Services - Wills

Stating your wishes clearly in a professionally drafted Will makes good practical and financial sense. It can help ensure that any tax payable on your assets is kept to a minimum and that provision is made for those about whom you care.

Many people do not have a Will. They may think that they do not own enough to make it necessary; or that their spouse, civil partner, or long-term partner will receive everything automatically; or there may be other reasons. If you are one of these people, you should think again. The law in Scotland is not straightforward and your spouse, civil partner or partner may not receive everything you think they will. Equally, if you are single, you may not realise how, and to whom, your assets would be distributed in the event of your death. Everyone should have a Will, and this is particularly true if you own property, are married or have entered a civil partnership, have a long-term partner, have children or other dependants, or if you wish to benefit someone who is not a close family member. A good Will is clear and concise. It ensures your assets are distributed in accordance with your wishes, with a minimum of administration and without paying more tax than is necessary.

Not only is it important to have a Will, it is important to keep it updated. As your circumstances change, so should your Will. For example, getting married, entering into a civil partnership, having children or buying a property, can make a significant difference to your circumstances. You should review your Will regularly to make sure it takes account of all these factors.

We will provide you with sound, professional advice about writing your Will and explain how to manage your assets in the most tax-efficient way. We will also be pro-active in reviewing the provisions of your Will periodically, so that it remains up-to-date and takes account of changes in your life.

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Carole Hope Partner

carole.hope@murraybeith.co.uk

Carole heads up the Executry Group within the firm, where she advises clients on dealing with and transferring assets in the event of a death. She has particular expertise in handling contentious executries and experience of, and an interest in, aspects of cross-border succession.

Carole’s work involves advising on wills and estate planning and she also has over 25 years’ experience of advising charities and charitable trusts, which is underpinned by years of personal involvement in charitable organisations.

Carole is a dual qualified solicitor (Scotland and England/Wales), a member of the Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners (STEP) and a board member of the Franco-British Lawyers Society. She speaks regularly at conferences and seminars on private client issues, cross-border succession and charity law.

Listed in Chambers 2010 as a leader in her field, Carole is described as being “well regarded for contentious probate issues”. She was also the runner up in the “Best Woman Solicitor Managing a Probate Practice” category in the Association of Women Solicitor Awards 2010.

Areas of work

• Executries
• Contentious executries
• Wills
• Trust law
• Powers of Attorney
• Estate planning
• Cross-border succession
• Charities

Graham Scott Partner

graham.scott@murraybeith.co.uk

Graham is a Partner with more than 20 years experience in estate and tax planning.

Graham’s work involves the provision of advice to individuals and families in relation to succession, trusts, asset protection and offshore matters. He advises on all aspects of private taxation including inheritance tax, capital gains tax and income tax. Graham frequently advises business owners in relation to planning for succession and tax mitigation.

Graham has extensive experience of setting up and administering trusts and is accredited by the Law Society of Scotland as a specialist in Trust law. He frequently advises disappointed beneficiaries in connection with both trusts and executries. He also has a particular interest in dealing with offshore trusts and foreign property.

Areas of work

• Wills
• Trust law
• Powers of Attorney
• Inheritance tax
• Capital gains tax
• Estate planning
• Succession planning
• Offshore trusts

Peter Shand Partner

peter.shand@murraybeith.co.uk

Peter is a Partner and advises private clients on Wills, estate and tax planning, asset protection and charity law.

Before joining Murray Beith Murray, Peter worked as a corporate lawyer and he now advises on succession/wealth planning in the context of trusts, companies, partnerships, and other corporate vehicles. Peter’s expertise also covers inheritance and capital gains tax advice.

Peter is a dual qualified solicitor (Scotland and England/Wales). He is experienced in dealing with cross border issues relating to succession planning and trusts and is a member of the Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners (STEP). He also provides general financial advice and has membership of the Personal Finance Society.

Active in the Arts, Peter is currently a non-executive Director of Magnetic North Theatre Productions. He has experience of advising those involved in the charity sector on governance issues, legal structures and the set up/reorganisation of charities.

Areas of work

• Estate planning (including taxation issues)
• Wills and Powers of Attorney
• Trusts/Companies/Partnerships
• English law
• Charities