Paying Beneficiary Living abroad

SVFM

A relative has died and has left a sum of money to their sibling who lives abroad and has had little to do with them over many years (not even a birthday card).
We have the address of the relative, is it o.k. just to send an English cheque for the sum stated in the will to them?
Thanks in advance for any answers

Yorkshireman99

SVFM wrote: »

A relative has died and has left a sum of money to their sibling who lives abroad and has had little to do with them over many years (not even a birthday card).
We have the address of the relative, is it o.k. just to send an English cheque for the sum stated in the will to them?
Thanks in advance for any answers

You need to double check with them first to make sure the address is current. At the same time ask them if they want a cheque or direct payment to their bank account. Personally I would say direct payment only.

SVFM

Thanks for your reply. We know the correct address and want to issue cheque. Could you please state why do you say direct payment?

greyfox

SVFM wrote: »

Thanks for your reply. We know the correct address and want to issue cheque. Could you please state why do you say direct payment?

A cheque will be useless overseas, as the recipient's bank won't be able to cash it.

Yorkshireman99

greyfox wrote: »

A cheque will be useless overseas, as the recipient's bank won't be able to cash it.

Nonsense! The payee will simply have to pay the fees to have it converted to the foreign currency. That may take some time. Direct payment into the beneficiary's bank account proves payment and is quicker.

Yorkshireman99

SVFM wrote: »

Thanks for your reply. We know the correct address and want to issue cheque. Could you please state why do you say direct payment?

It proves payment and the recipient will get the funds quicker without needed to have a sterling cheque dealt with.

SVFM

Thanks for reply Yorkshireman. Without sounding bitter we are not bothered about it taking longer to get the funds. Although the deceased was seriously ill they never sent a card or contacted (no birthday card for approx. 20 years) and we know this upset the deceased greatly. Funny how they have been able to contact several times since the deceased passing wanting to know what's happening.

Yorkshireman99

SVFM wrote: »

Thanks for reply Yorkshireman. Without sounding bitter we are not bothered about it taking longer to get the funds. Although the deceased was seriously ill they never sent a card or contacted (no birthday card for approx. 20 years) and we know this upset the deceased greatly. Funny how they have been able to contact several times since the deceased passing wanting to know what's happening.

Put that behind you and do what is most efficient. You are entitled to deduct the costs, which will not be high, from the amount paid.