Estates
Planning Today for Peace of Mind Tomorrow
At Kaur Sutherland, we offer expert Estate support, Will writing and Power of Attorney services.
Estates
We can help structure and manage your estate so your assets are protected, your plans are clear, and your loved ones are supported for the future.
Wills
A carefully prepared will gives you peace of mind, secures your legacy, and makes life simpler for your loved ones.
Power of Attorney
We make setting up power of attorney straightforward, giving you peace of mind that trusted decisions will be made if you’re unable to act.
Take Control of Your Estate
and estate planning needs.
Estates
When someone dies, their belongings, property, and finances (collectively referred to as their estate) need to be managed and distributed according to their wishes or by the law. This process is known as ‘administering the estate’ or ‘handling the executry’.
When managing a deceased person’s estate, you may be told to obtain ‘confirmation’ before any of their assets can be released. This is often
required by banks, insurance companies, or other institutions.
‘Confirmation’ is a legal document from the court that gives the executor authority to collect and distribute the deceased’s assets according to the law. The application is made to the Sheriff Court.
To apply for confirmation, the executor must provide an inventory of the deceased’s property, including money, property, and shares. The estate must include at least one asset in Scotland to qualify.
There are two types of confirmation:
For estates worth £36,000 or less. The sheriff
clerk can assist you with the inventory.
For estates worth more than £36,000. We recommend seeking legal advice for large estates.
Did you know that in the UK, around 42,000 people under the age of 65 have a disability – and almost a million over 65s.
Accidents, illnesses, and conditions like dementia or strokes can strike at any time, leaving people unable to manage their affairs with little to no notice or time to get Power of Attorney in place. While we often
associate cognitive decline with aging, as we saw during the Covid-19 pandemic, these issues can impact anyone, regardless of age.
It’s important to plan for the unexpected and ensure someone you trust can act on your behalf if needed.
Will Writing
A Will is a legal document that specifies how your assets (including
money, property, and personal possessions), will be distributed after your
death. It also allows you to appoint guardians for any minor children,
ensuring your wishes are respected.
Making a will is an important step in ensuring your wishes are carried out after you pass away. While the process may seem complicated, with expert advice and guidance from our team of solicitors, it can be relatively straightforward.
Although a will does not legally have to involve input from a solicitor, we at Kaur Sutherland can ensure that your will is properly drafted, clear, and legally binding, providing peace of mind for both you and your loved ones.
Our will writing service helps you ensure your estate goes to the people you choose, whilst minimising inheritance tax and helping to appoint executors. We also assist with setting up trusts and making charitable donations, giving you full control of your legacy.
Power of Attorney
A Power of Attorney (PoA) allows someone you trust to make decisions on your behalf if you’re unable to do so during your lifetime. This may include managing your finances or making health and welfare decisions.
Unlike an executor who handles your affairs after you pass away, an attorney steps in while you are still alive, ensuring your affairs are
handled according to your wishes.
Kaur Sutherland’s PoA services cover everything from advising on the types of LPAs available to preparing and registering the necessary documents with the Office of the Public Guardian. We guide you through the process, ensuring your attorney is chosen carefully and that all legal
requirements are met to protect your interests.
Types of Power of Attorney
In Scotland, there are two types of power of attorney:
This covers all financial matters, allowing someone to manage your money and assets, but does not extend to decisions about your health or mental capacity.
This covers all financial matters, allowing someone to manage your money and assets, but does not extend to decisions about your health or mental capacity.
Did you know that in the UK, around 42,000 people under the age of 65 have a disability – and almost a million over 65s.
Accidents, illnesses, and conditions like dementia or strokes can strike at any time, leaving people unable to manage their affairs with little to no notice or time to get Power of Attorney in place. While we often
associate cognitive decline with aging, as we saw during the Covid-19 pandemic, these issues can impact anyone, regardless of age.
It’s important to plan for the unexpected and ensure someone you trust can act on your behalf if needed.
Let’s Talk About Your Estates Needs! Schedule Your Consultation Today!
Ready to get started? Fill out the form below with your details and availability, and one of our expert solicitors will get in touch promptly to discuss how we can help.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to write a will?
It will usually take around an hour to discuss with our experts and 1-3 days for them to draft your Will, with most Wills completed and sent within 24 hours.
Can I write a will without the help of a solicitor?
Yes, you can write your own will, but it comes with risks. If you don’t follow legal requirements correctly, your will could be invalid, leading to complications for your family after your death. This is especially important if you have a complex estate, multiple beneficiaries, or need to address inheritance tax issues.
While writing a will yourself might save money upfront, a solicitor can ensure it’s legally valid, reduce the risk of disputes, and help with tax planning. For peace of mind, consulting a solicitor is worth the investment.
What does 'testate' and 'intestate' mean?
‘Testate Succession’ occurs when an individual passes away having left a valid will. Their estate is distributed according to the terms outlined in the will, although legal rights must still be satisfied.
Intestate Succession occurs when someone dies without a valid will. In this case, their estate is distributed according to the rules of intestacy, as set out in the Succession Act 1964.
What does 'probate' mean?
Probate is the process of seeking permission to execute a Will after a person’s death. We will manage the process for you and guide you every step of the way.
What Our Clients Say
Frank Benson
I would like to give thanks to Kaur Sutherland conveyance team for working tirelessly to get this commercial conveyancing deal over the line. This would have been impossible without them. Job well done
Joan Leong
We used Kaur Sutherland for the purchase of our forever home. They communicated a lot through email which was great because we’re busy and not always able to answer phone calls or stop by the office. It helped keep us all in the loop. They were easy to work with and we had no issues closing the sale. A fantastic experience from start to finish.
Adam Samuels
We would highly recommend Kaur Sutherland for all your conveyancing needs. Very competitively priced and very responsive if you have any questions throughout the process. Thanks again Claire and Shannon for all the hard work you put in!
Kaur Sutherland
@kaur.sutherland
Still got questions?
We're here to help!
Call our Wills and Power of Attorney team now at 0141 611 6000 and we’ll guide you every step of the way.