Criminal Records for Victims of Human Trafficking and Modern Slavery
During their immigration application, many clients are concerned about a sensitive but realistic question: “If I have prior criminal records, will it impact my application? If I was forced to participate in a crime, would it still be possible to reverse the case?” Such situations are not infrequent in practice, especially in cases involving drugs […]
National Housing Bank Launched by Government to Deliver 500,000 homes
The Ministry of Housing, Local Government and Communities has announced the launch of a publicly owned National Housing Bank, which aims to build over 500,000 new homes. With the UK dealing with a problem-stricken housing sector which includes issues such as millions stuck on social housing waiting lists, a shrinking private rental sector, and the […]
Changes to the Sponsorship Guidance and Future Shift to eVisas for Study and Work Routes
As of 29 May 2025, the Home Office updated its Sponsorship duties guidance and Student and Child Student guidance. From 15 July 2025, further developments are anticipated in how entry clearance is granted for overseas applicants under work and study routes through eVisas. We previously covered how the government’s Immigration White Paper will affect international […]
Waller-Edwards v One Savings Bank Plc: Remortgage Money Used for Ex-Wife’s Divorce Payments
In a judgment delivered on 4th June 2025, the Supreme Court gave lenders a stark reminder: just because two people borrow together, it does not mean they are borrowing equally, especially when only one of them is cleaning up their tangled finances. By Wai Ling Chin Background The case, Waller-Edwards v One Savings Bank Plc, […]
Welcome Laura, Samson and Louis
As Lisa’s Law Solicitors continues to expand, we recently welcomed three new colleagues to the firm. Laura Zhang and Louis Lim add to our growing Conveyancing department, while Samson Chu joins our Family and Wills and Probate team. Get to know each of them in the profiles below. Laura Laura Zhang is a dedicated legal […]
Migration Advisory Committee Publishes Family Visa Financial Requirements Review
Last week, the Migration Advisory Committee (MAC) published its report on the Minimum Income Requirement (MIR) for family visas. The MAC proposed that the MIR should not be matched to the skilled worker route. They also suggested different calculations that could be used instead for family visa financial requirements and made recommendations to improve the […]
Post completion fees for buying leasehold residential property
Purchasing a leasehold property often involves lengthy legal procedures that may be unfamiliar, especially for first time buyers. Several post completion fees arise after the purchase has been completed, typically requiring payments to the freeholder or the management company (or their managing agent). This article explores the usual post completion fees associated with buying a […]