how to access accounts in trust from deceased parent?

[shipwrecker]

My dad died 10 years ago, leaving around £1000 in a trust account for each of my children.

When I tried to access the accounts via the bank, to move the money into the ones I hold in trust for them at the same bank, I was told they required signatures of approval from each of my siblings. This wasn't possible at the time, and I was in no frame of mind to chase it.

He had no will, and my eldest sister dealt with his current account after death, but made no mention at the time of the accounts he held for my children at the time.

My question is: Should the money still be in those trust accounts and it be possible for me to access them so my children can use it when they turn the applicable ages?
Or could it have been transferred into his main account to pay bills etc. after death as my sister saw fit?

The bank were so unhelpful when I called several years ago, I wanted to know how I stood before getting in touch with them again.

I've looked online but can't find anyone is a similar situation, so if anyone could offer any advice or experience it would be really appreciated.

Anyone around who could offer some advice?

No sorry but have a bump...

Thanks Wendyrichardz

If they were genuinely set up as trust accounts ( as opposed to some accounts your father opened in his name and informally allocated to your children) then they should still exist in the children's names I believe, although on his death they should really have been allocated a different trustee.
What information do you have - bank details/ account numbers etc?
Are you not on good terms with your sister? Why didn't/don't you ask her?

How were the bank 'difficult'? Are you sure you don't just mean they were thorough and you couldn't provide what they requested? Why were your siblings' signatures not available?

I'd go back to the bank armed with a copy of the death certificate and evidence that you are your children's parent (child benefit letter etc) and take it from there.
Why did you leave it so long? How old are the children now?

If the money was truly held "in trust" for your named children, I don't see how it could have been transferred without you being informed. Presumably when you tried to get it moved before, it was because you needed additional signatures of each of your siblings, and that would also work in reverse i.e. if your sister had wanted to withdraw it/transfer it then she would have needed your signature.

I am no expert, however. I'm sure someone else will be along to advise though.

Thanks to both of you for taking the time to reply.

The accounts were genuinely in trust - in named TTEE accounts for each child, taken out a few month's before his death.

The bank 'bereavement specialist' wasn't difficult - just unhelpful at the time. She was a bit unsure of what to tell me, but said I could call in for forms and ask my siblings to sign them. It would be very difficult/impossible to obtain my sister's signature and I felt a bit embarrassed by this so didn't mention to the bank. Accessing the money wasn't really high on my priority list after his death, so I ignored it. It's only recently it's started to play on my mind. It's not a huge amount of money, but it was intended for my children and they should see the benefit of it.

I could certainly provide them with anything they asked for, and have account details etc. so I will go into the bank and see if they can help.

Again, I appreciate you giving me your thoughts on this - it was just what I needed.