News & Insights

The recent case highlighted in the press of the Scarle family in England highlights the need for a well drafted will. This case involved a husband and wife who died simultaneously with each being survived by a biological daughter from previous relationships. The case centred around the fact that the Mr Scarle died without a…

House prices in Northern Ireland have risen by 3.5% compared to the same time last year. This is despite the sometimes gloomy forecasts relating to Brexit and appears to be in stark contrast to the picture in other parts of the UK. The average house price in Northern Ireland between April and June 2019 was…

On 18th June 2019, the NI Court of Appeal (NICA) upheld the decision of the Industrial Tribunal of 2nd November 2018 which held the PSNI and Police Authority for NI liable for a shortfall in holiday pay to police officers and civilian staff dating back to 1998.   The Background In November 2014, the Bear…

A TEP has knowledge in helping families with real life problems from protecting children upon the death of a parent to ensuring elderly or vulnerable relatives obtain the care and support they require. STEP members are experts in their field. STEP qualifications are widely recognised worldwide and fully qualified STEP members are identifiable by the…

You will have to pay Stamp Duty Land Tax if you buy property over a certain price. The current threshold is £125,000.00. The rate of stamp duty payable depends on the purchase price. The rate of stamp duty starts at 2% and increases incrementally with the purchase price. You start to pay stamp duty on…

Did you know that you can use your Lifetime ISA towards the purchase of your first house? At O’Reilly Stewart we have experience in dealing with the Lifetime ISA providers on behalf of our First Time Buyers.   The Lifetime ISA is a longer-term tax free savings account which gives you a government bonus of…

The recent news that County Down GAA club Mayobridge GAC had to cancel their raffle for a new house should be of concern to many GAA clubs and other sporting or community organisations who regularly hold these types of draws as much needed fundraisers. It has been reported that the draw was cancelled following a…

O’Reilly Stewart is proud to have acted in conjunction with The R & A in relation to the staging of the 148th Open taking place this week at Royal Portrush. We’re looking forward to attending this incredible event.  

O’Reilly Stewart are currently acting for a significant number of patients affected by the recent neurology patient recall in the Belfast Health and Social Care Trust concerning patients treated by Dr Michael Watt, Consultant Neurologist. The Department of Health has now confirmed that a planned update regarding the progress of the recall has been delayed…

Leading full-service law firm, O’Reilly Stewart Solicitors has partnered with Belfast Chamber to deliver a seminar to member businesses on key employment updates. Director Seamus McGranaghan advised businesses from a range of sectors on a number of important and continaully evolving employment and workplace issues including engagement, the probationary period, 52 weeks, annual appraisals, disciplinary…

Kevin Hegarty, Associate, was proud to attend the launch of the new Cycling Ulster kit at the Corick Country House Hotel, Clogher, Co Tyrone on 13 June 2019. This represents the official continuing of the relationship between O’Reilly Stewart Solicitors and Cycling Ulster. O’Reilly Stewart are proud to provide legal services to Cycling Ulster and…

During Bike Week UK, which is taking place between 8 – 16 June 2019, there has been a lot of discussion about how we can improve road safety for vulnerable road users such as Cyclists. At present, cycling accidents generally fall into three main categories. We discuss below the main categories and the legal issues…