Scotland - where to start dealing with the estate

Keep_pedalling

john110375 said:

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?

You don’t have a right to have a key, as the house is someone’s home and you won’t actually own the property until he dies. I don’t know how the upkeep iWorks, that us something you should talk to a solicitor about.

https://www.gov.uk/hmrc-internal-manuals/capital-gains-manual/cg31301

buddy9

Updating title to property is generally not a DIY task in Scotland. So I think you likely need a solicitor for that, though obtaining a Grant of Confirmation is often done by executors.

If the liferenter is responsible for ongoing costs, you will wish to make sure that council tax and all utilities are in his name.

I cannot see how the solicitor acting for or giving legal advice to the liferenter would be a liability of the estate, unless the will contained some provision. Even so, if you are the executor/trustee then the solicitor should be acting in response to your instructions.