Bird Semple News Feed

Alzeihmers Q & A

Tue, 06 May 2008 11:05:43 GMT

My father has been diagnosed with the early stages of Alzheimer’s disease. What should we do to protect his home and finances, at this time?

Cohabitation Right to Claim Part 2

Tue, 06 May 2008 10:45:41 GMT

Assuming that co-habitation is found to have existed in the eyes of the Court, what can be claimed, and what can the Court award?

Cohabitation Right to Claim Part 1

Tue, 06 May 2008 10:37:08 GMT

Scots Law has long recognised the right of a spouse (and, more recently, a civil partner) to a share of his or her predeceasing spouse’s or civil partner’s estate.

Now, as a result of The Family Law (Scotland) Act 2006, non-married and non-civilly enpartnered co-habitees have, in certain circumstances, a right to claim from the estate.

Don’t Lose Out On 6th April 2008

Wed, 20 Feb 2008 04:36:39 GMT

Over the last few months the Chancellor’s difficulties regarding Northern Rock, missing Child Benefit disks and how to tax non-domiciled UK residents, have been the subject of a lot of press comment. These issues have been interesting enough, but they have deflected a lot of worthwhile attention away from the radical changes that are going to be made to Capital Gains Tax (“CGT”) on 6th April 2008. Whilst the CGT changes will undoubtedly benefit some people, they will also adversely affect a significant number of others, particularly married couples and civil partners, unless pre-emptive action is taken before 6th April. Time is, therefore, very much of the essence.

Bird Semple Short Listed At Scottish Legal Awards 08

Tue, 29 Jan 2008 05:22:50 GMT

Partners and staff within Bird Semple are celebrating their nomination as Finalists at The Cuthbert Scottish Legal Awards, in the Private Client Firm of the Year category.

Factors Affecting the Property Market

Fri, 05 Oct 2007 10:23:18 GMT

There are varying reports emerging in relation to the current state of the property market and it is difficult to be sure how the market will perform in the coming year.

Bird Semple - Law Firm Of The Year 2007

Fri, 14 Sep 2007 12:02:46 GMT

We are delighted to tell you that we were announced as winner of the Law Firm of the Year (under 50 fee earners) category of the prestigious Law Awards of Scotland 2007, in a ceremony at the Crowne Plaza, Glasgow last night.

Wills

Wed, 12 Sep 2007 04:52:14 GMT

Figures show that nearly 2 out of 3 Scots die without making a Will. Elspeth Talbot highlights the Top 10 reasons why every adult should have an up-to-date Will.

Long Term Care

Fri, 07 Sep 2007 07:19:01 GMT

For many elderly people, a move into a care home becomes unavoidable. The cost of such care is considerable, with annual fees reaching £20,000 or more in many cases. The Scottish Executive’s policy of paying for personal care has alleviated the problem to some extent. If the resident has a reasonable pension or other sources of income, he may be able to pay the fees from income alone. Others may not be so fortunate and may have to dip into their capital to fund their place in a care home.

Alex McArdle's Retirement

Fri, 10 Aug 2007 04:42:49 GMT

Alex McArdle our Personal Tax Manager, last month celebrated thirty years of continuous service with the Firm. This anniversary was celebrated in suitable fashion. However, having passed this milestone, Alex has decided that the time has come to retire, which he will do at the end of August.

Co Habitation Q & A

Fri, 03 Aug 2007 09:09:32 GMT

More and more unmarried couples these days are opting to buy a home together, however there can be legal implications which they really should be aware of.

Peace of Mind in The Sun

Fri, 22 Jun 2007 05:51:10 GMT

My husband and I are considering buying a property in Spain this year. We have Wills in place and I assume they will cover the foreign property. Am I right?

Conveyancing Q & A June 2007

Fri, 01 Jun 2007 04:50:18 GMT

I rent out a flat and neighbours have been complaining about my tenants. The Local Authority has advised that if I do not take action, I could be served with an ASBN. What is this and what can I do to prevent this?

Property Agreements

Thu, 03 May 2007 09:57:30 GMT

Given the enormous increase in house prices over the past few years, coupled with the reduction in the number of people getting married, more purchases are proceeding in the joint names of unmarried couples. Title is often taken in joint names of the parties with no provision for how the property is to be dealt with in the event of separation. Karen Lang considers the realities…...

Cohabitation Q & A

Fri, 27 Apr 2007 05:11:36 GMT

More and more unmarried couples these days are opting to buy a home together, however there can be legal implications which they really should be aware of.

Here, Karen Lang answers a question posed by one half of an unmarried couple!

Minimising Inheritance Tax liability

Fri, 30 Mar 2007 05:43:40 GMT

Many of us now own properties which are increasing in value at an exceptional rate, which is great news if you’re planning to sell.

However, it’s very bad news if it takes your estate, at the time of death, over the Inheritance Tax threshold, because you are unnecessarily arranging for your children to pay the Chancellor of the Exchequer, vast sums in Inheritance Tax.

Agecare Q & A

Thu, 08 Feb 2007 10:29:36 GMT

My aunt lives at home on her own but now needs 24-hour care as the result of a recent stroke. How do I find out about the best way of providing this care for her?

Property Letting

Mon, 08 Jan 2007 05:34:02 GMT

With pensions continuing to attract controversy, people are looking at other ways of investing for their old age and property has always been a popular choice. But property can have difficulties too…

Client Seminars

Mon, 08 Jan 2007 04:33:46 GMT

We are pleased to announce that for our next client seminar the firm will be offering an insight into, and advice on inheritance tax efficient wills, changes to inheritance tax introduced by the Budget earlier this year and asset protection in the event of potential divorce or separation.

Trust for Grandchildren

Fri, 17 Nov 2006 07:44:04 GMT

We wish to set up trust-funds for our 5 grandchildren…what’s the best way to go about this?