Hi Susan how does that work?
My mum has several accounts. She has 3 with the Halifax Bank. I have the death certificate now so I could go into the branch to close her accounts but does the money then transfer to me? I know technically that the executors should do it & hold it but the executors don’t know the information I know. She also has a bank account with a large amount of money in it which would cover the beneficiary requests in her will. Again the executors wouldn’t know where to start!
I’m just wondering now how this all works between me & the executors. I am sure that people have to come to agreements because nothing would ever get done!
Hi Kiki, as you know I’m in the process of dealing with my dad’s affairs, for me it’s easy, as I’m executor and only beneficiary. But I can tell you what I’ve done so far.
When I registered dad’s death, our area offers a ‘Tell us once service’. The registrar gave me a code and told me to log on to their website and without having to send out death certificates to everyone, you can notify, DWP, HMRC, Passport, DVLA, Electoral Services, Council, Social and others, you just need NI No, Passport No, Driving licence number and it’s all done with one click.
Regarding the bank/building society accounts, I made an appointment with the bank, I had to take a copy of the will, the death certificate and ID for me. They took copies of everything and they informed me that the accounts now become frozen, nothing can go in or out, so if there are any DD’s or STO’s you need to contact all involved. In my case there was none, so easy. Also, I was informed that if there is over a certain amount in the accounts, then probate has to be applied for. You have to check with your banks/building societies as the amounts differ. Regarding payment for funeral costs, I was told to present them will the final bill and they will raise a cheque from dad’s account to pay for it. I’ve since had letters from the bank, confirming on date of death the balances in the accounts and telling me funds will be released once I have the probate certificate and a letter signed by both executors saying where the funds should be transferred to. The building Society account though is much easier as that was held in our joint names and I’ve since had a letter telling me they have now changed it to just mine.
I’ve been reading up on the Probate process, first thing to do is HMRC Estimate Assessment for Inheritance tax purposes, you use info from the bank balances and any outstanding debts, assets, property, shares etc and complete a form to see if you will be above or below inheritance tax threshold. You can apply for probate. I’ve been told this can take about 6-8 weeks,maybe longer and if doing it myself, I have to meet with a local probate officer and swear on a bible that I’m telling the whole truth etc etc, they then issue the certificate. Fingers crossed.
My only concern for you, is the fact you are not an executor of your mum’s will. I think it might be a problem, especially as you say the executors are not really that involved, but you are. I think they can revoke their executor status, but it has to be passed then to the Solicitor to deal with, which could be costly.
I hope you can get something sorted, but remember you can only do so much and it will take time. I remember emptying my dad’s house which was difficult and we did it over a few months and many, many trips to the refuse tip. I was lucky though, that I found a local charity who took all the big furniture items as long as they have fire safety labels. I just removed items I wanted to keep and said they could take everything else, the only thing they couldn’t take was dad’s bed as it had no fire label. So I had to arrange for the council to collect and dispose of it.
Best of luck. Elle x
