Administering a Deceased Person’s Estate
Whether you are reading this as a recently bereaved person or as an Executor appointed to administer an estate, we are on hand to guide you through the process, no matter how simple or complex it is.
When someone passes away in Scotland, most often an application for Confirmation (equivalent to English Probate), is required and at TC Young we assist Executors throughout the process; from liaising with HMRC (if required), submitting the Confirmation application to Court and generally ensuring that the estate is dealt with correctly and that any Trust provisions, Legal Rights claims or contentious matters are addressed.
We have highly experienced paralegals and solicitors, including a number of STEP (Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners) solicitors who make up our Trust and Executry team and can allocate the work in a cost effective way appropriate to the level of complexity arising.
All matters are dealt with in a sensitive, caring and confidential manner.
Our team of specialists
You are in safe hands with our skilled and experienced team of trusted advisors.
- Partner
- Partner
- Senior Solicitor
- Solicitor
- Solicitor
- Solicitor
- Accredited Paralegal
- Trainee Solicitor
FAQs
The answers to some of our most frequently asked questions.
What should I do first when someone dies in Scotland?
- Register the death
The death must be registered with the Registrar (by a family member or Executor). This process is now done by telephone and after registration funeral arrangements can be made.
- Use Tell Us Once
The Registrar will provide details of the Tell Us Once service to notify DWP and government agencies of the death.
- Contact the deceased’s solicitor
If you believe you may be an Executor and you are aware that the deceased had a solicitor contact them to establish if there is a Will.
We are available to assist you throughout the subsequent stages and to ensure that all legal obligations are fulfilled.
How do I administer an estate in Scotland?
Administering an estate is the responsibility of the Executor who requires to establish the nature and extent of the deceased’s estate, the liabilities of the estate and then distribute the net estate in accordance with the deceased’s Will or in terms of the laws of intestacy in Scotland.
Administration of most estates requires the input from a solicitor—our team will assist you throughout each stage.
How long does it take to administer an estate in Scotland?
The timeline for administering an estate can vary depending on the value of the estate, the number of assets the deceased held and complexity of their affairs.
We have a dedicated team dealing with the administration of estates and aim to progress matters in as cost effective and timely a manner as possible.
What is confirmation
Confirmation is the Scottish equivalent of Probate and is the Court process which provides the Executor with the legal authority to administer the estate.
How much does it cost to administer an estate?
The charges vary depending on the complexity of the estate. At TC Young we believe in open pricing and can provide estimates based on each estate and will provide hourly rate charges for those involved. Where we can provide a fixed fee, we will do so.
