Death and what happens next

duchy

I went up to our local hospital this morning and said goodbye to a good friend and neighbour who is having her life support switched off today. It is very unexpected and her partner has indicated he'd like some help from me dealing with the aftermath.

There's no family locally and as he says he's no good on the phone so I think my friend would want me to help him.

The funeral arrangements will be fairly straightforward as he's clear on what he wants but the legalities of her estate worry me.

It's not going to be that straightforward as there is no will and they are not married (but jointly own a house). Can anyone direct me to websites (preferably non commercial) that can give clear guidence -to at least take it as far as possible before incurring legal costs in settling her affairs and an idea of what to expect please.

I've had some experience of this before but never without a will so I'm mindful there may be pitfalls to avoid-Thanks

RAS

Hi

If the house is a joint tenancy rather than tenants in common, the sole survivor becomes the sole tenant so it is not included in the estate. As do most joint bank accounts and saving accounts.

If you can ask him do, if he does not know, then download the deeds from the Land Registry (think it is £4) or ask for the contact details of their mortgage provider.

There is a sticky above on what to do when someone dies, which will cover a lot of what he needs.

Does she have surviving relatives? Are there any insurance policies? Any death in service benefits.

If probate is needed, someone needs to get letters of adminsitration and that may well have to be a relative of the deceased if one is close.

Ring the Probate Office if you need advice.

Person_one

The hospital may have a bereavement advisor or similar who can offer assistance with that sort of thing, or at least point him in the right direction.

RLH33

I can't help you a great deal but didnt want to read and run. Firstly sorry for the loss you are about to experience, I am sure the next couple of weeks/months are going to be tough.

In relation to her estate your friends partner will need to check what type of joint ownership they have. If it is joint tenants then the ownership of the house will transfer to him automatically, as will any money in joint accounts. Everything else will go to her heirs - does she have children, siblings or surviving parents? A trip to a solicitor will probably be required though.

duchy

Thanks pretty much what I expected -There are some possible complications but if these can at least be identified before going to a solicitor I think that may save some stress and costs.

It has given me a kick up the bum to get around to making a will-It's on the list but never made it to the top-and this underlines how important it is to do.

Hovel_lady

duchy wrote: »

Thanks pretty much what I expected -There are some possible complications but if these can at least be identified before going to a solicitor I think that may save some stress and costs.

It has given me a kick up the bum to get around to making a will-It's on the list but never made it to the top-and this underlines how important it is to do.

You might be interested in reading this:

http://www.moneysavingexpert.com/family/free-cheap-wills

Hope you get everything sorted for your friends x