Bird Semple News Feed

The Brief Summer 2011

Mon, 20 Jun 2011 11:16:57 GMT

Here you can download a copy of our Summer 2011 Newsletter.

The Brief Winter 2010

Wed, 01 Dec 2010 04:34:08 GMT

Here you can download a copy of our Winter 2010 Newsletter.

The Brief Summer 2010

Mon, 13 Sep 2010 05:48:20 GMT

Here you can download a copy of our Summer 2010 Newsletter.

Consistent Values Persistent Success

Thu, 11 Feb 2010 10:35:09 GMT

There are few who would maintain that legal problems in 2009 are essentially the same as they were in 1845. Phyllis Stephen meets Bird Semple’s Frank Fletcher, whose philosophical approach builds on slow burning, multi-generational success.

The Brief Winter 2009

Mon, 30 Nov 2009 14:25:54 GMT

Here you can download a copy of our Winter 2009 Newsletter.

Are You Prepared For What Lies Ahead?

Wed, 30 Sep 2009 07:28:37 GMT

When it comes to preparing for the future, most of us are guilty of good intentions, but always leave taking any action until “tomorrow”. And we are all aware of the old saying “tomorrow never comes”?

Notwithstanding this, people are thinking more about their future, preparing Wills, considering Inheritance Tax planning etc. Yet, how many of us have considered Powers of Attorney?

Banking Arrangements

Fri, 19 Jun 2009 07:08:25 GMT

Taking account of the current unprecedented low rates of interest available on client deposits, we have agreed with the Royal Bank of Scotland that they shall restrict their margin from their normal 0.25% and instead pay 0.13% below base on the funds that are held on deposit. This firm will also restrict its margin to 0.18% on all levels of deposit until interest rates return to more normal levels.

The Brief Summer 2009

Thu, 04 Jun 2009 09:58:02 GMT

Here you can download a copy of our Spring 2009 Newsletter.

The Brief Winter 2008

Tue, 23 Dec 2008 04:46:02 GMT

Here you can download a copy of our Winter 2008 Newsletter.

Reports Of The Death Of Nil Rate Band Trusts Greatly Exaggerated

Fri, 12 Dec 2008 11:25:50 GMT

Rather unexpectedly, in the Pre-Budget Report of 9th October 2007, the Government announced an effective doubling of the Inheritance Tax threshold for married couples or civil partners with immediate effect and, in some cases, with retrospective effect. The legislation to achieve this finally received Royal Assent on 21st July 2008. HMRC had been proceeding on the basis that the legislation would be enacted but were not, until now, able to finalise any estates which benefited from the new provisions.

The Facts About Home Reports

Fri, 14 Nov 2008 04:49:42 GMT

On 1st December 2008, the Home Report becomes a requirement in most cases when selling a property. This is a creation of the Scottish Parliament and was introduced in the Housing Scotland Act 2006.

The Brief Summer 2008

Fri, 08 Aug 2008 05:14:00 GMT

Here you can download a copy of our Summer 2008 Newsletter.

Alzheimers 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.