Aviva InsurancesBonds of Caution & Confirmation Explained
Why is a Bond of Caution Important?
A Bond of Caution is a special form of insurance offered to practitioners in Scotland who are dealing with intestacies and protects beneficiaries (and creditors) against any losses caused by maladministration by the executor dative. The bond may need to have be obtained before the Sheriff Clerk will grant Confirmation.
Confirmation is a legal document issued by the court which provides the executors with the authority to deal with the deceased’s assets and enables estate property and funds to be released. Prospective executors will be required to prepare the estate inventory, detailing all assets held by the deceased at the date of death.
Finders International are long-standing, trusted agents of Aviva, and can help obtain Bonds of Caution on your behalf. We will be required to verify the family tree to ensure all heirs are accounted for prior to submission to the insurers for their consideration.
Bonds should be obtained when the intestacy is valued over £36,000 gross and the estate isn’t exhausted by legal or prior rights (as set out by Scots law); or when dealing with small estates valued at sub-£36,000 where a sheriff clerk’s office has not prepared the inventory.
A Bond of Caution does not offer protection to executor datives or mitigate their liability to ensure correct distribution of the estate. Executors, therefore, may wish to seek executor cover once the family tree has been verified and confirmed. This can be offered as a combined product for comprehensive cover.
Missing beneficiary insurance should still be sought when there is a specific missing heir to an estate and when all reasonable lines of enquiry have been exhausted.
Why is a Bond of Caution important in Scotland?
A Bond of Caution is a special form of insurance offered to practitioners in Scotland who are dealing with intestacies and protects beneficiaries (and creditors) against any losses caused by maladministration by the executor dative. The bond may need to be obtained before the Sheriff Clerk will grant Confirmation.
What is Confirmation, and why is it necessary for executors?
Confirmation is a legal document issued by the court which provides the executor with the authority to deal with the deceased’s assets and enables estate property and funds to be released. Prospective executors will be required to prepare the estate inventory, detailing all assets held by the deceased at the date of death.
How can Finders International help with Bonds of Caution?
Finders International are long-standing, trusted agents of Aviva, and can help obtain Bonds of Caution on your behalf. We can also research the family tree to ensure all heirs are accounted for prior to submission to the insurers for their consideration should there be missing information on the next of kin or where verification is required.
Explore a range of related services that we offer
When a person passes away without an identified next of kin, our specialist team works swiftly and discreetly to trace rightful heirs. We partner with local authorities, coroners, and healthcare providers to ensure estates are handled ethically and in accordance with UK succession law.
We provide expert analysis and verification of family trees to confirm the legal entitlement of beneficiaries. Whether for probate, intestacy, or private instruction, our genealogists produce clear, evidence-based reports that stand up to scrutiny.
We provide expert analysis and verification of family trees to confirm the legal entitlement of beneficiaries. Whether for probate, intestacy, or private instruction, our genealogists produce clear, evidence-based reports that stand up to scrutiny.
We assist local councils and legal representatives in tracing owners or heirs to vacant properties. Our goal is to help bring empty homes back into use, supporting community regeneration while resolving ownership issues efficiently.
In cases where no estate or relatives are able to cover funeral costs, our Funeral Fund can provide a compassionate solution. We work with funeral directors, local authorities, and families to arrange dignified services and explore reimbursement options.
We offer tailored training and ongoing support to solicitors, local authority teams, and other professionals involved in probate and estate management. Our sessions cover best practices in genealogy, intestacy law, and case handling to ensure confident and compliant service delivery.
When a person passes away without an identified next of kin, our specialist team works swiftly and discreetly to trace rightful heirs. We partner with local authorities, coroners, and healthcare providers to ensure estates are handled ethically and in accordance with UK succession law.
We provide expert analysis and verification of family trees to confirm the legal entitlement of beneficiaries. Whether for probate, intestacy, or private instruction, our genealogists produce clear, evidence-based reports that stand up to scrutiny.
We provide expert analysis and verification of family trees to confirm the legal entitlement of beneficiaries. Whether for probate, intestacy, or private instruction, our genealogists produce clear, evidence-based reports that stand up to scrutiny.
We assist local councils and legal representatives in tracing owners or heirs to vacant properties. Our goal is to help bring empty homes back into use, supporting community regeneration while resolving ownership issues efficiently.
In cases where no estate or relatives are able to cover funeral costs, our Funeral Fund can provide a compassionate solution. We work with funeral directors, local authorities, and families to arrange dignified services and explore reimbursement options.
We offer tailored training and ongoing support to solicitors, local authority teams, and other professionals involved in probate and estate management. Our sessions cover best practices in genealogy, intestacy law, and case handling to ensure confident and compliant service delivery.
Have a general enquiry?
Our team is here to help with any questions about tracing heirs, locating missing beneficiaries, or managing complex estate matters. Get in touch for expert support and guidance.
Heir Tracing & Beneficiary Research
We help locate missing heirs and verify family connections to ensure correct estate distribution.
Estate Administration Support
Providing research and documentation to assist solicitors, councils, and executors with probate cases.
Property & Asset Investigations
We trace property ownership, manage unclaimed assets, and resolve estate-related property issues.
Document Retrieval & Verification
Sourcing essential records such as wills, birth, marriage, and death certificates for probate cases.