Closing Bank Account of a Deceased Person : probate process

When someone dies a common question is how assets in a bank account maybe released. Is a will sufficient ? most high street banks have different procedures that are followed after someone dies depending on the value of the assets held by them. Typically, if assets exceed £15,000, then the bank will request a legal document called a Grant of probate. If there is no will it is called a Grant of letters of Administration. The bank will also request the completion of a closure form as well as the death certificate which must be an original or certified copy by a Solicitor. If the funds in the account are below £15,000 most banks will permit the closure of the account without the need of probate subject to the completion of a small estates closure form. We operate a simple fixed fee policy for probate – you can call us on 0844 740 0948.