Required Documentation when going to the Sheriff’s Clerk Office interview, you must bring the following documents:
The death certificate of the deceased (not a copy);
Full details of the estate;
If the deceased left a Will, the original Will or testamentary writing (sometimes kept in solicitor’s offices for safekeeping);
If there is no Will, and
The surviving spouse is applying for the office of executor – the marriage certificate,
the surviving civil partner is applying for the office of executor – the certificate of registration of civil partnership,
the deceased was divorced at the time of death – the divorce certificate,
the deceased’s civil partnership had been dissolved prior to his/her death – the certificate of the dissolution of civil partnership.
The court fee, if payable
Proof of your identity – 2 documents are required – acceptable forms of identity include:
A government-issued document which incorporates your full name and photograph, and either your residential address, or your date of birth, i.e.
a valid passport,
a valid photo-card driving licence (full or provisional),
a National Identity card (non-UK nationals),
a Firearms certificate or shotgun licence, or
an Identity card issued by the Electoral Office for Northern Ireland.
A government-issued document (without a photograph) which incorporates your full name, and either your residential address, or your date of birth, i.e.
a valid (old style) full UK driving license, or
recent evidence of entitlement to a state or local authority funded benefit including housing benefit, council tax benefit, tax credit, pension, educational or other grant.
Other documents such as
a current council tax demand letter, or statement,
current bank statements, or credit/debit card statements (but not ones printed off the internet), or
recent utility bills (but not ones printed off the internet).
If you are unable to provide two forms of identification from the above list, you should telephone the Sheriff Clerk’s Office prior to attending, to discuss what alternative forms of identification would be acceptable.
If you are not attending the court personally, but rather submitting the application by post, then three pieces of documentary evidence are required.