Confusion On Applying For Probate

[russ_g_uk]

Hi, just asking if somebody could clarify on this.

My Father-in-law recently died. His Wife is still alive. They have wills which leaves everything to each other. Some of their money was joint, some solely in his own name.

We are just filling out the probate application form PA1 which is relatively straightforward until we get to the last bit concerning inheritance tax. How can you fill in an inheritance tax summary when you don't know how much is in his bank accounts? The banks need a copy of the probate to allow you access to the account so it seems to be a vicious circle to me.

Thanks in advance

[Gromit]

The bank should just need a copy of his death certificate to get access to the accounts. They do not need the probate stuff.
If you have a copy of the will, they should transfer the money from his to her account without any hassle.