The bank should pay all the funeral costs
Hi Jamma
I am sorry for your loss. It is never an easy time and extra worries about money are not needed.
Mum passed away in October. I was told that the bank would honour any funeral costs. From my experience it can include the cost of the wake, but ask to be sure. They would not pay care home fees though. The care home was very understanding and we were told not to worry as sometimes it takes many months to settle the bill, especially if it is dependent on selling a house. My step-father gave the funeral bill to the bank and they paid it immediately.
Mum's case was simple. Mum had no will, no property and less than £20,000, so the bank said that it was not necessary to go to probate and they transferred her money to her husband on proof of identity witnessed by a solicitor. I am not sure if this is the case with all banks as I have heard the figure £15,000 quoted.
My father died in France a few years ago and the funeral was there. I sent the funeral bill to his UK bank and it was paid in full. He only had about £10,000 in his UK bank and I was told that I had to go to probate because it was more than £5,000. I was told by the probate office in London that nothing would get sorted until the French estate was settled and anyone who knows the French inheritance laws will understand the complications. However my local probate office in the west country was more helpful and told me to write a letter to the bank explaining things. I did this and they released the money to my step-sister and me, but insisted that a solicitor administer this. The Notaire sorted out the French estate. Hopefully things should be less complicated for you. Best of luck. x