Bank wants letter of renunciation

squ1rrel5

My father passed away recently and I have been tasked with sorting out the majority of admin.
The estate is very small so probate hasn't been needed - the majority of accounts were jointly held with my mother these have just passed onto her automatically.

In the will, it states that my mother is executor and in the case she passed away or was unable to undertake the role, myself and my husband are named as the next executors.

My mum has asked that I look after all sole financial aspects - as daughter of the deceased all other providers so far have been fine with this, but my dad had a very small sole account with Natwest (funds in their £100s as opposed to £1000s and nowhere near the banks probate limit) and I've come to a bit of a barrier.

I visited the bank and took in all the relevant documentation (death certificate, will and my ID) and the manager told me everything was fine and that id receive further details by post.

A form was sent to my mum, which she then passed to me and I duly filled it in with my details and sent it back off.

Ive just received a letter today saying that in order for me to deal with the account I either need to provide my mums death certificate (I cant, she's still here) or a letter or renunciation.

My mum would no doubt be okay with the latter (certainly not the former :rotfl:) but when ive looked online for examples, it all sounds really official involving probate, which as I said previously, we've been lucky enough to not have to deal with.

If my mum just sends a simple renunciation letter to the bank, would this suffice or does it require something more official? Would she need to state that it will be me taking over - or will the bank know that because of the will?

Would writing a letter to the bank mean that she renounces entire control and everything passes to me to sort out - even with other providers. There are still a few small joint accounts and insurance policies to sort out which might be simpler if my mum contacted them (when she is ready).

Yorkshireman99

squ1rrel5 wrote: »

My father passed away recently and I have been tasked with sorting out the majority of admin.
The estate is very small so probate hasn't been needed - the majority of accounts were jointly held with my mother these have just passed onto her automatically.

In the will, it states that my mother is executor and in the case she passed away or was unable to undertake the role, myself and my husband are named as the next executors.

My mum has asked that I look after all sole financial aspects - as daughter of the deceased all other providers so far have been fine with this, but my dad had a very small sole account with Natwest (funds in their £100s as opposed to £1000s and nowhere near the banks probate limit) and I've come to a bit of a barrier.

I visited the bank and took in all the relevant documentation (death certificate, will and my ID) and the manager told me everything was fine and that id receive further details by post.

A form was sent to my mum, which she then passed to me and I duly filled it in with my details and sent it back off.

Ive just received a letter today saying that in order for me to deal with the account I either need to provide my mums death certificate (I cant, she's still here) or a letter or renunciation.

My mum would no doubt be okay with the latter (certainly not the former :rotfl:) but when ive looked online for examples, it all sounds really official involving probate, which as I said previously, we've been lucky enough to not have to deal with.

If my mum just sends a simple renunciation letter to the bank, would this suffice or does it require something more official? Would she need to state that it will be me taking over - or will the bank know that because of the will?

Would writing a letter to the bank mean that she renounces entire control and everything passes to me to sort out - even with other providers. There are still a few small joint accounts and insurance policies to sort out which might be simpler if my mum contacted them (when she is ready).

It probably would be better if she visits the bank herself. What the bank probably want is an indemnity. It may be best to contact the banks central bereavement department as branch staff often don't have a clue.

getmore4less

a grant of probate means any asset holders does not need to do their own full due diligence verifying the person claiming the asset is entitled.

They have seen the will and you are not entitled to claim the asset so they are correct in seeking clarification that the first named executor has passed on their duties.

ask for another form fill it in as mum and get her to sign it.

TBagpuss

I agree, fill in the form and get mum to sign it. Alternatively she could write a letter stating that she authorises you to act on her behalf and the bank t o accept instructions form, and provide information to, you.

squ1rrel5

Thank you for your replies. I've got a letter from the central Bereavement dept, so I'll just get them to send another form.