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Wills, Succession and Estate Planning

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Do I need a Living Will?

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With the Covid-19 pandemic more people are asking themselves if they need a Living Will (also known as an Advance Decision or Advance Directive). We look at why you may want a Living Will, the process for setting one up and the benefits to family members.

Last year saw record high admissions to Intensive Care Units due to the Covid-19 pandemic. News outlets reporting on the spread of the virus has given us an insight into the medical treatment available to patients in ICU such as artificial ventilation, antibiotics, artificial feeding and cardiopulmonary resuscitation.

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How do I make a Will if I am blind?

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Following World Braille Day on 4 January 2020, we consider what you can do if you are unable to see or write in order to ensure you create a legally valid document.

making-a-will-if-blind

For a Will to be regarded as valid in Scotland, there are three essential requirements:-

  • Testamentary intention;
  • The individual’s capacity; and
  • Formalities of signing.
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Fertility Week 2020: Should I have a Will when accessing fertility treatment?

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To celebrate Fertility Week 2020 we are joined by our Family Law colleagues to look at a recent case which found its way into the Scottish Courts involving the use of people’s gametes after their death. The case highlights the importance of having a suitable and robust Will in place if you are going through fertility treatment.

Case Background

Last month, legal approval was sought in order to have a child using IVF with sperm stored by the Pursuer’s late husband. The husband had previously stored his sperm before undergoing treatment for cancer – which is becoming a very common practice.

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A Grandparent’s guide to gifting

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Katie Coates provides an overview of the gifting allowances for Inheritance Tax which grandparents (and other individuals) can utilise to make smaller gifts and which will not have an impact on their Nil Rate Band (the Inheritance Tax free allowance at date of death).

trusts

With an accumulation of income and assets over the years, and generally decreasing outgoing expenditure, Grandparents can often find themselves in a privileged position where they can afford to provide some financial support to the lower branches of their family tree.

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Planning for Success Through Business Succession Planning

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In the current circumstances, the question which has crossed many people’s minds is: “Where do we go from here…?” David White addresses how best to future proof a business’ strategic plan and ensure continuity by business succession planning.

Succession Planning and Family Businesses

For business owners in particular, this is an incredibly challenging time with unprecedented changes in consumer habits, emergency fiscal measures and employment practicalities. It goes without saying that appropriate legal advice should be taken to support businesses through this turbulent period.

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Capital Gains Tax changes on Residential Property Sales from April 2020

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Audrey Blair, a Senior Associate within the Residential team and Shona Currie of our Wills, Estates and Succession Planning team provide an overview of the Capital Gains Tax changes which came into effect on 6th April 2020.

from 6th April 2020 all UK residents are required to report to HMRC the sale of a residential property, whether in the UK or overseas if:-

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