A really simple will. What do I do?

purplepardalis

My father's will literally says that anything he has is to be distributed between his 2 children in equal shares. 
I am executor. There is property and unknown bank accounts at this moment. 

Do I just sell everything and divide it up minus expenses? 

Feels a bit too simple

Browntoa

Yes , assuming that the estate is below the IHT threshold.

Otherwise you are going to fill out IHT400

The online probate system is a good place to start 

Applying for probate: Before you apply - GOV.UK https://share.google/gDzfA7pdK4903Kh7Y

RAS

purplepardalis said:

My father's will literally says that anything he has is to be distributed between his 2 children in equal shares. 
I am executor. There is property and unknown bank accounts at this moment. 

Do I just sell everything and divide it up minus expenses? 

All of that plus:

Who ever registers the death needs to use Tell Us Once 

Contact DWP and any pension provider, check for any overpayments. It can take 9 months to get the answer.

Ensure building is insured; often the current provider will extend this until the end of the current policy, on various conditions, likely to be visits and winterising. Beyond that a lot of people find Adrian Flux the cheapest option. 

Secure and clear the house. Remove valuables, check if family want anything sentimental or personal and don't allow removal until you know you haven't got multiple people chasing one item. If it's rented this needs to be done quickly so get family to help. Put aside paperwork to find accounts and debts.

Value house, and maintain. So gardener to keep grass down, rainwater gear, roof secure, lights on timers etc. No point doing major work, sell as is. 

You can use house clearance companies and deep cleaners.

Sure folk will think of other things?

purplepardalis

Thanks guys. 

Will the bank provide me with statements so I can see direct debits and therefore work out insurance providers, utilities etc? 

p00hsticks

purplepardalis said:

Thanks guys. 

Will the bank provide me with statements so I can see direct debits and therefore work out insurance providers, utilities etc? 

Yes, they should do if you ask them. When contacting Banks, utility companies etc look to see if they have a specialist bereavement department - most of the large companies do and they will be familiar with and sympathetic to the situation. 

purplepardalis

Good to know. I have some paperwork but will need to track everything down. There wasn't time for him to get everything in order so got a bit of leg work to do

RAS

Start by speaking to the bereavement team at the bank where you think his income went. They should provide a list of DDs and SOs and statements. Look out for annual payments to clubs and societies as well.

Marcon

Condolences. This (or at least some of it) may be useful: https://www.gov.uk/when-someone-dies