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Details of the estate

You must disclose every item of the estate when applying for confirmation. So you will need to provide the following details:

• Who is holding the funds (such as the name of the bank, building society or insurance company).
• The account number or other reference number.
• The value of the item at the date of death (including any interest, bonuses or dividends due).
• Bank or building society accounts : You should take the pass book to the bank or building society branch where the account is held so that the book can be updated with any interest accrued to the date of death - this is often marked on in pencil. If there is no pass book, ask the bank or building society to give you a letter showing the type of account, account number and value of the item plus interest. Details of joint accounts must also be disclosed even if the holder of the fund has transferred the sum to the other party.
• Insurance policies : You should ask the insurance company to give you a letter detailing the policy number and the value of the policy at the date of death (including any bonuses payable).
• Premium bonds : You should bring the actual bonds themselves and, if known, the holder's registration number.
• National Savings Bank : This includes National Savings Certificates and Granny Bonds. You will need a letter from the Director of Savings giving the value at the date of death including any interest.
• Stocks and shares: You will need to get their value at the date of death, normally from a stockbroker, bank manager or company secretary. In some cases a fee may be charged. The valuer should give you a letter showing the value of the item, plus any dividends etc. accrued.
• Heritage : If the deceased owned heritable property (such as a house, shop, strip of land) a valuation from an estate agent, solicitor or other similar person may be necessary. The Sheriff Clerk's staff will be unable to advise or help in the legal transfer or sale of any heritable property. If such an item forms part of the deceased's estate, you should consider seeking advice from a solicitor. No sale of heritable property can take place until a transfer of property has been correctly carried out and registered .