Archive for November, 2007
Monday, November 12th, 2007
The central Scotland law firm Caesar & Howie has been restructured and will now come under a single brand called the Caesar & Howie Group.
All of the services provided by the company are now offered by five divisions.
Senior Issues offers support and advice for older people on topics as diverse as health and leisure tips, equity release, welfare, finance and legal matters.
Central Scotland New Homes provides information for consumers interested in purchasing a home in the region.
Bereavement Legal Services offers help and support for people left to manage the legal and practical issues which follow the death of a loved one.
Kupdom is a specially tailored service which helps Polish people in the UK obtain funds to purchase a home.
SPORTSassist is a scheme whereby providers can pay amateur sports clubs to market their services, providing such organisations with a continual source of income.
Managing partner David Borrowman told Firm Magazine: "We are looking forward to the continued expansion and success of the business well into the 21st century and will continue to look at ways in which our services can be improved upon."
The Caesar & Howie Group was formed over 200 years ago.
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Friday, November 9th, 2007
The widow of a well-known figure in Edinburgh law circles has been left more than she may have bargained for in her husband’s will.
Gladys Corbett is allowed to carry on living in the family home she shared with her late husband Ian, but may have the property taken away from her if she remarries.
Mrs Corbett has no legal ownership of her husband’s share in the Edinburgh property as it has been left to her as a life-rent.
Should she remarry, the executors of Mr Corbett’s estate would be left to decide what to do with the share, which could include awarding it to a third party.
Aside from the Edinburgh house, the remainder of Mr Corbett’s estate was left to his wife directly, meaning that she owns it outright.
Consumers may wish to seek legal advice when considering writing a will to gain a fuller understanding of intricacies that they may be unfamiliar with.
The late Mr Corbett represented his friend Sir Sean Connery in a number of legal matters.
Posted in Wills and Executries | No Comments »
Thursday, November 8th, 2007
The interest base rate has been maintained at its current level of 5.75 per cent, it has been announced.
Commenting on the decision by the Bank’s monetary policy committee, chief executive of the National Association of Estate Agents (NAEA) Peter Bolton King stated that the association was hoping for a slight reduction in rates.
"The last 12 months has been an extremely busy period for the housing market and consumers are crying out for reassurance … The market needs a period of stability and the Bank of England should feel confident enough to loosen up the rates," he added.
He stated that many reports indicate that the housing market is slowing down month by month and estate agents have voiced concerns on reduced activity.
Mr Bolton King concluded that a reduction in rates would serve as an "ultimate enhancer" to restore confidence in the property market.
The last change in interest rates was an increase of 0.25 percentage points on July 5th.
Posted in Estate Agency | No Comments »
Wednesday, November 7th, 2007
Justice secretary Kenny MacAskill stated in recent days that it was important that lawyers are paid "appropriately and fairly" as they provide an "essential service".
Mr MacAskill’s comments came after news that the amount of money lawyers receive in legal aid is to increase from next year.
He announced that lawyers in the most serious of legal cases will see an increase in their fees by seven per cent from April 2008.
Mr MacAskill added that work carried out by legal professionals in advising, representing and assisting clients who cannot afford to pay for the services is a vital part in obtaining justice for all.
"This government is committed to ensuring that solicitors are paid appropriately and fairly for the work they do," he said.
Legal aid allows people who would not be able to afford to get help with their legal problems to get assistance.
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Tuesday, November 6th, 2007
The Queen delivered her speech at the state opening of parliament today.
Prime minister Gordon Brown’s legislative plans for the coming year were revealed in the 29 bills and draft bills mentioned.
Included in the address was the child maintenance and other payments bill, which will establish the Child Maintenance and Enforcement Commission, that will have tougher powers to obligate absent parents to pay for their children.
A number of provisions of the criminal justice and immigration bill will extend to cover Scotland, despite relating for the most part to England.
The Dormant Bank and Building Society Accounts bill will allow the government to use money held in accounts anywhere in the UK that have not been used in the past 15 years to provide more facilities for youths.
Following the Queen’s speech, the government’s plans for the year will be debated by both the House of Commons and the House of Lords.
Posted in New Legislation | No Comments »
Monday, November 5th, 2007
The Law Society of Scotland has issued a consultation paper on rules regarding the delivery of legal services.
If the laws are relaxed, the provision of legal aid in Scotland may be changed fundamentally, as non-lawyer providers such as supermarkets or banks would be able to deliver legal services.
Richard Henderson, president of the Law Society of Scotland, commented that the issue is one of the most important to be raised in the history of the Scottish legal profession and could result in far-reaching changes for the profession and the public.
"There is a growing demand for change both from within the profession and other interested parties – including consumers – and while we have embraced the need for change … we cannot underestimate some of the challenges that must be addressed to do this," he said.
Mr Henderson urged everyone with an interest to respond to the paper by Januray 31st 2008.
The Law Society of Scotland is the governing body for Scottish solicitors and was founded in 1949.
Posted in Legal Aid | No Comments »
Friday, November 2nd, 2007
A number of Scottish cities have ranked among the UK locations with the biggest house price increases over the past five years.
New research by HBOS has indicated that Dundee and Aberdeen have seen some of the largest house price increases in Britain over the five-year period, rising by 130 and 125 per cent respectively.
Increases were also seen in Glasgow (102 per cent) and Edinburgh (81 per cent).
Martin Ellis, chief economist at Halifax Estate Agents, said: "House prices in cities tend to be higher than the average price in their region. The attraction of shopping and leisure facilities, as well as a short commute for workers, means that there will always be demand to live in cities."
Consumers considering moving house may wish to seek legal advice before relocating to become aware of any regulations or laws that may affect them.
The latest quarterly regional house price report from Nationwide indicates that the average house price in Scotland currently stands at £152,479.
Posted in Estate Agency | No Comments »
Thursday, November 1st, 2007
Almost four-tenths (39 per cent) of retirees would be prepared to release equity from their home to improve their finances.
Such is the result of a recent study by equity release firm Home & Capital Advisers, which found that other means considered by senior citizens to improve their financial situation included downsizing their home (21 per cent) and selling valuable possessions (12 per cent).
Nigel Hare-Scott, managing director of the company, stated that rising costs of commodities such as energy, council tax and food put pressure on day-to-day finances, reports the Press Association.
"Many of them live on a limited income with little or no scope for an increase, particularly since the state pension has not kept up with inflation," he said.
Consumers may find that it is advisable to obtain legal advice prior to releasing equity from their home, to find out their position in the eyes of the law.
A recent study by Norwich Union indicated that one in ten retirees cut back on heating costs, clothing and socialising as they worry about bills.
Posted in Wills and Executries | No Comments »
