What happens if I can no longer look after my affairs?

3/15/2018

This is a question that faces many people, not least those of us who are getting on a bit. The simple truth of the matter is that if you don’t take steps to make sure that your interests are looked after before you can no longer make decisions for yourself, then someone – usually your spouse or partner or a member of your family, a friend or a professional (for instance, a solicitor) but it can just as easily be someone from your local authority’s social work department – can be appointed to make those decisions for you. That person is called a Guardian and, once appointed, he or she can and will make decisions about your welfare or your financial affairs or both.... read more

LBTT Tax Returns required for commercial leases

3/4/2018

The Land & Buildings Transaction Tax commenced 3 years ago on 1st April 2015. What many people didn’t fully appreciate at the time was that those who entered into a commercial lease on or after that date and were subject to Land & Building Transaction Tax would then be required to submit a Land & Buildings Transaction Tax every third year from the anniversary of the “effective date” (this will mostly be the date of entry under the lease).... read more

Why don't you make a Will

11/30/2017

With the shocking statistic that nearly 60% of people in Scotland don’t have a Will we started looking at the different reasons clients and others have given us for avoiding what is probably one of the most important things anyone should do. In fact, most people spend more time planning their holiday than they do planning their future – and there’s no better way to get peace of mind than knowing your loved ones will be secure when the inevitable happens – hopefully many years in the future.... read more

Do you have the Power?

11/23/2017

A Power of Attorney is a document that gives someone else the power to make decisions for you and allows them to look after your affairs. Most people assume that the requirement for a Power of Attorney only arises when you are old and unable to make your own decisions. Unfortunately, by then it may be too late to grant a Power of Attorney. Now is the time at least to consider a Power of Attorney. What if you are incapacitated by accident, stroke or other illness? Having a Power of Attorney in place means you can be sure your affairs will be dealt with by the person or persons of your choice.... read more

Gillespie Gifford & Brown Macmillan Coffee Morning – Friday 29th September 2017

11/20/2017

On 29th September 2017, we took part in Macmillan’s World’s Biggest Coffee Morning hosting our own coffee morning across our four offices in Castle Douglas, Dalbeattie Kirkcudbright and Dumfries. ... read more