“Three Gold Rings …”
At this festive time of year the negative effects of taxation will be far from your mind, but you should be aware that the clock is ticking when it comes to planning for a more tax-efficient New Year for you and your nearest and dearest. Whether it is Income Tax (50% maximum rate of tax), […]
The Home Report – Points to Consider
The Home Report has been with us in Scotland since 1st December 2008 and it is fair to say the opinion is divided on whether or not it has been a success or, as claimed by its supporters, provides value for money. However, as the Home Report was introduced by an SNP Administration, it is […]
Powers of Attorney / Guardianships
Do you have a relative or friend who is incapable or unable to manage their affairs? A person’s capacity could be impaired gradually as a result of an illness such as dementia or suddenly as a result of an accident. A doctor will be able to confirm whether or not that person is able to […]
“Dr in the House”
Whilst we have been fortunate in the Aberdeen area to see the property market holding its own times are tough and selling your home cannot be taken for granted. Sprucing up your house or home staging as it is known has become increasingly popular over the years and Ann Maurice the American house doctor is […]
Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me? – Beware of the Property Misdescriptions Act 1991
When is a garage not a garage? A garage is described as ‘a building or shed for housing a motor vehicle’. So, what is a motor vehicle? Can this include a motorbike? A moped? Anything with an internal engine? These are the kinds of questions solicitors and estate agents will have to consider asking themselves. […]
12 Penalty Points On Your Driving Licence – Automatic Disqualification? – Think Again!
Introduction As most of the Top Gear fans amongst you will know if you accumulate 12 points or more on your driving licence you can be disqualified from driving. However, this is not by any means a foregone conclusion. Statutory Basis The relevant piece of legislation is Section 35 of the Road Traffic Offenders Act […]
Safeguarding Tenants’ Deposits – Tenancy Deposit Schemes
A tenancy deposit scheme is a scheme – approved by the Scottish Government – provided and operated by an independent third party to hold and protect tenants’ deposits until they fall to be repaid at the end of the tenancy. These schemes will come into operation very soon, advises John Sinclair. Concerns that some private […]
Family Law
A matter which is becoming increasingly prevalent, particularly in the North East of Scotland which houses a fairly transient population, is the situation whereby after a couple have separated, one of them requires to move either to another part of the United Kingdom or possibly with more profound consequences, to another Continent. Clearly, this is […]
Energy Act 2011 and The Green Deal
It is now less than 6 months to go until the “Green Deal” launch which is set to revolutionise the energy efficiency of all UK homes and businesses. The Green Deal stems from the Energy Act 2011 and is designed to enable private firms to offer consumers energy efficiency improvements. The benefit to consumers and […]
Cohabitee’s Rights
In a recent landmark decision by five Justices of the Supreme Court, some clarity has been brought to the issue of cohabitee’s rights. Whilst it has always been accepted that the terms of The Family Law (Scotland) Act 2006 did not seek to provide couples, who chose to co-habit rather than to marry or enter […]