What happens to a bank account after death

Indiewitch

Hi,
My grandfather died yesterday and my mother is named as his next of kin. We were told the undertakers would contact us today regarding funeral arrangements, etc. However today my mother had a call from his friend who said that he did not have a funeral plan and she had organised the funeral but my mother would have to pay for it. When my mother said she did not have the money to pay, his friend said she would just withdraw the money from my grandad's bank account (£3000). I always thought the account could not be touched after a person's death and until the will had been sorted. This is stressing my mother out so please can someone advise me before this woman empties grandads account. Thank you

CLAPTON

if the account is in your grandfather sole name (i.e. not joint) then in general the a/c can't be touched until probate is obtained
however banks will release funds for funeral expenses

the executor needs to speak to the bank

who is the friend?

Quenastoise

Sorry to hear about your loss and the additional stress caused by this person so soon after your bereavement.

My understanding is that all the assets and debts of the deceased are pooled, the debts settled by the executor of the estate and any remaining surplus distributed according to the will.

I hope somebody can help you here. Personally, I would stall and I would ask for proof of expenditure incurred. It is all a bit hasty and distasteful, to be honest.

Does this person have access to your grandfather's account ? If so, I would notify the bank ASAP of your grandfather's death, hopefully that would freeze access to the account.

McKneff

Clapton is correct in that the banks will release funds for undertakers so tell your mum not to worry.

Sorry about your grandad.

This person had no right to organise the funeral.
Funerals are usually paid for afterwards so the funds in grandads account should not be touched at all.

If there is any money missing, dont hesitate, contact the police.

Indiewitch

Thank you. That is what I thought. The friend is his neighbour who, due to the fact we lived quite a distance away, tended to look after his affairs. I will phone the undertakers tomorrow and also contact the bank. Thank you all so much

CLAPTON

who is/are the executor(s)?

who has obtained the death certifacates?

banks etc will require a death certificate

what is the approximate value of the estate?

ses6jwg

The executor needs to contact the bank ASAP even without a death cert they need to set deceased blocks on the account so there can be no risk of fraud etc.