News & Legal Updates

The majority of people tend to assume that, through their Will, they have complete control over who will inherit their estate.  Accordingly, they are often surprised to find out that they actually live in a country that has laws of “forced heirship”, where a person’s children or spouse claims cannot be fully disinherited.  Scotland is … Continue reading "‘Ilot’ to think about: Legal rights and the ability to disinherit"

Mum A is with her children at home.  Mum B suddenly drops in with her children.  The kids all know each other and often play together.  Mum B asks if Mum A can look after all the kids for a couple of hours while Mum B goes off to deal with some emergency or other.  … Continue reading "“EE-AYE-EE-AYE-OUCH”: Big moo-stake for family after failing to look after neighbour’s child on their own farm"

In the film “The Dark Knight Rises” we return to Gotham to witness a dejected and disheartened Bruce Wayne with Wayne Enterprises Ltd on the verge of collapse. So where did it all go wrong for the premier corporation in Gotham? The root of the problem is that many directors, particularly sole directors, often believe … Continue reading "Bruce Wayne: The hero Gotham wants but not the director Wayne Enterprises Ltd needs?"

Two solicitors from the Blackadders Family Law team were delighted to be part of the recent “School Mock Court Case Project” – an initiative designed to educate primary school children about the Scottish Legal System and give them the opportunity to prepare and conduct their very own case – in a real court, in front … Continue reading "Junior Blackadders v ‘Talk n Txt’: The Mock Court Case"

We are all accustomed to reading in the papers that people are too quick to sue each other for damages, and that there is no longer any place where an organisation can be safe from the threat of legal action.  However, the recent decision of the Court of Session in the case of Colin Taylor … Continue reading "Not quite the ‘rub of the green’: Man fails to sue golf course despite falling down dangerous manhole"

You may have missed the latest celebrity courtroom drama between movie star Uma Thurman and her former partner, billionaire financier Arpad Busson. The case received relatively little publicity in the press here which is unfortunate because their dispute has highlighted issues which are regularly  faced by separating families and family lawyers. Thurman and Busson went … Continue reading "‘Be Cool’ parents: Uma Thurman and ex-fiancé end custody dispute over 4 year old daughter"

Valentines’ Day – loved by some, loathed by others. Our Family Law team certainly enjoyed it earlier this week! As did florists across the land. It’s only a day after all – or is it? A recent study claimed that people who got married on so called gimmick days – such as Valentine’s Day – … Continue reading "Does Getting Married on a “Gimmick Day” Mean You Will End Up Divorced?"

The Bankruptcy (Scotland) Act 2016 came into force on 30 November 2016 and with it the new Act of Sederunt (Sheriff Court Bankruptcy Rules) 2016. These rules apply to any sequestrations for which the petition is presented, or the debtor application is made, on or after that date. The new legislation aims to codify and … Continue reading "New Bankruptcy Court Rules Come Into Force"

It’s midway through January and many of us are trying to stick to our latest New Year resolution. Our household has finally consumed the mountain of cheese and biscuits and our attention has now turned to getting fit (again!), eating healthily (again!) and cutting out the wine (well maybe just one on a Saturday night…!). … Continue reading "3 New Year Resolutions You Should Try To Stick To This Year!"

Christmas is a time for giving and there are several ways to make over cash or assets to someone as efficiently as possible when it comes to inheritance tax (IHT). IHT is only currently payable on any portion of your estate that is above a threshold of £325,000, and is charged at 40%, however this … Continue reading "5 ways to reduce your Inheritance tax bill this Christmas!"