Two thirds of the population don’t have a Will
New figures released by Macmillan Cancer Support show more than two thirds of the population don't have a Will.In our article in 2016 ‘What…
Private Client
The importance of Living Wills
Private Client solicitor, Graeme Dickson highlights the benefits of a Living Will, following the recent case of a lady who had aggressive…
A Power of Attorney: The Best Insurance Policy Money Can Buy
Becoming incapable isn’t something that people tend to think about, or plan for in advance.As Solicitors we hear many misconceptions about…
Legal Rights: Why Sir Bruce's children and Heff's wife would have been better off in Scotland
This year the showbiz world said a sad farewell to two well known stars; Sir Bruce Forsyth and Hugh Hefner. Whilst it may not appear that…
A Marriage of Inheritance Tax Convenience
Last week two Irishmen announced that they intend to marry in order to “avoid inheritance tax”.The inheritance tax rules in Ireland differ…
Family Disputes - the inheritance a family doesn't want...
A commonly held belief is that a person can give their worldly assets away on death to whoever they like. Sadly the law makes it more…
The Gift That Keeps On Giving?
Last month Macmillan Cancer Support's latest accounts were published and show that income from legacies left to the charity in individual’s…
Has Bruce Forsyth avoided inheritance tax by leaving his entire fortune to wife Wilnelia?
It has been reported that the late Sir Bruce Forsyth has left his £17 million fortune to his wife, Lady Wilnelia and as a result his estate…
Planning for Funeral Costs
This morning there are reports that the Scottish Government intends to take steps to assist people struggling to pay for funeral costs.…
Three new partners appointed at Thorntons
One of the largest full service law firms in Scotland has today (1 June 2017) announced the appointment of three new partners, expanding…
Living Wills - Something to consider?
As people live longer and medical science continues to make huge advances, it becomes all the more important to consider the treatment you…
Self Injury Awareness Day
Self injury or self harm is a topic that has generated a lot of public myths over the years
- those who self harm must enjoy it, those who…
Deed of Variation
A couple of years ago, it looked like the demise of Deeds of Variation was on the cards following the Chancellor of the time, triggering a…
The Benefits of Gifting
At this time of year, gifting for Christmas is a priority but gifting throughout the tax year could mean significant Inheritance Tax…
The Budget and Beyond...
Last week Philip Hammond presented his first Autumn Statement to the House of Commons since he replaced George Osborne as Chancellor of the…
Major Succession Changes Could Have a Big Impact
1 November 2016 will see the first major reform of the law of succession in Scotland for more than 50 years when the terms of the…
Making Sense of Succession Planning
With changes in residential property legislation afoot and a growing awareness of the need to have a Power of Attorney, leading law firm…
The Importance of a Power of Attorney
The Paralympics last month not only highlighted superhuman efforts by a huge number of people living with a wide range of disabilities, but…
All you need is love?
The content of a Will can sometimes cause disputes between families, particularly if family members are disinherited, as was the case with…
Suicide Prevention Month
September is Suicide Prevention Month and the 10th of September is now recognised internationally as annual World Suicide Prevention Day.…
Funding the Cost of Care: How safe is my house?
The cost of residential care for the elderly has again been under scrutiny by the media in recent weeks
Some reports have suggested that…