Please Help fathers pension

nigelbb

Mojisola wrote: »

How is the father going to fill in the required forms?

I did read that the father doesn't have to sign the form (which is true) but I missed the bit about then having to fill in a statutory declaration instead so they do need to be alive:).

It is still possible to go to the Family Court & get a declaration of paternity but this would involve DNA evidence etc Depending on how much money is involved this could still be worthwhile. https://www.chroniclelive.co.uk/special-features/how-can-add-deceased-partners-13849625

Silvertabby

Unless OP is able to use the easy route (see my Post No 9) then the complications of this case may lead the pensions trustees to decide to pay the death grant to the Estate.

That way, it would be up for grabs for payment of funeral expenses, outstending debts, etc.

lisyloo

Sorry for your loss.

You need to ask the company what “proof” they require.
Personally I would not throw away hair brushes, combs, toothbrushes etc. Just in case it gets to DNA.

soulsaver

alone4life wrote: »

The company know i am the next of kin beacause my cousin who is dealing with the estate told them when she informed them of the death by phone, i spoke to them and gave them permission to discuss everything with my cousin.

In what capacity is your cousin dealing with the estate? Is there a will?

Silvertabby

lisyloo wrote: »

Sorry for your loss.

You need to ask the company what “proof” they require.
Personally I would not throw away hair brushes, combs, toothbrushes etc. Just in case it gets to DNA.

I've never heard of a case in which pension fund trustees have made payment on the basis of a DNA test. Far more likely that they would pay any monies due to the Estate and let the executor sort it out.

nigelbb

Silvertabby wrote: »

I've never heard of a case in which pension fund trustees have made payment on the basis of a DNA test. Far more likely that they would pay any monies due to the Estate and let the executor sort it out.

It wouldn't be the pension fund paying out on the basis of a DNA test. It would be the OP claiming the money after getting a declaration of paternity from the Family Court & the father's name on the birth certificate.

lisyloo

Silvertabby wrote: »

I've never heard of a case in which pension fund trustees have made payment on the basis of a DNA test. Far more likely that they would pay any monies due to the Estate and let the executor sort it out.

My understand of trusts is that the money does not go via the estate.

But it seems better to ask the trustees what they need that speculate on what that might be.

Silvertabby

“ I've never heard of a case in which pension fund trustees have made payment on the basis of a DNA test. Far more likely that they would pay any monies due to the Estate and let the executor sort it out.
Originally posted by Silvertabby

lisyloo wrote: »

My understand of trusts is that the money does not go via the estate.

But it seems better to ask the trustees what they need that speculate on what that might be.

Not 'a trust' - that's something else entirely. I was referring to the trustees of a pension fund, who have the final say in who gets a death grant, based on my experience as a retired LGPS administrator, not speculation.

In an ideal world, the death grant is paid direct to the nominated beneficiary. In the absence of a completed nomination form, then the death grant is paid to the obvious next of kin - ie, spouse first, then child/children, then parents etc. In the event of a contentious claim - and I've seem some very interesting ones in my time - then the trustees can decide not to get involved in what could be a long drawn out argument and pay the money to the estate instead. That way the executor carries the can.