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Access to dead husband's bank account information

My husband died in May. It turns out he had debts & had been accumulating them for some time. He inherited £180K in 2004 & I can't work out what he could have spent the money on, especially since it looks like his money started to run out in 2006. What rights (if any) do I have to his banking information? I am his widow & executor but I haven't applied for probate as there are no assets. I know that the money is gone & initially I was just in a state of shock at his sudden death but now I'd like to get to the bottom of the mystery, however unpalatable the results may be. Any advice would be appreciated. Thanks.

Comments

  • samjef11_2
    samjef11_2 Posts: 454 Forumite
    edited 16 June 2010 at 7:13PM
    ruthmcd wrote: »
    My husband died in May. It turns out he had debts & had been accumulating them for some time. He inherited £180K in 2004 & I can't work out what he could have spent the money on, especially since it looks like his money started to run out in 2006. What rights (if any) do I have to his banking information? I am his widow & executor but I haven't applied for probate as there are no assets. I know that the money is gone & initially I was just in a state of shock at his sudden death but now I'd like to get to the bottom of the mystery, however unpalatable the results may be. Any advice would be appreciated. Thanks.
    Have you tried a solicitor maybe they can help you or for free advocates have a look at this useful site click here
  • datostar
    datostar Posts: 1,288 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 1,000 Posts Name Dropper Combo Breaker
    Visit a branch of the Bank(s) where his accounts were held. Take death certificate, will and 2 forms of personal ID (usual stuff - one with a photo on). They will immediately freeze the accounts (money can go in but not come out). You will either be given account details and balances then and there all they'll pass details to their 'Bereavement Unit' or similar who will arrange for you to be sent details of the account(s) and probably try to sign you up for their 'Probate Service'. Tell them you'll think about it because they can be very expensive.
    You don't need probate to do this - only to get at the money if there is any.
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