Service

Executries & Estate Administration

Compassionate Legal Guidance Through Bereavement

Losing a relative or close friend is one of life’s most difficult experiences. Dealing with the legal and financial practicalties that follow their passing can feel completely overwhelming. In Scotland, winding up a deceased person's estate is known as the executry process.

At Corrigall Black, our dedicated executry team is here to take that legal burden off your shoulders. We provide a supportive, efficient, and deeply compassionate service to executors—whether the deceased left a clear Will or passed away without one—ensuring the estate is administered correctly, transparently, and with absolute care.

How We Can Help You

Complete Estate Administration

We look after all the complex legal requirements needed to correctly close out an estate in Scotland, including:

Obtaining Confirmation: Preparing the detailed inventory of assets and liabilities to secure "Confirmation" (the Scottish equivalent of Probate) from the Sheriff Court.
Intestate Estates (No Will): Guiding families through the specific legal procedures required when someone dies without leaving a Will.
Prior & Legal Rights: Advising on statutory Scottish inheritance rights that protect spouses and children, regardless of what a Will states.
Inheritance Tax Compliance: Calculating potential tax liabilities, completing HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) forms, and arranging payment from estate funds.
Asset Distribution: Settling outstanding debts, closing bank accounts, transferring or selling property, and distributing inheritance to beneficiaries.

Our Process

Practical First Steps

We meet with the executors to review the Will (if one exists), identify the assets, and map out the required timeline.

Valuing the Estate

We contact banks, insurance companies, and pension providers to establish the exact financial values at the date of death.

Court Application

We prepare the formal court forms and submit the inventory to the local Sheriff Court to gain the legal authority to act.

Gathering Estate Funds

Once Confirmation is granted, we collect the funds, settle any outstanding debts, and handle any inheritance tax obligations.

Final Accounting

We produce clear, detailed estate accounts for the executors' approval before safely distributing the final balances to the beneficiaries.

We Are Here to Support You

You do not have to handle the complex legal steps of winding up an estate alone. Contact our Dunoon office today to speak with an experienced probate and executry solicitor in total confidence.