Confirmation

Confirmation is the Scottish equivalent of probate. It is the legal document issued by the Sheriff Court giving the executor authority to uplift the deceased's money and other property from banks, building societies, insurance companies, and other holders, and to administer and distribute the estate according to law. [source: scotcourts/guide-to-deceaseds-estate-2026-05-03.html]

Confirmation is required only where the inventory includes at least one item of money or other property situated in Scotland. [source: scotcourts/guide-to-deceaseds-estate-2026-05-03.html]

There are two routes:

• Small estate — where the total gross value of the deceased's money and property is £36,000 or less. The sheriff clerk's office can help prepare the inventory at no cost beyond any certified-copy fees, and there is no statutory court fee for issuing confirmation in a small estate. [source: scotcourts/small-estates-2026-05-03.html]
• Large estate — where the total gross value is over £36,000. The Scottish Courts and Tribunals Service does not assist with large estates and recommends seeking legal advice. The application uses Form C1, which is a dual-purpose form for the court and HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC). [source: scotcourts/large-estates-2026-05-03.html]

The application is made to the sheriff court for the district where the deceased was domiciled at the time of death.

In England and Wales, the equivalent document is a Grant of Probate (or Letters of Administration where there is no will), issued by the Probate Registry under a different procedure and fee structure. → Confirmation in Scotland · How to apply for probate in England and Wales

Last verified: 3 May 2026 against scotcourts.gov.uk.