When someone dies, it can be a very stressful and traumatic experience. In most cases, relatives or close friends of the deceased will deal with the funeral and obtaining the death certificate. In other cases, your solicitor can help contact the undertakers and arrange for the death to be registered.

Did the deceased leave a Will?

The Will generally appoints at least two executors, one of whom is normally a solicitor, to deal with the assets of the estate in accordance with the deceased's wishes. The executors should always seek advice from a solicitor about the steps taken.

What if there is no Will?

In this case, it is usually necessary to apply to the local Sheriff Court who will appoint executors (who will normally be close relatives of the deceased). A solicitor will have to be instructed to prepare paperwork for the Court. The executors then have to divide the estate according to the rules of "Intestate Succession" i.e. special rules which determine the relatives who are entitled to inherit the estate.

What happens next?

The Executors prepare an Inventory of all the assets in the estate e.g. bank accounts, house (or half share in a house), motor car, pension, life policies etc. The Inventory will be done by a solicitor, signed by one of the Executors and then lodged in Court. The Court will then issue "Confirmation" i.e. probate. This document is the title of the Executors to deal with the estate. After confirmation is granted the assets are then ingathered i.e. bank accounts are closed, shares are sold etc. The proceeds of the estate are then distributed in accordance with the Will or, where there is no Will, to those entitled to receive a share under the rules of "Intestate Succession".

What are the costs?

This can vary enormously according to the size and complexity of the estate. At andersonbain we can however give you an indication at the outset of what the cost is likely to be.

Read our Executry Terms of Business here.

Contact our Executry Lawyers in Aberdeen today 

For expert executry advice in Aberdeen, please call andersonbain LLP on 01224 456 789 or click here.

Legal issues concerning your family are often the most challenging. Reaching an agreement that satisfies all parties can be an emotionally draining experience, particularly if negotiations are taking place after a relationship breakdown or separation.

That is why the support of an experienced team of family law specialists can be so beneficial. Our family lawyers have many years of experience handling a broad range of family cases. We are trusted by our clients to provide reliable, pragmatic and precise advice.

Our family law expertise

Whatever your circumstances, our professional and friendly family law solicitors are here to protect your interests. We regularly offer support and guidance on matters, including:

• Divorce
• Separation Agreements 
• Pre and Post-Nuptial Agreements
• Cohabitees 
• Dissolution of Civil Partnerships 
• Financial Settlements 
• Child Residence and Contact Orders 
• Cohabitation and Separation 

How can our family lawyers help you?

Our solicitors are specially trained to deal with a wide range of issues, from divorce and matters concerning children to preparing prenuptial agreements and cohabitation agreements that offer financial protection to married and unmarried couples.

While many people believe family law matters require an adversarial approach, this does not have to be the case. We spend much of our time working closely with our clients to help them reach an amicable agreement with the other party through negotiation. This approach often results in a far more positive, quick and cost-effective outcome than can be achieved by going to court.

If you are looking to become an adoptive parent, or you are the birth parents to a child going through the adoption process, our adoption lawyers can assist you throughout the legal process, including local authority processes. 

If you are going through changes in your family life, it is crucial to be aware of the legal implications that can arise as a result. We can advise on related matters, such as property, and can help you to make legal arrangements that give you clarity and certainty moving forward.

We appreciate that instructing a solicitor to deal with family matters can be a difficult decision to make. Our team will work hard to reassure you throughout the process and to get the best outcome possible.

How we work

No two families are the same, so we always work to ensure that the advice we give is carefully considered to meet your needs and circumstances. We appreciate that our clients often have to make potentially life-changing decisions at a time when they are under a great deal of stress. As such, we will take the time to go through your options with you carefully, clearly and at a pace that suits you.

At all times, your solicitor will be available to answer any questions you have or to go over matters in detail so you can make decisions that are right for you. With every case we take on, we guarantee that the utmost skill and care are taken to achieve the best possible result for you and your family.

Contact our Family Lawyers in Aberdeen, Scotland

If you need advice on family law including divorce, separation, cohabitation and child law contact us today. Call andersonbain on 01224 456 789, or complete our online contact form. 

First things first - obtain proper legal advice. You should have a basic grasp of the steps and procedures which lie ahead and be aware not only of the upfront costs but also the ongoing financial commitments which you will undertake when you complete your purchase. At as early a stage as possible, we recommend that you arrange your mortgage.

• Read more on our services for Selling Property
• Read more on our services for Buying Property

At andersonbain & co we have a free first interview policy and would welcome the opportunity of meeting with you to provide helpful and practical advice on all of these aspects.

Looking for a property in Aberdeen?

A good place to start your search is our 'Properties for Sale' page.

We are members of Aberdeen Solicitors Property Centre. Their office is in Chapel Street, where schedules for all properties being marketed by solicitors in Aberdeen City and surrounding areas are displayed. The Property Centre is an extremely impressive marketing medium for property sales, their weekly Property Register is widely available and their website is a "state of the art" facility. Press advertising is also popular although many sellers will avoid or restrict their use of this medium since regular advertising can prove quite costly. We would recommend you to view as many properties as possible before electing to pursue your interest in one specific property. Current legislation dictates that buyers have access to a Home Report for every property on the market (with some minor exceptions). This contains a full survey report on the condition of the property including its current valuation, an Energy Performance Certificate and a Property Questionnaire which provides practical information on the property. You should be able to gain access to each Home Report through Aberdeen Solicitors Property Centre. If however, you have any difficulty in accessing this information we as your Solicitor will be able to obtain that for you.

The First Steps to Buying your Property?

Having narrowed your search down to one or a small number of properties after viewing, then your next step should be to contact your conveyancing solicitor who will "note an interest" with the selling agent on your behalf. Even if you are only tentatively interested in a property you should ask your solicitor to do this. This involves no cost or commitment but simply lets the seller know that you are actively interested and by doing this you will be kept advised of any developments in connection with the sale. Your solicitor will approach the seller's agents to find out what he can about the property i.e. how long it has been on the market, whether or not there are any other noted interests and generally find out any other relevant information before reporting to you. From this point, your solicitor would guide you throughout each step with a view to tying up a formal binding contract setting out terms on which you have agreed to purchase your new property.

Mortgage Arrangement?

If we are dealing with the arrangement of your mortgage then we assume the onus of ensuring that the mortgage papers are issued timeously to ensure that the funds are available. If you are making your own arrangements then you should ensure that your mortgage broker/advisor is fully aware of the date of entry as we will require to have your mortgage lender's papers issued preferably by no later than one week before your date of entry.

Conveyancing Solicitors Aberdeen

If you’re thinking of buying or selling your home, we can help. We are a focused practice with decades of conveyancing experience. For expert conveyancing advice in Aberdeen or the surrounding areas, please call Anderson Bain on 01224 456 789 or click here.

I’d like to thank you for all your help and advice – professional and friendly as ever! - S Craig

Our commercial lawyers can assist your business with a wide range of commercial services, including commercial leases, assignations and purchase, and business acquisitions and disposals. We work alongside companies of all sizes and from many different industries in Aberdeen, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Inverness and across Scotland.

Our practice has grown over the last 20 years to become a well-respected leader in the Scottish commercial conveyancing market. Our clients value our extensive knowledge of business law and associated financial matters, as well as our exceptional level of service and competitive prices.

To discuss how our solicitors can help make a difference to your business, contact us today by calling 01224 456 789 or complete our online contact form and we will be in touch at a convenient time.

Our Commercial Legal Services in Scotland

Our commercial partners focus on adding value at every stage. We are proactive, identifying great business opportunities, as well as any risks, along the way. We can help you with:

Business acquisitions and disposals

There are many important steps and considerations involved in buying and selling a business, including raising finance, tax matters and legal due diligence. We can advise you on all aspects of buying or selling a business, ensuring your transaction is well structured and consistent with your commercial objectives. But we also know our limits! If your transaction is one which we feel we are not best equipped to handle, we have many trusted colleagues who we can recommend.

Commercial property

We provide guidance to business clients on the full range of legal matters involved in commercial property transactions, including financing, conveyancing negotiations, purchasing,  leasing and sales. Our commercial property lawyers will quickly get to know your project and provide advice tailored to your objectives, budget, and timeframe. 

Commercial leases

You need to be sure that the terms of any commercial lease work for you and your business. This is a highly detailed area of law. Our commercial lease solicitors have in-depth knowledge and understanding of the Scottish commercial property market, allowing us to provide a first-class service, whether you are dealing with lease negotiations, assignations or disputes.

Commercial landlord and tenant

Disputes between commercial landlords and tenants are common, and they can be costly and time-consuming. We can advise you fully of your legal position and help you to resolve matters efficiently.

Contact Our Commercial Lawyers in Aberdeen, Scotland

If you are looking for high-quality commercial legal services, andersonbain can help. Commercial law is a broad area of practice that not only requires detailed knowledge ,  but also its skilful application. We are confident that we can help you meet and exceed your commercial goals. To discuss your needs with our solicitors, call us today on 01224 456 789 or complete our online enquiry form.