Monday, 14 May 2018
At Stevenson & Marshall we actively encourage all of our clients to grant Powers of Attorney. Here are 5 of the most common misconceptions that we seek to dispel:- “I am too young to grant a Power of Attorney” Anyone over the age of 16 can grant a Power of Attorney in Scotland. We firmly believe that you are never too young to consider granting Power of Attorney. We consider it to be just as important a document as a Will in... read more
Wednesday, 9 May 2018
You may have seen references to “Start the Conversation” or “My Power of Attorney” on TV and across social media recently. The campaign was originally started by Glasgow City Council and NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde to raise awareness of the importance of Powers of Attorney. It has become a nationwide campaign to encourage individuals and families to talk about and proactively put in place a Power of Attorney irrespective of age... read more
Thursday, 29 March 2018
It was recently announced that drug-driving limits and roadside testing are to be introduced in Scotland to deal with individuals who drive whilst under the influence of drugs. The Scottish drink driving limit was lowered at the end of 2014 in a move to tighten the drink driving law, and Justice Secretary Michael Matheson has now announced the current plans of the Scottish Government to introduce new laws in relation to individuals who... read more
Sunday, 18 March 2018
The tragic case of Brenda Grant made the headlines recently raising the important of Living Wills. A Living Will (also known as an Advance Directive) is a formal document which sets out the circumstances in which a person does not want to receive certain medical treatments, should they be unable to communicate their wishes at some time in the future. It allows someone to express their wishes in respect of how far they want medical staff to go... read more
Thursday, 8 March 2018
The number of Power of Attorneys being registered in Scotland has increased by nearly 40% in four years. Figures recently released from the Scottish Courts and Tribunals Service show there were 63,209 Powers of Attorney registered between April and December last year, up from 45,526 in 2013/14. A Power of Attorney allows you to appoint someone to handle your financial affairs such as banking, insurance and investments. It can also include... read more
Monday, 5 February 2018
Making a Will is one of the most important things you can do to protect your assets and your loved ones A Will not only ensure that your money, property and possessions go to those you wish to benefit, but also allows you to appoint Guardians to look after your young children, leave legacies to charities and make funeral arrangements. Having an up-to-date Will gives your family the security of knowing they have been provided for and gives you... read more
Monday, 29 January 2018
On 1st December 2017 there were wholesale changes made to the law relating to Private Residential Leasing. As from that date, a new form of Scottish residential tenancy known as the private residential tenancy (“PRT”) was created. The changes were introduced by the coming into force of the Private Housing (Tenancies) (Scotland) Act 2016 (the “Act”). The Act only applies to any new private rented sector tenancy which is entered... read more
Wednesday, 3 January 2018
Powers of Attorney are growing in popularity. Recent statistics show there has been a 53% increase in the registration of Powers of Attorney in Scotland over the last five years. Despite their growing popularity, Denzil Lush, a former senior Court of Protection judge in England, recently said in a BBC interview that he would never sign a Power of Attorney himself. He warned that they may leave elderly and vulnerable people open to abuse due... read more
Monday, 12 June 2017
The Residence Nil Rate Band (RNRB) for Inheritance Tax (IHT) came into force on 6 April 2017 heralding the biggest change in IHT in nearly a decade. Here’s what you need to know:- What is the Residence Nil Rate Band (RNRB)? It is an additional allowance for IHT which will apply to deaths which occur after 6 April 2017. When does the RNRB apply? In order to qualify, you must own a property or a share in a property, which you have... read more
Monday, 22 May 2017
Additional Dwelling Supplement In April 2016 the Scottish Government introduced an additional Land and Buildings Transaction Tax liability for those purchasing a second property. The Additional Dwelling Supplement (ADS) is an additional 3% levy charged on the full purchase price of the property. This is payable in addition to the Land and Buildings Transaction Tax that is payable on the purchase of any residential property in Scotland when... read more
