Austin Lafferty Solicitors

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Austin Lafferty Solicitors For over 30 years Austin Lafferty's team have been provided legal services throughout Scotland.

Does an adopted child have the same inheritance rights as a biological child?If you have an adopted child, it is importa...
15/10/2026

Does an adopted child have the same inheritance rights as a biological child?

If you have an adopted child, it is important to understand how adoption affects inheritance.

Under Scots law, once an adoption is legally finalised, an adopted child has the same inheritance rights as a biological child. This includes important protections under Scotland's legal rights provisions.

If your family circumstances have changed, it may also be worth reviewing your Will to make sure it still reflects your wishes.

👉 Read our guide to inheritance rights for adopted children:
https://www.austinlafferty.co.uk/latest-news/does-an-adopted-child-have-inheritance-rights/

Can you change a Will after someone has died?What happens if a beneficiary wants to change how an estate is distributed ...
12/10/2026

Can you change a Will after someone has died?

What happens if a beneficiary wants to change how an estate is distributed after someone has died?

A Deed of Variation can allow beneficiaries to alter how an inheritance is distributed, potentially allowing assets to be redirected to another family member or helping with inheritance tax planning.

There are specific requirements and time limits to consider, so professional legal advice is necessary before making any changes.

👉 Find out more about Deeds of Variation: https://www.austinlafferty.co.uk/latest-news/what-is-a-deed-of-variation/

08/10/2026

What actually happens to property and finances after someone dies?

Winding up an estate can feel overwhelming, especially when you're dealing with grief at the same time.

In our latest podcast, Austin Lafferty breaks down the process of winding up an estate in Scotland, from Confirmation and gathering assets to paying debts and distributing the estate.

He also tackles some common myths, including:

❓Does the eldest child automatically deal with everything?
❓Can an executor divide up the estate straight after the funeral?
❓Do you need Probate in Scotland?

Plus, Austin explains what executors need to know about debts, inheritance tax, property, jewellery and other possessions.

🎧 If you or a family member may have to deal with an estate, this is one worth listening to.

👉 Listen to the full podcast:
https://www.austinlafferty.co.uk/podcast/episode-9-winding-up-an-estate/

Will or Power of Attorney, which do you need? 🤔https://www.austinlafferty.co.uk/latest-news/will-or-power-of-attorney/It...
24/09/2026

Will or Power of Attorney, which do you need? 🤔

https://www.austinlafferty.co.uk/latest-news/will-or-power-of-attorney/

It’s a commonly asked question, so you’re certainly not alone if you’re wondering this too.

We'll save you the research: the simple answer is that a Will and a Power of Attorney do very different jobs. A Will sets out what should happen to your estate after you die, while a Power of Attorney allows someone you trust to make certain decisions or act on your behalf during your lifetime.

For many people, having both in place is an important part of making sure their affairs are properly organised.

Our latest blog explains the difference between a Will and a Power of Attorney under Scots law, what each one covers and why you may need both.

Can you choose who looks after your children if something happens to you?For many parents, making sure their children ar...
22/09/2026

Can you choose who looks after your children if something happens to you?

For many parents, making sure their children are cared for is one of their biggest priorities and many turn to godparents.

Choosing a guardian and making your wishes clear can help provide greater certainty for your family and ensure your preferences are known.

It is one of those conversations that can be difficult to have, but planning ahead can make a real difference. Be aware that godparents are not recognised in law unless a will states that they are to be a legal guardian.

https://www.austinlafferty.co.uk/latest-news/are-godparents-legal-guardians/

Can a grandparent have legal rights to see their grandchildren?Family relationships can become complicated when parents ...
16/09/2026

Can a grandparent have legal rights to see their grandchildren?

Family relationships can become complicated when parents separate, and this can sometimes affect contact between grandparents and grandchildren.

While grandparents don't automatically have the same parental rights as parents, there are legal options that may allow them to seek contact with their grandchildren.

Every family situation is different, which is why getting advice based on your individual circumstances is important.

If you're a grandparent concerned about maintaining contact with your grandchildren, find out more about your options via the link below:

https://www.austinlafferty.co.uk/services/family-law/grandparent-rights/

What happens when someone dies without a Will?Losing someone is difficult enough without having to navigate complicated ...
10/09/2026

What happens when someone dies without a Will?

Losing someone is difficult enough without having to navigate complicated legal and financial matters at the same time.

If someone dies without a Will, their estate is dealt with according to the rules of intestacy. This can affect who inherits and how the estate is administered.

The process of dealing with someone's estate is known as executry in Scotland.

If you're dealing with the estate of a loved one, getting the right legal advice can help you understand what needs to happen next.

See more here: https://www.austinlafferty.co.uk/services/executries-probate/

You may have heard that Powers of Attorney are taking a long time to register in Scotland. ⏳With registration delays at ...
08/09/2026

You may have heard that Powers of Attorney are taking a long time to register in Scotland. ⏳

With registration delays at the Office of the Public Guardian, it can take many months before a Power of Attorney is ready to use.

That makes planning ahead particularly important. A Power of Attorney can give someone you trust the authority to manage your financial affairs, property or personal welfare if you are unable to do so yourself, but it needs to be in place before it is required.

If you've been thinking about setting up a Power of Attorney, our latest blog explains how long the process can take, what is involved and why it is worth acting sooner rather than later.

https://www.austinlafferty.co.uk/latest-news/how-long-does-power-of-attorney-take/

Our team can guide you through the process and make sure everything is completed correctly.

Buying your first home? 🏡Buying a property is exciting, but there is a lot to think about before you get the keys.From m...
04/09/2026

Buying your first home? 🏡

Buying a property is exciting, but there is a lot to think about before you get the keys.

From making an offer and checking the legal documents to arranging your mortgage and reaching settlement, having the right legal advice can help make the process much smoother.

If you're thinking about buying your first home, make sure you understand what is involved before you take the next step.

Our team can help guide you through the legal side of buying a property. Have a listen to our podcast episode on buying a home here: https://www.austinlafferty.co.uk/podcast/episode-2-moving-home/

Address

213 Edinburgh House
East Kilbride
G741LJ

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 5pm
Tuesday 9am - 5pm
Wednesday 9am - 5pm
Thursday 9am - 5pm
Friday 9am - 5pm
Saturday 9am - 1pm

Telephone

+441355263777

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