Joint executors, one living in Australia, Executor bank account

[Twitterwhooooo]

I've had a couple of conversations with banks and searched online but haven't found out what I need to know. Hoping that the power of MN will help...

My sister and I are join Executors of our mum's will. She died in December 2021 and we've done all the stuff regarding starting to sell her house, instructed solicitors together using online ID services.

Banks seem not to do this, so to open an Executor account in both of our names, she would have to come to the UK to visit a branch. Not very practical.

Would it be possible for me to set up an 'Executor Account' in my name only and for her to confirm in writing to the conveyancing solicitor etc that she's happy for money to be paid into it? She's fine about this and it seems the most straightforward way to distribute assets.

TIA

Sorry about your mum.
Yes you don't actually need an executor's bank account. And yes, it is a good idea to open a new account solely for the estate finances. And keep a spreadsheet of ins and outs and expenses.

I've done this as otherwise I'd had to drive half-way across the UK to go into a bank with my sister (also joint executer) on a weekday between the hours of 9-12.

The solicitor handling probate/sale of house accepted my email that I was happy to the money from the estate to go into my sisters solo bank account.

Thank you both for your messages.

I will set up an Executor account with my bank as it will be very easy to do and keeps things tidy.

My mum died in December although I only informed her bank today as it seemed easier to let the direct debits eg water rates, utility bills carry on. I've had to go there quite a few times to sort things out.

I'm sorry for your loss (should have send that in my first message ).

Did you remember to cancel your DM state pension? I think it gets paid every week and needs to be paid back if there were any payments after her death. (If she was pension aged of course).

I think there's a gov scheme called "tell us once" where you inform them and it's joined up to all the health/gab agencies.

I also had to complete an income tax return for my late DM as she was still working the tax year she died.

There's so many things to do, and it's really hard to have the time to grieve while there's so many practical tasks to have to do, I hope you're doing ok.

Gov not gab

Thanks. Yes, I did the 'tell us once' form and her pension was cancelled and council tax status has been sorted out.

I cancelled the phone/internet, but not the utilities/water/home insurance but should call those people this week.