Glossary

An Assured Shorthold Tenancy (often shortened to AST) is the most common type of private rental agreement in England and Wales. It’s typically used when a landlord rents out a residential property as someone’s main home.
Most ASTs begin with a fixed term, usually six or twelve months. After that, landlords can seek possession of the property using a Section 21 notice, or the tenancy could either roll on as a periodic tenancy or be renewed with a new fixed-term contract if both parties are happy.

The tenancy sets out key terms like rent, responsibilities for repairs, and what happens to the deposit.

A Building Preservation Order (BPO) is a legal notice issued by a local planning authority to protect a building that’s considered to have special architectural or historic interest. It’s often used when a building isn’t officially listed but is at risk of alteration or demolition.
Once a BPO is in place, the owner must get permission before carrying out any works that might affect the building’s character – even for things that wouldn’t usually need consent. These orders can sometimes be temporary while the council considers full listing, but they carry real weight in preventing damage to important heritage.

Child support maintenance is the financial support paid by one parent to the other to help with the cost of raising a child after separation or divorce. It’s usually paid by the parent who doesn’t live with the child most of the time to cover everyday expenses like food, clothing, housing and school needs.

The amount can be agreed privately between the parents, or arranged through the Child Maintenance Service if needed. While it’s often a practical arrangement, it can sometimes lead to disputes – especially if circumstances change or payments aren’t being made. In any case, it’s about ensuring the child’s needs come first, no matter the relationship between the parents.

A disciplinary is the formal process an employer follows when there are concerns about an employee’s behaviour or performance at work.
It’s usually set out in the company’s policies and might be used for issues like repeated lateness, misconduct, or not meeting expected standards. The process often starts with an investigation, followed by a meeting where both sides can have their say. From there, the employer will decide whether action is needed – anything from a warning to, in serious cases, dismissal.

Handled properly, a disciplinary isn’t about ‘punishment’ – it’s about making sure workplace standards are clear, fair and consistent for everyone involved.

A disbursement is a cost your solicitor pays to a third party on your behalf as part of a legal matter. Disbursements usually aren't part of your solicitor's legal fees – it’s a separate, out-of-pocket expense that’s charged back to you at the exact amount paid.

If you’re buying a house, for example, your conveyancing solicitor will need to cover the cost of local authority searches, Land Registry fees, or management pack charges in the first instance, then charge you after (usually post-completion). In a court case, it might include things like court fees, medical report costs, or expert witness charges.

Disbursements should always be clearly listed on your bill, so you can see exactly what you’re paying for. They’re usually non-refundable, even if your case doesn’t go ahead, so it’s a good idea to check these costs upfront.

The equal sharing principle is a key concept used by the courts when dividing finances after divorce or civil partnership dissolution. It’s based on the idea that both parties have made equal contributions to the marriage – whether financial or non-financial – so any assets built up during the relationship should be split equally.
This doesn’t mean everything is always divided 50/50. The court will consider the specific circumstances of each case, including the couple’s needs, the welfare of any children, and whether there are any reasons to depart from an equal split – such as one person needing more support.

But, as a starting point, equality is the default approach, especially in longer marriages or where both parties have played an equal role, even if in different ways.

Force majeure is a contractual term that's used describe unexpected or uncontrollable events that stop one or both parties from meeting their obligations. This might include things like natural disasters, strikes, wars, or government actions – essentially, anything outside the control of the parties involved.

A force majeure clause will often differ from contract to contract, depending on the nature of the business(s) involved, so if the clause is a feature in your business contract it’s important to check what exactly actually covers. If you’re unsure about your position or facing a potential dispute, it’s wise to seek legal advice and discuss your existing contracts with a specialist solicitor as soon as possible.

A guardian is someone who’s legally appointed to make decisions or take responsibility for another person when they’re unable to do so themselves – most often a child, but in some cases, an adult with limited capacity.
In family law, guardians are usually appointed to care for a child if their parents have died or can’t look after them. This might be set out in a Will (known as testamentary guardianship) or appointed by the court. Guardians take on long-term responsibility for the child’s upbringing, including decisions about their education, healthcare and living arrangements.

There are also other types – like a Children’s Guardian (through CAFCASS), who represents the child’s welfare in court, or special guardians, who take on the role while keeping a link with birth parents. For adults lacking capacity, a welfare guardian may be appointed to make key decisions about daily care and medical needs.

The HRA stands for the Human Rights Act 1998 – a UK law that protects your basic rights and freedoms. It puts legal duties on public bodies like the police, courts, NHS, and local councils to respect and protect those rights in everything they do.
The Act covers things like your right to family life, freedom of expression, liberty, and protection from inhuman treatment. It’s often used in cases involving housing, care decisions, or where public services may have overstepped.

Although it doesn’t usually apply directly in private disputes, it still helps shape how UK laws are interpreted – especially when rights and fairness are in question.

Generally, 'indemnity' is the security or protection against a potential loss. In law, it's when one party agrees to cover another’s losses or liabilities if certain things go wrong. It’s a common feature in contracts and insurance policies, where one side agrees to take on the financial risk if a particular event happens.

For example, indemnity insurance is designed to protect businesses or professionals from claims made against them - like covering the costs of legal fees or compensation if a mistake is made. It's common in conveyancing or commercial property, covering specific risks relating to things like a lack of planning permission or building regulations for property changes.

The exact terms can vary, so it’s important to check what’s covered in your contract or policy, as this can make a big difference if you ever need to make a claim.

To instruct simply means giving someone direction or asking them to carry out a task. In a legal setting, when you instruct a solicitor, you’re formally asking them to act on your behalf.
Generally, it's usually the moment you formally hand over a legal matter for them to deal with, whether that’s buying a home, drafting a Will, managing a divorce or resolving a dispute. From there, they’ll take responsibility for the work, keep you updated, and guide you through each step.

It’s not just about giving advice – it’s about representation, trust, and making sure everything is handled the right way.

A joint Will is a single legal document made by two people – usually a married couple or civil partners – that sets out how they want their estate to be handled when they’ve both passed away.
Unlike mirror Wills, where each person has their own Will with similar wishes, a joint Will is one shared agreement. That means once the first person dies, the terms of the Will usually can’t be changed – even if circumstances change later on. This can feel reassuring to some couples but restrictive to others, especially if there’s a need to adapt things in future.

Joint Wills are relatively rare these days and can sometimes lead to complications, so it’s important to get tailored legal advice before deciding if it’s the right option for you.

A key person is someone whose role is considered critical to a business – usually because of their specialist knowledge, experience, or influence. If they were to leave, retire, or become unable to work, the business could face serious disruption.
In legal or financial terms, you’ll often hear the phrase when lenders, insurers, or investors assess the risk tied to one individual. For example, if a business depends heavily on its founder or lead negotiator, that person might be seen as a 'key person' in contracts or funding agreements.

Some companies also take out key person insurance to help protect against that risk, giving them a financial buffer if something unexpected happens. While it’s not a legal title, it does often comes with legal and financial implications.

King's Counsel (abbreviated to KC) is a senior lawyer, often a barrister or solicitor, who has been formally recognised for their excellence in advocacy (often holding a significant amount of experience in complex cases or within their specific area of law). They’re known for taking on the more serious or high-profile cases, either working on behalf of solicitors or representing clients directly. 

To achieve this mark of distinction, the individual must have practised law for a minimum of 10 years, be recommended by the Lord Chancellor and later appointed by the monarch. During a female monarch's reign, they're known as 'QC' - Queen's Counsel.

A licensed conveyancer is a specialist property lawyer, qualified to deal with the legal side of buying, selling, or transferring property. They’re regulated by the Council for Licensed Conveyancers (CLC), which sets the professional standards they need to follow.
They focus purely on conveyancing – so they’ll usually manage things like drawing up contracts, handling searches, transferring funds and registering the change of ownership with HM Land Registry. For many people, that makes them a straightforward, cost-effective option.

At GloverPriest, our conveyancing team includes both solicitors and licensed conveyancers – and we’re accredited by the Law Society’s Conveyancing Quality Scheme (CQS), so you can feel confident everything’s handled with care.

A mortgage is a type of loan used to buy or refinance property, where the property itself is used as security. While most people associate mortgages with buying a home, they’re also common in commercial property, land purchases, and investment deals.
The loan is usually repaid in monthly instalments over a set period – most commonly over 25 to 30 years – and agreed with a bank or specialist lender. If repayments aren’t made, the lender can take legal action to repossess the property to recover what’s owed.

There are several types of mortgage depending on the individual's circumstances and property type, such as residential, buy-to-let, or commercial. Each comes with its own risks, terms, and requirements – so you should always seek sound legal advice before signing anything.

In UK law, mediation is a kind of Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) that aims to resolve disputes without involving the court. Considered a 'blameless' and more collaborative process, mediation involves a neutral person – the mediator – helping the people involved reach a mutual agreement. 

Unlike a judge, a mediator cannot make decisions or take sides. Their job is to help guide the conversation, encouraging open communication and compromise.

 It's a good choice for disputes where the people involved want to maintain a working relationship, like business disagreements or family issues. However, it only works if both sides are willing to negotiate, as the mediator can’t impose a decision.

Next of kin just means the person you’d want to be contacted if something happens to you – like a serious accident or medical emergency. It’s usually a close family member, but it doesn’t have to be. It could be a partner, a friend, or even a carer if that’s who you trust most. Where children are concerned, however, their 'next of kin' is automatically nominated as the person who has legal authority to make decisions on their behalf, like a parent or guardian.

It’s worth remembering that being someone’s next of kin doesn’t automatically give you rights over their finances, medical care, or estate. For that, you’d need to be named in their Will, have a lasting power of attorney (LPA), or be formally appointed as an executor.

A Notary (or sometimes Notary Public) is a qualified legal professional who’s role is essential for international matters like buying property overseas, dealing with foreign estates, or sending legal documents to another country. They're authorised to officially witness signatures, certify documents, and verify the authenticity of legal paperwork for use abroad.
In England and Wales, notaries are regulated separately from solicitors and are appointed by the Court of Faculties of the Archbishop of Canterbury.

Unlike solicitors, notaries focus more on verifying documents rather than providing ongoing legal advice. Their job is to ensure the paperwork is legally recognised and properly prepared for use in another jurisdiction – giving it the same legal standing overseas as it would have in the UK.

In a legal sense, ownership generally tends to refer to the legal rights a person (or, sometimes, a business) has to possess, use and transfer something. While it's more common in property - both residential and commercial - it could also be used in business law and even in Wills, Trusts and Probate if you're handling the estate of someone who has passed.

Ownership can take different forms. You may come across terms such as: outright ownership (where you have full control); joint ownership (where you share those rights with others); or partial ownership (like holding a stake in a business). 

It can also come with certain responsibilities – from paying taxes and maintaining property to meeting legal obligations around succession planning or company management.

An obligation is a duty to do - or not do - something. In law, that could mean sticking to the terms of a contract, following a specific regulation, or carrying out a legal responsibility you've agreed to.

You’ll come across legal obligations in all sorts of settings – whether you're running a business, managing employees, signing a tenancy agreement or dealing with a personal matter like divorce. Some are written into contracts (called contractual obligations), while others are set by law, such as those in employment legislation or the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR).

If someone doesn’t meet their obligation, the other party may be entitled to take legal action. So it’s always worth checking what you’ve agreed to – and getting advice early if anything’s unclear.

A pre-nuptial agreement (more commonly called a “prenup”) is a legal document sometimes made by couples before they get married or enter a civil partnership. It sets out what should happen to their finances, property, and assets if the worst happens and their relationship ends in divorce or dissolution.

Often used where one person has more wealth or wants to protect something specific – like an inheritance, family business or assets for children from a previous relationship – a prenup can bring clarity and peace of mind from the outset. It’s not about expecting a split, but about being open and fair about what would happen if things did change.

While they’re not legally binding in England and Wales, courts can and often do take them into account – especially if the agreement was made properly, with legal advice, and well before the wedding.

In England and Wales, 'probate' is the word used to describe the legal process of dealing with someone’s estate (including their property, finances, and possessions) after they’ve passed away. It’s first about confirming that their Will is valid and proving who has the authority to administer their estate, which later includes identifying assets, paying any outstanding debts or taxes, and then distributing what’s left to the beneficiaries.

If there’s a valid Will in place, probate is usually fairly straightforward – the named executor applies for a Grant of Probate, which gives them the legal authority to manage the estate.

If there isn’t a valid Will, things can be a bit more complicated. The estate will need to be dealt with under the rules of intestacy, and Letters of Administration will need to be applied for. These set out who can inherit and who can take on the role of administrator.

A qualifying child is a term often used in child maintenance or benefits cases. It generally refers to a child who meets certain criteria, usually to do with age, education, or disability, that makes them eligible for financial support. The term is used to make sure children receive the support they’re entitled to, regardless of their family situation.

In child maintenance, a child is generally ‘qualifying’ if they’re under 16, or under 20 and still in full-time, non-advanced education. The term also comes up in benefits like Child Benefit or Tax-Free Childcare, where slightly different rules might apply depending on the scheme.

Whether it’s through maintenance payments or government help, it all comes back to putting the child’s needs first.

Quiet possession is a legal right that allows someone to use and enjoy their property without interference. It’s a fundamental part of most tenancy agreements and commercial leases, giving tenants the peace of mind that, as long as they stick to the terms of their lease, they can occupy and use the property without being disturbed.

This right means that a landlord, freeholder, or anyone acting on their behalf can’t disrupt your peaceful enjoyment of the property. If they do, you might have grounds to take legal action – typically for breach of contract or, in extreme cases, for unlawful eviction or harassment.

Redundancy is a type of job dismissal where an employer lets an employee go because their role isn't needed any more. It’s about the role itself, not the person doing it, which makes it different from being dismissed for poor performance or workplace misconduct. Employers may choose to make staff redundant for several reasons, such as the business closing, changes in the staffing structure, a role falling in demand, or changing location. If you’re made redundant, you might have certain rights – like redundancy pay, a notice period, and time off to look for a new job – depending on how long you’ve been with the company. These rights are designed to offer a bit of security during what can be a challenging time.

Speak to our Employment Law specialists today for clear guidance and support tailored to your situation. Don’t navigate it alone, get in touch now.

The term real estate generally refers to land and anything permanently attached to it – like houses, buildings or commercial units. In the UK, it's more commonly called either commercial, industrial or residential property, as 'real estate' is more commonly used internationally.

It can relate to residential homes, commercial premises, agricultural land or industrial sites – and includes both freehold ownership and leasehold interests. That means whether you own the land outright or have a right to occupy it for a set period, it still falls under the definition.

In some cases, 'real estate' can also refer to digital assets on virtual or online platforms, like websites and domains.

In England and Wales, a solicitor is a qualified legal professional who provides their clients with expert legal advice and representation, usually in more day-to-day matters. It's their job to take instructions from a client and advise them on the best course of action.

While some solicitors have a general practice, meaning their experience and skills cover a range of judicial areas, most solicitors tend to practice a specific area of the law, such as litigation, conveyancing, probate, family law or business law. 

Generally, solicitors' areas of expertise can be divided into two categories - contentious and non-contentious. The former relates to dispute resolution, whereas the latter - non-contentious (sometimes known as transactional) - deals more with business or personal matters.

A trainee solicitor is someone on the path to becoming fully qualified. They’ve usually completed a law degree (or conversion course), followed by the Legal Practice Course (LPC) or the new Solicitors Qualifying Exam (SQE), and are now gaining hands-on experience under supervision.

This period of training typically lasts around two years and involves working across different legal departments to build the practical skills, confidence, and judgement needed to practise as a solicitor. Although still in training, they can work on legal matters, meet with clients, and support cases – all under the guidance of a qualified solicitor.

At GloverPriest, we also offer a funded SQE Apprenticeship Programme, helping aspiring legal professionals earn while they learn. Whether you’re starting out after A-Levels or looking to qualify with an existing law degree, our routes combine real-world experience with academic study. Learn more here.What is a Trainee Solicitor?

A tribunal is a type of specialist court that deals with specific legal disputes, like employment issues, tax, or immigration. While the setting might feel less formal, making them more approachable for those representing themselves, the process is still serious – and the outcome can have lasting legal consequences. All decisions made by a tribunal are still legally binding.

Most tribunal hearings are led by a judge and may include lay members with experience in the relevant area. 

Employment Tribunals are one of the most common types – often involving claims like unfair dismissal or discrimination. Many follow a two-tier structure: a First-tier Tribunal hears the case first, and an Upper Tribunal handles appeals.

Unfair dismissal is when an employee is let go without a fair reason or without a fair process being followed. Under section 94 of the Employment Rights Act 1996, employees have a statutory right not to be unfairly dismissed.

To be considered 'fair', the reason for an employee's dismissal must usually fall into one of a few categories – such as capability, conduct, redundancy, or what’s known as ‘some other substantial reason’. But even if the reason is valid, the employer still needs to follow a reasonable and fair process. Some dismissals are automatically unfair, like if someone is dismissed because of becoming pregnant, whistleblowing, or joining a union.

Most employees need to have worked for their employer for at least two years to bring a claim, though that time limit doesn’t apply to automatically unfair cases.

Unregistered land is property that hasn’t yet been recorded with HM Land Registry.

This doesn’t mean it’s not legally owned – just that there’s no digital record of ownership, boundaries or rights stored on the central register. Instead, the owner’s rights are usually proven through a bundle of paper deeds and documents, which trace the legal history of the land. If these are lost or incomplete, it can cause delays, uncertainty or even disputes during a sale or transfer.

Most land in England and Wales is now registered, but if a property hasn’t changed hands since compulsory registration was introduced in that area, it may still be unregistered. When it’s eventually sold, transferred or mortgaged, registration becomes compulsory.

If you’re dealing with unregistered land or need help registering your property, we’re here to guide you through it. Get in touch with our specialist property solicitors today.

In UK law, a verdict is the formal decision given at the end of a trial – usually by a judge or jury – after hearing all the evidence. In criminal cases, the verdict is typically either “guilty” or “not guilty”. If the verdict is “not guilty”, the defendant is acquitted and free to go. If the verdict is “guilty”, the judge will move on to sentencing.

While verdicts are often associated with criminal trials, they can also appear in civil matters – especially in areas like litigation (but referred to as 'rulings'). In employment tribunals or commercial disputes, the judge will deliver a decision after reviewing the evidence and legal arguments from both sides. This decision – though not always called a ‘verdict’ in civil law – plays the same role: it resolves the case and sets out the outcome.

Whether it’s a court verdict or a tribunal ruling, the result is legally binding and can carry serious implications for everyone involved.

VAT is short for Value Added Tax. Introduced to the UK in 1973, it's a type of tax that’s charged on most goods and services sold in the UK. It’s added at each stage of the supply chain – from production and wholesale right through to the final sale – but is ultimately paid by the end consumer.

For consumers, if applicable, VAT is added to the cost of the product (like when we go shopping, or make purchases online).

In business, if your taxable turnover goes over a certain threshold - £90,000 as of April 2025 - you’ll usually need to register for VAT with HMRC (unless you're a VAT-exempt business, like some education facilities or charities). That means charging VAT on your services or products, and submitting regular returns to show how much VAT you’ve collected and paid.

There are different VAT rates depending on what’s being sold – the standard rate is 20%, but reduced (5%) or zero rates also apply in certain situations. Some items, like stamps, books, insurance and children's clothes, are exempt altogether.

A Will – sometimes called a Last Will and Testament – is a legal document that sets out what should happen to your estate (such as your money, property, possessions and investments) after you die. It also gives you the chance to name guardians for your children and leave specific gifts or wishes, like funeral preferences or charitable donations.

For a Will to be valid, you'll need to name at least one executor – someone you trust to carry out the instructions in your Will. This could be a friend, family member, or even a solicitor. Most people choose two, just in case one isn’t available when the time comes.

Without a valid Will, your estate will be shared out according to the rules of intestacy – and that might not reflect what you would have wanted. Making a Will ensures the people (or causes) you care about are provided for, and it makes things much easier for your loved ones during an already difficult time.

Wrongful dismissal is when your employer breaches your contract by ending your employment in a way that doesn't follow the agreed terms. It usually means they’ve either failed to give you the right notice, or dismissed you in a way that goes against what's set out in your employment contract.

This type of claim is about the contractual side of things, not whether the dismissal was fair or justified overall. For example, even if there was a valid reason for ending your employment, it could still be wrongful if they didn’t follow the correct notice period or process.

Wrongful dismissal claims can be brought in the civil courts or at an employment tribunal, and compensation is typically based on the financial loss caused by the breach – like unpaid wages or benefits you should’ve received during your notice period.

In legal and contractual terms, “yield” usually refers to giving something up – such as a right, benefit, or claim. In employment contracts, you might see it used in restrictive covenants, where an employee agrees to yield certain freedoms (like working for a competitor) after leaving a role.

It might also refer to the overall return or generated income by an investment over a period of time. In property and conveyancing, “yield” is often used to describe the rental return of a buy-to-let or commercial property, usually shown as a percentage of its value.

Whether it’s used in employment law or property, the key is context – understanding what’s being yielded, or what’s being measured, is essential before signing or comparing contracts.

A zero hours contract is a type of employment contract where a worker has no guaranteed hours and isn’t obliged to accept any work offered. These contracts offer flexibility for both parties, often used in sectors like hospitality, care, delivery services, or seasonal retail, but they’ve also drawn a lot of criticism for creating uncertainty around income and job security.

Under UK law, zero-hour contracts are currently still legal – though they aren’t defined as a separate type of employment contract. Workers on zero-hour contracts can be classed as either employees or workers, depending on their role, and are entitled to core rights like the National Minimum Wage, holiday pay, and protection from discrimination.

Since 2015, exclusivity clauses (which prevent workers from taking on other jobs) have been banned under section 27A of the Employment Rights Act 1996. In 2024, a new Employment Rights Bill was also introduced to parliament. It aims to strengthen protections – proposing guaranteed hours, fair notice for shifts, and compensation for last-minute cancellations - but has not yet been agreed or received Royal Assent.