Posted: Friday, 4 January 2019 @ 13:43
If your relative has died, it is not automatic that probate is necessary. One can therefore potentially avoid the paperwork.
The grant of representation(what you need for probate) may be avoided if the deceased did not have any property in sole name to pass on and the amount in the estate is relatively small. It is usually less than £15,000 but please see below as your bank may have a bearing on this.
According to survey by Which?, banks will allow monies to passed on to the beneficiary provided these amounts below are not exceeded:
Barclays - £30,000
Nationwide - £30,000
Bank of Scotland/Halifax/Lloyds - £25,000
Santander - £25,000
Tesco Bank - £25,000
Sainsbury's Bank - £20,000
Post Office - £15,000
Not all banks are created equal.