What to do when a partner/spouse dies.

bigun_3

Hi all
I don't know if anyone can help
My ex husband died 19/5/07 and we wasn't divorced, i have got two fantastic daughters age 28 and 23yrs, i want to make sure that everything we can claim for is done to their best advantage, eg funeral costs and all benefits, but as we was never divorced or legally separated is it best for me to claim or my dd's. He was on benefits and no will was left and we have traced one of his pensions which i am in the process of writing to. The other problem we seem to be facing is that there has to be an inquest so no death cert has been issued. Hope this makes sense and someone can help

AnW'sMum

Hi

Not sure where you stand re claiming benefits, I seem to remember one of the forms I filled in asked if we were seperated and or divorced. The best people to ask would be Dept of Work and Pensions.

My DH died last year and we are awaiting an inquest, at this stage we only have a 'Coroner's Interim Certificate of the Fact of Death' which we have used to notify various organisations without problem, I think it may depend on the circumstances of the death as to whether or not some places wait until a formal death certificate is issued.

Primrose

Make a Will, and leave a sealed envelope in your house saying where it is lodged, (i.e. at the Bank or the solicitor). Also leave a note in the envelope saying what your wishes are regarding your funeral so that in the event of a sudden death, the information is readily available.

Also make up a couple of simple spreadsheets, one showing the name, address, telephone and e-mail of all your personal contacts who might need to be advised of your death. This will be an invaluable time-saver when organising the funeral. On the other spreadsheet, keep a list of all your National Insurance Number, bank accounts, savings providers, investments, pension details, utility suppliers, house & car insurance etc. with relevant account numbers, and providers' names and addresses. Keep them safe in a folder, preferably in a locked cupboard and ensure that your next-of-kin know where to find them. Update this information on a regular basis.

TiggerMJ

The CAB used to have a leaflet regarding Death & what to do. They can be a great help too in advice - all free! Many thanks for all who have replied & offered help, am going to speak to bank in the morning & see if they can help.

Thanks all & have a good Bank Holiday (what's left of it!)

statman

Hello
I don't know if anybody can give me any advice or suggestions as to where I can get advice regarding the law surrounding the death of a parent in Malta? I am in England.
Thanks in advance

JoBridger

Handling a the estate of an overseas death is usually more complicated than when ther person was a UK resident.

A company I work with has a local rate Probate help line where you can get free advice. It would be worth having a chat with them. They are called Kings Court Trust Corporation and the number is 0845 126 0891.

I'm fairly sure that they don't handle overseas Probate themselves but they do have an expert Probate legal team who should be able to give you some help getting started.

AnW'sMum

Bumping up for those in need

Stormybay

Bumping up here too, and also letting you people know that I've passed the 6 month mark and am still standing, and.............................................................................wait for it....................I have actually made my will after my darling John died without one, I would hate my children to have to go through what I had to, in an already, unbearable, emotional time.

Love to all

Stormy
xxxxxx

boom123_2

Hi! After the sad death of my brother(suddenly under tragic circumstances) we were told that my brothers estate would be left to his son who is only 4. We had already agreed that any estate should be put in trust for my nephew until he was at least 21. However we have been informed that because my brother had no will his ex (mother to his child) is to be made executer under scottish law. She never was good with money and my nephew won't see any of his inheritance by the time he even reaches 18. We have been told that there is nothing we can do as my nephew is the beneficiary and she is his guardian everything is to be handed to her even the contents of his house. We (my parents and I) do not want anything other than my nephew to have a good start in life but it seems that we will have no input as to what happens to my brothers money for his child it will be left up to his ex.... can this be right???

whitewing

While I have a great sense of humour normally, this isn't a joke so I would appreciate it if I got only sensitive replies on this post. Sorry this isn't money saving but I don't know who else to ask. It seems like a daft question but it important to the people who need to know.

A very close and very much loved member of my close family died very recently. We have to take the clothes in which he is to be buried to the funeral director's tomorrow. Our question is whether we need to include underwear and shoes? We could phone up and ask but the next-of-kin won't bother the funeral director out of hours, but i know it will bother them all night otherwise and make a sad situation worse.

The passing itself was peaceful and couldn't have been more loving so we are okay but sensible answers would be very helpful.

Been thro the links on the thread and got some lovely poems and other useful info, so thanks a lot anyway.