When someone passes-away, it can be difficult for those left behind to find all of the paperwork, bank statements and other information needed to begin the task of dealing with the estate. In this blog, we provide you with some handy websites and telephone numbers to help you get the information you’ll need if you’re speaking with a solicitor or other professional about the estate.
Many people plan for the inevitable by writing wills, but very few provide lists of all their assets and liabilities. Some people may have lost or misplaced details of their assets in their lifetime.
People may no longer receive mail from insurance policies held and the original policy may have been lost. People move house without updating their address, change jobs and lose track of pension schemes, accounts and investments when they are widowed, married or divorced. Particularly in a digital age where documentation may be held online such as with bank accounts, people may not realise these exist and could be lost.
If you’re helping out with the practicalities following a death, there are some useful resources you can call upon to uncover the deceased’s assets.
We’ll list some of the most important resources below, but do get in touch with us on 0141 628 5544 or contact us through our Enquiry Page and we can provide you with a deeper search for all assets held.
Do bear in mind that searches for unclaimed assets can only be done by a legally entitled person (e.g. someone who holds the appropriate Power of Attorney or the Executor named in the Will). Also, all the searches are UK based but the searches are only as successful as the information provided. These websites will not provide instant results and the banks and building societies will usually respond within a month or so.
Pensions
For lost pensions held in the UK, you can call the Pension Tracing Service on 0800 731 0193, or via their website: https://www.gov.uk/find-pension-contact-details
Bank accounts
For any bank, building society or National Savings & Investments accounts, the following website will let you know if there are any unclaimed assets in the deceased’s name: www.mylostaccount.org.uk/
You should also give consideration to using Experian’s Unclaimed Assets Register (UAR) for Consumers: https://www.uar.co.uk/Customer/Home although this incurs a £25.00 charge for each search instructed.
If you’re not getting anywhere with your searches, talk with us today on 0141 628 5544 or contact us through our Enquiry Page and we can provide you with more resources to assist you in your search.