It has come to light that Lloyds Bank has discovered some 9,000 wills which had been stored with it under a ‘safe custody’ service that was closed to new business in 2011.

Emma Walker informs that this discovery raises the potential issue that estates may have been administered using the wrong version of a will, although the likely number of cases is said to be small.

Where an estate has been distributed to the wrong beneficiaries, problems could arise. Lloyds has undertaken to pay appropriate compensation where this proves to be the case, but there may also be tax and other consequences for those involved.

If you are the executor of an estate, it is important to make sure you know which is the latest version of the deceased’s will and to ensure you have access to it. It may also be sensible for those with an interest in the estate to know where the will is kept. It is possible to insure against the risks of inadvertent maladministration of an estate.

We can advise you on making your will and ensure that a copy is kept in safe custody.

Uniquely at Watson Ramsbottom, we offer a free Wills and Estate Planning Report service for all of our clients. The report identifies both your intentions and the outcomes you wish to achieve on your death and sets out the options to you free of charge and without obligation.

The Report contains our fixed price structure for any future work you instruct us to carry out for you giving you peace of mind that the costs are agreed in advance and you won’t be met with unexpected charges.

If you need any assistance with any aspect of Wills or estate administration, call Emma on 01254 88 08 31, or complete our online enquiry form and one of our experts will contact you.