A Power of Attorney – a convenient tool or an indispensable insurance policy?
There was a time when a Power of Attorney was granted for the convenience of the granter. If the granter lived or worked abroad or travelled extensively, they would find it convenient to grant a Power of Attorney in favour of someone they trusted to deal with their...
Can you pull out of your house sale?
As with many questions lawyers face, the answer is never straightforward. Whilst this question seems to demand a “yes” or “no” answer, the actual answer is “it depends”! Selling a house involved a contract between the seller and the buyer. In Scotland, that contract...
The dangers of multiple handwritten Wills
Drawing up a handwritten Will might sound the most straightforward way of putting your affairs in order. But is it really? Perhaps, the issues of using handwritten Wills are best explained in a recently decided case in America involving the estate of the late Aretha...
Employment law: Court decides it is illegal to employ agency workers to replace striking employees
Thirteen Unions banded together to raised proceedings in the High Court in England against the Secretary of State for Business and Trade. The purpose of the proceedings was to determine the status of business who employed agency workers as cover for striking workers....
Preventing your Power of Attorney being misused
Granting a Power of Attorney is an important step to ensure future decisions taken are the kind of decision you would make should you no longer be able to make them yourself. What is a Power of Attorney? A Power of Attorney is a document appointing someone to act as...
What does it mean to have ‘concluded missives’ in the sale of your house?
Selling your home isn’t just about shaking hands on an offer. It’s a dance, a negotiation process that can feel a bit like passing notes in high school. In Scotland, we call these notes ‘missives.’ As these letters go back and forth between your lawyer and the buyer’s...
Why a Power of Attorney is essential in an uncertain world
Life’s unpredictability is its only constant. Despite our best efforts at planning, things don’t always pan out the way we envision. Sometimes, even without any plan, things miraculously fall into place, and at other times, they seem to fall apart like a house of...
Understanding the need for a Separation Agreement: A Simplified Guide
Separating from a partner can be an emotional rollercoaster, and often, the practical aspects of separation take a backseat in the chaos. However, a dramatic dash to court isn’t always the solution, nor something we usually recommend. As any solicitor will affirm,...
