Confirmation (Probate) - some questions about the inventory of the deceased's estate.

sandy_smith_2

Hello all, I've offered to help a family friend deal with their application for confirmation (the Scottish equivalent of probate) and was wondering if someone could help me with a few questions which I have. My main question is about the inventory of the deceased's estate therefore I'm sure those who live in England and Wales and have experience of applying for probate may also be able to help here.

First of all the facts:

1 - Husband has died and left everything to his wife in the will and the estate is worth approximate £500k which means no inheritance tax is due = less form filling. The wife is the executor.
2 - The family home + all bank accounts and savings, bonds etc with the exception of ISAs (and some shares) are in joint names.
3 - I am aware that HMRC form C1 needs to be completed.

Which brings me onto my question re the inventory - just how detailed does it need to be?

For example if someone has 3 accounts at Bank Y which total say 30k can you just write 1) Bank Y, 3 accounts totaling 30k or do you have to write 1) Bank Y, account 1= _____, account 2= ________, account 3 = _____________etc etc.

Also, most of the accounts are joint accounts so do you need to make this clear in the inventory? ie would you write:

1) Joint savings account totaling X thousand pounds therefore 50% of X thousand pounds = ____________. Or would you just write:

1) Savings account, X thousand pounds?

Finally other than the HMRC forms and the actual Will does anything else need to be submitted to the court? For example,the house deeds (no mortgage on the home if that's of any relevance)?

I know many here will say consult a solicitor however the death is very recent so meetings will be arranged with the banks, the accountants etc however I am just trying to get a head start with things. Moreover at the moment the wife is in no mental state to arrange or attend such meetings.

Thanks in advance for any help and advice.

getmore4less

Confirmation(Scotland) is very different to E&W where no inventory is required with PA1.

The IHT forms have notes which say what is required for them