Private Client
Budget 2021: Key Points For Private Clients
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Almost a year on from the first national lockdown, the UK remains in the grip of a pandemic. With the Government’s borrowing at a record level, today’s Budget largely focused on mitigating the effects of the virus on the economy and supporting those most affected by the downturn.
To the relief of most taxpayers, it therefore appears that tax rises for individuals will not be happening immediately.
Scotland to move to Opt-Out System of Organ Donation
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On 26 March 2021, the provisions of the Human Tissue (Authorisation) Scotland Act 2019 will come into force. The effect of the Act is to apply an “Opt-Out” system of organ donation whereby there will be a legal presumption that, in the absence of any evidence to the contrary, persons dying in Scotland have consented to the donation of the most commonly donated organs, including kidneys, heart, lungs, liver and tendons, where the circumstances make donation possible.
Private client team investment in client-focused technology
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Stronachs launches innovative new service for clients seeking Will drafting services
The private client team at Stronachs has joined with legal technology specialist Settify to offer a new, bespoke online option to clients wishing to explore changing their existing will or making a new will.
Settify, the custom-built tool, is accessed via the firm’s website and uses artificial intelligence to interact with clients making enquiries for the first time. It explains legal jargon and provides relevant initial information to clients based on their particular circumstances.
Chambers and Partners High Net Worth Guide 2020
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The 2020 Chambers and Partners High Net Worth guide was launched on Thursday 9 July and we are delighted to announce that the Stronachs STEP accredited Private Client team are one of only three firms to have been recognised in the north-east of Scotland.
Covid-19 : Easing of Restrictions on Estate Administrations
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Registers of Scotland are now accepting deceased person’s Wills for registration again, a welcome development in the winding up of estates, ensuring the protection and preservation of Wills following a death.
It has been just over a month since the courts began accepting Confirmation (Scottish Probate) applications again. While initially done through a series of regional “hub” courts, they can now be submitted to the same local court as they would have been before the lockdown.
Private Client team awarded highest accreditation from STEP
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Stronachs has been awarded STEP (Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners) Platinum Employer Partner accreditation, the highest of three accreditation levels awarded under STEP's Employer Partnership Programme.
To achieve platinum accreditation, a partner must show that the importance of learning & development is championed throughout the organisation.
COVID-19 : New Guidance on Making a Will
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The Law Society of Scotland has issued guidance on the correct procedures for Solicitors taking Will instructions from new and existing clients during this period when face to face meetings with clients are not possible.
Witnessing
Particularly welcome is the guidance on the situation where it is not possible for a witness to be present in person during the signing process.
Powers of Attorney - Updated Law Society Guidance
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There has been a recent update to Law Society of Scotland guidance regarding Powers of Attorney
While Powers of Attorney ordinarily need to be signed in the presence of a Solicitor or a Doctor, recent Law Society of Scotland guidance has confirmed that this can now be done by way of video conference, meaning that Powers of Attorney can still be signed, registered and made available for use, where required.
