Executries
The death of a relative or a friend can be a traumatic experience for those asked to take on the responsibility of handling the personal affairs of those who have passed away.
Stronachs’ goal is to guide executors through the legalities, helping to alleviate some of the stresses involved in the event of a death.
We have a long history of assisting clients and their families with the administration of estates, and are able to answer and address questions or concerns for those asked to act as executors.
Our team will work with you to ensure that your duties are discharged fully and properly.
Where a person dies without a will (“intestacy”), Scottish intestacy law directs how the estate is to be distributed and we will advise you of the rules to ensure the correct beneficiaries are identified.
In the vast majority of cases an executor will be required to wind up an estate. If no executor is appointed under a will, or an executor appointed under a will is not able to act, we will take the necessary steps to appoint a new or replacement executor.
Identifying assets of the estate can be a difficult and emotional process. We will work with you to ensure a full inventory is created for the purposes of obtaining Confirmation (the Scottish equivalent of “probate”).
We will work with executors to ensure tax efficiency is achieved, applying for and securing reliefs through deeds of variation and disclaimers, where assets are sold at a gain or at a loss, and when the estate is exposed to inheritance tax. We will also arrange for the deceased’s final income tax return to be completed and submitted to HMRC.
We will advise executors of any entitlements certain family members may have to a minimum share of an estate, in order to protect them from potential claims. Separately, we can also advise individuals who think they may have a claim against an estate, or who are thinking of contesting a will.
