Missing Beneficiaries UK

What happens when an heir can’t be found?

During estate administration, having to locate missing beneficiaries can cause additional stress. A beneficiary may be missing for several reasons, including:

• Family estrangement – the family may have lost contact with an heir
• An invalid Will – issues with the Will can lead to doubts about whether all beneficiaries are correctly identified; further research may be required
• Intestacy – when someone dies without a Will, the estate must be distributed according to the rules of intestacy. The heirs may not be easy to locate

The best way to avoid missing beneficiaries is to ensure that your Will is written, up-to-date, and clear. Your Will should name and provide details for all those who you wish to benefit from your estate.

If a beneficiary is missing, there are several ways through which they can be located: asking friends and family; electoral roll data; consumer and credit databases; birth, marriage, death, and adoption records. A professional can reconstruct/verify the family tree or conduct a thorough Will search.

If all efforts to locate a beneficiary have been unsuccessful, there are several ways that distribution can proceed, such as:

• Inheritance held – their share held in case they appear later
• Inheritance distributed – their share distributed and then returned if the individual is later found
• Missing Beneficiary Indemnity Insurance – a policy to mitigate the risk of a claim against the estate post-distribution

Get in touch for advice on locating missing beneficiaries.

Arranging And Paying For A Funeral

What you need to know about funeral planning

Arranging a funeral is a task that needs to be completed upon a loved one’s death, but it can make an already difficult time even more stressful.

Some of the initial points of consideration include: whether the person will be buried or cremated; where and when the funeral should take place; what readings and music you would like during the service; and whether flowers are required/welcomed.

The deceased may have left a written record of their funeral wishes, so it is important to check this, but funeral arrangements sometimes start before the Will has been retrieved. Most families will seek the help of a professional to take care of the arrangements. Fees can vary, so it may be beneficial to shop around and obtain detailed quotes from various Funeral Directors.

Paying for a funeral is not always the responsibility of the deceased’s loved ones, as the estate can cover the cost. The person arranging the funeral may be able to access funds from the deceased’s bank account to pay the bill directly. When this isn’t possible, expenses can be reimbursed from the estate at a later date. In some cases, the deceased may have already paid for their funeral or left money in their estate to cover it.

Other options include a Public Health Funeral, provided by local authorities, and a Funeral Expenses Payment, a government scheme to help those with low income afford their loved one’s funeral. You can also plan for your funeral expenses in your lifetime with a pre-paid funeral plan (paying entirely in advance of your death) or an over 50s plan (a monthly premium policy).

Need advice on arranging and paying for a funeral? Get in touch today.

Other Related Blogs

Arranging And Paying For A Funeral

What you need to know about funeral planning

Arranging a funeral is a task that needs to be completed upon a loved one’s death, but it can make an already difficult time even more stressful.

Some of the initial points of consideration include: whether the person will be buried or cremated; where and when the funeral should take place; what readings and music you would like during the service; and whether flowers are required/welcomed.

The deceased may have left a written record of their funeral wishes, so it is important to check this, but funeral arrangements sometimes start before the Will has been retrieved. Most families will seek the help of a professional to take care of the arrangements. Fees can vary, so it may be beneficial to shop around and obtain detailed quotes from various Funeral Directors.

Paying for a funeral is not always the responsibility of the deceased’s loved ones, as the estate can cover the cost. The person arranging the funeral may be able to access funds from the deceased’s bank account to pay the bill directly. When this isn’t possible, expenses can be reimbursed from the estate at a later date. In some cases, the deceased may have already paid for their funeral or left money in their estate to cover it.

Other options include a Public Health Funeral, provided by local authorities, and a Funeral Expenses Payment, a government scheme to help those with low income afford their loved one’s funeral. You can also plan for your funeral expenses in your lifetime with a pre-paid funeral plan (paying entirely in advance of your death) or an over 50s plan (a monthly premium policy).

Need advice on arranging and paying for a funeral? Get in touch today.

Other Related Blogs

What happens to property when someone dies?

What happens to property when someone dies?

One question that we frequently get asked is “What happens to a property when someone dies?”. Following a bereavement, there are a number of tasks that need to be considered and ensuring that a property is dealt with correctly is one of the many responsibilities involved in estate administration. Coming to terms with the death of a loved one is a difficult and emotional process; therefore, it’s important to understand what to do with the deceased’s property to avoid any further stress and anxiety.

This informative blog post looks at who is responsible for a property when an owner dies, the different types of ownership that need to be considered, and what could be involved in dealing with a property after death.

Who is responsible for dealing with the deceased’s property?

The Executor (if there is a Will) or the Administrator (if there isn’t a Will) is in charge of dealing with the deceased’s property. 
This means that if something goes wrong with the property after the owner passes away, they are liable for fixing it.
They are responsible for not only the property but also the complete estate administration process after someone passes away. 
When there is no Will, this entails carrying out the wishes expressed in the Will or distributing the estate according to the provisions of intestacy. 
Estate administration entails selling and transferring assets, completing tax forms, paying any Inheritance Tax owing, and much more, in addition to dealing with the property of a deceased person
The role of an Executor or Administrator should not be underestimated, as they are financially and legally accountable for the estate’s proper distribution. 
Executors and Administrators are not required to accept the post and can decline if they so desire. 
It’s also totally acceptable for Executors or Administrators to seek expert assistance or designate someone to manage the estate on their behalf.

What are the different types of property ownership?

It’s crucial to figure out how the property was owned before dealing with it. It’s possible that the deceased held the property outright or that they co-owned it with someone else and simply had a share in it.

Depending on who owns the land, different criteria apply. If the objective is to transfer the property into the name of the beneficiary(s) and the dead was the sole owner, the Executor or Administrator can use an AS1 Land Registry form to transfer the property to the beneficiary(s). If the property was owned solely in the name of the deceased, a Grant of Probate would be required, giving the Executor or Administrator the legal authority to either transfer it to the beneficiary(s) or sell it. Find out more about probate and when it’s necessary.

It’s vital to determine if the property was held as beneficial joint tenants or tenants in common if it was co-owned. If the property is owned as joint tenants, it will pass directly to the co-owner regardless of the wishes in the Will or the regulations of intestacy. HM Land Registry often uses a DJP (death of a joint proprietor) form to register the death and alter the Title Deeds (Land Registry entries) to remove the deceased’s name.

If the property was owned as tenants in common, the deceased’s share would be considered part of their inheritance and dealt with according to their Will or intestacy procedures. If the estate is being bequeathed to the co-owner, a DJP form (as described above) will be required, as well as the limitation on the Title Deeds indicating that the property is held as tenants in common.

If the co-portion owner’s of the property is left to a beneficiary(ies) other than the co-owner, the co-owner must transfer the property to the new beneficiary(ies) on the Title Deeds. A Land Registry form known as a TR1 can be used for this.

If the property was co-owned (either as joint tenants or as tenants in common), a Grant of Probate is not required to deal with the deceased’s share. However, we always recommend obtaining a Grant of Probate so that there is evidence of what happened upon death, especially if the person who dies had a pre-deceased spouse and has to use the Transferable Nil Rate Band or Residential Nil Rate Band.

What could be involved when dealing with the property?

Organising specialist building insurance

Typically, when a property is left unoccupied for a number of consecutive days, restrictions and exclusions apply to the level of cover that is provided by standard home insurance. Policies differ between providers; whilst some impose restrictions after 60 days, others restrict their cover after 30 to 45 consecutive days. This response from insurance providers is due to an unoccupied property being at greater risk than one that is occupied.

At Kings Court Trust, we can source property insurance that covers the deceased’s property. In one case, we were appointed to take care of an estate which included a property that flooded shortly after we started the estate administration process; we were responsible for dealing with the aftermath of the flooding and our property insurance covered the costs, leaving more money in the estate for the beneficiaries.

Notifying utility companies

Utility companies should be informed of a death as soon as possible. Whilst this may not seem like a priority, every utility company has their set processes to follow. Once contact has been made, delays to payment requests can be put in place and accounts can be frozen. The sooner a company is informed of the death, the quicker they can ensure that supplies will not be cut off due to missed payments.

It’s important to note that although the Executor or Administrator is responsible for the administration of the estate, outstanding bills and debts to utility companies are normally paid from the deceased’s estate rather than from their own pockets.

Redirection of mail

As there may be information sent to the deceased’s address that requires immediate attention, it is recommended to act on this step as soon as possible. This can be done by filling in a special circumstances form and taking it to your local Post Office or applying by post. Unfortunately, this can’t be completed online and a death certificate will be required. There can be a delay while redirection is put in place, so don’t worry if mail continues to arrive at the property for a short period of time.

Property clearance

If the property is to be sold, you will need to ensure that it has been completely cleared of all furniture and personal items prior to completion. Sometimes, this includes white goods and furnishings such as curtains. As this can be a very emotional and daunting task for those bereaving, professional companies can be instructed to clear the deceased’s possessions once documents and personal items have been retained by the family.

In addition to handling the above tasks, our partner Kings Court Trust can assist with additional property services as part of the estate administration. These tasks include:

Evicting tenantsProperty and/or garden maintenanceRepairing damageRe-decoration and cosmetic enhancementsProperty guardian (to live in vulnerable properties)RICS valuationsLock changesCleaning

If you have any questions about dealing with property as part of the estate administration process, get free guidance and advice from our Client Services Team by calling 0800 368 9770

What happens to property when someone dies?

What happens to property when someone dies?

One question that we frequently get asked is “What happens to a property when someone dies?”. Following a bereavement, there are a number of tasks that need to be considered and ensuring that a property is dealt with correctly is one of the many responsibilities involved in estate administration. Coming to terms with the death of a loved one is a difficult and emotional process; therefore, it’s important to understand what to do with the deceased’s property to avoid any further stress and anxiety.

This informative blog post looks at who is responsible for a property when an owner dies, the different types of ownership that need to be considered, and what could be involved in dealing with a property after death.

Who is responsible for dealing with the deceased’s property?

The Executor (if there is a Will) or the Administrator (if there isn’t a Will) is in charge of dealing with the deceased’s property. 
This means that if something goes wrong with the property after the owner passes away, they are liable for fixing it.
They are responsible for not only the property but also the complete estate administration process after someone passes away. 
When there is no Will, this entails carrying out the wishes expressed in the Will or distributing the estate according to the provisions of intestacy. 
Estate administration entails selling and transferring assets, completing tax forms, paying any Inheritance Tax owing, and much more, in addition to dealing with the property of a deceased person
The role of an Executor or Administrator should not be underestimated, as they are financially and legally accountable for the estate’s proper distribution. 
Executors and Administrators are not required to accept the post and can decline if they so desire. 
It’s also totally acceptable for Executors or Administrators to seek expert assistance or designate someone to manage the estate on their behalf.

What are the different types of property ownership?

It’s crucial to figure out how the property was owned before dealing with it. It’s possible that the deceased held the property outright or that they co-owned it with someone else and simply had a share in it.

Depending on who owns the land, different criteria apply. If the objective is to transfer the property into the name of the beneficiary(s) and the dead was the sole owner, the Executor or Administrator can use an AS1 Land Registry form to transfer the property to the beneficiary(s). If the property was owned solely in the name of the deceased, a Grant of Probate would be required, giving the Executor or Administrator the legal authority to either transfer it to the beneficiary(s) or sell it. Find out more about probate and when it’s necessary.

It’s vital to determine if the property was held as beneficial joint tenants or tenants in common if it was co-owned. If the property is owned as joint tenants, it will pass directly to the co-owner regardless of the wishes in the Will or the regulations of intestacy. HM Land Registry often uses a DJP (death of a joint proprietor) form to register the death and alter the Title Deeds (Land Registry entries) to remove the deceased’s name.

If the property was owned as tenants in common, the deceased’s share would be considered part of their inheritance and dealt with according to their Will or intestacy procedures. If the estate is being bequeathed to the co-owner, a DJP form (as described above) will be required, as well as the limitation on the Title Deeds indicating that the property is held as tenants in common.

If the co-portion owner’s of the property is left to a beneficiary(ies) other than the co-owner, the co-owner must transfer the property to the new beneficiary(ies) on the Title Deeds. A Land Registry form known as a TR1 can be used for this.

If the property was co-owned (either as joint tenants or as tenants in common), a Grant of Probate is not required to deal with the deceased’s share. However, we always recommend obtaining a Grant of Probate so that there is evidence of what happened upon death, especially if the person who dies had a pre-deceased spouse and has to use the Transferable Nil Rate Band or Residential Nil Rate Band.

What could be involved when dealing with the property?

Organising specialist building insurance

Typically, when a property is left unoccupied for a number of consecutive days, restrictions and exclusions apply to the level of cover that is provided by standard home insurance. Policies differ between providers; whilst some impose restrictions after 60 days, others restrict their cover after 30 to 45 consecutive days. This response from insurance providers is due to an unoccupied property being at greater risk than one that is occupied.

At Kings Court Trust, we can source property insurance that covers the deceased’s property. In one case, we were appointed to take care of an estate which included a property that flooded shortly after we started the estate administration process; we were responsible for dealing with the aftermath of the flooding and our property insurance covered the costs, leaving more money in the estate for the beneficiaries.

Notifying utility companies

Utility companies should be informed of a death as soon as possible. Whilst this may not seem like a priority, every utility company has their set processes to follow. Once contact has been made, delays to payment requests can be put in place and accounts can be frozen. The sooner a company is informed of the death, the quicker they can ensure that supplies will not be cut off due to missed payments.

It’s important to note that although the Executor or Administrator is responsible for the administration of the estate, outstanding bills and debts to utility companies are normally paid from the deceased’s estate rather than from their own pockets.

Redirection of mail

As there may be information sent to the deceased’s address that requires immediate attention, it is recommended to act on this step as soon as possible. This can be done by filling in a special circumstances form and taking it to your local Post Office or applying by post. Unfortunately, this can’t be completed online and a death certificate will be required. There can be a delay while redirection is put in place, so don’t worry if mail continues to arrive at the property for a short period of time.

Property clearance

If the property is to be sold, you will need to ensure that it has been completely cleared of all furniture and personal items prior to completion. Sometimes, this includes white goods and furnishings such as curtains. As this can be a very emotional and daunting task for those bereaving, professional companies can be instructed to clear the deceased’s possessions once documents and personal items have been retained by the family.

In addition to handling the above tasks, our partner Kings Court Trust can assist with additional property services as part of the estate administration. These tasks include:

Evicting tenantsProperty and/or garden maintenanceRepairing damageRe-decoration and cosmetic enhancementsProperty guardian (to live in vulnerable properties)RICS valuationsLock changesCleaning

If you have any questions about dealing with property as part of the estate administration process, get free guidance and advice from our Client Services Team by calling 0800 368 9770

Wigan Will Writing Services

Wigan Will Writing Services

Home Visit Will Writing Services in Wigan

We’ll Set Up Your Will Quickly and Easily

As part of the Will Writers Network we offer clients a hassle-free service to create your Will in just a quick home visits around 1-2 hrs. Our will writers are based in Wigan  – . Call us today on 0800 368 9770 and get your will sorted

No Forms To Fill In

There are no forms to fill in. We do all the work. All you need to do is answer a few questions.

Convenient home visits in the Wigan postcode area

Our Will Writers provide home visits in the daytime, evening and at weekends – whatever’s most convenient for you. You don’t need to take any time off work.

Our professional Will Writers make it all easy and free from stress. You don’t have to fill out any complicated forms. Your friendly local-based Will Writer will simply ask you all the questions needed to have your Will drafted. This usually takes no longer than 45 to 60 minutes, in the comfort of your own home, at a time to suit you.

Simple Process, Competitive Prices

The process of making a Will is made as simple and easy as possible, without any unnecessary legal jargon, and our Will Writers’ prices are amongst the most competitive on the market, considerably cheaper than solicitors’ fees.

Save Money

Our Prices for standard Wills

Type of Service
 Single Will
 Joint/Mirror Will

Making a Will
 £110.00
 £155.00

Lifetime Storage
 £40.00
 £80.00

Your Local Will Writer in Wigan

All our Wills are individually drafted by legal executives. We do not use fill-in-the-blanks templates. Your Will expresses your own wishes and our professionals can advise you on ways to reduce the burden of inheritance tax.

Your Wishes

A will stands as the legal, written record of your wishes after your death. It is a legally binding document explaining how you wish to be buried, and how you would like to distribute your Estate. It’s gives you complete peace of mind knowing that your loved ones are taken care of, as you want.

Don’t Fall Prey To Intestacy                                                                              

Without a will, your estate is divided according to the rules of intestacy, and your wishes may not be carried out by the person who inherits – especially if you have step-children, who get nothing if you die without a will, and have no say in your burial or your estate under the law of intestacy. These days, it’s not unusual for families to fall out over a dead relative’s estate, and permanent damage is done to previously stable families by greedy relatives.

At the Abbey Broadway we understand the significance of a written Will and what it means to your life. We offer you the very best will writing service in the UK to ensure you avoid any future family disputes and to make certain that your assets are distributed according to your wishes.

Leave Nothing to Chance.

Your Will is important and must be drawn up by expert Will Writers – at Abbey Broadway we leave no stone unturned to offer you professional will writing services in Wigan, protecting your assets and ensuring your loved ones are cared for as you intend.

We offer professional will writing services and experienced will writing advice, tailored to your own individual circumstances and needs.

The Will Writers Network represents only professional Will Writers who are members of recognised Will Writing Institutes in the UK, and who are signed up to the Will Writers Network Code of Professional Conduct.

Next Steps

To discuss how to put together your own Will in more detail, informally and without obligation, call us today on 0800 368 9770 or use our simple online form by clicking here.

So if you’re looking for help writing your will, let our local will writers visit you where ever you are in the Wigan and you’ll soon have the peace of mind your love ones will be taken care of after your passing. Call us now and let us help you.

Haigh, Ince, Swinley, Wigan, Abram, Aspull, Bamfurlong, Bickershaw, Haigh, Hindley, Hindley Green, Ince, Platt Bridge, Goose Green, Winstanley, Worsley Mesnes, Hawkley Hall, Ashton-in-Makerfield, Garswood, Billinge, Newtown, Higher End, Orrell, Pemberton, Winstanley, Worsley Hall, Marsh Green,Appley Bridge, Shevington, Standish, Standish Lower Ground, Wrightington, Hope Carr, Landside, Leigh, Low Common, Bedford, Westleigh, Pennington, Higher Folds, Chapel House, Dalton, Holland Moor, Newburgh, Parbold, Roby Mill, Skelmersdale, Southway, Upholland,

Wigan Will Writing Services

Wigan Will Writing Services

Home Visit Will Writing Services in Wigan

We’ll Set Up Your Will Quickly and Easily

As part of the Will Writers Network we offer clients a hassle-free service to create your Will in just a quick home visits around 1-2 hrs. Our will writers are based in Wigan  – . Call us today on 0800 368 9770 and get your will sorted

No Forms To Fill In

There are no forms to fill in. We do all the work. All you need to do is answer a few questions.

Convenient home visits in the Wigan postcode area

Our Will Writers provide home visits in the daytime, evening and at weekends – whatever’s most convenient for you. You don’t need to take any time off work.

Our professional Will Writers make it all easy and free from stress. You don’t have to fill out any complicated forms. Your friendly local-based Will Writer will simply ask you all the questions needed to have your Will drafted. This usually takes no longer than 45 to 60 minutes, in the comfort of your own home, at a time to suit you.

Simple Process, Competitive Prices

The process of making a Will is made as simple and easy as possible, without any unnecessary legal jargon, and our Will Writers’ prices are amongst the most competitive on the market, considerably cheaper than solicitors’ fees.

Save Money

Our Prices for standard Wills

Type of Service
 Single Will
 Joint/Mirror Will

Making a Will
 £110.00
 £155.00

Lifetime Storage
 £40.00
 £80.00

Your Local Will Writer in Wigan

All our Wills are individually drafted by legal executives. We do not use fill-in-the-blanks templates. Your Will expresses your own wishes and our professionals can advise you on ways to reduce the burden of inheritance tax.

Your Wishes

A will stands as the legal, written record of your wishes after your death. It is a legally binding document explaining how you wish to be buried, and how you would like to distribute your Estate. It’s gives you complete peace of mind knowing that your loved ones are taken care of, as you want.

Don’t Fall Prey To Intestacy                                                                              

Without a will, your estate is divided according to the rules of intestacy, and your wishes may not be carried out by the person who inherits – especially if you have step-children, who get nothing if you die without a will, and have no say in your burial or your estate under the law of intestacy. These days, it’s not unusual for families to fall out over a dead relative’s estate, and permanent damage is done to previously stable families by greedy relatives.

At the Abbey Broadway we understand the significance of a written Will and what it means to your life. We offer you the very best will writing service in the UK to ensure you avoid any future family disputes and to make certain that your assets are distributed according to your wishes.

Leave Nothing to Chance.

Your Will is important and must be drawn up by expert Will Writers – at Abbey Broadway we leave no stone unturned to offer you professional will writing services in Wigan, protecting your assets and ensuring your loved ones are cared for as you intend.

We offer professional will writing services and experienced will writing advice, tailored to your own individual circumstances and needs.

The Will Writers Network represents only professional Will Writers who are members of recognised Will Writing Institutes in the UK, and who are signed up to the Will Writers Network Code of Professional Conduct.

Next Steps

To discuss how to put together your own Will in more detail, informally and without obligation, call us today on 0800 368 9770 or use our simple online form by clicking here.

So if you’re looking for help writing your will, let our local will writers visit you where ever you are in the Wigan and you’ll soon have the peace of mind your love ones will be taken care of after your passing. Call us now and let us help you.

Haigh, Ince, Swinley, Wigan, Abram, Aspull, Bamfurlong, Bickershaw, Haigh, Hindley, Hindley Green, Ince, Platt Bridge, Goose Green, Winstanley, Worsley Mesnes, Hawkley Hall, Ashton-in-Makerfield, Garswood, Billinge, Newtown, Higher End, Orrell, Pemberton, Winstanley, Worsley Hall, Marsh Green,Appley Bridge, Shevington, Standish, Standish Lower Ground, Wrightington, Hope Carr, Landside, Leigh, Low Common, Bedford, Westleigh, Pennington, Higher Folds, Chapel House, Dalton, Holland Moor, Newburgh, Parbold, Roby Mill, Skelmersdale, Southway, Upholland,

What are the difference between probate and estate administration

You might be aware of ‘probate’ but you may not have heard of the term ‘estate administration’. Although both are related to dealing with the deceased’s estate, they have different definitions and people often get the two confused.

Probate may be required when someone passes away. The umbrella term, ‘Grant of Representation’, refers to the ‘Grant of Probate’ or ‘Letters of Administration’ (if there is no Will) in England & Wales. This is called ‘Confirmation’ in Scotland. Probate is not always required. For example, assets that were held jointly will automatically pass to the surviving spouse.

Estate administration is the process of handling a person’s legal and tax affairs after they’ve died. This means dealing with their assets, debts, and taxes before distributing inheritance to the beneficiaries. As each estate is unique, it’s difficult to predict exactly how long the process will take. We advise that it should be expected to take several months.

To sum up the difference between probate and estate administration: probate is just one part of the wider process, providing you with the legal right to move forward with estate administration. Although probate is not always required, estate administration must always be carried out, no matter the estate’s value.

Obtaining probate and carrying out estate administration can often be complex and time-consuming, adding stress at a time that is already difficult for those who are grieving. Many choose to appoint a professional to act on their behalf