The law on succession (i.e. what happens to a dead person’s money and property) is very complicated.  You should note that this site is a guide only.  If in doubt, you should consult a solicitor before doing anything.  Legal advice is available free or at a low cost for anyone with limited means, or you can ask your Citizens Advice Bureau to advise you.

The Office of Fair Trading offers advice on wills, probate and tax.

The Law Society of Scotland provides a directory of solicitors or you might get some help from the Citizens’ Advice Bureau – Advice Guide

The Scottish Executive publication ‘What to do after a death’ also gives useful information.

When someone dies, the tax office should be notified as soon as possible.  Tax and National Insurance queries are dealt with by the Inland Revenue, they also issue leaflets on ‘What to do about tax when someone dies’.

Here are some other organisations which you may need to inform about the deceased:

• Housing office if the deceased was a tenant
• Council Tax Office if the deceased was a council tax payer
• Benefits Agency if the deceased was receiving any benefits
• Libraries
• Banks and Building Societies
• Hospital
• DVLA
• Passport Agency
• Social Security Office
• Social Work Department
• Lothian Health Board
• Employer