Interim Death Certificate

[taichiperson]

Following an unfortunate admin error, we have only just had the results of my mothers post mortem (after 8 days). Cause of death is unattributed, so we will have to wait for an interim Death Certificate (6 - 8 days) and then for for the results of an examination of tissue samples, which I am told will take 6 - 8 weeks. I am also told that there is a very small chance that an inquest will be needed.

My question is this - what organisations will only accept a full death certificate? I really hope we can get everything sorted out quickly but it looks like it will not be as simple as I'd hoped. We can go ahead with the funeral, and when we get the interim DC I will go and talk to Mum's lawyer about probate etc.

[Flonska]

Although the death can't be registered until after the inquest, interim death certificate is to prove the person is dead. You can use this to let organisations know of the death and apply for probate.

[fiction-factory]

Sorry to hear about this- i don't remember reading about it. Is your Mum's lawyer an executor? Im not sure it's worth involving a solicitor inless you have to. The key thing maybe whether the probate office accepts the interim death certificate.
Hopefully Barmaid or someone like PP or Buenchico will be around to advise

[Flonska]

Typically, some insurance companies (esp those with whom there is a life assurance policy) may request sight of the full death certificate before releasing funds.

[taichiperson]

Thanks both. I'm not sure what impact actually registering the death has. I'm sole executor, and would prefer a professional is involved as I am finding it all very stressful

[taichiperson]

Thanks Forska, I don't think she had life insurance - she was 83.

[taichiperson]

Sorry for getting the name wrong, Flonska!

[fiction-factory]

The key thing is to start the probate application process.

[Flonska]

It is much easier these days, especially using "tell us once" online facility, to apply for probate and complete IHT forms etc. If you can do it for yourself it will save you money. Most organisations now have dedicated bereavement teams and once registered, they handle all queries on dedicated phone numbers so you don't get messed around as much as used to happen. If you have your own solicitor, they can provide assistance but if your late mother's affairs are not complex, you should be able to complete the process without too much help from them.

You also have this forum to help you if needed.

[taichiperson]

I think her affairs are fairly simple - a reasonable amount of money, no debt and she owned the house. I've come across some premium bonds and National Savings certificates. I presume I can't dispose of the contents of the house until it's all valued, although I have taken some jewellery for safekeeping. The only half complicated thing is Dad had a pension from Guernsey where he worked, I don't think that will be included in 'tell us once'.

One question - to value the house, do the agents need to see the death certificate?

[fiction-factory]

I don't remember the estate agents ever asking us to show we owned the property before they valued it. I don't think they care.

[Barmaid]

No taichi. The agents wont need to see the death cert.

You can get the Grant of Probate on an interim death cert. Most organisations (I say most, because there are some awkward cusses out there who think they need to see EVERYTHING) will accept the Grant as your authority to deal. It's only for assets that fall outside of the estate that you'll need a full death cert (such as insurance companies and probably dad's pension although not sure how the latter works precisely). The main assets are the house and the bank account which you will be able to deal with once you have the GoP.

[Peter Pedant]

// such as insurance companies and probably dad's pension although not sure how the latter works precisely//

dad's pension - as a walk in non legal - you say to the clerk
both you and I know you arent allowed to pay a pension to someone you think may be dead ( and it would be refused by the frozeb account anyway ) so can you do something about it please ?

and the clerk sucks on his pencil and says
I dont know - rules is rules is rules you see

and you say - yeah the rules! I want you to adhere to them NOT break them ....
( insurance companies cant wait to stop paying pensions on news of a death)

Certification is much more difficult post Shipman than it was
I have two neighbours both looking as tho it is going to 5 m 30 d
(recommended limit as specified by the new post shipman act)

I have offered help to both ( as in the spirit of JJ's sons fren' etc on another thread) and both have rejected it roughly as tho I were hundred handed Briareus seeking to dip into their empty purses and wallets - and are making all the same mistakes I could have told them about. Heigh ho that is the world for you

[EDDIE51]

^ any chance you can translate that into plain English PP?