Young widow husband is terminal lots of questions ....

Kerri7767

Thanks polly xx

Amysdad70

I feel your pain. I acted as executor when my wife passed away earlier this year.

It was a joint mortgage so it just transferred into my name. Banks and everything were great, just needed to see the death certificate and it was all sorted. Unsecured debts just asked me to complete a form to confirm that there was no money in the estate, then they wrote it off.

I would also suggest speaking to the benefits people as there is a lump sum available of around £2000 to help with expenses if a spouse dies. I think it is called bereavement allowance.

Finally, one thing that caused a bit of hassle was passwords. Social media, email etc. It might be helpful if you can gather them in advance so that you can close accounts down if you wish. I know it seems trivial but it ended up being a real pain.

You are strong enough to get through this.

Kerri7767

Amys dad so sorry to hear about your wife ((( also thanks for your advice ... re passwords he won't give me those he says he's not bothered about his email not being closed down , etc .., thNks for your advice regards to the debt also xx

ERICS_MUM

My experience is different but it might help.

Mum died in March and initially I just called the various offices and companies such as the bank, insurance companies etc and in the main they told me what they needed, for example death certificate, document of administration (I think that's what it's called, not probate as Mum didn't leave a will).

When we registered the death we asked for 4 copies of the death certificate and then we requested (and paid for but nominal amount) extra copies of the 'probate' document. This made it easier to send the docs to any offices that required them. Keep the 2 original /main docs. Also scan both docs because some offices will accept an e-mailed copy which is easier. The registrar also offered us a service whereby we told one department and they advised various offices on our behalf.

Some small things to do now - make sure you have enough writing paper, envelopes, pens and postage stamps for the various letters you will need to send.
Get a notebook in which you can record details of everyone you deal with - dates, times, names, requirements, outcomes etc. If you are expecting to get a letter/form back from people you contact, make A note in a diary so you don't forget - not everyone responds as quickly as they should and you might want to chase them. I did all this because I just could not remember stuff amidst my grief.

I also got a box file and plastic filing sleeves so I could organise all the docs etc.

Apologies if I'm stating the obvious but it might not be so obvious when the time comes. Mum was 92 and had been poorly for a while and losing her was in the natural order of things but it was still a nightmare trying to sort though.

Sadly you are much younger and facing an horrendous time which is much more shocking, so it might be that nothing will be clear to you.

I'm so sorry for you, your husband and children. As someone said above, it's worth speaking to MacMillan, they will help you identify the allowances and benefits you will be entitled to. I know money is no consolation but it will help with the practical side of managing a home and children on your own.

EM xx

In_Debt_Bet

I'm so sorry for what you and your family are going through. There is a thread for widows on the over fifties board that may help you, there are some lovely posters there that have experienced what you are going through and may be able to offer advice and support both now and in the times ahead.

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/5185428

Bet x

Kerri7767

Thanks so much bet xxx

Kerri7767

Hello everyone , tragically my young husband passed away 17th may . I'm going through all the motions , funeral planned for this Thursday , paid for , called his pension company up ( small amount in there ) just to see what next steps are . Re the credit cards I intend writing to them today to say there is no money ( his estate insolvent ) he has 700 in the bank he has 3 credit cards , one is 5k one is 4 , the other 3k can anyone help me in what wording I need to put in the letters . Thank you for all your help in this thread x

Pollycat

So sorry to hear your sad news, Kerri.

This link has already been posted earlier::
https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/5185428
you'll find people in the same situation as you and they'll offer empathy, support and practical advice.

Kerri7767

Hi polly that link is a bereavement link from 2015 with pages and pages and pages .. was after advice re writing to credit cards to be honest xxx

Pollycat

Yes, I did know what the thread was about.

It was started by a lady who'd been recently widowed and lots of people post there for support and advice and people who are further along their journey give advice and support - not about credit cards though.

I'm sure someone will be able to point you to a template for the letters.