Parent has not made a will

[Snipersham]

Hi All,

My mum (88) has not made a will. She lives with us and her health has taken a big down turn lately. My dad (her husband) died several years ago and I am the only child.
I (unfortunately) am beginning to think about getting her affairs in order. She has a few small bank accounts and nothing else. I do not want to approach the issue of her making a will at this late stage (she suffers from depression and I do not want to add to the situation plus the current lockdown issues).
My question is if she does pass without making a will, how do I go about proving I am the next of kin and liaising with the relevant authorities and institutions?


Thanks in Advance.
Snippy

 

[dereko1969]

Presume that your mother's name (and father's) is on your birth certificate? There shouldn't be any issues with your having to "prove" that you are next of kin - have you changed name since birth? A will being in place would not change that, presume you have a passport/driver's licence/PPS number?

 

[Snipersham]

Presume that your mother's name (and father's) is on your birth certificate? There shouldn't be any issues with your having to "prove" that you are next of kin - have you changed name since birth? A will being in place would not change that, presume you have a passport/driver's licence/PPS number?

+What I mean is ho , when I go to settle my mums estate how do I prove there is NO other siblings, ie no brothers or sisters.
I'm pretty sure any institution wont take my word for it.

 

[Steven Barrett]

Everything has to go through probate. They will see if your mum is on any other birth certs. It won't be an issue.

As an only child, you are entitled to the full value of your mum's estate. Not having a will just means it will take longer to settle the estate.

 

[Brendan Burgess]

She has a few small bank accounts and nothing else.

Can you ask her to switch these to joint accounts?

Brendan

 

[Snipersham]

Everything has to go through probate. They will see if your mum is on any other birth certs. It won't be an issue.

As an only child, you are entitled to the full value of your mum's estate. Not having a will just means it will take longer to settle the estate.

Thanks for your time.

Can you ask her to switch these to joint accounts?

Brendan

Can you ask her to switch these to joint accounts?

Brendan

Hi Brendan,
I could, but what would this entail, I presume she would have to travel to the bank and sign forms? and how will it make a difference when it comes to settling her estate.

 

[twofor1]

My mum (88) has not made a will.
She has a few small bank accounts and nothing else.
My question is if she does pass without making a will, how do I go about proving I am the next of kin and liaising with the relevant authorities and institutions?

If the combined total in these accounts is less than €25,000 and she has nothing else, then you might not need a will or probate to access this money when your Mam passes.

Look at this form from AIB, presumably other banks are similar. Note it recommends you get legal advice;

https://aib.ie/content/dam/aib/pers...eceased/indemnity-for-release-of-balances.pdf

AIB also have a bereavement guide here;

https://aib.ie/content/dam/aib/personal/docs/help-and-guidance/deceased/AIB-bereavement-guide.pdf

 

[Snipersham]

If the combined total in these accounts is less than €25,000 and she has nothing else, then you might not need a will or probate to access this money when your Mam passes.

Look at this form from AIB, presumably other banks are similar. Note it recommends you get legal advice;

https://aib.ie/content/dam/aib/pers...eceased/indemnity-for-release-of-balances.pdf

AIB also have a bereavement guide here;

https://aib.ie/content/dam/aib/personal/docs/help-and-guidance/deceased/AIB-bereavement-guide.pdf

Thanks Twofor1 , much appreciated