FAQs

At J J Taylor & Co Solicitors, we know legal issues can be confusing — especially if it’s your first time dealing with them.
Here are straightforward answers to the questions our Northern Ireland clients ask most often.

Conveyancing – Buying or Selling Property

How long does it actually take to buy a house from start to finish?
Most purchases take 8–12 weeks, but it can be quicker or slower depending on surveys, mortgage offers, and the seller’s situation.

Do I have to pay you before the house purchase is complete?
You’ll pay a small amount up front for searches, with the balance due at completion.

Will you tell me if there’s something wrong with the property before I buy it?
Yes — we’ll flag any legal issues, but you’ll still need a surveyor to check the property’s physical condition.

How does the Co-Ownership scheme work in Northern Ireland?
Co-Ownership lets you buy part of a home (usually 50–90%) and pay rent on the rest. You can buy more shares over time until you own it outright.

How much Stamp Duty Land Tax will I pay if I buy a home in 2025?
It depends on the price, whether you’re a first-time buyer, and if you already own another property. We’ll calculate the exact amount for you before you commit.

What kind of properties don’t qualify for Co-Ownership?
Homes needing major repairs, without central heating, or above the £210,000 limit won’t qualify.

💬 Thinking of buying or selling? Our conveyancing team can guide you from offer to completion — with clear costs and no hidden surprises.

Probate – Dealing with Someone’s Estate

How long does probate take in Northern Ireland?
Simple cases can take 3–6 months; more complex ones often take a year or more.

Can I still sell the house while probate is going through?
You can market it, but the sale can’t complete until probate is granted.

Do I have to use a solicitor for probate, or can I do it myself?
You can do it yourself, but most people use a solicitor to save time, reduce stress, and avoid mistakes.

How do I start looking for my late parent’s pensions or life insurance policies?
Check their paperwork, emails, and bank statements for clues, and use tracing services. We can handle this search for you.

Do I need a Grant of Probate before contacting pension providers or insurers?
Sometimes — some providers will give basic information without it, but most will need to see the Grant before paying out.

What happens if we find an asset after the estate has already been distributed?
It may have to be added to the estate and shared out again. We can guide you through the process.

💬 Dealing with a loved one’s estate? Let us handle the paperwork and legal process so you can focus on your family.

Wills – Planning for the Future

Can I leave my house to my children but let my spouse live in it until they pass away?
Yes — this can be set up in your Will using a life interest arrangement.

Does my Will cover my possessions abroad?
Not always — you may need a separate Will in the country where the assets are.

Where should I keep my Will so it doesn’t get lost?
With your solicitor, in a fireproof safe, or at the Probate Office’s Will Safe service.

Should I update my Will if my circumstances change?
Yes — after marriage, divorce, having children, or major financial changes, your Will should be reviewed.

Can I write my own Will, or should I use a solicitor?
You can write it yourself, but mistakes can make it invalid. Using a solicitor ensures it’s done correctly.

What happens if I die without a Will in Northern Ireland?
The law decides who inherits your estate, which may not match your wishes.

💬 Need a Will or thinking of updating yours? We can draft a legally sound Will that protects your family and your wishes.

Powers of Attorney – Appointing Someone to Act for You

Can I still make my own decisions if I have a Power of Attorney in place?
Yes — you keep control until you no longer have mental capacity, unless you’ve chosen to let the attorney act sooner.

Does a Power of Attorney stop when the person dies?
Yes — after death, the Will takes effect instead.

How much does it cost to set up a Power of Attorney?
There’s a court registration fee plus legal fees if you use a solicitor — we can give a clear quote.

What’s the first thing I should do after being appointed under a Power of Attorney?
Read the document carefully and understand exactly what powers you have.

How do I find out exactly what powers I’ve been given?
They’re listed in the Power of Attorney document — we can explain anything unclear.

Who do I need to notify once I have a registered Power of Attorney?
Banks, pension providers, utility companies, and anyone else you’ll be dealing with on the donor’s behalf.

💬 Setting up or acting under a Power of Attorney? We’ll make sure you understand your rights and responsibilities every step of the way.

Litigation – Disputes & Legal Proceedings

Will I have to go to court for my case?
Not always — many disputes are settled before reaching court.

How much will it cost me if I lose?
You may have to pay some or all of the other side’s costs, depending on the case.

Can I settle my case without going to court?
Yes — settlement is often quicker, cheaper, and less stressful.

If I tell my solicitor something, can they repeat it to anyone?
No — it’s confidential, except in rare cases such as preventing a serious crime.

Are there situations where my solicitor must tell the authorities what I’ve said?
Yes — if the law requires it, such as suspected money laundering or threats of harm.

Can my spouse access my legal file during a dispute?
No — your file belongs to you, and we won’t share it without your permission.

💬 In a dispute? Our litigation team can protect your position and help you reach the best possible outcome.

Cryptocurrency – Tax & Legal Issues

Do I have to pay tax if I get paid in crypto?
Yes — HMRC treats it as income at the value in pounds on the day you receive it.

Can HMRC see what’s in my crypto wallet?
They can request information from exchanges and use blockchain analysis to track activity.

Is moving my crypto between wallets taxable?
No — unless you sell, swap, or spend it in the process.

Do I have to pay tax if I made a small profit trading crypto?
If your gains are above the annual tax-free allowance, yes.

How do I keep track of my crypto trades for Capital Gains Tax purposes?
Keep detailed records of each transaction — date, amount, value, and fees.

Can I offset my crypto losses against gains to reduce tax?
Yes — losses can reduce your taxable gains if reported to HMRC.

💬 Trading or investing in crypto? We can help you stay compliant and avoid tax pitfalls.

Miscellaneous – Inheritance Tax & Farming

Do I pay Inheritance Tax on money I get from my parents while they’re alive?
Not immediately — but it may be taxable if they die within seven years of giving it to you.

Is life insurance included in my estate for tax purposes?
Yes — unless it’s written in trust, in which case it’s usually outside your estate.

Can I give my children money every year without paying tax?
Yes — you can give up to £3,000 a year tax-free, plus small gifts for birthdays or Christmas.

How will the Agricultural Property Relief changes in 2026 affect passing my farm to my children?
They may reduce the amount of your farm’s value that’s free from Inheritance Tax, so early planning is vital.

Should I gift farmland now before the rules change?
Possibly — but gifting too early can create other risks. We can weigh up the pros and cons.

How is a farm valued for Inheritance Tax purposes?
A professional valuer assesses the market value at the date of death or gift.

💬 Concerned about Inheritance Tax? We can help you plan ahead to protect your family’s future and minimise tax.