When someone dies, their estate needs to be wound up carefully and in accordance with the law. In Scotland, this process is known as executry administration, and it involves gathering the deceased's assets, settling any outstanding debts and liabilities, and distributing what remains to the beneficiaries — all while dealing with HMRC, financial institutions, and, in some cases, the courts.
It's a process that can take many months, and doing it properly matters. Mistakes can cause delays, disputes, or unexpected tax exposure. Our team handles executry administration with thoroughness and sensitivity, supporting families through what is often a demanding time.
We also advise on the creation and ongoing administration of trusts. Trusts are a flexible legal arrangement that can serve many purposes — protecting assets for children or vulnerable beneficiaries, holding agricultural or rural property across generations, tax planning, or managing assets for a specific purpose.
We can help with:
- Executry administration from start to finish, including applying for Confirmation (the Scottish equivalent of probate)
- Estates that include agricultural land, rural property, or business interests
- Advice on whether a trust is appropriate for your circumstances
- Setting up family trusts, liferent trusts, and discretionary trusts
- Ongoing trustee support and advice
We understand that executry work is rarely straightforward — particularly where estates involve property, farmland, or complex family situations. Our experience across private client, agricultural, and conveyancing work means we can handle these cases without the need for multiple advisers.
If you've recently been appointed executor and aren't sure where to begin, please get in touch. We'll explain the process clearly and guide you through it.