Lawyers are raising the alarm about banks releasing vast sums to bereaved relatives who have no legal authority over a loved one’s finances. A ‘wild west’ scenario is allowing people to access amounts of £100,000-plus without getting probate, an important step to gain control over a deceased person’s assets, they say. Financial institutions should adopt … Read more
Over the past few chaotic months, banks, insurers and utility providers have rightly prioritised customers most in need of urgent financial help. But that has led to others falling by the wayside, including the recently bereaved. It is painfully evident that it’s never been more vital for firms to have a fully staffed, thoroughly trained … Read more
Probate wait hits two months: Bereaved families facing long delays to gain control loved one’s finances By Fiona Parker For The Daily Mail Published: 22:13 BST, 9 June 2020 | Updated: 22:13 BST, 9 June 2020 Probate applications should usually take ten days, but social distancing measures mean staff process forms remotely Bereaved families are … Read more
Bereaved families must be allowed to attend the funerals of loved ones, the Communities Secretary said last night. In new government guidance, councils have been instructed to find innovative ways to enable ‘many’ close relatives to attend funerals in person. Robert Jenrick has also instructed local councils to open cemeteries so mourners can visit graves, … Read more
Bereaved skin cancer patients are more likely to die from melanoma – the deadliest form of the disease, a study has claimed. British and Danish experts found melanoma patients had a 17 per cent higher risk of dying if their partner had died. The researchers, who tracked 5.5million people for 20 years, also claim widows … Read more