Making an Offer on a Property: How the Scottish System Works
Buying a home is one of the biggest decisions most of us will ever make. It can be exciting, but it can also feel daunting if you’re not familiar with how the system works. In Scotland, the process of making an offer on a property is quite different from elsewhere in the UK. It follows... Read More
Planning Ahead for Dementia: Legal and Practical Considerations
Dementia affects thousands of families across Scotland every year. It can be a difficult subject to think about, but making plans early can make all the difference later on. Taking the time to get your legal and practical affairs in order means your wishes are clear, and your loved ones can make decisions confidently on... Read More
Do Unmarried Couples Have Rights in Scotland?
In Scotland, many couples choose to live together without getting married or entering a civil partnership. This type of relationship is known as cohabitation. While cohabiting couples don’t have the same legal rights as married couples, they do have some protections under Scottish law – but these are limited and often misunderstood. This article explains... Read More
Why every adult should have a Power of Attorney
Most people in Scotland only start thinking about Powers of Attorney when they are much older, or when a relative becomes unwell. The truth is that every adult, no matter their age or circumstances, should consider having one in place. Life is unpredictable, and illness or accidents can affect anyone at any time. A Power... Read More
What If We Can’t Agree About the Children?
When parents separate, one of the most difficult challenges can be deciding what arrangements to make for the children. Questions often arise about where the children will live, how much time they will spend with each parent, where they will be schooled, about their medical care, holidays, or even whether they can move abroad. Understandably,... Read More
Understanding Legal Rights Claims in Scottish Succession Law
When someone dies in Scotland, the way their money, property, and possessions are passed on is governed by succession law. Many people assume that if you leave a Will, everything will be distributed exactly as you have written it. However, in Scotland there is an important rule called legal rights, which means certain family members... Read More
Pension sharing on Divorce: Don’t overlook this key asset
When a marriage breaks down, there are many difficult conversations to have. People often think first about the family home, savings, or debts. But one asset that is sometimes overlooked – and can be hugely valuable – is a pension. In many cases, a pension pot can be worth more than the house, and it... Read More
What Happens If You Die Without a Will in Scotland?
No one likes to think about dying, but it’s important to plan for what happens after you’re gone. One of the most important steps you can take is to make a Will. If you don’t, your estate will be dealt with under the laws of intestacy, which means the law decides who gets what —... Read More
What to Expect When Going to the Sheriff Court
Going to court can feel intimidating, especially if it’s your first time. Whether you’re raising a civil action, defending one, or simply attending as a witness or supporter, it helps to understand what to expect. In Scotland, most civil legal disputes are dealt with by the Sheriff Court. These courts are found in towns and... Read More
First-Time Buyer? Here’s What You Need to Know About Buying Property in Scotland
Buying your first home is an exciting step, but it can also feel a particularly daunting one if you’re not sure how the Scottish property system works. The process is very different from other parts of the UK and can move extremely quickly once an offer is accepted with settlements averaging 6-8 weeks for completion.... Read More
Gifting Money to Children or Grandchildren: Legal and Tax Tips
Helping your children or grandchildren financially is a generous and thoughtful gesture, whether you’re assisting with a house deposit, university costs, or simply passing on some of your wealth during your lifetime. In Scotland, there are no legal limits on how much you can gift, but there are important tax rules and legal considerations to... Read More
Inheritance Planning for Blended Families in Scotland
Families today often don’t fit the traditional mould – and that’s perfectly normal. Whether you’ve remarried, have stepchildren, or are living with a partner and children from different relationships, you are part of what’s known as a blended family. But when it comes to inheritance, blended families can face challenges that aren’t always obvious at... Read More
Contact and Access Rights for Parents in Scotland
When parents separate or divorce, one of the most important issues to resolve is how and when each parent will spend time with their children. In Scotland, this is often referred to as contact, but many people still use the older term access. Understanding your rights and responsibilities as a parent can help avoid conflict... Read More
Common Mistakes Executors Make – and How to Avoid Them
Being asked to deal with someone’s estate after they’ve died can feel like an honour – but also a bit of a burden. Whether you’re a family member, close friend, or simply the person trusted to carry things out, acting as an executor can be complicated. It’s not always obvious where to start, and mistakes... Read More
Hidden Assets in Divorce – What Can You Do?
Divorce or separation is difficult enough without worrying that your ex may be hiding money or property. Unfortunately, it’s not uncommon for one person to try to conceal assets to avoid sharing them fairly. In Scotland, both parties have a legal duty to be open and honest about their finances – and there are steps... Read More
Why Everyone in Scotland Should Have a Will
When you’re working hard, building a career, starting a family, or buying your first home, writing a Will might not seem like a top priority. For many people in their 20s, 30s, or 40s, it’s something they think they’ll get around to “later” or it’s “just something for old people”. But the truth is, every... Read More
What Is a Settlement Agreement and Why Have I Been Given One?
If you’ve been handed a settlement agreement by your employer, it’s completely normal to feel uncertain or even worried about what it means. This article will help you understand what a settlement agreement is, why you might have received one, and what you should consider before signing anything. What Is a Settlement Agreement? A settlement... Read More
The Benefits of a Pre-Nuptial Agreement
As a couple embarking upon the exhilarating journey of marriage in Scotland, amidst the flurry of excitement and anticipation, it’s all too easy to overlook some of the more pragmatic and admittedly unromantic aspects. But in a world where the unexpected can swiftly unravel even the most carefully laid plans, the significance of planning, clarity... Read More
The Importance of having a Power of Attorney in Scotland
Introduction: In Scotland, having a Power of Attorney (PoA) is a crucial legal tool that allows you to appoint someone you trust to make decisions on your behalf if you’re unable to do so yourself. It ensures your interests are protected and your affairs are managed according to your wishes, even if you become incapacitated... Read More
Essential Legal Checks When Purchasing a Property in Scotland
Purchasing a property is an exciting milestone, but it also involves a range of important legal checks to ensure the process runs as smoothly as possible and with minimal issues, if there are any issues at all. As a buyer in Scotland, it’s essential to be aware of the key legal considerations involved in the... Read More