Direct Access Barrister
Ashley Blood-Halvorsen
Direct Access Barrister
Ashley Blood-Halvorsen
My practice encompasses a wide range of matters, including challenges to the validity of wills, burial disputes, Inheritance Act claims, disputes over property ownership, and landlord-tenant conflicts. I regularly represent clients in mediations and court proceedings, striving to resolve disputes efficiently and cost-effectively.
My primary practice is at 3PB Barristers however I also have a website where I offer my services which you can find if you search my name (ChanceryBarrister). I can often offer more competitive pricing through my website.
As a TEP-qualified practitioner, I offer clear, practical advice and courtroom representation directly to clients.
I am approachable and client-focused, aiming to provide clear, practical advice and robust representation. I build strong relationships with my clients, helping them navigate complex legal issues with clarity and confidence.
Area of Law
Landlord and Tenant
I specialise in landlord and tenant law, providing clear, practical advice and robust representation across both residential and commercial sectors.
Residential Landlord Representation
I predominantly represent landlords in residential tenancy matters, assisting with:
• Possession Proceedings: Initiating and managing possession claims
• Rent Arrears and Breach of Tenancy: Addressing issues related to non-payment of rent and other breaches of tenancy agreements.
• Disrepair and Property Management Disputes: Resolving conflicts concerning property maintenance and tenant obligations.
Commercial Landlord and Tenant Matters
In the commercial realm, I advise and represent clients on:
• Breach of Lease Agreements: Handling disputes arising from breaches of commercial leases, including non-payment of rent and unauthorised use of premises.
• Forfeiture Proceedings: Assisting landlords in reclaiming possession of commercial properties through forfeiture, whether by peaceable re-entry or court proceedings
• Landlord and Tenant Act 1954 Matters: Advising on lease renewals, terminations, and disputes including opposing or securing new tenancies and navigating the statutory procedures involved.
• Dilapidations and Repair Obligations: Addressing claims related to the condition of commercial premises at the end of a tenancy.
My approach is client-focused, aiming to protect landlords' interests while ensuring compliance with the complex legal framework governing commercial tenancies.
Property
I specialise in a wide range of property disputes, representing clients in matters that often involve complex legal issues and emotionally charged situations. My practice encompasses:
• Boundary Disputes: Assisting clients in resolving conflicts over property boundaries, which can be particularly contentious when involving neighbours and impacting the enjoyment of one's property.
• Easements and Rights of Way: Advising on disputes related to access rights, including the creation, interpretation, and enforcement of easements and rights of way.
• Restrictive Covenants: Handling cases involving the enforcement or modification of covenants that affect the use and development of land.
• TOLATA Claims: Representing clients in disputes concerning co-ownership issues, rights to sale, and beneficial interests.
• Adverse Possession: Providing guidance on claims involving the acquisition of land through long-term occupation without the owner's permission.
I appear before the First-tier Tribunal (Property Chamber) and other courts, advocating for clients in both residential and commercial property disputes. Recognising that property conflicts often arise between neighbours and can involve land of nominal value, I approach each case with sensitivity and a focus on achieving practical, cost-effective solutions.
My goal is to resolve disputes efficiently, minimising stress for clients and helping them move forward with clarity and confidence.
Wills and Probate
I specialise in contentious probate and estate disputes, offering clear, practical advice and representation to individuals navigating complex and often emotionally charged situations. My practice encompasses a wide range of matters, including:
(1) Will Validity Challenges: Addressing disputes over the validity of wills due to concerns such as lack of testamentary capacity, undue influence, or improper execution.
(2) Inheritance Act: Representing clients seeking reasonable financial provision under the Inheritance (Provision for Family and Dependants) Act 1975, often involving spouses, cohabitees, or children who feel inadequately provided for.
(3) Executor & Trustee Disputes: Assisting in conflicts arising from the actions or inactions of executors or trustees, including applications for their removal or replacement.
(4) Trust Disputes: Handling disagreements related to the administration or interpretation of trusts, including issues of discretionary distributions and beneficiary entitlements.
(5) Property and Co-Ownership Issues: Resolving disputes over property ownership which often are the most significant asset in an estate.
I regularly represent clients in mediations, striving to achieve amicable resolutions that bring closure to stressful and emotionally taxing disputes. My approach is client-focused and empathetic, aiming to resolve disputes efficiently while minimising stress.
What sort of work do I do?
I am a barrister specialising in disputes concerning wills, inheritance, trusts, and property. My practice focuses on assisting individuals facing challenges such as contesting a will, resolving co-ownership disagreements, or addressing landlord-tenant conflicts. As a full member of the Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners (STEP), I provide clear, practical advice and courtroom representation directly to clients without the need for a solicitor.
My expertise encompasses:
(1) Contentious Probate: Disputes over will validity, Inheritance Act claims, executor removal, and devastavit claims.
(2) Trusts of Land (TOLATA): Co-ownership disputes, constructive and resulting trusts, occupation rent claims.
(3) Property & Land: Boundary disputes, easements, rights of way, conveyancing issues.
(4) Landlord & Tenant: Possession proceedings, forfeiture, disrepair claims, licensing matters
I am approachable and committed to delivering straightforward, effective solutions. Whether you're dealing with a complex estate issue or a property dispute, I aim to make the legal process as clear and stress-free as possible.
Who do I work for?
I represent everyday individuals who find themselves unexpectedly entangled in legal disputes, often involving family members, close friends, or neighbours. These situations can be emotionally challenging, particularly when they concern the death of a loved one, disputes over wills, inheritance claims, or disagreements about property ownership. My clients include adult children, cohabitees, and spouses (sometimes from polygamous marriages) seeking clarity and resolution during difficult times.
I also work with landlords who own small property portfolios. Many are navigating the complexities of exiting the residential rental market or dealing with problematic tenants in both residential and commercial settings.