The death of a loved one is hard enough in normal times but when you can’t get into the bank or speak to a customer service representative, it can make things even harder.
During the current Coronavirus crisis, many bereaved people are struggling to register the death of a loved one due to council offices being closed. Once this is done, they must apply for a Grant of Probate. Again, this can prove difficult with the probate office working with reduced staff. The problems and delays continue even once probate is granted as many banks have closed local branches and customer service phone lines are over-whelmed dealing with mortgage payment holiday requests.
What is probate?
In England and Wales probate is the legal and financial process of dealing with the assets (money, property, and possessions) of someone who has died. Before an executor named in a will can claim, transfer, sell or distribute any assets, they need a Grant of Probate.
Once an executor of the will has obtained the Grant of Probate is obtained, they must contact all the relevant banks and service providers with whom the deceased had dealings.
Problems administering an estate
Energy companies, phone companies, insurance companies all have reduced staff dealing with a myriad of enquiries. A bereaved person might spend hours on the phone trying to get through to the right department to inform them of the death of a loved one. All of this comes at a time of great sadness and anxiety and doubtless adds to the stress.
Appointing a solicitor to administer an estate
By appointing a solicitor to deal with your loved one’s estate, you can spend your time grieving, not administering. A solicitor will deal with the administration of your loved one’s estate, closing bank accounts, building society accounts, settling bills, applying for refunds, selling shares, and arranging for the sale of any property. By removing the administrative burden, you will be free to remember the good times. And, what is especially important during this time of restricted movement, you won’t have to leave the house.
If you wish to make an enquiry about our probate services, contact Debbie on 01704 532890 or make a free enquiry.