Mum passed away - bank account?

krustylouise

Hi,

After reading a similar thread on here recently it reminded me of something. My mum passed away 10 years ago and I was given some of her belongings, more silly things like her old handbag (the one she used at the time of her death) with her diary in it (more telephone numbers than journal) anyway, in this handbag was her purse (nothing in it money wise just some cards like library etc and then a bank card) I know this seems a very strange weird and probably selfish question and I feel insensitive asking it, how would I go about finding out if there was any monies in this account? I have a brother so obviously if there was anything I would split it, but it's never been a priority for me to find out a I'd sooner keep the card as was my mums then the money in the account, I know it seems strange but I'm more sentimental about little nick nacks.

Anyway thanks for reading

BitterAndTwisted

You need to take the death cert to the branch the account was held at. If there's a significant amount in the account they are likely to ask to see the documentation regarding probate as they are unlikely to hand over any money to just anyone who pops in and claims they are entitled to administer it.

krustylouise

What documentation for probate? I'm really sorry I don't understand anything to do with this. I don't think my mum had a will, and her death was unexpected.

BitterAndTwisted

Even if someone dies without a will and they leave assets, a next-of-kin can apply to administer their estate by applying for probate.

What arrangements were made to tidy up your mother's affairs upon her death?

krustylouise

I'm not too sure I was only 18 at the time in total shock, my parents were separated, but still married. My dad had a new partner and I kind of left the funeral, clearing out her home etc to him as I was not capable of doing this. Even now the thought of it all is abit overwhelming.

Just contacted her bank and asked them and they've request I write them a letter explaining the situation and asking for info, do I shall do that.

Kayalana99

krustylouise wrote: »

I'm not too sure I was only 18 at the time in total shock, my parents were separated, but still married. My dad had a new partner and I kind of left the funeral, clearing out her home etc to him as I was not capable of doing this. Even now the thought of it all is abit overwhelming.

Just contacted her bank and asked them and they've request I write them a letter explaining the situation and asking for info, do I shall do that.

Hiya, really sorry for your loss I belive since your Dad was married to your mum still without a will everything goes to him. Obvouisly he is your dad so probally wouldn't mind anyway but you might need him to get access to the account as he would be the administrater (or have the ability to apply for it)

Good luck x

krustylouise

Thanks for your reply. My dad have a very fractured relationship and I have a brother (not my dads son) and we weren't made aware at the time of any money of my mum's my dad claims he doesn't know whether there is any money, surely as they weren't together anymore and even living in separate houses and he'd moved on relationship wise he shouldn't receive anything of my mums?

McKneff

All as in post 6. Anything in the account would belong to your father.

Mojisola

krustylouise wrote: »

Thanks for your reply. My dad have a very fractured relationship and I have a brother (not my dads son) and we weren't made aware at the time of any money of my mum's my dad claims he doesn't know whether there is any money, surely as they weren't together anymore and even living in separate houses and he'd moved on relationship wise he shouldn't receive anything of my mums?

If they were still married, even if they were living apart, he would have inherited everything up to the limits in the intestacy rules.

LEJC

it could be that the account was in joint names with your father and that the account was then changed to a sole account in your fathers name once your mother had died...

The best thing to do is write to the bank as requested and explain that in going through some personal possessions you have found a card and would be grateful if youb could be adsvised if the account is still open....in the letter include all the details on the card so that it will make it easier for the bank to trace what has happened to any money that may have been in it.

If the account was in the sole name of your mother and nothing was done with it at the time of her death its very possible that the account will now be classed as dormant...in order to close anything down the bank will need to see a copy of your mothers death certificate and confirmation of who the money is to be paid to....this would normally be in the form of an executor named in a will or if no will was written her next of kin,which would be your father if they were married at the time of her death.

Possibly I suspect that the card is now obselete as potentially the account was converted to a sole account or closed so it may hold more sentimental memories for you rather than an actual monetry value.
My father died 15 years ago and I too still have his wallet....its just the same as when he last used it...even containing a small amount of money,and credit cards etc...although the accounts the cards relate to have long since been settled and closed...its more of a sentimental thing rather than value to me.

krustylouise

Hi,

Thank you all for your replies, the account was never a joint account. I shall write to the bank as requested.

Thanks again