Probate or Confirmation — in Scotland the process is called Confirmation, granted by the Sheriff Court. Our professionally trained staff are here to help.
Overview
Guiding families through probate or confirmation with clarity and care
At Hunter Legal Services, our professional estate planners manage the entire process on your behalf. We keep you informed at every stage and handle the paperwork, correspondence, and legal formalities so you can focus on what matters.
Probate or Confirmation — in Scotland the process is called Confirmation, and it is the legal authority granted by the Sheriff Court to administer a deceased person's estate. Whether your loved one held assets in Scotland or across the UK, our professional estate planners will guide you through every step.
3,000+Estates administered since 2003
98%Client satisfaction rate
6–12Typical months to completion
Do you need Probate or Confirmation?
Not every estate requires a Grant of Probate. Whether you need one depends on the nature and value of the assets involved. Probate is generally required when:
The deceased owned property in their sole name. Most banks and the Land Registry will require a Grant of Probate before releasing or transferring property.
The estate includes significant bank or investment accounts. Most financial institutions require probate for accounts above a certain threshold (typically £5,000–£50,000, depending on the institution).
There are shares or other investments. Share registrars and investment platforms generally require a Grant of Probate to transfer or sell holdings.
The estate is complex or there are disputes. Multiple beneficiaries, contested wills, or creditor claims all benefit from the legal authority a Grant of Probate provides.
Not sure if you need Probate or Confirmation? Our professionally trained staff offer a free consultation to assess the estate and advise you on the most appropriate course of action — with no obligation to proceed.
Our process
Probate or Confirmation typically takes between six and twelve months for a straightforward estate. We keep you updated throughout and aim to resolve any complications as quickly as possible.
01
Free consultation
A 30-minute call to understand the estate, confirm whether probate is required, and explain your options. No obligation, no charge.
Frequently asked questions
A straightforward estate typically takes between six and twelve months from instruction to final distribution. More complex estates — those involving property sales, disputes, overseas assets, or HMRC investigations — can take considerably longer. We will give you a realistic timeline at the outset based on the specific circumstances of the estate.
Yes, it is possible to apply for probate yourself without a solicitor. However, executors are personally liable for any errors in the administration of the estate — including incorrect inheritance tax calculations, failure to identify creditors, or improper distribution to beneficiaries. For complex or high-value estates, professional advice is strongly recommended.
A Grant of Probate is issued when the deceased left a valid will and names an executor. Letters of Administration are issued when there is no will (intestacy), or when the named executor is unable or unwilling to act. Both documents give the holder legal authority to administer the estate.
If the deceased died without a valid will, their estate is distributed according to the Rules of Intestacy — a fixed legal formula that prioritises spouses and civil partners, then children, then other relatives. Unmarried partners, stepchildren, and close friends have no automatic entitlement. We can advise on the intestacy rules and apply for Letters of Administration on your behalf.
In most cases, yes. HMRC requires that at least some inheritance tax is paid before the Probate Registry will issue the Grant. This can create a cash-flow challenge if the estate's assets are tied up in property or investments. We can advise on options including the Direct Payment Scheme, which allows inheritance tax to be paid directly from the deceased's bank accounts.
If a beneficiary or potential beneficiary disputes the validity of the will, or claims that the estate should be distributed differently, the matter may need to be resolved through negotiation or litigation. We have experience in contentious probate matters and can advise on the most appropriate course of action.
Ready to get started?
Book your free consultation today
30 minutes with one of our solicitors. No obligation, no charge. We'll assess the estate and explain your options clearly.
