Help with probate in Scotland

Getting to grips with probate in Scotland

Probate in Scotland is officially called ‘Grant of Confirmation'. Find out more about what it is and how long it takes.

Using a lawyer

You can often manage the probate process by yourself, without having to pay for a lawyer. Find out whether you need to use a solicitor, and how to keep costs down if you do.

Managing probate

Read our practical guidance on managing the probate process yourself.

Wills

You need to find out as soon as possible whether someone had a valid Will. If they did not have a Will, the law decides who inherits, and who is responsible for managing their estate.

Valuing an estate

It’s important to understand the value of everything someone owned when they died. This will affect the probate route you take and what forms you need to fill in.

Understanding tax forms

Alongside the C1 probate form, you might need to fill in forms around inheritance tax.

After probate is granted

Read our full checklist for completing someone’s estate.

Preparing your own estate

There are some practical things that you can do to make it easier for people to manage your estate after you die.