General advice/tips on the steps after death
Posted: April 26th, 2022, 8:25 am
My mother is rapidly approaching death, quicker than forseen. There's a will, and although she's kept the contents secret, it's expected that the house will pass to my sister and me. We don't know if we will be executors, or the solicitor or joint. I live overseas, my sister 4 hours drive away from my mum's place.
My father left everything to my mother, and my sister and I were not involved in any of the discussions. My father left a very 'tidy' estate, putting everything into joint names in advance of his death, so it was all very smooth.
So here are the questions, for those who have experience of going through the executor / will process
What tips and hints would you give? If you had to do it again, what pitfalls are there to be aware of?
What are the great sources of info you came across?
An example that I picked up from TLF, and actually my biggest immediate concern*, was not to inform the deceased person's bank until a time of your choosing (we have LPA access). My sister says that we must immediately. Which is better or correct?
So all tips, hints, advice, words of wisdom and warning are gratefully accepted - whether will/executor related, or even the logistical practicalities of the process after death.
Thanks
torata
*My thinking: There's enough money in the accounts to keep things ticking over with regard to the house, like bills, for at least a year. But if the accounts are locked, then for example, do the utilities or other services get cut off so we can't stay in the house as necessary, when back from overseas?
My father left everything to my mother, and my sister and I were not involved in any of the discussions. My father left a very 'tidy' estate, putting everything into joint names in advance of his death, so it was all very smooth.
So here are the questions, for those who have experience of going through the executor / will process
What tips and hints would you give? If you had to do it again, what pitfalls are there to be aware of?
What are the great sources of info you came across?
An example that I picked up from TLF, and actually my biggest immediate concern*, was not to inform the deceased person's bank until a time of your choosing (we have LPA access). My sister says that we must immediately. Which is better or correct?
So all tips, hints, advice, words of wisdom and warning are gratefully accepted - whether will/executor related, or even the logistical practicalities of the process after death.
Thanks
torata
*My thinking: There's enough money in the accounts to keep things ticking over with regard to the house, like bills, for at least a year. But if the accounts are locked, then for example, do the utilities or other services get cut off so we can't stay in the house as necessary, when back from overseas?