Can a spouse access bank accounts before inheritance is distributed?

[Applepieandcustard555]

My Dad and Stepmum have made their own Wills since they married five years ago, with me set to inherit from my Dad, and likewise, my Stepmum's children are to inherit from their Mum.
They live in rented accommodation, so that's not an issue, and my Dad's Will states that I'm to inherit his money and certain belongings. He's insistent that he wants me to benefit from whatever money he has.

I was wondering what happens if my Dad passes before my Stepmum, as his wife, would she be able to access his bank account before any money my Dad wants to pass to me is given out?
Just to say, I get on very well with my Stepmum (and she is like another mum to me even though she's only been with my dad for eight years), and I doubt very much she'd go against my Dad's wishes, but I'm curious to know if it's possible that a married person can potentially access bank accounts belonging to their deceased spouse, and spend their money before inheritance is given to whoever is supposed to receive it?

I'd obviously rather have my Dad than any inheritance, but my Dad's wishes are important to me, and I'd want to ensure that his wishes are followed and that they can't be over ridden

When my husband died, I was executor. In Scotland, we have confirmation instead of probate, but the banks follow the rules set by their head offices - in England for the bank in my husband's case.

To my surprise, because the amount of money in DH's account was below 50k, the bank didn't require confirmation and I was able to access the money straight away. The account was frozen, but transferred into an account in my name.

I then used that to pay funeral expenses and - once that was done - sent cheques to DH's children and grandchild.

Well, your stepmother may well see bank statements are whatever, but any money withdrawn after the deceased death will be looked at. Upon a death his bank must be informed asap and that bank account is then frozen by the bank. You would need to take the death certificate , and the will , to his bank the bank , they will sort out everything from there. When sorted you will get the funds directly in your bank, or whatever way you wish to be paid. The executor of the will sorts this out. If you are the executor, the process is very easy and straight forward. You can ask when you first approach his bank if any funds have left his account after his death, sometimes dd for utilities etc may have left his account out before you informed them of his death. His bank will also pay any outstanding bills that need to be paid, before releasing was left to yourself. Don't worry, everything can be traced.

Thanks everyone for your comments

The bank freezing accounts depends on the bank being told.

My mum didn't tell the bank for one of my dad's accounts and she can still draw on it. Has been for 6 years. His will gave her everything anyway so not a problem really but if the bank don't hold the info they can't act.

Her dad is alive!

Usually you can go into a branch, show a death certificate, I believe and that’s it. Not sure if you need anything else.