Business Details
Your Trusted Private Client Law Firm in St Andrews
Established by award-winning solicitor Fiona McDonald, we are a specialist Scottish private client law firm with deep expertise in wills, trusts, tax planning, and succession matters. Our practice is authorised and regulated by the Law Society of Scotland, and we combine decades of experience with a compassionate approach to client care. Fiona McDonald, a Law Society of Scotland-accredited specialist in Private Client Tax Law, has authored legal publications including Inheritance Tax in Scotland and The Elder Client, positioning us as leaders in our field. We provide tailored advice to individuals, charities, and trusts, ensuring compliance with legislation while optimising tax efficiency. Our services include executry administration, guardianships, and advanced directives, delivered with a commitment to clarity and peace of mind.Clients benefit from regular reviews to adapt plans to life changes and legislative updates, ensuring ongoing relevance and effectiveness. Based in St Andrews, we serve clients across Scotland, maintaining a reputation for professional, empathetic guidance. Fionas background as a former University of Edinburgh tutor and frequent conference speaker reinforces our dedication to education and industry leadership. We prioritise transparency, ensuring clients understand all processes while offering support through complex legal and tax challenges. Our focus on long-term relationships and meticulous attention to detail has earned trust from individuals and organisations seeking expert private client services.
Services
Making a Will
Powers of Attorney
Succession Planning
Executry Services
Trust Administration
Charity Compliance
Tax Planning
Living Wills
Guardianships
Inheritance Tax Advice
Highlights and features
- Award-winning solicitor with specialist accreditation in Private Client Tax Law
- Bespoke tax planning solutions for individuals and trusts
- Author of leading legal publications on inheritance and elder client law
- Regular client reviews to adapt to legislative and personal changes
- Professional, empathetic advice with a focus on long-term client relationships
Associations and certifications
- Law Society of Scotland
Services
Making a Will
Crafting legally sound Wills to ensure your assets are distributed according to your wishes while minimising tax liabilities. We guide clients through structuring provisions for loved ones, guardianship appointments, and funeral arrangements. Our approach combines legal precision with tax-efficient strategies to provide clarity and peace of mind for future planning.
Powers of Attorney
Establishing tailored Powers of Attorney to appoint trusted individuals for financial or welfare decisions if you lose capacity. We ensure documents reflect your specific preferences while complying with Scottish legislation. Our guidance covers scope limitations and compliance requirements to protect your interests and provide contingency planning for unforeseen circumstances.
Succession Planning
Developing comprehensive succession strategies to safeguard assets and family interests across generations. We review and adapt plans to reflect life changes, tax law updates, and personal circumstances. Our proactive approach ensures estates remain structured efficiently while addressing potential challenges in asset transfer and inheritance.
Executry Services
Managing post-death estate administration including asset valuation, tax compliance, and distribution according to Wills or intestacy rules. We handle probate applications, creditor settlements, and beneficiary communications with sensitivity and legal accuracy. Our support extends to complex cases involving deeds of variation or contested estates.
Charity Compliance
Providing specialist advice on charity formation, regulatory compliance, and tax optimisation. We assist with Scottish Charity Regulator reporting, tax relief applications, and governance structures to ensure operational efficiency. Our services help charitable organisations maintain compliance while maximising resources for their causes.
People
Fiona McDonald
Founder & Solicitor
Award-winning solicitor and Law Society of Scotland-accredited specialist in Private Client Tax Law. Author of 'Inheritance Tax in Scotland' and 'The Elder Client', with expertise in wills, trusts, and succession planning. Former University of Edinburgh tutor and regular industry speaker.
Questions
What services does Fyfe McDonald offer?
We specialise in wills, powers of attorney, succession planning, executry administration, trust management, charity compliance, and tax planning for individuals and organisations across Scotland.
How can a Power of Attorney benefit me?
A Power of Attorney allows you to appoint trusted representatives to manage your affairs if you lose capacity, ensuring legal and financial decisions align with your preferences while providing peace of mind.
Do you provide tax planning advice?
Yes, we offer expert tax planning for individuals, trusts, and charities, including inheritance tax mitigation, capital gains tax calculations, and compliance with HMRC requirements.
Can you help with charity formation and compliance?
We assist with establishing charities, regulatory compliance, tax relief applications, and governance structures to ensure efficient, legally compliant operations aligned with charitable objectives.
What areas do you cover?
Based in St Andrews, we provide services to clients throughout Scotland, offering tailored legal solutions for private client and charity matters.
