My Husband Died, and I Am Not on His Bank Account – What Happens in the UK?

My Husband Died, and I Am Not on His Bank Account – What Happens in the UK?

Losing a spouse is an incredibly difficult time, and dealing with financial matters can add further stress. If your husband has passed away and his bank account was solely in his name, you may be wondering how to access the funds or whether you have any legal rights to them.

In the UK, what happens next depends on several factors, including the account balance, whether a will exists, and whether probate is required. Here’s what you need to know.

Can I Access My Late Husband’s Bank Account If I Wasn’t Listed?

If your husband’s bank account was solely in his name and you were not a joint account holder, you cannot automatically access his funds. Banks freeze the account upon notification of death to prevent unauthorised withdrawals and protect the estate’s assets.

However, you may still be able to claim the money through probate or other legal procedures.

What Happens to a Deceased Person’s Bank Account in the UK?

1. Small Balances (Under £50,000) – No Probate Required in Some Cases

If your late husband’s account held a small balance, some banks may release funds without probate. Each bank sets its own limit (usually between £5,000 and £50,000).

To access the funds, you will need:

• A death certificate
• Proof of identity (passport or driving licence)
• Marriage certificate (if required)
• The bank’s bereavement form

If the bank accepts this, the money can be released to the next of kin or executor.

2. Larger Balances – Probate Is Usually Required

If the account balance exceeds the bank’s limit, the money becomes part of the deceased’s estate, and probate will usually be required.

Probate is the legal process of administering a deceased person’s estate, including closing bank accounts and distributing assets according to their will or intestacy laws.

• If your husband left a will, the named executor must apply for a Grant of Probate to access the funds.
• If he did not leave a will, you may need to apply for Letters of Administration as his next of kin.

The probate process typically takes 8–12 weeks if the estate is straightforward, but complex cases may take longer.

Who Inherits the Money in My Husband’s Bank Account?

1. If There Is a Will

If your husband left a will, the money in his account will go to the named beneficiaries after probate is granted. This could be you, children, or other family members.

2. If There Is No Will – Intestacy Rules Apply

If your husband did not leave a will, his estate is distributed according to UK intestacy laws:

• If you were married and your husband’s estate is worth less than £322,000, you inherit everything.
• If his estate is worth more than £322,000 and he had children, you receive:
  • The first £322,000
  • Half of the remaining estate
  • The other half is split equally among his children.

If there are no children, you usually inherit the full amount.

Can I Access Joint Accounts?

If you had a joint bank account, the funds automatically pass to you as the surviving account holder. This is known as the right of survivorship, and probate is not required to access joint accounts.

To update the account, provide the bank with:

• A death certificate
• Proof of identity

The bank will then remove your husband’s name, and you can continue using the account as normal.

What About Direct Debits and Bills?

Once the bank account is frozen, all direct debits and standing orders stop. This may affect:

• Mortgage payments
• Utility bills
• Subscriptions

If these were in your husband’s name, you may need to:

• Transfer them to your name
• Set up new payments from your own account

For essential bills (e.g., mortgage, council tax), contact the providers to explain the situation. Some companies may offer temporary payment support.

Can Creditors Take Money from the Bank Account?

If your husband had debts, creditors can claim money from his estate before it is distributed to beneficiaries. However:

• If there are no assets, debts are usually written off.
• If debts exceed assets, the estate is considered insolvent, and creditors are paid in order of priority.
• Family members are not personally responsible for debts unless they were jointly signed.

How to Notify the Bank of a Death

Most UK banks offer a bereavement service to guide you through the process. You can notify banks in two ways:

1. Directly Contact the Bank’s Bereavement Team

   • Provide the death certificate
   • Complete any required forms
   • Receive guidance on accessing funds

2. Use the Government’s ‘Tell Us Once’ Service

   • This notifies multiple government organisations (DWP, HMRC, DVLA) in one step.
   • You will still need to contact banks separately.

What Should I Do Next?

1. Check if you had a joint account – You can continue using the account without issues.
2. Notify the bank – Request their bereavement support service.
3. Check if probate is required – If the account had a significant balance, probate may be necessary.
4. Pay essential bills – Ensure that mortgages, utilities, and other necessary expenses are covered.
5. Claim any financial support – You may be eligible for bereavement benefits, including the Bereavement Support Payment from the government.

Conclusion: What Happens If My Husband Died and I Am Not on His Bank Account?

If your husband’s bank account was solely in his name, you cannot access it immediately unless you are the executor of his will or obtain probate. If the balance is small, some banks may release funds without probate. If the account was joint, you will automatically inherit the money.

Dealing with financial matters after a spouse’s death can be overwhelming, but expert advice can help. Fraser Bond provides professional guidance on estate management, probate, and inheritance matters, ensuring you navigate this process smoothly.

Contact Fraser Bond today for expert assistance with probate, estate planning, and financial management after bereavement.