The Role of an Executry Solicitor
An Executry Solicitor plays a crucial role in guiding and assisting the Executor, the person responsible for administering the estate, throughout the executries process. Their expertise ensures that the Executor fulfils their legal obligations and carries out their duties in accordance with the law.
An Executry Solicitor provides valuable advice on matters such as:
- Legal Compliance: Ensuring that the Executor complies with all legal requirements and formalities involved in winding up an estate.
- Asset Valuation: Assisting in the valuation of the deceased's assets, including properties, investments, and personal possessions.
- Debt Settlement: Handling the settlement of any outstanding debts or taxes owed by the deceased, ensuring that they are paid from the estate.
- Beneficiary Identification: Identifying and locating the rightful beneficiaries of the estate, ensuring that their entitlements are accounted for.
- Estate Distribution: Facilitating the distribution of the remaining estate to the beneficiaries, ensuring that it is done in accordance with the deceased's wishes and Scottish law.
The Executry Process: Step by Step
Step 1: Gathering Information and Assets
Once the Grant of Confirmation is obtained, the Executor, with the assistance of an Executry Solicitor, must gather all the necessary information and assets related to the estate. This includes:
Locating the Will: If the deceased left a valid will, the Executor must locate the original document and ensure that its contents are followed during the distribution process.
Identifying and Valuing Assets: The Executor and their solicitor must identify and value all assets owned by the deceased, including properties, bank accounts, investments, and personal possessions. Professional valuations may be required for certain assets.
Dealing with Debts: The Executor must identify any outstanding debts owed by the deceased and make arrangements for their settlement using funds from the estate.
Securing Assets: The Executor is responsible for securing and safeguarding the assets until they are distributed to the beneficiaries.
Step 2: Obtaining Grant of Confirmation
The first step in Winding up an Estate in Scotland is to obtain a Grant of Confirmation, which is the equivalent of a grant of probate in other jurisdictions. The Grant of Confirmation is a legal document that confirms the Executor's authority to administer the estate and distribute the assets.
To obtain the Grant of Confirmation, the Executor must:
Complete the Application: The Executor or their Solicitor must complete an application form, providing details about the deceased, their assets, and the proposed distribution of the estate.
Submit Supporting Documents: The Executor must gather and submit supporting documents, such as the deceased's death certificate, the original will (if applicable), and an inventory of the deceased's assets.
Pay the Appropriate Fees: The Executor is required to pay the necessary fees, which are determined based on the value of the estate.
Step 3: Tax and Legal Compliance
Complying with tax and legal requirements is a crucial aspect of winding up an estate. An Executries Solicitor can provide guidance on various tax and legal matters, including:
Inheritance Tax: Assessing the estate's liability for inheritance tax and ensuring that the necessary tax returns are filed with HM Revenue and Customs.
Capital Gains Tax: Assessing any potential capital gains tax liability arising from the disposal of assets during the Executry Process.
Legal Compliance: Ensuring that all legal formalities are adhered to, including notifying relevant authorities, such as the Land Registry, regarding changes in ownership of properties.
Step 4: Estate Distribution
Once all legal and tax requirements are met, the Executor, with the assistance of an Executry Solicitor, can proceed with the distribution of the estate. This involves:
Preparing a Distribution Plan: The Executor and their Solicitor will prepare a distribution plan outlining how the estate will be distributed among the beneficiaries.
Notifying Beneficiaries: The Executor must notify all beneficiaries of their entitlements and provide them with a copy of the distribution plan.
Carrying out the Distribution: The Executor, with the guidance of their Solicitor, will distribute the assets in accordance with the distribution plan. This may involve transferring ownership of properties, liquidating investments, or distributing personal possessions.
Preparing Final Accounts: The Executor must prepare final accounts, detailing all income, expenses, and distributions made during the winding up of the estate.
Obtaining Discharge: The Executor may need to obtain a discharge from the beneficiaries, confirming their satisfaction with the distribution and releasing the Executor from any further liability.
Step 5: Finalising the Executry Process
After the estate has been distributed, the Executor, with the assistance of an Executry Solicitor, will finalise the Executry Process by:
Closing the Estate: Once all necessary documents are filed and the discharge is obtained, the estate can be officially closed, bringing the executries process to a conclusion.
Make a Free Enquiry Today with our Executry Solicitors
Call us on 0141 478 9090 for our Glasgow office, 01224 002 556 for our Aberdeen office or click here to make a free online enquiry for immediate assistance.