banks and probate

[AngryBananaSund]

FIL recently passed away, and it was left to us to close down his estate, except there wasn’t much to close down as there was only a bank account containing a smallish amount. Because it was only {amount} I checked with FIL’s bank to see if we would need probate, and without authority all they could say was that for {amount} we would need probate

So we filled in all the probate forms, but before we could submit them the bank asked to see the will. While we were at the bank they told us that it was just as well we were applying for probate as there were two bank accounts containing roughly twice {amount}

Then we sent off the probate forms, but a matter of days later the bank sent us a cheque for the total amount and closing FIL’s account!

So after telling us twice that they needed probate, they went ahead without it!

Am I missing something here, or does this seem strange

That does sound very strange, I think different banks/building societies set their own limit for probate. When you submitted the will did you fill in a will indemnity form and a closure form? I only know what the procedure is for where I work but we would require both the above to close the accounts if it was below the amount for probate.

Did it cost you to apply for the probate?

We submitted an indemnity form, but not a closure form

And probate cost £211, not a big sum I guess

It depends on the bank balance, banks can pay a funeral bill without probate and they can also close close an account without probate.

It does seem strange, OP.

When my MIL passed, we were executors. With the death certificate and the will, we had an appointment at the bank following a conversation with the banks bereavement team.

As Probate was not required because the amount of the estate had not reached their floor limit for probate, we were allowed all the last six months statements. Her funeral bill was paid directly from her funds, as was all her final bills and the rest split as per her wishes in her will.

Did you go through the bank's bereavment team?