Changes to inheritance law

The adage "You can't take it with you" may still apply, but, broadly speaking, under Scots law you can give it to anyone you like. At present the law does too little to protect those often most in need of support when someone dies: the surviving spouse and dependent children. There is nothing to prevent a negligent or capricious man from leaving his entire estate to a mistress, or even the local cat-and-dog home, while virtually disinheriting his family. And when someone dies intestate, his or her partner and children can find themselves near the end of the queue for consideration, behind the deceased person's parents, siblings and sometimes even their nephews and nieces.