Scotland - where to start dealing with the estate

john110375

Looking to see if there is anything easy I can do to save on solicitor costs when dealing with an estate I'm the executor of (Scotland). Not done anything yet, thanks 

Keep_pedalling

How complicated is the estate? Does it contain property or land? Is IHT likely to be an issue?

buddy9

It depends on the complexity and composition of the estate and your own aptitude.

If the estate is simple and straightforward you could potentially deal with the executry and any grant of confirmation (if required) yourself.

I dealt totally with my father’s then my mother’s executry and only used a solicitor for the house conveyancing.

john110375

There is property  and I'm happy to let a solicitor deal with that. I'm looking for more basic things, thanks 

buddy9

Introductory reading available on these websites.

Scottish Government

https://www.gov.scot/publications/death-scotland-practical-advice-times-bereavement-revised-11th-edition-2016-9781786522726/

Citizens Advice

https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/scotland/family/death-and-wills/

MSE

https://www.moneysavingexpert.com/family/what-to-do-when-someone-dies/

Savvy_Sue

There is also the very helpful 'Grant of Confirmation' thread, https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/4965475/grant-of-confirmation used by many over the years to ask questions and get "I tried this and it worked" answers. 

GhibliFan

Savvy_Sue said:

There is also the very helpful 'Grant of Confirmation' thread, https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/4965475/grant-of-confirmation used by many over the years to ask questions and get "I tried this and it worked" answers. 

I second this. That thread is a life-saver.   The government guide called "What to do After a Death" or something like that is good as far as it goes but not helpful for getting Confirmation* granted.

Assuming you've registered the death and got the Death Certificate. Also assuming there's a will (?) or that you've been otherwise approved as Executor.  You locate all the deceased's assets and liabilities and make a list of them, then depending on whether or not there is Inheritance Tax to pay, you fill in the form(s) to apply for Confirmation.  I only had to fill in the C1 as no IHT to pay, so no idea about those forms but HMRC web site has guidance. 

Have a read of the thread linked to by Savvy Sue above.  

A lot depends on how complicated or not the estate is, IMO.  If it involves large sums of money or complicated financial arrangements, you might need help from a professional.  If it's one home and a simple bank account and a bit of savings you can probably DIY.

*Confirmation is Scottish version of probate in England and gives you the right to administer the Estate and carry out the wishes in deceased's will, in case anyone doesn't know.  Banks etc will usually want to see Death Cert. and Confirmation Cert. before allowing access to deceased's money. Again, depending on sums involved and individual Bank's policies.

john110375

Thanks for the help so far. I'd like to know more about liferent and how that works with regards to the upkeep of the property and if I should have a key to the property. I know that they should have it insured but that's about all I know. Is this something I need a solicitor for?

sheramber

Probably best ot discuss with a solicitor.

john110375

Thank you, my solicitor is £300 an hour so trying to find out what I can here. Is there a 'cheap' way to get the house valued or would I just use the solicitor who is dealing with the estate?

john110375

2 of my friends have just wound up estates and they were both charged £8000 for something less complicated than my situation which is why I'm asking for advice on here.if I can cut costs by doing things myself where I can then I'd like to try. I also have the liferenter dealing with the solicitor so that will probably be chargeable to the estate aswell. 
The solicitor said that he would speak to conveyancing but is that something I could do to save on cost?