My uncle has made a will and is now in a nursing home. He made it a long time ago, but has had a bad relationship with my brother, they have not spoken for about 20 years. He has no siblings or kids of his own, and does not want my bother to get anything. I have heard that you cannot disinherit blood relations in Scotland. He is very upset about it if my brother was to inherit any of his money.

There is a legal pecking order of those with a legal right to a share of money and “non-house” items of the estate – but only if a will is not made. A will can ensure that all relatives other than any children of the deceased are excluded. A solicitor will give your uncle detailed advice on what this will mean in his circumstances. If he is still mentally competent, he can make a new will at any time with any scheme of inheritance avoiding his nephew.

Our family took in a child many years ago but he was never formally adopted. What rights does he have as regards the proceeds of our father and mother's will.

No rights unless stated in the will. Siblings could share with him by way of a deed of variation of the will after the death of the parents, but otherwise they (parents) would need to change their wills. If he is an adult it is too late to adopt.

I was divorced in 1998 and my ex-wife remarried. I found out recently that her new husband adopted my daughter without me knowing. Is this legal? And how do I go about contacting my daughter – born in 1987.

It is possible for an adoption to go through without the consent of one or both natural parents, though very unusual, and you should, unless there were exceptional circumstances or you were untraceable have been informed and asked for your views. However, that’s passed, and your daughter’s status will remain. As for contact, if you can’t find her by asking family, then there are various agencies to help. Start with www.ukbirth-adoptionregister.com.

I had tools in a shed that was broken into – and removed/stolen - by a neighbouring young boy. I called the police but I understand he was referred to the Children’s Panel. I demanded the cost of replacement from the parents. They refused. Can I sue them?

No, parents have no civil liability for acts of children, unless they egged them on.

I rent a flat from a private landlord and he has failed to renew two windows (we didn’t break them). I want to withhold rent until he gets the work done. Is this legal?

Depends on what your signed lease says – it may have a clause saying no rent can be retained. But no matter what the agreement says, he has a duty to ensure the place is kept wind and watertight and repairs are done , so write to the local council housing department asking them to force him to act. Also he should be a registered landlord so contact https://www.landlordregistrationscotland.gov.uk as landlords are supposed to behave properly.