My Step-Dad has died.....

Gale_10

and I am worried that my mum will not get everything she in entitled to.

For instance, my Dad used to work for a major high street bank and he has at least one account that the bank haven't mentioned to her, although she is aware that he had it. Can the bank just keep shtum about the account and keep the money? I would have thought they would be duty bound to mention the account but we all know how these things can work.

I was going to advise her to get a solicitor to make sure she gets everything she should get, but I don't even know if there are solicitors specialising in death of spouse.

What I am really surpised about is that I know absolutely nothing about this, that there isn't some sort of advisory body that I know of............I feel absolutely clueless.

Please help, if you can, if you know anything............

*wanders off shaking head*

Gale

robnye

do you know who the executor is......? as they would need to contact the bank

pboae

There is a sticky thread at the top of this forum, which has lots of info in it. http://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/showthread.html?t=344578 It's probably the best place for you to start.

floss2

I assume that your mum's got all the paperwork from your step-dad's various accounts / pensions / benefits etc. If it was in his name only, then your mum won't necessarily be able to speak to them about it - it is the executors job to deal with the bank. As Robyne says, who is/are your step-dad's executors, as they should be in touch with the bank & other organisations.

BTW, are you sure your step-dad still had that account at the time of his death? Or could it have been closed & the funds transferred into another account without your knowledge? I mean, until I had Power of Attorney for my mum I didn't know who she had bank accounts with, as it was none of my business, so I wouldn't expect any parents to tell their children everything about their finances.

Gale_10

Thank you for your replies, I will find out who the executor is, and then my mind will be a least a bit more at rest.

Thank you also for that link, I did think there was some information on here, but I couldnt find it.

My head is a little bit all over the place at the moment, so your help is really very much appreciated.

Hugs all round guys,

Gale

kle87

Hi Gale

Recently my aunty's dad died and she almost lost everything to his then wife due to the way he had worded his will. Its a tricky situation and your mum should really get a solicitor there are plenty out there who deal specifically with death and wills etc. As other people have said finding out who the executor is and gathering all the information possible is crucial! Good luck with everything x