Tag Archives: Scottish Wills
Who should add ‘making a will’ to their to do list?
Do you fall into the 60% of the population who do not have a Will? A recent survey found that the majority of those who didn’t have Wills knew it was something they should attend to, but had just “not got round to it”. If you fit into that description, why not start the New
How are Scottish wills, inheritance tax planning & charitable donations linked?
Giving to charity is something which most people will become involved in at some point during their lifetime, whether that be through fundraising efforts, occasional donations or regular standing orders. However, did you know that you can also provide for your favourite charities on your death? How can I provide for charities on death? The
Completing A Will In Scotland – 10 Reasons To Have One
In July 2012 the Court of Session in Edinburgh ruled that a (Scottish) Will forged by a deceased’s mother should be set aside. Mrs Nicol’s son died unexpectedly, he was separated from his wife with a young daughter. Mrs Nicol was concerned his estranged wife would inherit in preference to his daughter. Four years of
Wills, Divorce and Separation in Scotland – Think Ahead!
When a relationship breaks down the focus is usually on immediate worries, such as the arrangements for the children, the household bills and the family home. Although it is necessary to get advice about such matters, it is equally important to think not just about the past, the present and the immediate future, but also
Dying Without a Will in Scotland – what the legal changes mean
On 1st February 2012 changes to the succession thresholds came into force. The new rules increase the maximum property and cash values which can be transferred to a surviving spouse or civil partner where a person dies without a Will in Scotland. They also increase the threshold for small estates (where a Sheriff Clerk can
When is a gift not a gift? Ensure you put it in writing!
Ordinarily gifts are handed over, thanks are expressed, and the parties move on with no further thought to any legal implications. But what if that ‘present’ is a large cheque or valuable item? Is it a gift or a loan? It depends on the circumstances and the relationship between the donor and donee. A recent
Does your Will include a Legacy to Charity?
Facts To Consider Around 80% of us support charities during our lifetime. 35% us want to leave the bulk of our estate to loved ones but like the idea of giving something back by way of donation on death to charities that we consider worthy of support. Surveys indicate less than 10% of the population
Protecting Beneficiaries Through Disabled Person’s Trusts
Providing for a disabled loved one following your death is not always straightforward – you want them to have enough money to be comfortable but don’t want to affect their entitlement to state benefits, many of which are means tested. One of the most effective ways of providing for a disabled beneficiary is a trust
Ten Tips for Choosing the Trustees and Executors of your Will
The person or people appointed by you to administer your estate when you die are required to fulfil their role of ingathering your estate by: • paying off debts and expenses (from your funds, not theirs!) • distributing the estate in accordance with your Will or, if no Will, in terms of the laws of intestate succession.
