Small estates - financial limits
If the total amount of the deceased's money and other property is £36,000 or less, it is called a "small estate", and the Sheriff Clerk's staff will, if you wish, prepare the inventory for you. In calculating the value of the estate, you should not deduct any debts, such as funeral expenses, gas or electricity bills, balance of mortgage, owed by the deceased, and must include interest to date of death on the bank accounts, etc. of the deceased.
If the estate exceeds £36,000, the Sheriff Clerk's staff cannot help to prepare the inventory, and you may wish to consult a solicitor. Alternatively you may complete the inventory yourself – application forms and guidance leaflets are available on the Inland Revenue website at http://search2.hmrc.gov.uk/kb5/hmrc/forms/view.page?formid=3322&record=DQJACJmu-f0
Leaflets & Publications