Distributing estates with care and compassion.
We approach the task of winding up an estate following a bereavement with great care and compassion. It can be a very difficult time for all concerned and while we focus on ensuring the deceased’s wishes are carried out accurately and efficiently, we are also sympathetic to the sensitivities of the bereaved.
Many of our clients have been working with us for generations so we often share the sense of loss and try, wherever possible, to make the process as streamlined and stress-free as possible. There are a number of areas to consider – from fulfilling the wishes expressed in the deceased’s Will and dealing with tax obligations to HM Revenue & Customs, to arranging the payment of any debts and transferring of assets to beneficiaries. We have experience of administering estates of all sizes, including those where no Will was in place, and our solicitors and support teams are on hand to make the process as efficient and smooth as possible.
Get in touch
To find out more about our Executry service, or to arrange an appointment with one of our experts, call us on 0141 227 2200 or use the contact form below.
Frequently Asked Questions
We put your needs at the heart of everything we do
Bank have advised I need Confirmation to obtain funds – what is this?
Confirmation is the Scottish term for Probate. This is the document which is prepared and lodged with the relevant Sheriff Court in Scotland to enable the funds to be obtained from financial institutions and/or allow a house to be sold/transferred.
How long does it take to obtain Confirmation?
This depends on the number of assets in an estate. As a rough guide it normally takes a couple of months to ingather information, complete the Confirmation documentation, sign and then submit to the Court. Once submitted to the Court they normally take a couple of weeks to issue Confirmation.
What happens if I die without a Will?
A Petition requires to be lodged with the relevant Sheriff Court in Scotland to appoint a surviving spouse/civil partner/family member as executor in the estate. If a surviving spouse/civil partner is appointed then a Bond of Caution (insurance policy) is not required. If the executor is not a surviving spouse/civil partner then a Bond of Caution will require to be obtained to enable Confirmation to be granted by the Sheriff Court. If the estate is valued under £36,000 a Bond of Caution will not be required.
Who is entitled to monies from my estate?
If you have a left a Will then your estate will be distributed in terms of your Will (unless of course an estranged child wishes to claim their legal rights. If there is no Will then the estate is distributed per the Laws of Intestacy. I.e.
Prior Rights – first claim on Estate Surviving Spouse or Civil Partner
- House up to value of £473,000
- Furniture up to value of £29,000
- Due from Net Estate if there are issue £50,000
- Due from Net estate if no issue £29,000
Legal rights
- Surviving Spouse/Civil Partner – one-half of net moveable estate if no issue, one-third if issue.
- Children – one-half of the net moveable estate if no spouse, one-third if spouse.
Balance of estate (which may contain Heritable and Moveable estate). Children take the whole and if no children distributed among family members
What are the current Inheritance Tax Bands/Residence Nil Rate Band?
Inheritance Tax Band Threshold
- From 6 April 2018 to 5 April 2019 onwards – £325,000
Residence Nil Rate Band Threshold
- From 6 April 2018 to 5 April 2019 – £125,000
- From 6 April 2019 to 5 April 2020 – £150,000
- From 6 April 2020 to 5 April 2021 – £175,000
Need further advice?
If you have a question that isn’t covered in our FAQ’s or need further advice, please use the contact form below to send your request. A member of the team will be in touch with you shortly to respond to your query.
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