Deceased Estates Notice

can6342

Hi,

My mum passed away late last year. Me and my brother are dealing with my mother's estate ourselves. We were granted probate earlier this year, which was straightforward, and reading up on what else needs doing, I see that it's recommended that we place a notice in the London Gazette to allow for others that believe they have a claim against the estate to do so.
My mum lived on her own and had a simple, quiet life. Her will was straightforward, split equally between me and bro. She did not have any debts, other than a small mortgage which we are paying monthly and will be settled in full when her property is sold. We have paid all utility bills etc.. Do people think there is a need to put this notice in? We cannot think of anyone who could come forward, but it may be worth it for peace of mind.
What have others done?

Thanks

McKneff

So sorry you lost your mum.

I wouldnt bother with the expense to be honest.

As long as you have paid any debts, funeral expenses, it will be fine.

PennyForThem_2

No need unless u thought your mum had a secret life......

If your family was a complex one with many divoices, affairs, deaths (early), re-marriages, family gossip about one-off affairs - then sure, put it in

Tuesday_Tenor

You've read the reasons for doing the London Gazette notice. These are valid and sensible in many circumstances.

You're asking what others have done: I'd known my parents' finances in detail for the last decade. We're a miniscule family (no cousins even!); no debts; quiet living; straightforward, no complexities. Sis and I, as Executors, both agreed not to do the London Gazette.

can6342

It's really useful to get everyone's opinions. I'll have another think and a chat with my brother, but am also leaning towards it being unnecessary for our situation.

And thanks for your condolences McKneff, I miss her loads and really wish she was still here.

Thanks everyone

Bernice50

Hi! I was informed that my daughter was named as a beneficiary 6 years ago from her Godmother/Auntie but was not to inform her as she would get an official notification. This has never arrived. I thought maybe the money was put into a Trust until she turned 18 (which she has) or 21, but this was never disclosed to me or my daughter. Where should we try and locate this information. We cannot do this thru my brother as we are no longer on speaking terms....
Thank you for any advice!

Mojisola

Bernice50 wrote: »

Hi! I was informed that my daughter was named as a beneficiary 6 years ago from her Godmother/Auntie but was not to inform her as she would get an official notification. This has never arrived. I thought maybe the money was put into a Trust until she turned 18 (which she has) or 21, but this was never disclosed to me or my daughter. Where should we try and locate this information. We cannot do this thru my brother as we are no longer on speaking terms....

Start by buying a copy of the will and see exactly what it says.

John_Pierpoint

and this is how you do it.........

http://www.justice.gov.uk/courts/probate/copies-of-grants-wills

VicksLester

For around £100 a notice in the London Gazette is well worth it - who knows what may have happened over the years - just a sensible precaution to cover the executor.

John_Pierpoint

For land transactions claimants normally have 12 - 15 years in which to come forward,
ordinary creditors have 6 years and dependants 6 months.
The notice in the London gazette and a local newspaper cuts the time for creditors down to 2 months (in practice 3 months because of delays in getting the mail and publishing the notice).

[All I got was a few coffin chasers trying to do a cheap deal on the house - but I will offer a cup of tea to anyone, liabilities as far as the land goes are usually registered and at the risk of the purchaser.]

Bernice50

Mojisola wrote: »

Start by buying a copy of the will and see exactly what it says.

Thank you- should have realised that I should do that (brain not working at full capacity!) and have followed the link from the above contributor.