Bank’s can be a challenge for Executors dealing with the probate process – often causing time delays and confusion that can greatly add to the stress of a loved one’s death.

A ‘Which’ survey, conducted in April 2025, found that whilst most banks have their own dedicated bereavement teams and policies, ‘They should do more to ensure the probate process goes smoothly.’

With joint bank accounts, the probate process is greatly simplified, if the deceased’s husband or wife is still alive, since everything in a joint account reverts to the surviving spouse. However, when the deceased has separate accounts – in their name only, their accounts become part of the probate process and dealing with banks, during the probate process, can often be problematic as the recent ‘Which’ survey discovered.

The survey found that banking staff often don’t understand the banks policies and that the necessary phone calls and emails were very time consuming and lacked clarity and real direction.

Top Tips for Dealing with UK Banks:

1. Fully Understand the Probate Process – Familiarise yourself with the probate process, such as applying for probate, paying IHT (Inheritance Tax) and of course – how to notify the relevant banks.
2. Prepare Necessary Documents – Have all required documents ready, such as the death certificate and the Will. This will help to streamline the process.
3. Get Multiple Copies of Death Certificates – Unfortunately, banks often lack continuity with a need to deal with several individuals and teams, all of whom will request a hard copy of a death certificate!
4. Be Aware of Each Bank’s Policies – Each bank has its own policies regarding probate. Be aware of any specific requirements and communicate clearly with the bank.
5. Seek Professional Help – If you encounter difficulties, consider seeking professional advice to navigate the complexities of the probate process. Don’t forget the cost of this is often outweighed by the potential losses in trying to navigate everything yourself with limited knowledge. It can also save you much time and stress.
6. Stay informed and be Methodical – Keep track of the progress of the estate and communicate with the bank regularly, keeping detailed records of letters, emails and the names of individuals to whom you have spoken at the banks. Reference them and their comments in further correspondence. This will help to prevent any misunderstanding.

How Long does the Probate Process take:

• 1 month for initial application
• 3- 6 months for ‘Applying for Grant of Representation.’ This will require you having made contact with all necessary banks.
• 6-9 months ‘Interim Distributions to the Beneficiaries
• 9-12 months ‘Final Distributions to Beneficiaries.’

Having an Effective Will from ‘Dunham McCarthy’
can Greatly Assist in Dealing with Banks

As an Executor of a Will, you are required to gather assets, pay debts and distribute the estate according to the Will.

Detailed information, such as the name of banks and account information, can help to simplify the probate process, whilst being backed with live assistance from professional, legal will writers, ensures that important details – such as those relating to bank accounts, are not overlooked.