Advising banks after death

jellymid

Are you legally required to do this immediately? If it was delayed and direct debits (gas, elect, phone) went out, would this cause problems later? These are Mum's sole accounts, the house is empty, but we still need the utilities whilst sorting things out.

Trying to keep things as easy as possible now, but don't want to create bigger complications for the future, if you get my drift. There is so much to do.

I'd be grateful for any advice.

opinions4u

Officially you should report things reasonably soon after death. But rushing in before the funeral isn't expected and, to be honest, I'd counsel against it and start dealing with things soon after the funeral.

That said, I know I "forgot" to deal with a current account for over a year once in similar circumstances and that ensured all necessary bills got paid. If there had been direct debits that had needed cancelling, or a limited account balance, this "omission" on my part would have been a disaster though.

Proceed with care at what can be a difficult and stressful time.

You won't find my "forgetfulness" in a book telling executors how to wind up an estate efficiently.

Xbigman

I don't agree. When my father died I phoned up the utilities and put everything in my name straight away. This is the correct way of doing it.
There can be legal issues with beneficiaries later if they think their share is reduced because a bill has been paid that the deceased didn't run up.
Yes I know its a few pounds but my brother moaned when I bought 12 first class stamps from the estates money when I only needed about 8.
Inheritance brings out the worst in people.





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