Identity verification for bequests

[Androcles]

I am the executor of my late father's will and have just obtained probate. The will was made over ten years ago.

He left a number of cash bequests to specific people, whom I do not know and they are of an age group when they could equally have passed on. I have addresses for them, but do not want to pay any money over unless I know it is going to the people to whom it was intended.

Does anybody have any experience of what you can do to verify identities before this is done? The amounts are not huge in themselves, but are large enough for me not to want to make any mistakes. I have started off trying to identify people via 192.com people search, but that does not guarantee that the respondent to a letter is actually the person to whom it was addressed!

Any suggestions gratefully received!

[Ethel]

If you make a cheque out it can only be cashed by the person named on the cheque. That is one safeguard.


Write to the people concerned, tell them they are benefactors of your late father's will and ask them to contact you and supply a telephone number. Over the phone you can explain your dilemma - most would be understanding and be willing to provide appropriate id,