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…
Private Client
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…
Protection of Assets through Trusts
The sudden death of the Duke of Westminster has thrown trusts and inheritance tax into the spotlight again.It is estimated that the Duke…
Death and taxes ... and taxes on death?
As the saying goes, only two things in life are certain; death and taxes.
When figures were released last week showing that £4.6 billion…
What happens when a family member dies without a Will?
Figures continue to show that more than two thirds of the population don't have a Will.
A few weeks ago the tragic death of the actor Anton…
Brexit: what now for your personal affairs?
It has now been over a month since 52% of UK voters voted to leave the EU. Since then we have been on a political rollercoaster with…
Cecil The Lion's Legacy Lives On...
The news that Cecil the Lion had been killed in Zimbabwe has grabbed the attention of the world in the past few weeks. Like when many…