Financial and legal issues

It is important to inform banks, building societies and other organisations who hold money in the name of the deceased as soon as possible after the death so they can freeze the accounts. This protects them from any risk of fraud.

Accounts in joint names are not normally frozen but the bank or building society should still be informed.

It is also a good idea to inform organisations paying pensions or benefits to avoid over-payments that may later need to be refunded.

We can help with the telephone numbers of state pensions and benefits helplines.

See the separate section on probate or call us for more information.