Using bank account before probate

Savvy_Sue

I'd definitely make it a joint account: if you and your sister are both 'known' to the same bank (not branch) then it may be simpler, but if not, then if you (the OP) opens an account with a bank where she already has an account, you may be able to add her more easily as they may not require ID. 

jsatellite

Thanks for all the suggestions. About the joint account - we were all with the same bank but my sister now lives abroad so that may be an issue?

Savvy_Sue

jsatellite said:

Thanks for all the suggestions. About the joint account - we were all with the same bank but my sister now lives abroad so that may be an issue?

Does your sister still have a UK bank account? That would be the place to start. Otherwise, I think the joint account is probably a non-starter ...

jsatellite

Savvy_Sue said:

Does your sister still have a UK bank account? That would be the place to start. Otherwise, I think the joint account is probably a non-starter ...

She does, but is worried this will lead to them discovering she's not in the UK anymore and close the account.

jsatellite

One other consideration - both executors are renouncing and I'll be applying to administer, so at this in-between stage where technically there's no executor, do I have the authority? According to solicitors I just need to be in possession of signed renunciations to put the house on the market, so perhaps the same applies to paying debts?