Our dedicated Executry team has been handling estate administration matters in Tayside for over three decades.
We can meet you in the comfort of your own home — your first meeting is free and carries no obligation.
All fees are submitted to an independent auditor at the close of the executry, ensuring complete transparency and fairness.
We handle executries whether the deceased left a Will or died intestate — guiding you through the correct process either way.
When a person dies, someone must deal with their affairs. This process is called administering the estate, or in Scottish legal terminology, the Executry. The person responsible is the Executor.
If there is a Will: The Will usually names one or more Executors. Depending on the size and complexity of the estate, the Executor may need to apply for Confirmation — an official document issued by the local Sheriff Court that gives legal authority to administer the estate.
If there is no Will (dying intestate): The process is more complex. An Executry Petition must be made to court to appoint an Executor, and a Bond of Caution must be obtained from an insurance company. The Executor must be a person entitled to a share of the estate, usually a close relative.
Confirmation is not always required. It may not be needed if the person who died owned everything jointly with someone else, or if the total estate is below approximately £25,000. However, many financial institutions will still require Confirmation before releasing funds. Confirmation is usually needed when the estate includes more than £25,000, stocks or shares, property or land, or certain insurance policies.
Administering an estate takes time — it is not unusual for the process to take up to a year, particularly where matters are complex. A wide range of organisations are typically involved: banks, building societies, insurance companies, HMRC and pension providers. The estate cannot be distributed until all potential claims have been received — individuals have six months from the date of death to make a claim.
Factors that affect timescales include:
In line with our commitment to value for money, all Executry files are submitted to an independent auditor at the conclusion of the matter. This ensures our fees are fair, proportionate, and completely transparent — there is no scope for overcharging.
The information on this page does not constitute legal advice and should not be relied upon as such.