The C1 form is the main form you’ll need to apply for Confirmation (Scottish Probate). It’s the document that tells the Sheriff Court who is applying and what’s in the estate.
If you're dealing with an estate that includes property or money that can’t be accessed without probate, you’ll almost certainly need this form.
Our core service is designed to help you get it right, quickly and accurately, with no guesswork.
Find a service to fit your needs
Our services are designed to help you get it right, quickly and accurately, with no guesswork.
What comes before this
Before you begin working on the form, make sure you understand whether Confirmation is needed and what the process involves.
What is the C1 form and when do you need it?
The C1 form is used to apply for a Grant of Confirmation when someone dies in Scotland. If you're dealing with an estate where assets can’t be accessed without probate, and the person died domiciled in Scotland, this is the form to use.
There are different versions of the C1, depending on when the person died:
C1 (2021) for deaths on or before 31 December 2021
C1 (2022) for deaths on or after 1 January 2022
Where to get the form
You can download either version of the C1 form directly from the GOV.UK website.
You will need to either:
print the form and fill it in by hand (using black or blue pen), or
use free PDF software like Adobe Acrobat Reader to type directly into the form, save your progress, and print a final copy.
Typing directly into the form works best when using Adobe Acrobat on a Windows computer. You may encounter issues using other software. If this happens, you can print it out and handwrite any problematic sections.
What the form asks
The form is broken into several sections. Together, they provide the Court with a snapshot of the estate and your legal right to apply.
It asks for:
details of the person who died, including their full name, address, and date of death
information about the Executor(s): who is applying and why they have the legal right to do so
a full inventory of the estate: all assets held on the date of death
totals of any debts owed on the date of death, plus a note of funeral expenses
the tax status of the estate
Common pitfalls
The C1 form looks deceptively simple. However, many sections assume you already know what’s expected.
The most common issues that lead to rejected applications include:
using the wrong version of the form
listing assets incorrectly, like wrong ownership details or vague descriptions
conflicting information between the C1 and other documents, like the Will and Death Certificate
missing or incorrect supporting documents, like the wrong version of the Will
unexplained changes to executors, like resignations or replacements
Even small mistakes can result in your application being rejected, causing delays of weeks or months.
The Sheriff Court can only help if the estate is worth less than £36,000. Otherwise, their standard advice is to seek legal support.
Do I need any other forms?
You might need to use other forms, depending on the date of death, the size of the estate, who inherits, and whether HMRC needs to review the estate before Confirmation.
See our guide: Which forms do I need to apply for Confirmation?
How to submit the C1 form
You cannot submit the C1 online. You must print it out and then either post it or deliver it by hand to the Sheriff Court.
How My Probate Partner can help
Our Confirmation support service is designed to help you complete the forms you need with ease and accuracy. You can:
use our self-guided tool to help you fill in the form yourself, with interactive guidance and expert checking, or
hire a Case Manager to do the form for you and support you by phone.
Whichever option you choose, you’ll also get:
the completed application, ready to print
a checklist of what to include with your application
a covering letter for the court
step-by-step instructions tailored to your situation
We can also check property ownership, help you get missing documents, and provide template letters and spreadsheets to help with valuations.
Get help. Find a service to fit your needs
Most people who use our services say they would have struggled or been rejected without this support. Our confirmation specialists can help for a flat fee.
If you’re not sure which option is right for you, start with our Smart Estate Assessment Tool.