Deceased Father's pension - beneficiarys

Pollycat

indian_jalepeno wrote: »

Yes, it would've been much easier if he'd don either a Will or an Expression of Wish form (which was sitting on his coffee table - unsigned unfortunately).

But I believe he didn't do any of this as to what was mentioned by the company about a lump sum going directly to his Estate. This is hard for me to accept. Banks and Financial companies are being fined left, right and centre for not accurately informing people which could lead to them making mis-informed decisions. Would there be any recourse on them?? It all sounds like I am after a fight, far from it. I just want what my Dad wanted.

Thank you all for your replies, I will fill out the form accurately with some additional information about his brother.

TBH, it does sound like you're after a fight.
Keep your energies for sorting out your Dad's other stuff and helping your children & yourself to grieve.

I lost my Dad less than 2 months ago so I do know how you feel.
Maybe this 'I want to pick a fight' is part of the sorrow you are feeling that he's died and you want to take it out on someone/anyone.

I'm sure that the information given to your father about the money going directly to his estate was absolutely correct and above board.
I'm also sure that they would not have advised him that it wasn't necessary to make a will AT ALL.

They may have said that making a will will not affect where the death benefit goes, but that is not the same as you are accusing them of.

Didn't your Dad have other assets (savings, property) that would also have been affected by making a will?

BobQ

indian_jalepeno wrote: »

Yes, it would've been much easier if he'd don either a Will or an Expression of Wish form (which was sitting on his coffee table - unsigned unfortunately).

But I believe he didn't do any of this as to what was mentioned by the company about a lump sum going directly to his Estate. This is hard for me to accept. Banks and Financial companies are being fined left, right and centre for not accurately informing people which could lead to them making mis-informed decisions. Would there be any recourse on them?? It all sounds like I am after a fight, far from it. I just want what my Dad wanted.

Thank you all for your replies, I will fill out the form accurately with some additional information about his brother.

I think you are getting too worked up about this admittedly frustrating matter. You cannot change what your father did or did not do and he should have realised that whatever his estate comprised, a will was desirable. Are you absolutely sure that he never made a will? Even years ago?

Assuming no will as his closest relative you need to grieve and then apply for Letters of Administration if the estate is of any sugnificant size and sort out his affairs.

The pension company have a process by which they deal with these circumstances and what they are asking you to do is provide similar information as the Probate authorities require (ie list who might benefit and their relationships to the deceased) and then decide what they can pay out and to whom. I cannot see them paying what they are allowed to pay to anyone but an only son. I think to speculate further is imagining problems that may not exist. You have to list those who have a potential interest that you are aware of, but this does not mean anything of itself.

kidmugsy

Goldenyears wrote: »

You are rightly the sole beneficiary, assuming you have no siblings, but the pension provider doesn't know that yet, so yes you have to answer all their questions to the best of your knowledge. There should be no way under intestacy for your uncle to inherit anything.

If your father had made a will with you as executor, so much simpler in hindsight.

Simpler in foresight too.

jamesd

Fill in the form completely and honestly.

You can also include a cover letter saying that:

1. He was estranged from his brother and has had minimal contact with him for the past 30 years.

2. He indicated that it was his intent that the education of your children be provided for.

3. Say whatever he said about what you'd get.

Just give them the facts, they have had much practice in sorting out who should get what and why. Your family is almost certain to end up with the money.

indian_jalepeno

Hi all, well I'm pleased to announce that the covering letter worked as mentioned. Ultimately the money isn't the real issue in mine and/or indeed other people's circumstances but I would like to thank you all for your valued input.

I J