NatWest conned me into appointing them Executors 3 October 2022 at 2:28PM in Deaths, funerals & probate 7 replies 573 views

Shedloads

I think. About 30 years ago my marriage was breaking up and I was under considerable stress. I made an appointment with the bank manager to get separate accounts. He separated them and I believe, sold me the bank acting as my executor on my will! I was about 45 at the time. Ive only recently recalled the incident and now, of course, most definitely do not want any such thing. What can I do? I have prepared an email asking for their confirmation that Im mistaken. But am I caught?

Brie

You could always make a new will.  That way you can just tell them their services are no longer required.  

Sea_Shell

2 choices...

Get a solicitor to draw up a new will with any other changes you want to make, along with appointing alternative executors.

Or

If you are still happy with everything except the executors, carefully copy it word for word, but change the executors, and get it signed and witnessed.

Whichever, do it asap.


Actually a third way...risk intestacy and destroy this will?!?  Is it in your possession?

Keep_pedalling

The answer is simple make a new will. A hell of a lot has happened in the last 30 years so your current will is almost certainly no longer fit for purpose.

TBagpuss

Make a new will. A new will automatically revokes any earliter will, althoug hthe atandard wording explicitly does so to be sure.

It  is sensible to review your will fairly regualrly, to make sure that it remains appropriate. If the bank is storing your original will, request it from them so you can review it (and destroy it once any new will is made) if you already have the original then simply destroy it once you have made your new will.

(You can destroy it before making a new will, this is effective to revoke it provided that is your intention, but it would be sensible to make a note that you have done so as otherwise it might be assumed to have been lost which could waste time and potentially result in it still being followed! )

Marcon

Shedloads said:

I think. About 30 years ago my marriage was breaking up and I was under considerable stress. I made an appointment with the bank manager to get separate accounts. He separated them and I believe, sold me the bank acting as my executor on my will! I was about 45 at the time. Ive only recently recalled the incident and now, of course, most definitely do not want any such thing. What can I do? I have prepared an email asking for their confirmation that Im mistaken. But am I caught?

You weren't conned into anything if you accepted their suggestion (a perfectly standard one), so there's nothing to complain about.

If your old will is 30 years old, it's high time you made a new one. Absolutely no point sending an email asking who the executors are in your own will - the bank will suggest you try reading it, doubtless followed by a suggestion that you make an updated will! 

Malthusian

Would your family even be able to find this Will if it's in a drawer in a random bank somewhere?
As others have said, see a solicitor and make a new Will. 

SevenOfNine

Not "conned" 30 years ago, times (& knowledge) changed & for many estates it's simply not necessary to name a solicitor or make the choice that you did. Novices (family/friends) named as executors would be better to consult legal professionals of their OWN choosing to help or undertake the task if they really need to, but it's pretty straightforward for a lot of estates & theirs lots of free help (like here for instance). 

I'm a bit surprised that you don't seem to have a copy of your own Will? If you haven't had another one written for 30 years, it doesn't matter what is in it or who is executor, it's overdue for a new one. The best advice everyone has already given.