Austin Lafferty Solicitors

27/08/2026

In Scotland, dogs, cats, and other pets are legally classed as property, not family members – which can make it difficult to decide who gets ownership during a divorce.

Here's how courts rule on pet ownership and what factors matter most: https://austinlafferty.co.uk/latest-news/are-cats-and-dogs-treated-equally-in-a-divorce/

25/08/2026

Putting a Power of Attorney in place gives someone you trust the legal authority to make decisions on your behalf if you're unable to do so.

Find out if you should you be worried about the delays in processing POAs at the Office of the Public Guardian:
https://austinlafferty.co.uk/latest-news/how-long-does-power-of-attorney-take/

19/08/2026

While discussing financial division before you've even said "I do" might feel unromantic, a prenup can protect both parties and save thousands in legal costs if things don't work out.

https://austinlafferty.co.uk/latest-news/what-is-a-prenup/

13/08/2026

Do stepchildren automatically inherit from a stepparent in Scotland?

Our latest guide explains how inheritance law works and why having an up-to-date will is so important.

https://austinlafferty.co.uk/latest-news/are-stepchildren-treated-the-same-as-biological-children-in-a-scottish-will/

11/08/2026

Mirror wills are a popular choice for many couples, but they aren't always the right solution.

Learn how they work and whether they're suitable for your circumstances:
https://austinlafferty.co.uk/latest-news/what-are-mirror-wills/

05/08/2026

A Will sets out who inherits your estate, but a Letter of Wishes can provide helpful guidance for your loved ones and executors.

Find out how this simple document can help ensure your wishes are understood:
https://austinlafferty.co.uk/latest-news/what-is-a-letter-of-wishes/

28/07/2026

Instead of contesting a will, beneficiaries can use a deed of variation to agree a different distribution of a deceased's estate.

Learn more about this option for changing a will after death: https://austinlafferty.co.uk/latest-news/what-is-a-deed-of-variation/

23/07/2026

After a divorce, when parents can't agree on changing a child's surname, the issue can end up in the Sheriff Court. But the court doesn’t look at what is convenient for the adults; instead, it focuses entirely on the best interests of the child.

Discover how Scottish courts evaluate name change disputes: https://austinlafferty.co.uk/latest-news/changing-a-childs-name-after-divorce/

16/07/2026

Thank you BBC Radio Scotland for inviting us onto the programme this morning to discuss the importance of setting up a power of attorney. As Age Scotland's research highlights, not enough over-50s have these crucial documents in place. This is one you shouldn't delay, folks! Listen in from 8.07am (scroll across to 2.07 on the time bar) to get up to speed.

News from across Scotland and the world, plus sport, weather and big name interviews.

14/07/2026

How to agree on children's holiday arrangements with an ex-spouse or partner.

Listen to our podcast about the tricky issue of seeing children after divorce or separation.

https://www.austinlafferty.co.uk/podcast/episode-5-seeing-children-after-separation-and-divorce/