POA v Executor

Sunshine_and_Roses

I have POA for finance for both of my parents.  Sadly my Dad passed away yesterday.  His will (written over 20 years ago) states that everything is to go to my Mum, and appoints my elder sisters as executors.  They are happy with my carrying on with looking after the finances which I have done for a number of years, but I am unsure of what I am allowed to do.

Do I have to wait for death certificates to be issued before I move any money over to Mums accounts?  He has a savings account with Saga, current account with Santander and a joint account with Mum at Santander.

I know that I can use the Tell Us Once service for government paperwork, but I will need to contact his private pension company after I have the death certificate.

This is all so new to me so would appreciate any help and advice.

Mojisola

I don't think companies will deal with you as you are not the executor.

Lara94

Call these institutions and enquire as to whether they would be able deal with you. They have specific departments for this sort of thing, but they will all have different policies as well.

Sea_Shell

Your authority under the PoA has now ceased.

As much as you might want to help, it's your sisters who now have the authority.

You can still provide information, or talk them through stuff, but you should no longer be actually handling anything of your Dad's.

Sunshine_and_Roses

Sea_Shell said:

Your authority under the PoA has now ceased.

As much as you might want to help, it's your sisters who now have the authority.

You can still provide information, or talk them through stuff, but you should no longer be actually handling anything of your Dad's.

My head is a bit mashed......

I have re-read the will and it says that my Mum is sole executor, my sisters would be executors only if Mum passed within 30 days.  So as POA for Mum, can I help her with the paperwork?

Brie

Yes and even without you having anything to do with the will you can still help.

Easiest would be if you are making phone calls with your mom in the room or near to hand at least so that if there are any pushback she can give approval that you assist.  

I was not named on my FiL's will and do not have POA for MiL but when my FiL died I rang all the companies for whom there were bills plus the banks and pension people do notify them of the death and to ask how I needed to deal with things.  Some needed original death certificate, some needed that and a letter signed by MiL to allow me to deal with things.  Obviously a POA trumps a mere letter but chances are they will want an original of the POA not a copy so a letter might be helpful in the short term.

All except 1 credit card company were symphathetic and massively helpful and in some cases provided extra advice on what needed to be done.  (The one CC co that was a pain said my deceased FiL needed to ring them to provide consent.  I was boggled!!)

Do ensure that you get a few originals of the death certificate so you can deal with more than one organisation at a time.  Also be aware that if someone needs a certified copy of anything many post offices can do this for you - last time I checked it was £7 for 3 copies.  (3 of the same thing or 3 different things) 

Sorry for your loss, it's good to know that you are being helpful and proactive to get stuff sorted for your mom.

Keep_pedalling

You can only administrator the will if your mother gives you power of attorney to do so. The LPA you have in place only allows you to act for her with regard to her personal affairs you would need a separate ordinary POA to cover this. You could also act as administrator if both she and back up administrators revoked their powers.

Alternatively she could remain as executor and you just do all the leg work.

Assuming her will is also 20 years old now would be a good time for her to make a new one.

sheramber

When my husband died I was executor but my sons did all the admin. They phoned the banks  ( the bereavement services) who updated the records and  advised what they needed.

Some wanted the original death certificate. others an emailed copy. 

getmore4less

There is an option to apply for the grant using a POA for the administration.

if straightforward and mum has not lost capacity then there may be no need to apply for a grant anyway.
if you meet the thresholds for any account then they may deal with it using an indemnity.

Most companies will  deal with enquires from the person supplying the death certificate.

If you are familiar with the finances you probably have the information you need anyway.

Still should do an inventory and account to track the estate  for future reference. 

if convenient(like you live near enough) you can deal by post just have mum sign any paperwork along the way.