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Legal Insights & Guides

Plain English answers to real legal questions

Practical legal guides written by the Barrister Connect team, covering family law, employment, property disputes and more.

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Legal Guide
Legal Guide

How to dispute a service charge as a leaseholder

Service charges in leasehold properties are one of the most common sources of dispute between leaseholders and landlords. The law gives leaseholders strong protections, including ...

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Barrister Connect 04 August 2026 5 min read

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Latest guides
Legal Guide
Legal Guide

What is an FHDRA in child arrangements proceedings?

The First Hearing Dispute Resolution Appointment (FHDRA) is the first court hearing in most child arrangements cases. ...

03 August 2026
Legal Guide
Legal Guide

How to use a CPR Part 35 expert report in a boundary dispute

Boundary disputes are among the most stubborn legal disputes a property owner can face. They turn on detailed facts, ...

31 July 2026
Legal Guide
Legal Guide

What is an MPTS hearing and how much does barrister representation cost?

The Medical Practitioners Tribunal Service (MPTS) hears fitness to practise cases involving doctors. For a doctor ...

30 July 2026
Legal Guide
Legal Guide

Why You Should Not Rely on AI to Build Your Legal Argument

Why You Should Not Rely on AI to Build Your Legal Argument

29 July 2026
Legal Guide
Legal Guide

What is a hearing bundle?

How to Prepare a Hearing Bundle: A Step by Step Guide for Direct Access Clients

28 July 2026
Legal Guide
Legal Guide

What is an Inheritance Act claim by an adult child?

The Inheritance (Provision for Family and Dependants) Act 1975 allows certain people to apply to the court for ...

21 July 2026
Browse by area of law

Family Law

Divorce, children & domestic matters
All family guides →
01 Can I Change My Child's Surname After Separation? 02 How to enforce a child arrangements order when contact is being blocked 03 What happens at a final hearing in financial remedy proceedings? 04 Direct Access for Child Arrangements: Why Families Are Choosing Barristers Directly 05 What Is a CAFCASS Safeguarding Check and What Does It Cover? 06 How to Prepare for Your First Meeting with a Divorce Barrister

Employment Law

Dismissal, discrimination & tribunal claims
All employment guides →
01 What is a remedy hearing in an employment tribunal? 02 What does a barrister cost for an employment tribunal hearing? 03 How to respond to a tribunal disclosure request 04 What Is Constructive Dismissal and Do You Have a Claim? 05 What Is Whistleblowing and What Protection Does the Law Offer? 06 Can I Use a Direct Access Barrister for an Employment Tribunal Instead of a Solicitor?

Property & Landlord Law

Possession proceedings, eviction & disputes
All property guides →
01 What is a Section 146 notice and how does lease forfeiture work? 02 What is a Section 26 notice and how does commercial lease renewal work? 03 What Are Property Searches and Why Do They Matter in a Dispute? 04 How to enforce a restrictive covenant against a neighbour 05 What Is a Service Charge Dispute and How Do Leaseholders Challenge One? 06 What Is an Easement and How Can It Affect Your Property?

Probate

Wills, estates & inheritance disputes
All probate guides →
01 How Long Does Probate Litigation Take in UK Courts? 02 Early Advice on an Estate Dispute Before Grant of Probate 03 What to Do If an Executor Refuses to Distribute an Estate 04 How much does it cost to contest a will with a direct access barrister 05 Inheritance Tax: Reliefs and Redemptions 06 What Are Intestacy Rules? UK Law on Dying Without a Will

Commercial Law

Contracts, business disputes & claims
All commercial guides →
01 Boundary Disputes Explained: What Are Your Legal Options? 02 What evidence do you need at a possession hearing for rent arrears 03 How does adverse possession work in England and Wales 04 How to Complete a Section 8 Notice: A Guide for Landlords (2025) 05 How to Complete a Section 21 Notice: A Guide for Landlords (2025) 06 How to Claim Adverse Possession: A Step-by-Step Guide

Direct Access

Hiring a barrister directly without a solicitor
All direct access guides →
01 What can a direct access barrister do if I have a hearing this week? 02 Last-minute barrister representation when a solicitor withdraws 03 How much does a barrister cost for a half-day hearing? 04 How Direct Access Barristers Help Landlords Save on Legal Costs 05 Direct Access Barristers for Landlord and Tenant Disputes: A Practical Guide 06 What Is Whistleblowing and What Protection Does the Law Offer?
New to Direct Access?
Direct Access
Direct Access

What is Direct Access and can I instruct a barrister without a solicitor?

Most people do not know they can hire a barrister directly. This guide explains what Direct Access is and when it makes sense to use it.

Essential guide
Direct Access
Direct Access

Barrister vs solicitor: what is the difference and when do you need each?

They are both qualified lawyers but they do different things. This guide breaks down the distinction in plain English.

Essential guide
Direct Access
Direct Access

How much does a barrister cost and how are fees calculated?

Pricing is the most common question we receive. This guide gives honest, indicative cost ranges by case type and hearing.

Essential guide