Buying a home is stressful enough… but what happens when people start bending the rules to get a mortgage? In this episode of Is That Legal?, solicitor Paul Britton sits down with mortgage expert Jonathan Smith to break down the wild world of mortgage fraud.We cover:• How people actually get caught committing mortgage fraud• The tricks fraudsters use (fake jobs, fake payslips, fake bank statements)• What lenders look for behind the scenes• The legal consequences — including prison• CIFAS markers, tip‑off offences, and event‑of‑default rules• Why some people feel pushed into fraud out of desperation• How AI is changing both fraud and fraud detection• Real high‑profile cases (including The Apprentice & Tommy Robinson)Whether you're buying a home, self‑employed, or just curious how people get caught, this episode pulls back the curtain on a side of the mortgage world most people never see.Chapters04:13 – What Is Mortgage Fraud?05:06 – “Rounding Up” Income: Innocent or Fraud?09:23 – Fake Documents & Fraudsters for Hire11:31 – The Barber Shop Story (Catching a Fraudster)13:16 – How Brokers Handle Suspected Fraud16:40 – Cash Income, Tax Evasion & Tradesmen17:25 – Sponsor Break: Oliver Lauren Studios17:57 – Does Inflating Income Get You a Better Rate?20:06 – Are Fraudsters Criminals or Desperate Buyers?24:24 – Why People Rationalise Defrauding Banks27:27 – Rent vs Mortgage Affordability Debate28:46 – Crime & Punishment30:00 – Staying Within Your Means & Getting Proper Advice30:22 – How AI Is Changing Mortgage Fraud32:08 – CIFAS Markers & Fraud Flags32:42 – Removing CIFAS Markers & Credit File Issues33:11 – High‑Profile Mortgage Fraud Cases35:29 – Viewer Question: Self‑Employed BorrowersIs That Legal? is the podcast where solicitor Paul Britton breaks down real‑world legal issues in a way that’s clear, practical, and sometimes unbelievable.📩 Work With JonathanSpringate Mortgages: www.springate-mortgages.co.uk Don't forget to like, subscribe, and drop your questions in the comments — your support helps us keep making episodes like this.

Immigration and asylum are dominating the headlines — but what’s really going on? Is the UK being overrun? What is the government actually doing about it? And what do the numbers really say?In this episode of Is That Legal?, Britton and Time Solicitors’ Paul Britton sits down with immigration expert Mitchell Potter to uncover the truth behind asylum, visas, small boats, and the future of UK immigration law.They explore why immigration dominates the news, whether digital ID cards could ever work, and why the NHS might not survive without migrant workers.If you’re affected by any of the issues discussed — from visa applications and family immigration to employer sponsorship or asylum advice — the team at Britton and Time Solicitors can help.Visit www.brittontime.com to speak directly with a solicitor who can guide you through your immigration options.0:00 – Intro0:43 – What’s Happening in Immigration Right Now?2:05 – Asylum vs Immigration: What’s the Difference?4:50 – Why Businesses Are Struggling to Hire6:15 – Are Migrants Really “Taking Our Jobs”?10:00 – The “One In, One Out” Asylum Deal14:00 – The Illegal Migration Act16:20 – Should Asylum Be Processed Abroad?17:00 – The UK’s Obligation Under Human Rights Law19:50 – Sponsor Break20:10 – Digital ID Cards: A Step Too Far?25:00 – Will Digital ID Cards Ever Happen?26:15 – What Is the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR)?28:30 – Should Britain Leave the ECHR?33:00 – Does the ECHR Actually Overrule UK Courts?38:10 – Viewer Questions53:00 – Final Thoughts53:30 – Outro

Think your partner will automatically inherit everything if you die without a will? Or that your handwritten note is legally valid? Think again.In this episode of Is That Legal?, Britton and Time Solicitors’ Paul Britton is joined by Patrick Rusk and Darian Wielink to uncover the shocking truths behind wills, probate, and inheritance disputes in the UK. From outdated intestacy laws to rising cases of property fraud, they reveal the costly mistakes people make every day when it comes to planning their estate.We cover:🔹 What really happens if you die without a will (and who actually inherits)🔹 How to contest a will — and the strict six-month time limit you must know🔹 The difference between executors, administrators and trustees🔹 Why “DIY wills” and will-writers can lead to family feuds🔹 How undue influence, fraud and forgery are proven in court🔹 When mediation can save years of stress (and thousands in legal fees)Whether you own property, live with a partner, or just want to protect your family’s future, this episode explains the law in plain English — and shows why getting expert advice could save your estate from chaos.00:00 – Intro & Welcome to Is That Legal?01:20 – What Is Inheritance and Probate?03:40 – Why You Should Never DIY Your Will05:45 – Who Inherits If There’s No Will? (Intestacy Explained)10:15 – Unmarried Partners and the 1975 Act13:50 – How and When to Contest a Will18:20 – What Happens When Executors Get It Wrong25:00 – Mediation vs Court: Finding Resolution28:10 – The Landmark Rita Rhea Case35:50 – Viewer Questions: Fraud, Dementia & Disputes48:50 – Property Fraud and Missing Wills1:00:20 – Power of Attorney & Protecting Your Future1:05:35 – Final Thoughts & Takeaways