A Guide for Cross-Border Movers and Returning Scots If you’re selling a property in England and planning to buy in Scotland, it’s important to understand how the legal process differs — especially around contract timing, solicitor roles, and when you become legally committed. At Hastings Legal, we regularly support clients relocating to the Scottish Borders. This guide outlines the key...

Buying a home in Scotland works a little differently than in other parts of the UK. This short guide explains what to expect and how Hastings Legal can help you get it right from the start. Understanding the Scottish System In Scotland, a property purchase becomes legally binding when the buyer’s and seller’s solicitors agree and exchange a series of letters called missives. Until then, either...

Buying a home is exciting — but if you’ve never bought in Scotland before, the process can seem unfamiliar. Whether you’re moving from elsewhere in the UK or buying your first home altogether, this guide explains how it all works: from what makes the Scottish system different, to the key steps in the legal process. You don’t need to know every detail — that’s what we’re here for —...

The Key Decisions Behind a Strong and Clear POA Setting up a Power of Attorney is one of the most important legal documents you’ll put in place but it’s not just about choosing who to appoint. What the document actually covers matters too. This guide walks through the essential powers and choices you’ll need to think about before your solicitor drafts the POA. The Powers You Want to...

Helping You Prepare, Protect, and Stay in Control — With Support From Your Local Legal Team Why It Makes Sense to Think About All Three — Together Wills, Power of Attorney, and care planning often come up at different stages. But the truth is, they work best when they’re considered as part of the same conversation. You don’t need to have all the answers right now. You just need to...

Understanding How POA Affects Shared Assets If you jointly own a home or bank account with someone — a partner, spouse, or relative — you might assume they can simply take over if something happens to you. But that’s not always the case. This guide explains how a Power of Attorney can and can't support decisions around jointly owned property and why clear wording and good advice...

What to Think About Before You Decide A Power of Attorney is only as strong as the person you trust to act for you. That’s why choosing the right attorney is one of the most important steps in putting one in place. This short guide will help you think through your options — who might be right, what matters most, and what to do if you’re not sure yet. What an Attorney Does Your attorney...

For Peace of Mind — Now and in the Future Many people only start thinking about Power of Attorney when things begin to change — a diagnosis, a decline in health, or a growing sense that support might soon be needed. Others are caught off guard by something sudden, having never considered it at all. This guide explains why putting a Power of Attorney (POA) in place before it’s needed is one of...

A Practical Guide to Staying in Control — No Matter What Happens A Power of Attorney (POA) is a legal document that lets you appoint someone you trust to make decisions for you if you can’t — whether that’s due to illness, an accident, or anything else that affects your ability to manage your own affairs.In Scotland, a POA usually includes: Continuing Powers – for financial and legal...

Key Things to Consider When Writing or Updating Your Will Writing a Will isn’t just about deciding who gets what — it’s about making sure your wishes are understood and respected. Here’s a clear list of the key things most people include in a Will, along with a few important choices you might not have thought about. Who will carry out your wishes (Executors) Your executors are the...