Should I only pay phone bill till time of death?

beekeeper21

Hi, I'd be grateful for advice.

My dad died on Jan 2nd. I live in London and he lived in Middlesbrough. I've been up a few times to the ( empty) house and I pick up post etc. Since I informed the bank, different agencies have been in touch since the d.d has not been paid. In each case I have informed them of date of death etc and have been billed up to that date. (Or had refunds in some case). On the last visit, I picked up the phone bills (Virgin) and their letters about missed payments. Today I called them to let them know of his death and cancel the phone account. They seem to think I need to pay the outstanding amount up until today's date, including the late payment fees. It is not a huge amount, but I feel like I only need to settle up until the date of his death. (Which is actually paid, because I didn't freeze his bank account till about 6 weeks after he died).

Could anyone tell me where I stand on this?

Thanks

Gordon

Itsgottabedone

I understand that you may not have been able to advise Virgin Media earlier about your father's death, but they have been providing a service through the last few months (phone was available for use if required) and so I think they are within their rights to expect payment, including late payment charges. Sorry for your loss, and good luck with the remaining paperwork.

msb5262

Hi OP,
I agree with post #2 for the most part - but I imagine that if you speak nicely to them and explain the situation, the late payment charges will be waived. That would seem to me to be the most appropriate and fair arrangement, if it can be achieved by mutual agreement.
HTH
MsB

[Deleted User]

What's the situation with his estate, have you inherited his home?

beekeeper21

Thanks all.

Citricsquid, yes I (and my brother) will end up with the house after probate comes through.

As I said the money demanded isn't huge it was just the insistence without compromise that got my hackles up.

Gordon

Goldiegirl

When I dealt with my parents house, I paid up until the time the service was terminated. It didn't even occur to me that I should ask to pay the bill up until the time my dad died.

The service was available for use, so I felt they should be paid for providing the service whether it was used or not.

bouncydog1

Have any calls been made from that phone since your dad died? If they have then you should pay up as the service has been used. If not, then ask nicely for them to charge for service up to date of deth.