Gifts, Loans and Help from Family: How to Keep It Clear and Legal Financial help from family or friends can make the difference between securing the property you want and not being able to proceed. It is important to agree the terms of that help in advance and have them properly documented. Without this, misunderstandings can arise, particularly if circumstances change. Assistance may be in the form...

Gifts, Loans and Help from Family: How to Keep It Clear and Legal Financial help from family or friends can make the difference between securing the property you want and not being able to proceed. It is important to agree the terms of that help in advance and have them properly documented. Without this when buying a home with help, misunderstandings can arise, particularly if circumstances...

Writing a Will During Your Property Purchase Buying a property in Scotland is a major step and an ideal time to put a Will in place. Making your will when buyingkeeps your wishes recorded and your affairs in order from day one. For the full buying process, see our Buying in Scotland guide. When It’s Especially Important Buying with a partner but not married. Having children from a...

Keeping a Property Sale on Track When There’s More Than One Owner or an Executor Buying or selling property can involve more than one legal owner — or, in the case of an estate, an executor acting on behalf of someone who has died. Both situations are common, but they do add steps to the process. Hastings Legal can guide you through what’s needed so the sale or purchase stays on...

What's Included with a House Sale in Scotland: The Basics A recent legal dispute over the alleged removal of valuable fixtures from Ayton Castle is a timely reminder of what's included with a house sale in Scotland as it’s not just the building you need to think about — it’s also the things inside it. At Hastings Legal, we’ve seen everything from front doors disappearing to sellers...

When someone can’t sell their own property — whether through illness, absence, or another reason — a Power of Attorney (POA) allows a trusted person to manage the sale on their behalf. At Hastings Legal, we regularly guide attorneys through the process from start to finish. This guide explains how it works, what to check before you begin, and how our integrated service can save time, reduce...

What Happens if Someone Loses Capacity Without a Power of Attorney If someone you care about has lost the ability to make decisions — and there’s no Power of Attorney in place — it may be too late to set one up. In that situation, you may need to apply for a Guardianship Order to be able to act on their behalf. This guide explains what Guardianship is, when it’s needed, and what to expect...

When someone dies, emotions often run high. If a Will seems unfair or out of character, you may consider challenging it — but in Scotland this is a formal legal process with strict rules, time limits, and evidence requirements. Grounds for Contesting a Will A Will can be challenged only on specific legal grounds: Invalidity – The person lacked mental capacity, was unduly influenced, or...

Separation can be an emotional and complex time — and if you own a home together, there are practical and legal matters to work through as well. Whether you are married, in a civil partnership, or cohabiting, it is important to understand your rights and responsibilities in relation to the property.At Hastings Legal, we help clients navigate this process. This guide outlines the key issues involved in...

What They Are, What They Show, and Why They Matter When Buying or Selling Title deeds tell the legal story of a property. They show who owns it, where the boundaries lie, and what obligations (if any) come with it. If you’re buying or selling in Scotland your solicitor will carefully review the deeds to flag anything unusual or unclear. This guide explains what title deeds are and how they can...